Chapter 105 Feeling the love
Aloria
The sun hangs high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets of the Capital. I stroll through the marketplace, my heart still racing from the knighting ceremony. The cheers of the crowd echo in my mind, blending with the scents of fresh bread and blooming flowers that waft through the air. Today feels like a dream, yet it’s as real as the vibrant colors surrounding me.
“Are you sure you need so many pastries?” Kellan teases, his protective presence making me feel both secure and slightly annoyed. His watchful eyes scan the marketplace, ever the beta. I roll my eyes playfully, my fingers brushing against the delicate pastries piled high on the vendor's stall.
“Of course! We have to celebrate our victory properly,” I reply, holding up a flaky pastry, its surface glistening with sugar. “Besides, I promised Arly and Arthenon I’d bring them something sweet after all the excitement today.”
Kellan chuckles, and I can’t help but smile back at him. He’s like an older brother to me, always looking out for me and keeping me grounded. “Just don’t let River see how much you’re buying. He’ll think we’re starting a bakery.”
As I pay the vendor, the townsfolk begin to approach, their faces lighting up with gratitude and admiration. “Lady Aloria! Thank you for your help freeing us from the clutches of the evil king!” one woman exclaims, her eyes shimmering with tears of joy.
I feel the warmth of their appreciation wash over me. “I couldn’t have done it without all of you standing strong by our side,” I reply, my voice steady but filled with emotion. “We are one pack, one family now.”
The crowd nods, and I can see the pride swelling in their hearts. There’s a little boy clutching a wooden sword, his eyes wide and bright, gazing up at me as if I’m a hero from the tales he’s heard. “You’re a knight now,” he says, his voice filled with awe. “Just like the ones in the stories.”
I kneel down to his level, grinning. “That’s right… And you can be brave too, and maybe one day you will be a knight. Every little act of courage counts, you know.” I ruffle his hair, and he beams back at me, as if I’ve bestowed upon him a great honor.
As I stand, I catch sight of my brothers weaving through the crowd. Arly, tall for his age with a mischievous grin, is trying to convince Arthenon, who’s still a bit shy, to join him in a game of pretend battle. Their laughter fills the air, and my heart swells with pride. They’ve faced so much, yet they’re still so innocent, so full of life.
“Hey! You two, Don’t wander too far.” I call, half-serious and half-playful. They nod but continue to dart around, their energy infectious.
“Are you ready to head back?” Kellan asks, his tone shifting slightly as he senses my distraction. He’s always aware of his surroundings, always on guard, and I appreciate that about him.
“Just a few more moments,” I reply, turning back to the crowd. “I want to make sure everyone knows how much they mean to me.”
More townsfolk gather, each expressing their gratitude, and I feel a mix of pride and responsibility. “Thank you, princess Aloria. We’re so happy to see you with your handsome mate, Alpha River” an older woman exclaims, her voice warm and full of sincerity.
I feel my cheeks heat at the mention of River. I glance over at him, standing near the castle gates, chatting with a few of the knights. He looks so regal and strong, his laughter ringing like music that draws me in. My heart flutters, and for a moment, I’m lost in the way he carries himself, embodying the spirit of a true leader.
“Thank you,” I respond, trying to keep my composure. “We’ve all fought together, and now we’ll build a future together… just like you will here in the city.” My heart swells with the promise of what’s to come, not just for me but for all of us.
As I continue through the market, I pause to admire a stall filled with handwoven cloth. The colors are vibrant, mirroring the joy in my heart. I pick up a piece, its texture soft against my fingers, imagining how it could be used to create something beautiful for my family.
“Princess Aloria!” A warm voice pulls me from my thoughts. It’s the baker’s daughter, a sweet girl with flour-dusted cheeks. “You should come by the bakery later. We’ve made a special batch of honey cakes in honour of you.”
My smile widens. “I wouldn’t miss it. I’ll bring my brothers.”
As she beams back at me, I can’t help but feel a sense of belonging, a connection to my people that runs deeper than blood. We’ve faced darkness together, and now light fills our lives.
I catch sight of Kellan checking where the Sun hanga in the sky, and I know it’s time to head back. I wave goodbye to the townsfolk, promising to return soon, and make my way toward River, who’s now watching me with an amused expression.
“What took you so long?” he teases, a playful glint in his eyes. “Did you make any more fans?”
“Just a few,” I laugh, slipping my arm through his. “They’re grateful, and I can’t help but feel their joy.”
He leans down, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “I think they’re more grateful for the knight they’ve got than the princess they lost.”
I giggle, the sound light and carefree. “Well, they can have both. We’re all in this together, after all.”
As we walk, Kellan trailing behind us with my brothers, I catch snippets of conversation from the townsfolk, their words laced with hope and gratitude. It’s a reminder of the journey we’ve taken together, how far we’ve come, and how much more there is to do.
“Are you ready for what’s next?” River asks, his gaze steady on mine.
I nod, my heart pounding with excitement. “More than ever. Together, we can face anything.”
And as we make our way back to the castle, the sun setting behind us in a blaze of orange and pink, I know this is just the beginning. Our story is far from over, and I can’t wait to see where it leads us next.