Chapter 42
Aerwyna is broken.
But not beyond repair.
The first days after the battle are filled with chaos. The smoke still clings to the air, the ground beneath our feet still trembling with the weight of what’s been lost. Yet, the spirit of the people hasn’t been crushed. If anything, it’s the opposite. There’s an undeniable force now, a surge of resilience that flows through every corner of this land. The ruins that were once filled with life are now starting to echo with the sound of rebuilding.
The people of Aerwyna have begun to come together in ways I never imagined. Families, friends, strangers – they all work side by side, lifting debris, tending to the wounded, restoring what little can be salvaged. And I…I stand with them, not as their queen, but as one of them, guiding, helping, offering the hope that was almost lost.
The healing isn’t just physical. It’s emotional. It’s a slow, painful process, but as the days pass, I feel something new blossoming within me. The weight of responsibility that once crushed me has shifted into something more – hope. It’s a hope that Aerwyna can rise from the ashes, that we can rebuild not just the land, but the heart of our people.
I stand on the steps of the palace, looking out over the scene before me. The sun is beginning to rise, casting a soft golden light over the ruined kingdom. There is a stark contrast in the air now – the sharp edges of destruction softened by the promise of new beginnings. The smoke still lingers, but it’s no longer the only thing filling the air. There’s the sound of hammers and the sight of the first foundations being laid.
But what’s most important, what fills me with a sense of joy and warmth, is the life that stirs within me. My hand instinctively moves to my belly, where the triplets move – faint but unmistakable. I smile softly, feeling a swell of affection and anticipation. The land may have been ravaged, but within me, there is a new life. A new hope.
It’s a strange feeling, knowing that the world is being rebuilt outside, while a part of me is growing within. It’s a contrast, one that feels as though it’s meant to be – like the universe is telling me that despite the devastation, something beautiful is being born. And not just within me, but within this kingdom.
“Are you okay?” Vance’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. I look up to find him standing beside me, his presence a comforting anchor. His eyes are filled with both concern and something else – something I can’t quite place.
“I’m okay,” I say, my hand still resting on my stomach. “But it’s hard to believe it, you know? After everything…it feels impossible to even know where to begin.”
Vance steps closer, his hand reaching out to gently rest on mine. “You’ve already begun, Malia. The people – they’re looking to you for guidance. You’re the one who will lead them through this. And you’re not alone. Not anymore.”
I look up at him, my heart swelling. It’s the first time in a long time I’ve felt this much certainty. In the past, I always felt like an outsider, an unprepared leader thrust into a role she never asked for. But now, I can feel the bond between us all. The bond that’s not just about power – it’s about love, hope, and the shared determination to rebuild.
The guys have all taken on roles in the rebuilding effort. Vance has been working tirelessly with the council, leading discussions on the restoration of the kingdom’s government and ensuring that the people have a voice in the future. His quiet determination and sharp mind have been invaluable. But it’s his presence beside me that reassures me the most.
Bhodi, ever the hands-on one, has been overseeing the rebuilding of the city’s infrastructure. He’s been organizing groups of workers, moving between projects, directing the people with the kind of energy that could only come from someone who thrives on action. His infectious attitude has rallied the people, making even the hardest tasks seem doable.
Reef, with his quiet strength, has taken on the task of caring for the wounded. His deep empathy and patience have made him a constant presence in the healing tents, tending to the injured soldiers and civilians alike. I’ve seen him sit by their sides for hours, offering comfort and reassurance, his calm demeanor a steadying force in the midst of so much pain.
And Cove – despite his injuries – has insisted on helping wherever he can. His body is still healing, but he refuses to rest for too long. He’s been working with the supply lines, making sure that food and materials are being distributed fairly, ensuring that no one goes without. Even though he’s still recovering, his trademark kindness and warmth have been a constant beacon, lifting the spirits of everyone he encounters.
Even Summer has decided that she wants to remain here, and has thrown herself into helping wherever she can. Every day our friendship is repaired a little and I find myself grateful for her presence.
As I watch them all, I feel a quiet sense of pride. The men I’ve come to love, the men who have been with me through everything, are standing side by side with me now, each of them doing their part to rebuild the kingdom, alongside my oldest friend. It’s not just the land that’s being restored – it’s us. Our bond, our family.
“I see you, you know,” Bhodi says, stepping up beside me as he wipes the sweat from his brow. “You’re not just leading these people – you’re inspiring them. They can feel your strength, Malia. They’re following you because you’re showing them that there’s hope.”
I smile at him, though my heart swells with gratitude. “And I’m following all of you. We’re in this together.”
The sun continues to rise, the first light of day slowly revealing the kingdom’s wounds – and its potential for healing. I stand with my men, with the people of Aerwyna, knowing that the hard work of rebuilding is just beginning. But I also know that we are not doing it alone. Together, we will rebuild. Together, we will rise.