Chapter 51- Votes Are In

The votes were in.

As the golden sun dipped toward the horizon, casting molten rays across the castle balconies and rooftops, Faenet lit up like wildfire. Comment threads spilled over with cheers, emojis, and speculation. The people had chosen. And now, it was time to name the leaders who would help shape the heart of the realm.

Each village had their own Lord or Lady, chosen by the will of the people, as Reyna had designed. The five strongest, wisest, and most beloved candidates rose to power...not through bloodlines, but through resilience, values, and raw public support.

🗳️ Village Lord and Lady Candidates:

1. Halarae of the Skylands – A fierce and wise nomad shifter who proved her strength and diplomacy in the brutal noble trials. Her homeland among the clouds made her deeply connected to change and movement, and the people trusted her with their future.

2. Darnik of Hollowdeep – A stoic, battle tested dwarf and master rune warden. He represented with calm strategy and war hardened experience, rising as the voice of reason and protection.

3. Isira Thornveil – A powerful shadow mage with an unshakeable moral compass and loyal following from MoonHollow. She had proven her leadership during the darkest days and inspired many.

4. Calen Sunroot – A diplomatic fae from the Riverlands who united feuding villages through negotiation and grace. Emberreach saw him as the bridge between fire and reason.

5. Bryla Emberforge – Once a humble blacksmith, now a beloved leader known for her grit, heart, and sharp decision making. She had the pulse of the people and the fire too!

📢 Voting Results:

Emberreach – Bryla Emberforge 🏞️ MoonHollow – Isira Thornveil 🏔️ Thornhelm Vale – Darnik of Hollowdeep 🌌 Starlight Ridge – Halarae of the Skylands 🌾 Hillshire Plains – Calen Sunroot

The crowd erupted in joy as the chosen five stood atop the castle's outer balcony. Rhiannan, still recovering but watching proudly from within her tower, felt the energy vibrating through the very stones of her home.

"These are not rulers given power," Reyna announced, her voice booming across the square. "They are leaders entrusted with it. By you. Their terms are five years, renewable once by vote. Let this new kingdom never forget who the true power belongs to."

The crowd chanted in unison: "The People! The People! The People!"

And somewhere behind it all, Rhiannan smiled.

The kingdom was waking up to its power. And it was only the beginning.

The great hall shimmered with golden light, banners of every village hanging proudly from the rafters. A celebratory feast filled the tables, roasted meats, enchanted pastries, fruits that glowed softly in the candlelight. Music played from the far corner, fae and nymph musicians filling the air with joyful melodies.

Rhiannan was carried into the hall on a throne cushioned with silk and surrounded by her mates, her swollen belly cradled with both hands. The room erupted in cheers at her arrival, nobles and leaders rising to their feet.

She smiled warmly, tired but radiant. "Tonight, we celebrate more than victories," she said, her voice magnified gently by Sasha. "We celebrate the rise of a new era."

She gestured, and a shimmering illusion of five castles appeared above the head table, one for each village.

"Each village will now have its own mini castle," she announced. "A place of residence and command for your Lords, Ladies, and Nobles. The mages and builders are working as we speak, and by morning, they will be ready. These are our gifts to you, our new leaders."

A second round of cheering filled the room.

"Together, we will build something unshakable," she continued, voice firm. "Not a kingdom born of bloodline or purity....but of love, compassion, morals, empathy, and strength."

The nobles and army leaders stood, bowing low to her in respect.

Rhiannan raised a goblet. "To the new Lords and Ladies. To the Nobles. To the officers and our brave army. May your leadership be wise, your hearts strong, and your loyalty unwavering."

Her mates stepped forward one by one.

Kaleb grinned. "You've all earned this. But don't get comfortable. Greatness requires action."

Arwen smirked. "Anyone who gets lazy will find themselves on poop patrol for the dragon stables."

Liam raised a brow. "Motivational threats, my favorite kind."

Azarion nodded. "Protect what we build. Defend the weak. Be the shield and the sword."

Elisha simply growled, "Make me proud."

Sable, ever serious, added, "We bled to get here. Let no one ever take it from us."

Reyna stood next, her aura regal. "All village leadership will now report directly to me and the Royal Council. Our laws will be just. Our expectations high."

General Thorne rose, flanked by Lerenya and Masaila.

"Sixty of you now wear the badge of command," Thorne said. "You are the backbone of our force. Never forget the faces of those who fight beside you."

Masaila added, "Lead by example. They'll follow what you do, not just what you say."

Lerenya grinned. "And if you ever doubt yourselves, come find me. I'll beat it out of you with love."

Laughter rippled across the room.

As the feast wore on and the wine flowed freely, Rhiannan looked around at the smiling, tearful, hopeful faces.

"Okay," she said suddenly, lifting a hand. "We've got one last thing to do. What are we going to call this kingdom?"

Sasha's voice chimed in overhead, playful and sarcastic. "You mean besides The Queendom of Overachievers?"

The hall erupted with suggestions, laughter, and excited shouting as names were thrown around like spells in a tavern brawl. The atmosphere buzzed with unity, magic, and the birth of something extraordinary.

The Kingdom had been born.

Now, it only needed a name.

After the meal had been enjoyed and the wine flowed freely, Rhiannan stood with effort and a hand from Elisha, then raised her voice above the laughter and chatter.

"We need a name," she said. "A name for our kingdom. We've fought and bled for this land. We've built it from the ashes of cruelty. We deserve a name that feels like home."

A hush fell as people leaned in.

Zaiya stood first. "Solyndra Vale. A land of radiant moons. It's how I see this place, always glowing with magic even in darkness."

Kaleb grinned and threw out, "Emberwyn. Fire and rebirth. That's what we've done here. Risen from ashes with our own hands."

Veena suggested, "Myrravelle. Miracle Valley. For the impossible beauty we've created."

Reyna tapped her goblet. "Thaloria. The crowned forest. Regal. Rooted. Fierce."

Liam threw in a dramatic wave of his hand. "Draventhorn. Dragon strength meets wild resilience. Just like this court."

Soris added, quietly but confidently, "Ashenwild. A bit raw, a bit wild. But honest. Real."

Iriel offered, "Celestara. Stars and earth, joined. Heaven and home."

Gailia smiled, her voice lyrical. "Faeloria. Strength through unity. It sounds... destined."

Barrick grunted. "Nytherion. For the goddess who's guided us through every storm."

Finally, Arwen stood and turned to Rhiannan. "Aurealis. It means golden and divine. That's what you are. That's what this place is."

Rhiannan gasped.

Her eyes filled with tears. "Aurealis," she whispered. "Yes. That's it. That's us."

The room erupted. Cheers, claps, laughter, toasts.

FaeNet lit up as the name was officially announced. Aurealis Kingdom. Messages poured in:

💬"It sounds like magic,"

💬"Aurealis forever!" and a few snide ones: 💬"A little bougie, but fine."

Still, the majority celebrated with emojis, gifs, and pure joy.

Sasha's voice rang through the great hall, chiming like a bell. "The Kingdom of Aurealis welcomes all. But all who enter will be registered. You are not just a citizen, you are a contributor. No one is left behind. No one falls through the cracks."

Elisha stepped forward. "All five villages are now complete. Each one has a large residence for orphaned children, with caretakers and a new adoption system in place. Each village also contains a prison ward, magically shielded, and a healing center with trained medics."

Reyna added, "The nobles, lords, and ladies, along with the royal council, will begin drafting a royal charter. Rules, rights, protections, for all."

General Thorne, dark eyed and commanding, spoke next. "Each village will host 10,000 trained Tier One soldiers. They'll serve as guard, patrol, and protection. The villages are magically warded and linked to Sasha and the royal stronghold."

Rhiannan sobbed, overwhelmed with pride and joy.

Kaleb swept her up into his arms.

"Okay, okay," he murmured. "That's enough goddess tears for one night."

Laughter echoed through the hall as her mates gathered around her, whispering loving words. The nobles and officers bowed as she was carried out.

The Kingdom of Aurealis had risen.

And the world would never be the same.