The royal white eagle flew proudly on the banners and flags over the rooftops of Oceanpeak. The marble spires of the city rose like spears of light in the afternoon sun. The streets teemed with people, everyone eager to see what all the fuss was about.

A trumpet fanfare suddenly blasted through the city, followed by the airy violin notes of the Caelian national anthem. A parade of armored soldiers marched into the city.

First came the royal cavalry on their snow-white steeds, and then came thousands of foot soldiers with crowns of daisies on their helmets. Finally, the Sky Knights swept in over the rooftops, rounded the castle in blinding speed, before landing on the town square.

The citizens stared in awe as the leader of the Sky Knights removed his helmet, and the winged crown was placed on his head. Most of the people had seen the legendary crown, forged from silver and platinum with wings of titanium and hardened mercury. But because of the war, few had seen its owner.

When the people realized that their king had returned home from the frontline, they all burst into cheers. Songs of praise spread through the city. Women found the arms of their returned husbands, sons, and fathers.

The king held up his hand, and the entire city fell silent.

”An angel put her hand my heart.” His voice was like a thunderbolt over the crowd. ”I was broken – my body shattered. But she saved me – she pulled me out of Death’s cold grip.

“I’ve seen the error of our ways. For millennia we’ve fought our neighbors – war is not the answer. I have returned to you with the intention of bringing peace to our nation. I have a lot of work ahead of me, but first I have an announcement to make.

“People of Caeli and Oceanpeak, I would like to introduce to you a woman of utmost benevolence, grace, and beauty – my own guardian angel.”

Shyly Leera stepped out next to the king. She had asked him not to make a big deal out of it, but he hadn’t listened. He’d told her that the people needed to see her face. If he was going to pull his forces back from the Bonewaste, the support of the people was vital – they had to know the reason for the change in his decree.

“I am the King of Caeli, but I still bend the knee for this woman – this angel of mercy!”

Everyone in the entire city lowered themselves and bowed their heads, following the king’s example. Leera couldn’t believe her own eyes. She looked at Quick for guidance. But he just nodded proudly. Bryne winked at her, and Maya gave her a smile.

“The moment she touched my heart it became hers. And I swear now, with you all as my witnesses, that I shall spend the rest of my life trying to meet her standards and work relentlessly to be worthy of her.”

The king took Leera’s hand and looked her in the eyes. “I have won many battles, but winning your heart will be my ultimate conquest.”

Leera felt her knees to go weak. The king himself had just proclaimed his love for her. She didn’t know what to say or how to react. She smiled quickly and lowered her eyes.

“One day, perhaps,” the king whispered before turning back to the crowd.

“This day marks the start of a new age in our kingdom – an age of peace, prosperity, and love. We Caelians have always been leaders – let us be the first of the four nations to put our weapons down. The war has gone on for too long.” The king held up his fist. “No more killing!”

“No more killing!” echoed the voices of the city in unison.