Married To The Last Ice Dragon-Chapter 252: The good days (2)

Rares was overwhelmed, struggling to comprehend the vast changes that had transpired during his prolonged slumber. The weight of his wife’s passing and his children’s growth into adulthood was crushing him.

He sought solace in the solitude of his chamber, unable to face the world beyond.

Outside, Sage and Stefan waited anxiously, their eyes filled with concern.

Sage’s guilt-ridden voice whispered, "Maybe I shouldn’t have woken him up?"

Stefan’s reassuring hand on her shoulder offered comfort. "He just needs time, Sage. Let him process everything at his own pace."

Sage nodded slowly and Stefan gave a faint smile before walking away.

He entered the chamber, his gaze fixed intently on Ashton, who slumbered peacefully. He approached the bed, his eyes lingering on the demon’s serene face, his breathing steady and calm.

Resisting the urge to rouse him, Stefan instead exited the room, closing the door softly behind him.

He joined Sage in the garden, where she gazed up at the vibrant sky. "Remember, I told you not to worry," he whispered reassuringly. "Our father’s strength will see him through this."

Sage cradled Snowflake, who was now slumbering in her arms, and looked at her brother with a gentle smile. "I must depart for Querencia and then return to the castle," she said, her voice soft.

Stefan nodded in understanding, his eyes warm with affection. "Cyrus is hosting a grand ball to celebrate the return of the ice dragons and the peace in Antica. All leaders of Antica are required to attend," he reminded her.

Sage’s smile broadened, and she leaned in to kiss her brother’s cheek. "Until soon, then," she whispered, before turning to step into the shimmering portal she had summoned, disappearing from sight without another word.

.

Days later....

Setting things in motion in Querencia was easier than Sage thought. With the help of Katherine, Kion, and the treacherous four, it had been even more smooth.

In the luminous castle of Querencia, surrounded by the elements and crafted from radiant crystals, Sage sat upon her throne, her laughter intertwining with Katherine’s as they shared tales of their day.

They had to come to terms with their loss and use it as an opportunity to strengthen their friendship, making it more unbreakable than ever before.

Amidst the joy, Sage’s expression turned sympathetic. "Penelope has returned to Esmond with Reagan, I am sure Kion must be heartbroken."

"He will survive." Katherine chuckled and headed downstairs. "I am going to have dinner with my mother. Would you like to join us?"

Sage shook her head. "I’m having dinner with Tamara and Anghel."

The ice god had happily adopted the little mage.

Katherine nodded. "Take care." And she left the castle.

Sage leaned back in her throne, caressing Snowflake who was sitting on her lap to calm herself. "Is it healthy to miss him this much?"

Her heart was heavy, and all she wanted to do was melt into Cyrus’ arms. She missed him so much!

"Hello, your Majesty," Anghel sang as he and Tamara entered, smiling.

Sage stood up, placed Snowflake on her throne, and walked towards the father and daughter duo.

"You two are early," she smiled, ruffling Tamara’s hair.

Tamara giggled, her face flushing brightly.

"Tamara wanted to come early." Anghel replied, staring intently at her. "You look exhausted."

"I am." Sage groaned. "I am still getting used to being the mage’s queen."

"You are doing an excellent job. Do not overthink it." Anghel grinned.

Sage nodded and pushed her hair back with a deep breath. "Well, of course."

...

Within the majestic castle of Antica, Cyrus toiled away in his study, diligently signing treaties and contracts.

The sheer volume of work had begun to take its toll, worsened by the longing for his absent wife. A silver lining, however, was his newfound connection with his father, Silas.

His parents had decided to take a break and make up for lost time, embarking on a vacation as Antica flourished in peace and prosperity.

The kingdom was undergoing a transformative era, and Cyrus’s responsibilities were mounting.

"Cyrus." Mirabella walked into the study room, holding a letter.

"Here is a letter from River." She said, setting the letter on the table.

Cyrus yawned, grasped the letter, and stood up. "Take over the signing process." He said and walked out of the study room while Mirabella simply scoffed in disbelief. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Cyrus retreated to his chamber, where he opened the letter to discover that River was in Fireria, bearing grave news.

Esteban and Rodion had fallen. Determined to reunite his family and aid his sister and Nikolai in their time of need, River was reaching out for support.

Cyrus’s expression turned wry as he tossed the letter aside, muttering, "My parrot has been away far too long."

He strolled out to the balcony, looking out at the castle grounds, where a procession of carriages was already arriving for the evening’s ball.

Looking at the balcony sides, his eyes fell upon Ares and Venus, who were peacefully slumbering. His mind, however, was preoccupied with the impending arrival of his beloved Sage.

"She will come tonight, right?" he asked aloud, his fingers tightening around the railing.

Just then, Ashton appeared before him, his dark wings spread wide, and a playful grin spreading across his face.

Cyrus’s expression darkened with displeasure. "If you are here to taunt me, keep your distance," he warned, turning away from the mischievous demon and retreating back into his chamber.

Ashton fluttered into the chamber, his wings disappearing as he followed Cyrus, who sat on the bed, his expression unyielding. "You’re so lovesick, it’s so clear," he teased, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. "I, too, miss Stefan dearly, even though I just left his side a moment ago."

Cyrus scoffed, his patience wearing thin. "Just leave me be."

Ashton feigned hurt, his voice rising in a dramatic whisper. "And here I thought you couldn’t bear to be without me."

Cyrus simply sighed, his eyes fixed on the door, awaiting his wife’s arrival.