Chapter 10 - The Dawn of an Empire
One year later.
The annual Viscari-Moretti gala was in full swing inside the grand ballroom of The Velvet Crown.
Soft jazz music played under the warm glow of crystal chandeliers, while hundreds of guests clinked champagne glasses, celebrating another year of unprecedented peace and prosperity across New York City.
I stood near the top of the grand marble staircase—the very spot where I had first seen Adrien two years ago when I ran in bleeding and terrified.
I wore an elegant emerald silk gown that accentuated my soft curves. My hair was styled in an elegant updo, and my skin glowed with health and happiness.
Adrien walked up behind me, sliding his arms around my waist, pulling me close against his chest. His gloved hand rested gently over my lower stomach—where a small, soft bump was just beginning to show.
Our first child. An heir to both the Viscari and Moretti dynasties.
"You're staring at the floor again, my Queen," Adrien purred softly into my ear, resting his cheek against mine.
I smiled, looking down at the polished black marble floor where my blood had once dripped on that terrifying night.
"I was just remembering how frightened I was," I whispered, resting my hand over his on my belly. "I thought I was running toward my death."
"And instead," Adrien murmured, kissing the side of my neck gently, "you ran home."
"Yes," I turned in his arms, wrapping my arms around his neck, looking into those dark storm-grey eyes that had become my whole world. "I ran home to you."
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Adrien leaned down, pressing his lips against mine in a soft, sweet kiss that spoke of ancient promises kept, wars won, and a future brighter than the city lights shining outside the window.
The reign of terror was over. The shadows were gone. And together, as King and Queen, we ruled our empire in peace, bound forever by iron, roses, and an unforgivable, eternal love.
