Chapter 121 The Queen's Dawn (Epilogue)

• Soft breathing filled the royal bedchamber—rhythmic inhale and exhale that spoke of sleep undisturbed by nightmares or divine visions. Bobby woke slowly, consciousness returning in layers that peeled away the darkness she'd been floating in for three days. Her body ached with the particular weariness of rebirth rather than injury, muscles protesting movement yet responding when she commanded them.
• The first thing she registered was warmth—Gideon beside her, his larger frame curved protectively around hers even in sleep. The second was the faint cooing of their newborn son nestled safely against his father's chest, tiny fingers curled around fabric with surprising strength.
• Dawn's first light crept through gauzy curtains, painting everything in shades of gold and rose that made the war's devastation seem distant despite cracks still visible in stone walls. The palace bore its scars with quiet dignity—broken banners being mended, smoke scent gradually fading beneath fresh flowers and healing herbs.