Snow fell gently, swirling like dancers beneath the bright moon. The whole garden lay wrapped in spotless white; the fountain at its centre had frozen into a glittering sculpture of ice. Snowflake‑shaped lampposts cast a soft golden glow, turning the grounds into something out of a fairy tale.
The night wind blew lightly, carrying a biting chill — yet neither of the two walking side by side felt it.
Charles walked beside Celestia, his steps slow, leaving fresh tracks in the untouched snow. Every so often he glanced at her. He had known her for more than five years — and all that time he had carried his feelings in silence, never daring to speak them.
"Princess Celestia…" he began softly.
She turned to him with a small smile. "I told you — you need not call me 'Princess' when it is just us."
Charles rubbed the back of his neck, flustered. "I am sorry… I still am not used to it."
Celestia laughed gently. "It is all right. In time, you will be."
They walked on in quiet for a while.
"Charles," she said.
"Yes?"
"Were you all right, all those days you stayed beyond the palace?"
He nodded. "I was well. Thank you for arranging shelter for me then. I never guessed you would have me wait at the forest's edge… to save Nyx." He smiled at the memory. "Did you already know Silas would betray him?"
Celestia nodded slowly. "I knew."
Charles looked surprised. "I only hoped we would reach him in time. That is why I asked you to wait there." She lowered her gaze a little. "I am sorry I made you trudge through snow just to save a cat." Her voice softened with guilt. "And I am sorry Nyx was ever so unkind to you."
Charles shook his head, smiling warmly. "It does not matter."
"Truly?"
"Truly." He looked up at the moonlit sky. "I understood why he acted so. He was only guarding the one he loved. I never bore him any ill will."
Celestia let out a long breath of relief. "Thank you, Charles."
For a time they walked in silence, the only sounds their footsteps in the snow and the sigh of the wind. Then Celestia stopped. Charles halted too.
"What is it?"
She looked straight into his eyes. "I thought… you might have feelings for me."
"Eh?"
Charles's eyes went wide. His face burned bright red. "I — what?"
Celestia laughed softly at his shock. "Charles… I am not blind. The way you look at me… the way you speak to me… the way you have always stood between me and harm… I have seen all of it."
Charles bowed his head, overcome with shyness. "I… I do love you." The words came out at last. "But… I am not worthy."
Celestia frowned gently. "Why would you say that?"
"I am only a jester." A bitter smile touched his lips. "No noble title. No royal blood. I am nothing like Ashveil. Beside him… I have nothing to offer."
Celestia shook her head, taking both his hands in hers. "Charles… I do not choose a person for their rank. I choose them for their heart."
He fell still.
"Besides…" she added softly, "my sister has already given her blessing."
Charles lifted his head, bewildered. "Blessing… for what?"
"For me to marry you."
For a moment Charles seemed to stop breathing. "…What?"
"I mean it." Celestia smiled at his stunned face. "She knows how you feel. She knows how I feel. And she has given us her leave."
He stared at her, scarcely daring to believe. "It is true?"
"It is."
"So… I… I may marry you?"
Celestia nodded, her smile bright with joy. "Yes."
Tears welled in Charles's eyes. "I never thought… I believed this would stay a secret forever."
Celestia brushed his cheek tenderly. "No more secrets. Not from this day on."
He let out a shaky breath and laughed quietly. "It feels like a dream."
"Then let us make sure it is not." She gave his cheek a light pinch. "Does that hurt?"
Charles laughed. "Yes."
"Then it is real."
They laughed together, and the quiet settled again, broken only by falling snow.
"Charles."
"Yes?"
"When we are wed… I want to travel."
"Travel?"
"I want to see all of Wonderveil with you. The villages. The mountains. Spring flowers. The sea. The deep woods. I want to fill every corner with our memories."
Charles beamed. "That is my dream too. I will take you wherever you wish to go."
Celestia drew closer, until their faces were only inches apart. Then… she kissed him, soft and gentle. Only for a moment, before she pulled back.
"That is our promise."
Charles stood motionless, his heart beating so loud he swore he could hear it. He smiled, then slowly wrapped his arms around her waist. Their lips met again — longer this time, warmer.
Beneath the falling snow, two hearts that had loved in silence at last became one.
When the kiss ended, Charles rested his forehead against hers.
"I love you, Celestia."
Celestia gazed back at him, radiant.
"And I love you, Charles."
The snow kept falling, soft and endless — as if all Wonderveil itself was celebrating the start of their happy ending.
...........
The long winter that had wrapped Wonderveil at last passed. Snow that had once blanched the land melted slowly away, making way for fresh green grass. Trees that had stood dry and bare burst with tender new leaves. Sunlight spilled down warm and bright, as if celebrating the peace that had finally returned after so long a war.
A month had passed since Alice's fall.
This was no ordinary day — it was the moment the whole realm had waited for: the coronation of their new ruler.
From first light, the main streets thronged with people. White and gold banners hung from every home. Fresh flowers lined every alley and the great road leading to the palace. Children darted and laughed.
"Today Princess Elowen becomes Queen!" one boy shouted.
"I want to see the crown for myself!" his friend called back.
Merchants set out stalls of bread, cakes, sweets, and every kind of treat. Music from the royal musicians rang out across the city. After nearly a year lived in fear, smiles had returned to every face.
Within the noble quarters, preparations were in full swing. Ladies wore rich gowns stitched with gems; men stood in formal dress and the heraldic cloaks of their houses. Carriages filled the roads to the palace.
"At last — the day has come."
"Who would have thought Princess Elowen would truly take the throne?"
"She saved Wonderveil. No one deserves it more."
Their words carried a respect few had ever shown her before.
Inside the palace, the bustle was even greater. Servants had worked without rest for a week straight. Every window gleamed. A long crimson carpet ran from the palace gates all the way to the coronation hall. Marble pillars were wreathed in white blooms and gold cloth. Crystal chandeliers caught the sunlight streaming through tall windows, scattering light across the room. Maids hurried back and forth with vases of flowers, arranging guest seats, ensuring every detail was perfect.
In the great hall, one worker paused, looking around with quiet pride. The vast chamber had been transformed. At its far end stood a new throne of white gold, carved with roses and crescents — the symbols of Wonderveil's reign. Upon a velvet cushion rested the royal crown, placed with the utmost care.
The worker smiled softly. "At last… it is done." His gaze lingered on the hall they had all built together.
"Hey!" A voice startled him. Another man entered, carrying rolls of fabric. "Daydreaming again?"
The first grinned. "Just admiring what we made."
His companion shook his head. "We've barely slept in a week. You have every right to be proud." He glanced around and nodded slowly. "But… it truly is beautiful."
"Isn't it?"
"It is." He clapped his friend's shoulder. "But if you stand here like a statue, the Steward will have our heads."
The worker snapped to attention. "Right!"
"Back to it — guests are arriving."
"Coming! Coming!"
His friend pulled him along, and they hurried out to join the others making final preparations. Weariness marked their faces, yet their smiles never faded.
This day was more than a coronation. It marked the dawn of a new age for Wonderveil — an age of peace that Princess Elowen and Princess Celestia had fought for, sacrificing everything for their people.
In the spacious royal chambers, warm summer sunlight filtered through sheer white curtains, bathing the room in soft golden light. A gentle breeze drifted in through the half‑open window, stirring the drapes and carrying the scent of blossoms from the palace gardens.
Maids moved quietly about, arranging gowns, styling hair, and ensuring every accessory lay exactly where it should. A great mirror framed in gold reflected the two princesses standing side by side.
This was no longer a day of war.
It was the first day of a new age for Wonderveil.
Elowen stood straight before the glass, gazing at her reflection. Her coronation gown was of rich cream, draping her gracefully. Threads of gold wove intricate floral patterns across every fold; pale blue bodice and short sleeves were trimmed with fine white lace, while narrow black ribbons at each wrist lent a quiet elegance. A necklace of gemstones caught the light, glinting with every breath. A blood‑red sash edged in gold crossed from her right shoulder to her hip, fastened with royal chains and the crest that marked her as heir to Wonderveil. Her long skirt swept the marble floor, embroidered along the hem with emerald ribbons and clusters of golden blooms.
Behind her fell the heavy royal mantle — cream outside, crimson within, patterned with gold like unfurling fire. It spoke of the burden of rule:
Weighty…
Yet honourable.
Beside her, Celestia adjusted her black lace gloves. Her deep blue gown carried a calm, quiet grace. A wide neckline was edged with fine gold lace, while a white ribbon set with bright blue gems rested at its heart. Panels of pale grey embroidered with flowers fell softly from waist to floor, making every step look effortless. Though not as grand as the queen‑to‑be's attire, it shone with the beauty of a princess.
She smiled at her sister. "You look breathtaking today, Elowen."
Elowen smiled back through the mirror. "Thank you. You too." She turned slowly. "I still can scarcely believe… today I shall be Queen."
Celestia laughed softly. "I have believed it for a long time."
Elowen shook her head, smiling. "Once I am crowned… what of you?"
Celestia's smile turned shy. "A week from now… I marry Charles." Her cheeks flushed. "But I want no grand feast. Only those who matter most to me."
Elowen's expression softened. "I am so glad you have found happiness." She took both her sister's hands. "Charles is a good man. I know he will cherish you."
Celestia nodded. "I know he will." She met Elowen's gaze. "And three weeks after that… it is your turn."
Elowen laughed gently. "Yes. I shall marry Ashveil. I hope you will be there."
Celestia beamed. "Nothing would keep me away. Not the most important day of my sister's life."
Elowen smiled back. "And I would never miss the happiest day of yours."
A quiet hush fell between them. They looked at one another, remembering all that had passed: betrayal, war, grief, sacrifice, Alice — and the second chance they had been given. Once they had stood apart… now they stood together, truly sisters.
A soft knock came at the door.
Tap… tap… tap…
"Your Highnesses…" a maid's voice called gently from without. "Are you ready?"
Elowen drew a long, steady breath. "We are."
"The ceremony will begin shortly. All await you."
"Very well."
The maid bowed respectfully and withdrew.
Elowen breathed out slowly. "This is the moment."
Celestia smiled. "Then what are we waiting for? Let us go."
Elowen held out her right hand. "Will you walk with me?"
Celestia looked at it a moment, then smiled wide. "Always."
She took her sister's hand. Their fingers laced tight — just as they had stood side by side against Alice. And so they did now, in joy.
Together they stepped from the chambers. Down the marble corridor, lined with fresh blooms and royal banners, every maid and servant paused and bowed low as they passed.
"Long live Princess Elowen."
"Long live Princess Celestia."
No one raised their head until the two had gone by. The soft rhythm of their footsteps echoed down the hall.
At its end, the great doors of the coronation hall waited to be opened. Beyond them, nobles and people alike held their breath for the birth of a new ruler.
Today…
Wonderveil's new story began.