The wedding between Prince Theodore and Princess Felicia glittered with divine light. They stood at the altar, hand in hand, as if the heavens themselves had opened just for them.
Willow stood just behind Felicia. His cloak caught the morning sun fire-touched.
Then they kissed.
And for a moment, just a moment, it was as if the world itself sighed in relief.
It looked like the Gods themselves, descended from the heavens to bless their union. Radiant. Untouchable.
The crowd clapped and cheered.
Congratulations Felicia, I hope you live a happy life this time and… I'm-
"Ah," Rhenvar muttered beside her, "so that's why they wanted the wedding."
Veronica glanced sideways, lost in thought. "Pardon?"
"That right there," he said, nodding toward the couple. Just above them the divine light, "is the Worldheart. If it had been destroyed… the world would've gone with it."
A shiver danced down her spine.
It makes sense now. Aucteros' obsession. The ritual wedding. The timing. The plot. It had all led to that. The goddess' blessing.
But it didn't matter anymore.
Security had been tighter than the royal vaults. The battle was over. Aucteros was gone, escaped, yes, but gone.
Her world survived.
"I take it you'll be leaving now?" She asked softly. "You and the others?"
"Eventually," Rhenvar said. "But we're sticking around. Just to make sure nothing happens."
A shame, I never had close friends. Everyone in my life was nothing but a tool.
"I see…"
She looked back at the couple. Felicia's veil shimmered. Theo held her like she was something ancient and holy.
Veronica let out a long, slow breath.
It all happened so fast. Her fall. Her death. Her rise. Her survival. Her second chance at life.
She hadn't expected to still be alive, let alone sitting in the royal chapel, wearing silk, with Rhenvar of all people beside her.
King Gerald lived.
Which means… I can too.
The plot was broken. Her fate was no longer prewritten.
She was free.
And for the first time in either of her lives… Veronica Venenatus felt hope swell in her chest.
"So," Rhenvar said flatly, "can we get drunk now?"
Veronica rolled her eyes. "Is that all you think about?"
****
The Royal Feast.
The banquet hall buzzed with music, chatter, and wine-soaked nobles. The scent of honeyed meats and sweetbread filled the air.
And there, near the back. She saw them.
Willow and Rhenvar. Dancing.
The sight was comfortable. Not chaos. Just life.
It's awkwardly beautiful.
"Look," Felicia whispered, suddenly at her side, pointing at Willow. Her wedding gown shimmered. "Who knew a face could be redder than that cloak."
Veronica laughed, that surprised even her.
Felicia turned to her, sheepish. "You look beautiful, by the way. And- sorry. For, you know, stealing Theo. Again."
"It's not like you stole him the first time, I was a naïve little girl, who couldn't let go."
Still those words stung her chest.
"Hey Felicia, I wanted to ask." Veronica turned curiously.
"Hm?"
"After I… died, from poisoning you. What happened to Theo?"
Felicia looked down as if she was searching for something she dropped. "Uh well…"
Do I really want this answer? She looks like she will fall apart at any moment.
"You know what, that was my last life. So now. It's different. I think we both can be happy." Veronica gave Felicia a warm smile.
"Oh, uh thank you… but uh again, I'm sor- "
"Don't apologize. If anything, I should thank you. Or the Gods who sent you here." Veronica grabbed her hand.
Felicia squeezed. "So… what will you do now?"
Veronica looked out over the feast. She'd thought about it, after the battle.
What do I want now? Everything is so… bright. I have a future-
GAH! Oh, right. My debt!
Veronica exhaled. "I don't know. My father left me in debt. The estate's in ruins…"
"Oh, that's right!" Felicia lit up.
"You came to the palace to marry into wealth, pay off your debts… and then you met Theo." She clasped her hands under her chin, dreamily. "Fell in love…"
Veronica smiled thinly.
"Didn't happen this time."
No. It wasn't Theo who saved me.
Her eyes drifted to Rhenvar.
What a shame, good looks wasted on such a careless man.
She looked to Willow.
Seems he's already taken.
"Prince Charles is still out there," Veronica said quietly. "And Aucteros too."
The joy faded from both their faces.
Sinephilim's voice cut through the silence, graceful as always.
"I've been thinking, Veronica. I could petition our Goddess to ask for you to come with us, if your Gods allow it."
"You'd want me?" Veronica blinked.
"You're sharp. Cunning. And you know Charles better than any of us. That's useful. More than magic."
Veronica hesitated.
"But I'm not strong like the rest of you."
Sinephilim stepped closer, expression steady.
"Raw power isn't everything. In my world, I was the queen. My brother had more magic, more muscle. But I ruled."
Sinephilim continued.
"Strength is knowing when to speak. When to act. When to use power. You've proven that you have strength."
Silence.
Then Veronica bowed her head.
"If your Goddess will allow it… I want to help end this. I want to stop Charles and Aucteros!"
Sinephilim nodded. "I'll ask."
"Also," Rhenvar chimed in, sliding a half-finished goblet onto the table, "this wine's way better than that shitty tavern you brought me to."
Willow appeared behind him; face still flushed as he stared at the floor.
They talked. And laughed. And said their goodbyes. As they left the banquet hall. Rhenvar wouldn't leave. He continued chatting with random guests. Sinephilim watched annoyed, they were supposed to leave hours ago. Willow just stood, as if this was a common occurrence.
Veronica looked up at her night sky one last time.
If the Gods will allow it, let me spread my venom.