Part 55
The next morning broke with an extraordinary brilliance, the golden sunlight filtering through the large windows of the main dining room.
The aroma of fresh coffee and warm, baked bread filled the air, a comforting scent that made the estate feel truly like a home.
Sofia and Ethan were already seated at the long oak table, Maya resting peacefully in a portable bassinet beside Sofia's chair.
Ethan looked tired, with light shadows under his eyes, but the radiant smile on his face spoke of a joy that defied any lack of sleep.
"Good morning," Ethan said, his voice cheerful as he raised his coffee mug toward us in a warm gesture of greeting.
Alexander walked in with a relaxed stride, the heavy burden that had weighed on his shoulders for years seemingly gone with the night.
He carried the parchment from Marcus in his hand, placing it gently on the center of the table next to the silver coffee pot.
Sofia looked at the document, her eyes narrowing slightly as she recognized the distinctive texture of council parchment.
"Is that what I think it is?" she asked, her voice dropping to a cautious whisper as she looked between Alexander and me.
"It is the final piece of the puzzle, Sofia," I replied, sitting down beside her and gently placing a hand over hers.
Alexander sat at the head of the table, looking at the young family before him with an expression of immense pride and determination.
"Marcus has sent a formal treaty; they are completely withdrawing and acknowledging our absolute freedom," Alexander explained clearly.
Ethan leaned forward, his eyes scanning the document with the analytical gaze of someone who had spent years evaluating risks.
May you like
After a moment, a long, slow breath escaped Ethan's lips, and the tension in his broad shoulders visibly dissolved.
"Then it's really over," Ethan whispered, looking down at little Maya, who chose that exact moment to let out a soft, contented coo.
