After the grand balcony speech concluded, a great crowd of Fae citizens lined up to greet Elias, eager to pay their respects to their returned king. I stepped slightly to the side, leaning against a stone pillar as I watched the heartwarming scene unfold. Elias greeted every single subject with warmth and patience, listening to their brief stories and offering words of encouragement.
Watching him shine so naturally in his true element filled me with a quiet sense of satisfaction. Once the last of the citizens had offered their blessings and returned to their respective homes within the estate grounds, Elias walked back over to where I stood. Eris approached us shortly after, bowing his head with deep gratitude. "Thank you for not abandoning us, Your Majesties," the old elder said, his voice thick with genuine emotion.
Elias shook his head firmly, his expression sincere. "We would never abandon our own people, Eris. You have waited far too long for this day."
