Chapter 10 - The King’s AnchorOne year later.
The Newport estate was no longer a cold, imposing fortress. The security cameras were still there, but the high stone walls had been softened by climbing roses and wild lavender. The old stone fountain had been rebuilt, water cascading gently over polished marble, surrounded by flowerbeds of bright yellow marigolds.
A small toy boat floated in the clear water.
Leo, now six years old and laughing happily, was chasing a golden retriever puppy across the manicured lawn, his voice bright and full of life.
Sophie stood on the terrace, a cup of warm tea in her hands, watching him. She wore a simple summer dress, her dark hair blowing gently in the ocean breeze. The scars on her hands had faded into thin, silver lines—reminders of the night she fought the earth and won.
A pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind. Henry pressed his chest against her back, resting his chin on her shoulder.
“He’s getting fast,” Henry murmured, his voice warm and relaxed.
“He’s happy,” Sophie said, leaning back against him. “We did good, Henry.”
“You did good,” Henry corrected, turning her in his arms so he could look into her eyes. “I was just a man with a crown of thorns, Sophie. You’re the one who made this place a home.”
He pulled a small velvet box from his pocket. Inside sat a simple, beautiful ring made of platinum and emeralds—the color of the dress she had worn the night they brought down Vivienne's world.
“No more rules, Sophie,” Henry whispered, sliding the ring onto her finger. “No more hiding. Be my partner. Be my wife.”
Sophie looked at the ring, then up at the man who had once been the terrifying King of the Coast, but was now simply her anchor.
May you like
“Only if I still get to read Leo his pirate stories,” she smiled.
Henry laughed, a sound that was no longer rare in this house, and pulled her into a deep, lingering kiss as the sun set over the Atlantic, painting their new world in gold.
