One Month Later
The sun shone brightly over the capital, reflecting off the freshly scrubbed white stone of the palace. The grey sludge of the fungus was gone, washed away by the rains and the tireless work of the city crews. The gargoyles that had perched on the rooftops had crumbled into dust the moment the tunnel collapsed, leaving the skyline empty and non-threatening.
The bells of the Cathedral were ringing. Not the alarm bells, but the Coronation Peal.
Queen Fiona stood on the balcony of the Throne Room, waving to the sea of adoring faces below.
She wore white silk, embroidered with pearls. A new crown, delicate and diamond-encrusted, rested on her intricately braided hair. She looked like a fairy tale.
"Long live Queen Fiona!" the crowd roared. "The Light of Sanctum!"
