Saved By The Mad Duke

The King’s severed head rolled on the icy ground, smearing dark blood as it turned into nothing but a piece of discarded trash.

Tillian released a loud exhale, his body releasing all the tension it stored as he fought his enemies. Standing tall and free, he tilted his head backward, closed his eyes, and felt the cold sporadic snowflakes touch his burning skin, the pleasant sensation of their contact soothing his very soul.

The battlefield fell silent as if in respect to the one who finally put an end to this war. Euris was gone, his tyranny reduced to nothing. The dragons circled above, their presence a symbol of the newfound peace.

There was no need to fight anymore. As if released from the heavy shackles of manipulation and control, every single knight of the king’s army fell onto their knees, surrendering their lives to the new ruler.

With hundreds of pairs of eyes glued to the duke, Aideen slowly walked up to her husband and gently placed her hand on his shoulder, locking her eyes on his bright red orbs.

"We did it, Tillian," she smiled warmly at him, her loving gaze filling the man’s tired heart with a new surge of power. Reciprocating her smile, he embraced his wife, tightly pressing her body against his as their heartbeats matched one another.

"You are right... We did it. Together. As one."

Taru, still in his massive grown form, landed beside them, his scales shimmering in the sunlight. He lowered his head, and the princess gently placed a hand on his snout, her touch filled with gratitude and affection.

All of a sudden, the serene air around the battlefield shook again as the soldiers began to cheer.