That night, the imperial banquet hall was alive with celebration. Lanterns cast a warm glow over tables laden with delicacies from both realms. Phoenix banners of Yanling hung alongside Carosso's dragon emblem, a vivid display of unity.Emperor Ethan sat at the head table with Princess Fu Rong, flanked by King Jian and Queen Mei. Celestia stood like a sentinel behind Ethan's chair, while Leon and Chancellor Lucius mingled with other honored guests nearby.Laughter and the clink of cups filled the hall as toasts were raised to bravery and alliance. Midway through the feast, King Jian rose to his feet, buoyed by jubilation (and perhaps a bit of wine)."Friends," the King announced, raising his cup high, "tonight we celebrate a victory born from the unity of Carosso and Yanling! Such bonds deserve to be made everlasting... perhaps through the union of our royal families!"A surprised hush fell over the hall, punctuated by scattered gasps. Fu Rong's face turned crimson as she realized her

Two weeks later, King Feindo arrived in Yanling bound in enchanted chains. He was tried in open court over four days, with Yanling's ministers, Carosso's chancellor, and three witnesses from Shuanglin's provisional council seated where the city could see them, and at the end of it he was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in Yanling's deepest dungeon.Ethan went down to him that night.He went alone, over Celestia's objection and past two guards who did not quite know how to refuse him. The stair was cut into living rock and got colder as it went, which had nothing to do with the season. At the bottom, Feindo sat against the wall of a lightless cell with his wrists in warded iron, and he looked up, and he smiled with about half his mouth."Come to gloat, Dragon Emperor?""Come to ask." Ethan crouched outside the bars, forearms on his knees. He had rehearsed this on the stair and the rehearsal had been better. "The thing under your palace. The one you fed."Feindo's smile stopped m

Carosso's golden dragon-crest banners fluttered proudly in the spring breeze as the capital city erupted in jubilation. After a hard-won victory, Dragon Emperor Ethan and his Empress Celestia had returned at last. The alliance with Yanling was stronger than ever, and the dark threat of Shuanglin had been vanquished. Crowds thronged the main avenue, cheering and tossing flower petals as a grand parade wound through the streets. Musicians played lively marches that echoed off the stone walls, and children perched on parents' shoulders to catch a glimpse of their heroes.Ethan rode at the head of the procession on a majestic white drake, clad in imperial black and gold armor. At his side was Celestia, her silver hair shimmering in the sunlight and her crimson eyes surveying the adoring crowd with both pride and a hint of protectiveness. As they passed, citizens shouted thanks and praise. Ethan smiled and waved, feeling warmth bloom in his chest at the sight of his people safe and joyful.

It took a heartfelt apology (and several hours of Ethan evading blasts of draconic magic) before Empress Celestia's ire cooled. By nightfall, the palace was finally calm. Celestia sat with arms crossed and a sullen pout as Ethan knelt before her in their private chamber, gently taking her hand. He promised that the trip would be strictly official and that no one could ever take her place in his heart. Only after he swore to make it up to her—with a private vacation for just the two of them later—did Celestia relent. She harrumphed, cheeks flushed, but the dangerous glint in her eyes softened. The "royal holiday" was back on, under her watchful conditions.The next morning, Ethan convened the royal council and court ministers for a grand announcement. Sunlight poured through the stained-glass windows of the throne room as courtiers, scholars, and generals gathered in anticipation. At Ethan's side stood Celestia, serene and regal once more, and below the dais stood Seraphina, Eileen, Nin

As dusk fell on the day of their arrival, the capital of Yanling (nestled near the Bloomridge mountains) greeted them with open gates. Lanterns in shades of red and gold illuminated the streets. The sounds of distant music and laughter hinted that the festival had already begun.At the grand courtyard of Yanling's royal palace, Princess Fu Rong herself hurried forward to welcome the travelers. The princess's eyes lit up at the sight of Ethan and Celestia, and she performed a graceful bow. "Emperor Ethan, Empress Celestia! Welcome to Yanling, and to our Crimson Blossom Festival. We're honored by your presence."Celestia offered a polite nod, keeping a measured expression, while Ethan dismounted and clasped Fu Rong's hands in friendship. "The honor is ours, Princess. We've heard so much about this festival, we couldn't miss it."Fu Rong's cheeks dimpled with delight. "I'm so happy you came. And you've brought quite the entourage!" She smiled and exchanged greetings with Seraphina, Eileen