Final Chapter
The passing of the Dragon King was a heavy moment for the royal family. The once indomitable Alaric, who had ruled with strength, now lay weak and fevered, his body prepared for burial. The family, united in grief, gathered to honor him. The palace was filled with an overwhelming silence as the children, except for Ikkar and Kira, gathered around the bed where their father lay. Isabella, by his side, whispered comforting words, though the man she loved was lost in fevered memories, calling for his absent son.
The next day, the royal children set out for the Dragon King's tomb, a place deep within the mountain, reserved for the family’s resting. The procession was slow, somber. Isabella walked at the front, holding the memories of their life together. Zayr, Rya, and the others followed, each bearing their grief quietly.
At the tomb, they placed the Dragon King’s coffin on the altar. Zayr led the ceremony, his voice breaking as he spoke of their father’s strength and legacy. One by one, the children came forward, paying their respects. Ikkar, holding his children, whispered a final apology to his father. Isabella, too, spoke her final words, thanking him for their life together and kissing his forehead.
With the last rites said, the tomb’s heavy stone door slowly closed, sealing the Dragon King inside. The family, united in their sorrow, watched as the final farewell was given. As the tomb was sealed, the sun broke through the clouds, casting light on the mountain. The Dragon King was gone, but his legacy would live on in his children and his kingdom.
***
After the burial, Rya sought out her mother, finding her sitting alone by the stream in the garden—a place that had once belonged to her father's harem, where he and her mother had first fallen in love. The garden was quiet now, just as Isabella was, her face weary and distant. Rya approached cautiously, asking if her mother was alright.
Isabella looked up, her voice faint. "It doesn't feel right to feel my heart beating when his isn't."
Rya’s throat tightened. She knew the depth of her mother’s love for her father. Losing him was unbearable for her, but it seemed as if it might break her mother entirely. Isabella spoke softly, lost in her memories. "I used to say I would rather die than return here, but now... I only think about coming back, starting over. Falling for him again. Fighting him, having his children again. I would do it all over again."
Rya swallowed hard, a tear escaping. "I loved seeing his face light up whenever he saw you."
Isabella nodded slowly, her eyes filled with quiet sorrow. "I hope he knew that I gave him everything. My rage, my passion... My entire heart."
"He knew, mother," Rya said softly. "Of course he did."
Isabella gazed into the distance, a faraway look in her eyes. "He went in peace. He saw the seeds of his legacy, and he was confident they would flourish."
Rya stayed silent, letting the weight of her mother's words settle in. Then Isabella turned to her, her voice tinged with an earnestness that struck Rya deep. "I hope to die before I see any of my children gone. If the gods can grant me that... it's all I want." She looked into Rya’s eyes. "I want you and your siblings to have each other’s backs. Fight for your father's legacy, long after I'm gone. Pass it on to your children."
Rya nodded, her throat tight. "We will, mother. We will."
Isabella took a long breath before continuing. "I will leave court soon."
Rya looked at her mother, surprised. "Where are you going?"
"I've served your father as his concubine and then as his queen for over twenty years. But I was and I still am the Queen of Allendor. I will return there with Kai and live the rest of my days as, hopefully, the last Allendorian queen."
Rya was hesitant, her voice soft. "You shouldn’t be thinking about that now... You’re grieving."
Isabella gave a small, bitter smile. "As wrong as it feels... My heart is still beating. I waged war against the love of my life for that crown, Rya. I will wear it."
Rya gazed at her mother with a profound sense of admiration. She could only hope that, one day, she would be half the woman Isabella was.
***
In the stillness of the night, Ikkar sat alone on his father’s throne, the weight of it all pressing down on him. His thoughts were heavy, swirling with uncertainty. The silence was broken when Talia, wrapped in a blanket, approached him softly.
"Come back to bed, my king," she whispered.
Ikkar's eyes closed at the words. "Please, don't call me that," he muttered. "My whole life, everyone always told me I’d be king one day, and I was so damn excited. But when I was about thirteen, it clicked—being king meant my father would have to be dead. And somehow... I always dreaded hearing 'Your Majesty.' Now everyone calls me that, and it feels insane."
Talia stepped closer, her hand gently resting on his. "I’m sorry, my love."
He took her hand and pulled her to him, and she settled on his lap, stroking his hair as they sat in silence for a long moment. Finally, Ikkar spoke again, his voice low and uncertain. "I'm not sure if I should be king."
Talia looked at him, concerned. "Why not?"
He let out a breath, his voice tinged with hesitation. "I was happy. I was happy in Acheron, with the life we've built together. I don’t know if I want to leave that behind."
Talia gave a small smile, her fingers lightly tracing his jaw. "You know, if you want to go back, I will support you. But deep down, I know this isn’t what you want. You want to fulfill your father’s legacy."
Ikkar’s gaze met hers, his eyes searching. "Will you be by my side if I do?"
Talia nodded without hesitation. "Always."
He sighed, the weight of his next words heavy. "We’ll be crowned together—king and queen."
She paused, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. "Are you sure you want to do that? I’ve been happy these past years, as your concubine."
Ikkar smiled softly, brushing his lips against her cheek. "I made you a promise. You’ll be my wife—unless you don’t want it."
Talia’s eyes brightened, her lips curving into a smile. "Do you think I’d be a good queen?"
Ikkar kissed her forehead gently. "I have no doubts."
Ikkar rested his forehead against hers, feeling the steady rhythm of her breath, as if they were the only two souls left in the world. Wrapped in the quiet of the night, they stayed like that for a while, the Dragon King and his concubine.
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