The morning sun shone over the high walls of the palace flashing off the fresh iron gates that had not been there weeks ago.
I stood at the edge of the newly expanded courtyard, the smell of sawdust and wet earth mixing in the crisp air filled my nostrils.
My men were working tirelessly, The old gates that once stood untouched for decades are now laying on the side, with stains and splinters from the night of the ambush.
"Never again will this kind of incident occur," I swore under my breath while my fists curled into a circle
Brian approached me slowly, his sharp eyes were scanning the construction. The outer perimeter has been doubled.
Patrols will rotate every two hours, day and night. No one will dare step their foot inside these walls without being noticed.
I nodded my head while my gaze lingered on the workers forging new iron spikes at the blacksmith's station. Raising the towers higher, I commanded a nearby foreman.
"I want archers to see as far as the river bend. If another enemy approaches, they'll be spotted long before they reach us."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" he barked, bowing before rushing off to give orders.
As I walked along the newly dug fortifications that surrounded the castle, memories from the last battle filled my head.
It overwhelmed me and all I could imagine was the villagers screams, the fire, the blood that was shed, and the girl that lost her dad.
And the moment I realized my own uncle had betrayed me. The walls that surround us and make us feel at home now feels like a cage of lies.
"This isn't just about rebuilding," Brian said quietly, sensing my turmoil. "It's about sending a message. Your enemies will see these gates and know you're ready for them."
I paused at the massive new drawbridge, its iron chains creaking as workers tested its weight. "No," I replied, my voice cold and steady.
This is more than a message Brian those is a warning that anyone who dares to threaten this kingdom again will find no mercy here.
Behind me were soldiers in gleaming armor lined up in perfect formation.
Their boots struck the ground in unison as they marched past me picturing an image of strength to anyone watching.
My people stood along the streets, their faces filled with a mixture of anger and relief as they witnessed the rebirth of their queen's reign.
As the final section of the gate was set into place, I placed my hand on the cold iron while taking a deep breath.
I didn't do it for myself, I did it for my father, for my people, and for every drop of blood that was spilled on these grounds.
Double the guards at nightfall, I ordered, turning to Brian. And send scouts beyond our borders.
I don't care if they have to search every cave and shadow in this land. My uncle may be gone… but men like him don't vanish quietly."
Brian's jaw tightened. Consider it done Queen Ava.
The great and mighty gates swung shut behind us, sealing with a thunderous boom that seemed to shake the earth itself.
And for the first time since the ambush happened, I felt a fragile sense of safety though I knew it would never last.
The following weeks was all about rebuilding and renewal. Each morning, I will ride through the city gates at dawn, accompanied by Brian and a small guard.
Where there had been damages, now there were new foundations rising, brick by brick.
The streets buzzed with life again and children laughing as they chased one another, merchants hawking fresh goods, and blacksmiths hammering with renewed vigor.
Today, my first stop was the new school. The scent of fresh wood and paint filled the air as I stepped through the wide double doors.
Rows of small desks lined the spacious classroom, sunlight streaming through tall windows that weren't in existence days ago.
Children surrounded their teachers , their voices full of excitement as they read aloud from brand-new books.
I felt my chest tighten, as I breathed fresh air out of my nostrils, this is what my father would have wanted… a future worth fighting for.
Brian stood beside me, his arms folded. "The walls are reinforced, and the roofs have been treated to withstand even the harshest storms," he reported.
We've also stationed guards nearby to ensure the children's safety. I nodded in approval. "Good.
Knowledge is just as powerful as swords, these children will grow up knowing that they are protected and valued."
From there, we made our way to the new hospital. The moment we stepped inside, the strong smell of herbs and clean linens greeted me.
Healers bustled between rooms, tending to patients who had once been left hopeless in the wake of battle.
A mother clasped my hands, tears in her eyes, thanking me for saving her sick child.
Her gratitude struck deeper, for so long, my people had suffered under fear and betrayal. Now, for the first time, there was hope.
As we left the hospital, Brian glanced at me. "You've done well, Ava. The people can finally breathe again."
I looked out over the bustling marketplace, where market men and women sold fruits and spices, laughter spilling into the streets.
And for the first time since the night of the ambush, the city felt alive. They've endured so much pain," I murmured. "It's time to give them something to celebrate.
A night where fear won't hunt them, and where joy will reign in their hearts. Brian raised an eyebrow. "You mean a feast?"
I shook my head, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Not just a feast, Brian. A grand celebration.
Where there would be music, dancing, food for every table. I want every man, woman, and child to know that we've not only survived… we've triumphed."
He gave a rare smile of approval. "Then let's make it a night they'll never forget."
The city was filled with celebration, laughter and music which filled the streets, mingling with the aroma of roasted meats and sweet pastries.
I watched from the main balcony of the palace, my heart swelling with pride. This was what we fought for.
I shared a rare, easy smile with Brian, who stood beside me, surveying the scene with quiet contentment. For a moment, it felt like the world was finally right.
And then all of a sudden, my smile faded away, my breath catching in my throat. My eyes were drawn to the crowd near the central fountain.
A woman with a head of bright, copper-red hair laughed, her features illuminated by the firelight.
My stomach clenched into a hard, cold knot. It couldn't be. But as she turned to face me I saw a familiar, chilling smile on her face, I knew it was her.
Cynthia. The woman who had taken Lucas away from me. The joyous sounds of the celebration turned into a deafening roar in my ears.
I felt the happiness in my body being replaced by pain. I couldn't breathe.
My legs felt heavy, but I forced myself to move, stumbling away from the balcony and going into the dark, quiet halls of the palace.
I heard Brian call my name from behind, "Ava, wait!" he pleaded, but I didn't stop. I just kept running, leaving the celebration and all its happiness behind.