Part 66
The journey into town was beautiful, the carriage moving smoothly along the winding road that followed the rushing river below.
Thomas drove the horses with a practiced, steady hand, his old face relaxed as he enjoyed the bright, morning sunshine.
He had been with Alexander for decades, a loyal companion who had risked his own life countless times to keep us safe.
To see Thomas now, dressed in clean clothes and humming a quiet melody, was another beautiful proof of the peace we had built.
When we arrived in the bustling town square, the local merchants greeted us with genuine smiles and warm waves of welcome.
I spent an hour at the textile shop, carefully selecting the softest skeins of cream and pale blue wool for my knitting projects.
After completing my purchases, I walked over to the local bakery, intending to buy some sweet pastries for Sofia and Ethan.
As I waited for the baker to wrap the treats, my eyes happened to land on a stack of newspapers resting on a nearby counter.
The headline caught my attention, detailing the political stabilization of the northern capital and the rise of a new government.
I felt a momentary tightening in my chest, an old instinct urging me to analyze the news for potential threats to our safety.
But as I scanned the article, I realized that the events occurred hundreds of miles away, in a world that no longer had any hold on us.
The old factions were completely gone, replaced by leaders who cared only for trade, commerce, and internal reconstruction.
I smiled to myself, taking the parcel of warm pastries from the baker and paying him with a few silver coins.
May you like
The past was truly dead, its ashes scattered across the wind, leaving nothing behind but the beautiful life we had fought for.
I walked back to the carriage with a light step, eager to return to the sanctuary of our estate and the arms of my husband.
