Chapter 52 - The Golden Dawn
The morning after our quiet celebration on the veranda, the sun rose over the estate, casting a warm, golden hue across the sprawling green lawns.
I woke up to the gentle, rhythmic sound of Alexander’s breathing beside me. For so many years, our mornings had been defined by a frantic, high-stakes urgency—a desperate need to stay one step ahead of the shadows that sought to destroy our family.
Now, the only urgency was deciding whether to have our coffee in the sunroom or out in the garden.
I slipped out of bed, wrapping a thick silk robe around my shoulders, and walked over to the massive bay window. The world outside was perfectly still, safe, and entirely ours.
"You are up early, my love,"
Alexander’s deep, sleep-roughened voice murmured from the bed.
"I was just watching the light,"
I replied softly, turning to look at my husband.
He sat up, the silver at his temples catching the morning sun. He looked rested. The heavy, dark burdens that used to line his face had completely vanished, replaced by the distinguished, peaceful aura of a king who had finally secured his realm.
"It is a beautiful morning,"
Alexander smiled, holding out his hand to me.
May you like
"The most beautiful one yet,"
I agreed, walking back to the bed and slipping my hand into his.
