The dying embers were lost in the sun-kissed sky. The fire flickered dimly, their light leached.

The early morning sun shone down, illuminating the world a bright yellow. The sky blushed a fierce pink, waiting for the day to proceed.

The smell of smoke invaded my lungs, the last tribute to the dead clinging to me. I didn't quite hear what the priest was saying, something about how the noble have fallen, and instead lost myself to the transparent flames. Kirin shifted next to me, his attention drifting as well.

After the ceremony was over, we rose, more than a hundred of us who had gathered to pay tribute.

A tall man with shabby brown hair and stubble walked to the front of the gathering. The gold crown upon his brow glistened.

His eyes roved over the crowd, pausing when they found me. He smiled slightly before extending the courtesy to Kirin.

"To all of you who have gathered here, welcome," he said, his voice loud and clear. The castle behind us threw his voice back at us.

"I appreciate you coming here to honour those who fell ten years ago, at the battle in this very castle. I want you all to know that all their names have been immortalized in stone and this fire," he gestured to the flickering bonfire behind him, "is to represent that their spirits will always be with us. They will be remembered, as will we all."

He spoke on for a while longer and I scanned the faces in the crowd. I recognized a lot of them, some of those I had known since I was a child, and some I had come to know later.

Ten years ago, we won the battle against the tyrant Aaron. Two years after that Lyon came of age and ascended the throne. The people of the country seemed oddly satisfied with the fact that their king had died, but it was to be expected. Lyon proved to be a wiser, kinder king than any before him and the people loved him instantly.

The rebels were happy. The people were happy. The kingdom was happy.

Kirin nudged me out of my thoughts once Lyon finished his speech and we stood silent for a moment, our prayers echoing in the vast recesses of our mind.

During the battle, we lost many lives. A lot of them were dear to us: people we loved, people we trusted. But I think, if they could see the kingdom now, they would have been overjoyed. They died for a cause that brought fruition.

The crowd dispersed after the ceremony, people detaching into groups and hustling away.

"I am glad you could make it."

Lyon grinned at me, holding his arms wide. I hugged him tight, chuckling. "I would not have missed it for the world."

"But my coronation doesn't matter at all," he said, sarcastically.

"I told you, I am sorry. We were trapped on that stupid island!"

He embraced Kirin and led us into the castle.

"If it bothers you so much, have another coronation, we will attend that."

Lyon waved his hand in a dismissing gesture. "How are the people?"

"They are doing well," Kirin said. "Most of the riots in the eastern borders have calmed down and we took care of the ones in the north. They really prefer you as a king."

Lyon smiled. "I cannot thank you both enough for what you have done."

I smiled back. "How is Ella? I didn't see her."

"She couldn't be here. Her niece is having a baby," replied Lyon. "But she does want to meet you. Will you two be staying for long?" His eyes were wide, almost pleading.

"Well . . .," I said. "There is something Kirin and I wanted to tell you."

"What is it?"

Kirin grinned at me. "Do you want to tell him?"

"Can I?"

"Go on."

"You sure?"

"Will someone just tell me?" Lyon exclaimed.

I laughed. "Kirin and I are engaged."

Lyon's eyebrows shot up. "Finally!"

"Are you going to be attending our wedding or is that going to be your revenge?"

He wrapped an arm around my shoulder.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world."