There were gasps and murmurs, with nervous glances going to Prince Merlo, who stood to one side, looking terrified.
"I, Khalon, King of the Soldati, have no need for the Kingdom of Dell'Orso and hereby declare Princess Verity your new queen. May your kingdom and its people prosper under her noble and just rule."
The people cheered, and Toka could have sworn Prince Merlo appeared relieved by the decision. Even the Orso warriors looked relieved. Some looked less pleased. They were most likely those closest to Pavoni, and the Orso Toka had heard arguing as he sped through the halls. The princess approached her warriors, who pledged themselves to her. She held her head high, her gaze intense as she addressed the Orso warriors.
"Under my rule, there will be honor and integrity. I will restore the good name of our people. If there are any who believe they cannot comport themselves in the manner befitting their great Orso birth, may I suggest you find another kingdom in which to do harm, for you will not be welcome in mine."
The people cheered again, smiles on their faces as they entered the castle, all chatting excitedly with one another. The sun's rays broke through, and Toka gazed up at the clouds. Even they seemed to have brightened.
"Toka!"
Toka could barely contain his joy at the sight of his prince. Riley, looking dashing and dangerous in his black-and-gold armor, scooped Toka up in a tight embrace, making Toka laugh.
"Your Highness." Toka beamed as Riley placed him on his feet. "You came as well?" Tears welled in his eyes, and he quickly wiped them away. His prince had taken up arms and readied himself to face a war of shifters and magic the likes of which he'd never known, all for Toka.
Riley huffed. "Like I was going to stay home."
"Believe me, I tried," Khalon grumbled, a smile tugging at his lips when Riley planted a kiss on his cheek. "Your prince was most indignant at the mere suggestion of remaining in our realm."
"Toka?"
Princess Verity's soft voice caught his attention, and she approached him, a handsome Orso warrior at her side. He was great in stature with warm brown eyes. "Had I stood up to my brother, you would not have suffered at his hands. Please, say you forgive me."
Toka hugged her. "I forgive you." He pulled back and smiled up at her. "You'll be a wonderful queen."
"Thank you, my dearest. You are braver than any warrior I have known. Rest assured that my brother, Merlo, will answer for the part he played in the deception." She kissed his cheek and turned to face Khalon, her fingers laced with the Orso warrior at her side. "I shall forever be grateful to you, Khalon. I hope the Soldati will come to see me and my kingdom as allies."
Khalon kissed her free hand. "I have faith in you, Princess Verity. If anyone can return glory to the Orso, it's you."
"Thank you."
"I have one request," Khalon said, as a very large Orso warrior approached. His hair was as black as Khalon's but longer, reaching below his shoulders. His jaw was chiseled, filled with coarse stubble and various nicks, and a leather patch rested over one eye. Toka would have been frightened, if it weren't for the gentle sadness in his near-dark eye. Was this General Segreti? He seemed like someone of importance, or perhaps merely carried himself as such. A proud Orso for certain.
"You have but to name it," Verity replied, smiling warmly.
"Release General Segreti from his pledge. Allow him to pass his helmet on to the next worthy Orso. He has fought fiercely for your kingdom for centuries. Grant him rest."
General Segreti appeared stunned, his eye wide. He turned his gaze to Verity, who reached out to him. He quickly dropped to one knee, accepting her hand in his.
"Your Majesty."
"My dear General, you have been as steadfast as the great Orso mountain. If you wish to be released from your pledge to live out your life in peace, it is done."
Segreti's head shot up, and he opened his mouth to reply, but no words were forthcoming. The man appeared to be stupefied.
Verity laughed softly. "Simply nod if you wish to be released."
Segreti nodded.
"Then you are released. Choose your successor when you so desire. We shall discuss your royal bounty once my affairs are set to rights."
"Yes, of course, Your Majesty." Segreti bowed, eye glassy. "Thank you so much." He rose and turned to Khalon. He gripped Khalon's arm as his hand came to rest on his shoulder. "I am indebted to you, old friend."
Khalon shook his head, his smile wide. "You owe me nothing. Perhaps a visit to our kingdom instead. Should you wish to spend your days in the Soldati Realm, know you are always welcome."
Segreti pressed his lips together, and Toka tried his best not to let his emotions get the better of him. The light and joy in Segreti's expression was overwhelming.
As Khalon, Riley, Segreti, and the new queen of Dell'Orso talked, Toka turned to Rayner, speaking quietly. "I can't believe you came for me."