Comrade 30

The night air was thick with the metallic scent of blood and the smoke of battle, but for the first time in what felt like an eternity, there was profound relief.

Sebastian and Prince Maximilian walked side by side through the castle grounds, supporting Princess Georgina as she held her twin daughters protectively in her arms.

The little princesses were weak and fragile, trembling from years of captivity in that accursed fortress, but they clung to their mother with wide, fearful eyes that spoke of horrors witnessed far too young.

Sebastian’s gaze swept ahead, landing on the sight that made his chest tighten with overwhelming emotion.

Evangeline.

She stood just beyond the rose garden, her arms wrapped securely around Marcus and Adrian, who were still visibly shaken from their ordeal but blessedly alive.

The moment she spotted them approaching, her composed facade crumbled completely with raw emotion.

Evangeline ran forward without hesitation, pulling Princess Georgina into a tight, desperate embrace.

“You are alive,” Evangeline whispered, her voice thick with profound relief and unshed tears.

Princess Georgina’s eyes filled with crystalline tears, her body trembling against Evangeline’s comforting strength.

“I believed I would never see sunlight again,” she murmured, her voice hoarse and raw with accumulated emotion.

Prince Maximilian, standing beside them with obvious tension, exhaled sharply, his golden eyes locked onto Princess Georgina and their daughters with wonder and pain.

The moment was overwhelming—so much had been lost over the years, but for the first time, something precious had also been reclaimed.

Prince Maximilian knelt down slowly, bringing himself to eye level with the small princesses, his voice gentle and careful.

“I am your father,” he said softly, his words thick with emotion he could barely contain.

The girls stared at him with uncertainty, hesitating, their small hands clutching desperately at Princess Georgina’s torn silk gown.

But then, after a long, tense pause, one of them, the smaller of the two, reached forward tentatively, her tiny fingers brushing against his calloused hand.

Prince Maximilian released a shaky breath, his heart feeling as though it had been torn open and healed simultaneously.

After so many years of believing he had lost them forever, they were right here before him, alive, and real.

His daughters.

“We have achieved victory,” Sir Marcus muttered wearily, stretching his battle-sore muscles as he surveyed the aftermath around them.

The knights who had fought alongside them, though bruised and bloodied, stood triumphant in the moonlight.

Sebastian turned to Evangeline, his piercing blue eyes softening with tenderness he rarely displayed.

“It is finished.”

Evangeline released a slow, measured breath, her fingers still protectively wrapped around her sons’ shoulders.

“Yes,” she whispered with quiet certainty, “it is over.”

Just as they prepared to depart from that cursed place, a sound pierced through the peaceful silence.

A child’s heartbroken cry.

Evangeline froze instantly, her maternal instincts sharpening as the soft, pained sobs echoed through the castle gardens.

Sebastian and Prince Maximilian immediately went on high alert, their trained eyes scanning the surrounding darkness for threats.

And then, through the shifting shadows cast by ancient oak trees, they saw him.

Prince William.

Lady Cordelia’s young son stood near the scorched remains of the battle site, his small body shaking with grief, his tiny fists clenched desperately at his sides.

Tears streamed down his pale cheeks, his large, sorrowful eyes locked onto Sebastian with unmistakable accusation.

Sebastian felt his stomach twist painfully with guilt and remorse.

This was Lady Cordelia’s child.

An innocent boy who had just witnessed his mother’s death.

Sebastian took a slow, careful step forward, his voice calm but firm with royal authority.

“Prince William.”

But the moment he moved closer, Prince William’s expression transformed into something fierce and wild.

His tears burned with fury, his small body trembling with overwhelming rage.

“Stay away from me!” he screamed with surprising force. “You murdered my mother!”

Evangeline inhaled sharply, instinctively gripping her sons more protectively.

Prince Maximilian and Princess Georgina exchanged tense glances, their bodies still coiled for potential danger.

Sebastian’s heart clenched painfully.

Prince William’s words stabbed into him like a poisoned dagger.

He had never wanted this outcome.

He had never desired to orphan a child—no matter how monstrous Lady Cordelia had become through dark magic.

But Prince William could not understand such complexities.

All he comprehended was his mother lying dead, and Sebastian standing as her killer.

“Prince William, please listen to me—” Sebastian started, stepping closer with outstretched hands.

But the boy snarled with surprising viciousness, his young eyes flashing with something unnatural and deeply troubling.

A spark of his mother’s twisted supernatural power still lingered within his innocent form.

And then he turned and fled.

“Prince William!” Sebastian called desperately, but the boy was surprisingly swift, disappearing into the palace gardens before anyone could react.

Sebastian made an immediate move to pursue him, but Prince Maximilian grasped his armored forearm firmly.

“Let him go,” Prince Maximilian said, his voice low and gravely serious.

Sebastian’s jaw clenched with frustration, his muscles tensing for action.

“He is merely a frightened child. He cannot comprehend—”

Prince Maximilian shook his head definitively. “Not now. He is consumed with rage and grief. He will not listen to reason. If you pursue him, it will only terrify him further.”

Evangeline wrapped her arms tighter around Marcus and Adrian, her emerald eyes flickering with maternal worry and growing concern.

EPILOGUE

Prince Maximilian’s magnificent palace was alive with celebration, the grand ballrooms filled with melodious laughter, enchanting music, and genuine warmth that had been absent for far too long.

Evangeline, resplendent in an elegant sapphire silk gown adorned with pearls, stepped gracefully from the royal carriage with Sebastian by her side, his formal court attire reflecting his renewed status as Crown Prince.

Marcus and Adrian rushed forward eagerly, their young eyes sparkling with unbridled excitement as they absorbed the festive decorations adorning every marble column and crystal chandelier.

The moment they spotted Princess Elena and Princess Viviana, the twin daughters of Princess Georgina and Prince Maximilian, they squealed with pure delight.

“Princess Elena! Princess Viviana!” Adrian called out with boyish enthusiasm.

The girls turned in perfect unison, their matching golden curls bouncing like spun sunlight, and they released excited giggles as the boys ran toward them across the polished ballroom floor.

Within seconds, the four children had disappeared into the crowd of celebrating nobles, their laughter echoing through the vaulted halls.

Evangeline released a soft, maternal chuckle. “They have been anticipating this reunion for weeks.”

Prince Maximilian, standing regally at the grand entrance beside Princess Georgina, smiled warmly as he observed the joyful reunion.

“I believe they have forged friendships that will last their entire lives.”

Evangeline stepped forward gracefully and embraced Princess Georgina with genuine affection. “You appear radiant tonight.”

Princess Georgina smiled with luminous warmth, squeezing Evangeline’s hands gratefully. “I feel renewed. Thanks to your courage.”

Evangeline shook her head with characteristic humility. “You saved yourself, Georgina. You fought to survive for your daughters’ sake.”

Princess Georgina’s eyes shimmered with profound emotion, but before she could respond, Prince Maximilian clapped his hands authoritatively.

“Enough sentimental moments for now, tonight celebrates our victory over darkness. Come inside, feast, drink the finest wines, and let us embrace joy.”

Inside the palace, the atmosphere was absolutely breathtaking.

Golden chandeliers cast warm light throughout the ballroom, while elaborate tables displayed the kingdom’s finest delicacies and aged wines from the royal cellars.

The air resonated with sweet melodies performed by the royal orchestra, creating perfect ambiance for the evening’s festivities.

Prince Maximilian raised his crystal goblet high, his golden eyes gleaming with deep satisfaction.

“To new beginnings and the triumph of light over shadow,” he proclaimed.

Every guest lifted their glasses in unison, the melodious sound of clinking crystal echoing throughout the magnificent hall.

Evangeline smiled genuinely as she sipped her wine, her emerald eyes scanning the celebrating crowd.

For the first time in countless years, she felt complete inner peace.

She observed the children laughing and playing elaborate games, witnessed Princess Georgina and Prince Maximilian standing united, and felt Sebastian’s reassuring presence beside her, warm and steadfast.

She had never anticipated life would guide her back to this precious moment.

Yet she would not alter a single detail.

A new, romantic melody began playing, and Prince Maximilian stepped forward with his characteristic confident smile.

“The time has arrived for tonight’s first dance.” He turned to Princess Georgina, offering his hand with courtly grace. “May I have this honor?”

Princess Georgina laughed softly, shaking her head with playful resistance before placing her hand in his. “You may, Your Highness.”

As the couple moved onto the dance floor with elegant poise, Sebastian turned to Evangeline, his piercing blue eyes twinkling with mischief.

“What about us?” he asked, raising an eyebrow with obvious invitation.

Evangeline hesitated momentarily, then displayed a small, knowing smile. “I did not expect such dancing skills from you.”

Sebastian chuckled warmly, taking her hand with gentle insistence. “There remains much you have yet to discover about me.”

He led her onto the polished dance floor, his strong hand resting at her slender waist, their bodies moving in perfect harmony with the orchestral music.

Evangeline felt her heart racing as she gazed up into his eyes.

Sebastian, her former husband, the father of her children, the man who had once shattered her heart completely.

Yet here they stood together. The magnetic pull between them was undeniable, she could no longer fight against destiny.

“I missed this connection,” Sebastian murmured, his voice low and intimate.

Evangeline exhaled softly. “As did I.”

For a transcendent moment, nothing else existed. Not their painful past. Not previous heartbreak. Only them, together, whole.

The evening continued with magnificent splendor as nobles danced, children played, and the kingdom celebrated peace restored.

Toasts were made, stories shared, and bonds strengthened among those who had survived the darkness together.

As midnight approached, Evangeline found herself on the palace balcony, gazing at the star-filled sky while Sebastian stood beside her in comfortable silence.

“Do you believe we have truly found our happy ending?” she asked softly.

“Yes,” Sebastian nodded with confidence. He stared at her beautiful face for a while before extending his hand at her.

She took it without hesitation and he pulled her into his chest roughly. She laughed, throwing her head back, wondering when she had had a genuine laughter like that.

When she sobered, Sebastian was still staring at her and he confessed. “Forgive me. Sorry. I love you.”

She watched him, his eyes mirroring hers and without a reply, she kissed him, pouring every emotion into the kiss with the man she had loved and will always love.

THE END.