Time, like a gentle river, washed away the last stains of war.
The kingdom, once broken and scarred, now bloomed again — vibrant, lively, and filled with laughter. Every corner of the capital sparkled with light and color, for a grand celebration awaited.
The Naming Ceremony for the newborn Prince and Princess — the future stars of the Empire.
Preparations had started days ago. Banners fluttered on rooftops, flowers bloomed in every square, and the scent of sweets and roasted meats filled the air. Nobles from all corners of the kingdom, and even neighboring lands, flooded into the capital — each bringing gifts wrapped in silks and gold.
The Ceremony Begins
Inside the palace, the great hall shone like a jewel.
Musicians played gentle, heavenly tunes as the nobles took their seats, eager and buzzing with excitement.
The grand doors opened.
And they entered.
The Emperor and the Empress, holding their children in their arms — pride, love, and hope shining on their faces.
Behind them, standing proudly like pillars of strength, were Duke Alex, Lady Maria, Lady Elisha, Prince Raymond, and Oliver Ferdinand — the heroes of the kingdom.
The people rose to their feet in a wave of applause and cheers.
Maria watched the Empress from a short distance, her heart swelling with happiness — yet a small ache lingered deep inside her.
The priest, clad in white and gold, approached the royal family. He blessed the children with ancient words of protection and fortune, then turned toward the Emperor.
"Your Majesty," he said, "Speak the names you have chosen into their ears — five times, so the heavens may hear and bless them."
The Emperor, with a trembling but proud voice, leaned down first to the little boy in his arms.
"Leonis," he whispered.
"Leonis."
"Leonis."
"Leonis."
"Leonis."
He then turned to the baby girl nestled against the Empress's heart.
"Seraphina," he whispered tenderly.
"Seraphina."
"Seraphina."
"Seraphina."
"Seraphina."
Then, standing tall, the Emperor announced loudly for all to hear:
"The Prince shall be called Leonis Carsen! And the Princess shall be called Seraphina Carsen!"
The hall erupted into joyous applause, cheers echoing through the high ceilings. Rose petals rained down from the balconies.
The Kingdom had two new stars.
In the corner of the bustling celebration, Maria stood quietly, watching the Empress cradle her children, a soft smile on her face.
But Alex, who knew her heart better than anyone, noticed the bittersweet glimmer in her eyes.
He moved beside her, standing close enough that their shoulders brushed.
Without a word, he reached down and took her hand — a silent reassurance.
Maria leaned her head gently against his shoulder.
Feeling her small sigh, Alex bent down, his breath brushing her ear, and whispered,
"Why don't we try again?"
Maria blinked in confusion, lifting her head to look at him.
"Try… what again?" she asked, tilting her head.
Alex gave a boyish, mischievous smile — a smile he reserved only for her.
He leaned in again, his voice a low murmur against her flushed skin.
"Let's try again… for our own little one."
Maria's entire face turned bright red. She covered her mouth with both hands, trying to hide her flustered expression.
Unable to speak, she just nodded quickly, her heart pounding so loudly she thought he must hear it.
Alex chuckled softly and pulled her into a warm embrace, shielding her from the laughter and joy around them, letting her know she was his entire world.
As the festivities continued, Maria finally calmed down enough to lift her head from his chest.
They both watched Elisha on the dance floor, twirling in a bright dress — and Raymond, utterly hopeless as he tried to keep up with her fiery steps.
Everyone could see it — the way Raymond's eyes never left Elisha, the way Elisha blushed but didn't move away.
Love was blooming.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the hall, Oliver was awkwardly dancing with a beautiful young lady — none other than Count Aiden's daughter — a noble family fiercely loyal to the Empire.
Oliver's face was redder than wine, but he was smiling, and the girl's laughter floated through the hall like silver bells.
Maria and Alex watched it all, their hearts full of happiness.
"They all deserve this," Maria whispered.
"After everything... they deserve to be happy."
Alex tightened his hold around her.
"And so do we," he whispered back.
A New Journey Ahead
Days passed in a golden haze.
But soon, duty called once more.
Alex decided it was time to return to the North — his land, his people, who had waited patiently for their Duke's return.
The Emperor agreed, though with a heavy heart, and personally permitted Alex to leave.
At the same time, Raymond made his decision.
He approached Elisha the night before his departure, standing beneath a blooming tree under the starlit sky.
"Wait for me," Raymond said, his voice rough with emotion.
"I promise… I will come back for you."
Elisha, fierce and proud, merely nodded once — but her hands, trembling as they gripped her dress, betrayed her feelings.
At the gates of the capital, Marquise Morgan came personally to see them off.
But this time — unlike the sorrowful farewells of the past — there were only smiles.
There were only hopes.
There was only a future.
As the carriages rolled away from the palace, the bells rang once more — not for battle, not for sorrow, but for new beginnings.
From the balconies, the citizens waved flags.
Children ran after the carriages, laughing.
The Empress stood on the highest balcony, holding little Leonis and Seraphina, blessing them with whispered prayers for the brave ones departing.
And far beyond the cheering crowds, a silent oath was made — that no matter what darkness lurked beyond the horizon, together, they would face it.
Together… they would protect this fragile, precious peace.
Forever.