Chapter 11: Epilogue
One year later, the whispers in the capital had completely changed their tune.
High up in the ancient, protected imperial canopy, a magnificent wooden estate stood nestled among the branches of a thousand-year-old elder tree. Smoke drifted peacefully from the stone chimney, and the scent of drying lavender and silver-leaf paste filled the air.
Down in the human provinces, Lord Alden’s business had collapsed after rumors spread of how he had abused the now-Queen of the Dragon Clan. Julien’s family had lost their influence, entirely terrified of offending the northern skies.
But in the Dragon Kingdom, the people no longer spoke of the Queen’s birthmark as a curse. They spoke of it with absolute awe and reverence. They believed the shadow beasts had marked her because she was the only human strong enough to tame the fire of the Dragon King.
Her “ugly mark” had become a symbol of royal power and absolute grace.
Tamara walked through the vibrant palace gardens, her face completely bare to the afternoon sun. She carried a basket of fresh dawn pears on her hip, her chestnut hair flowing freely in the mountain breeze.
A pair of massive black wings shadowed the sun. Zain dropped down from the sky, shifting into his human form mid-air and landing softly on the grass beside her. He immediately stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind and resting his chin on her shoulder.
“You’re back early,” Tamara murmured, leaning back against his warm chest.
“The ministers were being tedious,” Zain mumbled, kissing the edge of her neck. He reached out, his long fingers gently tracing the dark, perfect crescent moon on her right cheek.
“Do you still think your mark is a curse, my queen?” he asked softly, his golden eyes filled with an infinite, adoring warmth.
Tamara placed her hand over his, pressing his palm closer against her cheek. She looked out over the vast, peaceful kingdom they built together and smiled.
“No,” Tamara whispered, turning her head to kiss his lips. “It was never a curse. It was the map that led me to you.”
~ The End.