The Queens of Remnant - Chapter 48 (Patreon)

And our year-long journey ends here.  Thanks for reading, sticking around, and supporting for all this time!

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The day of Yang and Ruby’s coronation had been an excessive, tiresome, overwhelming ordeal.  Still reeling from the loss of their parents, struggling to learn the archaic traditions that needed to be followed, and nearly buckling under the weight of an entire kingdom suddenly on their shoulders, they hadn’t exactly enjoyed the pomp and circumstance.  Yang usually loved a good party, but she distinctly remembered the sigh of relief when it was over.

Today was similar to that day, with the crowds, traditions, and expectations, but Yang was in a much better place.  She wasn’t dreading the event to come - she was excited about it.  She wasn’t heartbroken over the loss of loved ones - she’d never felt happier and more filled with love. That this day could even happen was a testament to how far she and Ruby had come.  No one would pity them - being born into a royal family erased the possibility of pity - but they persevered despite a bad hand and used their parents’ lessons to build happy, prosperous lives.

They were lucky.  Lucky to have each other, lucky to be surrounded by wonderful people, and lucky to have had such amazing parents shaping their most formative years.  Yang’s biggest regret was that her parents weren’t here to share this moment with her, but she hoped that they would be proud of her.  She always did her best to put Vale and Ruby before herself, just like they taught her.  Now...she’d found someone who made her want to be even more selfless, to help even more people, and leave a greater impact on this corner of Remnant.

Her parents would have loved Blake.  She held onto that unshakable truth as the seats in front of her filled with Vale’s wealthiest and most influential citizens.  Some had been invited, some paid for the privilege, but they all wore their finest attire and spoke in hushed conversations suggesting the upcoming ceremony was sacred.

A soft breeze preemptively announced Ruby’s return to Yang’s side, offering a distraction from the restless energy in Yang’s chest.

“What’s it look like down there?” she whispered, glancing at her sister before returning her gaze to the crowd.

“Packed.”  When Ruby followed the succinct summary by kissing Weiss’ cheek, the people sitting in the front row twittered in excitement, tickled by the bit of gossip they were just treated to.  “Pretty sure the whole kingdom’s here,” Ruby continued, unperturbed by how a small show of intimacy caused such an uproar.  “A bunch of the Valley, too.”

Tilting her chin down at the update, Yang forced a smile while rows and rows of Vale’s ‘most important’ people watched her.  Internally, she was ecstatic to hear that the Valley showed up for Blake.  They should show up for her.  After all the work she did getting every settlement back on its feet, including some sleepless nights when Yang literally carried her to bed, she deserved their support.

“They’re far enough away, right?” Yang asked when another concern popped into her head.

“Don’t worry, they’re far enough back.  Plus, we didn’t ask Atlas to help for no reason.”

With the answer easing Yang’s fear of someone getting hurt, she took another deep breath and glanced at the railing not twenty feet away.  Beyond that railing waited a steep, tall drop from the palace to the streets of Vale, where crowds of onlookers waited for the ceremony to commence. The loud, consistent drone of voices hinted at how many people were there, but Yang wasn’t allowed to walk over to the balcony to see.  Her advisors made it very clear that she had to stand here until told otherwise.  Something about how ‘the people should see their sparks before their human forms.’

Of course, Yang wanted to tell the advisors to shove it and go look anyway, but when she’d already broken so many other customs...this one wouldn’t hurt much.  Plus, not knowing how many people there were helped her nerves.  As did the deep breath that she slowly exhaled through her lips.

“Nervous?” Ruby whispered.

“Of course not.”

“Please,” Weiss replied with a soft, disbelieving scoff.  “You’re practically shaking.  And you should be - she looks fantastic.”

“Who invited you again?” Yang retorted.

“You did.”

“Oh right.  Diplomacy and stuff.”

When Weiss rolled her eyes, Yang chuckled.  Some of her nerves evaporated, letting her think clearly as more of the seats filled.  She wasn’t nervous about the ceremony.  She wasn’t nervous about marrying Blake.  She was nervous because Blake was nervous, and she wanted this to be as great of a day for Blake as it was for her.

She honestly didn’t care if Blake had a strong spark or not, but she knew how much Blake cared.  Ultimately, if everything went off without a hitch, Vale would accept Blake like Yang knew they could.  If they didn’t, she would spend the next few days, months, or years convincing them one by one.

Before setting off on that crusade, however, she smiled and nodded at Winter, who sat in the front row.  Winter nodded and partially smiled in return but otherwise remained as stoic as always.  It had taken a great deal of convincing to get her here - she insisted that she didn’t deserve such an esteemed location - but she acquiesced when Yang suggested that they might need her help. As Yang had discovered, the thought of helping others was Winter’s weakness in the same way that Ruby was Weiss’.

Recalling her and Ruby’s earlier conversation - the perfect distraction from the never-ending wait - she grinned and leaned closer to Ruby.

“What do you think?” she whispered while several wealthy individuals were led to their seats.  “Want to get married here or in Atlas?”

Yang made sure to catch Weiss’ reaction: wide eyes and a raised brow that had her chuckling in no time.

“Did you really think I wouldn’t find out?” she teased while Weiss stared at Ruby, and Ruby grimaced before raising her hands in apology.

“I thought...you’d be so focused on your own wedding that…”

“That I wouldn’t notice?” Yang asked before picking up Ruby’s hand and pointing at the ring on her finger.  “You literally gave her a ring!  How could I not notice?”

While Weiss looked at a loss for words, Yang decided to give her a break and focus on what mattered.

“Congratulations though.”  Smiling, she reached behind Ruby’s back and gently patted Weiss’ shoulder.  “I’m happy for you.  But seriously - will it be in Atlas?  Because I need to plan my wardrobe way in advance.”

Weiss and Ruby’s shared glance was more than enough of an answer.

“We...haven’t gotten that far yet,” Ruby answered.  “Maybe in Atlas?  Since you’re getting married here?”

“Don’t let Lola hear that,” Yang joked while waving to their longtime head of staff, who’d been fighting off tears all day.  “It’ll break her heart.”

“She could still help plan in Atlas!”

“What am I supposed to do without her here?”

“You’ll survive,” Ruby replied before chuckling at the ‘issue.’  “Maybe we’ll have two weddings,” she finally suggested.  She then picked up Weiss’ hand and gave her one of the most love-filled looks Yang had ever seen. “What do you think?  Want to marry me twice?”

Weiss might have an ice spark but, regardless of that inner ice, she practically melted into a puddle right there on Vale’s rooftop.

“Ruby…I’ll marry you as many times as you want me to.”

Ordinarily, Yang would tease them for being sappy or take credit for teaching Ruby how to be such a charmer.  But right now, their overwhelming cuteness only made her more impatient to see Blake.

Fortunately, the wait was nearly over.  Not one chair sat empty as Vale’s top advisors took their assigned seats.  Conversations quieted and anticipation grew - most of all for Yang, who couldn’t convince her heart to slow down even if she tried.

So much time and effort had gone into creating this moment, from setting up the chairs to decorating the rooftop with flowers to all of the other tiny details that Lola took care of.  Everything looked...picturesque.  Magical, even.  In Yang’s mind, this was the wedding that Blake deserved.  Regal yet not overly ornate.  Intimate yet open to anyone.

As soon as the officiator of the ceremony appeared, his stark black outfit and somber expression implying great importance, a hushed silence fell over the crowd.  All eyes fixed on him as he made his way down the aisle between the chairs.  Watching him approach, Yang took a deep breath and subtly shook her hands.

She wasn’t nervous, but her hands trembled with excitement as reality sunk in.  This was it.  The moment she’d waited for.  Over the past few months, it was all she could think about.  Now, in a few minutes, she could call Blake hers forever, and there was nothing she wanted more in the world.

“You’ll do great,” Ruby whispered, squeezing Yang’s elbow before stepping into place.  Nodding at the encouragement, Yang watched the officiant while her mind wandered to Blake.

Blake had been shockingly mum about what she decided to wear.  No matter how Yang tried to pry the information from her - and Yang had tried many different tactics - she hadn’t spilled the secret.  Now, Yang found herself practically leaning forward in anticipation of the answer.

“Good morning, Your Majesty,” the officiator quietly greeted her as he stepped into his place beside her.  “Are you ready to begin?”

“Yes.  Absolutely.”

She managed a quick smile and nod before her gaze fixed on the double doors across the rooftop from her.  Now that he was here, she knew what happened next, and her excitement spiked to levels she’d never felt before.

The pair of royal guards standing on either side of the double doors finally moved, and her heart damn near popped right out of her chest.  In well-practiced unison, they grabbed the handles and slowly opened the doors.  Every eye turned that way, everyone’s attention fixed and waiting for someone to walk through those doors.

The moment Blake appeared, time stood still.  Yang would swear that her heart stopped beating, too.  The crowd drew in its breath.  The wind, the birds - any sound at all - paused as if everything needed a moment to comprehend the sight before them.

Weiss was right - Blake looked gorgeous, stunning, and regal.  She always looked unbelievable, of course, but seeing her now...on the cusp of being married, made Yang want to melt and fly into the sky at the same time.

And her dress.

She’d chosen one of Vale’s royal colors - a rich golden hue that shimmered in the sun and made her look positively radiant.  It draped off her shoulders, showing off her dark, wavy hair in the most flattering way.  It scooped across her chest, exposing her collarbones and perfectly complementing the silver necklace around her neck.

But Yang couldn’t get over how the dress matched Blake’s amber eyes - eyes that locked onto her and communicated more than words ever could.  She shuffled her feet under the intent gaze, forcing herself to stay put while every thought urged her to go to Blake.  She might have actually raced down the aisle if Ruby hadn’t gently touched her elbow to keep her in place.

Blake worried about what people thought about her, the daughter of farmers in the Valley who’d lost her parents and fought against the war destroying her settlement.  A fighter who’d taken lives before ending up leading the Resistance.  An ‘assassin’ who ended up in Vale, saving Yang’s life and stealing her heart in the process.

Blake worried that she wasn’t good enough, but if she turned to either side - if she looked anywhere but at Yang - she would see that that wasn’t true.  She would see the way everyone stared at her, not just in disbelief but in awe.  She would see how their gazes followed her with rapt attention, not with judgment but with admiration.  She would see what Yang saw: someone with a beautiful heart, mind, and soul who deserved to be here more than anyone.

But Blake’s attention was for Yang and Yang alone.  She only glanced away when she contemplated the path in front of her - an extravagant, deep red carpet leading her to Yang.

When Blake looked at it, however, her brow briefly furrowed.  Then the carpet began to shift.  Large bubbles appeared underneath before spilling out from underneath the edges.  The crowd gasped as rich, dark soil covered the too-fancy carpet, but Yang laughed. She should have known that someone so in tune with the earth would want a more natural path underfoot, but that mattered little now.  Once every bit of red was covered, Blake smiled and walked forward.  And, if possible, Yang fell even more in love.

Blake’s calm, measured steps led her forward as easily and freely as a normal walk on a normal day, but this was no ordinary day.  Yang felt that as soon as Blake was within reach and thought nothing of taking her by the hands and pulling her into a kiss.

The act broke tradition, but Yang didn’t care.  She cared even less when Blake passionately returned the kiss.  The crowd gasped and murmured beside them, but they only broke apart when Ruby tugged Yang’s arm.  Even then, Yang rested her forehead against Blake’s, grinning like an idiot now that they were together.

“That was brilliant,” she whispered before stealing another kiss.  The audience twittered at yet another breach in custom, but she was too taken by the sparkle in Blake’s eyes to care what they thought.  She cared what Blake thought.  And right now...Blake glowed with joy that Yang couldn’t help but reflect.

Hearing someone clear their throat, she finally glanced at their wedding official and realized that it was time to begin.  Still holding Blake’s hands, she took a tiny step back and straightened her posture, trying to look regal when she really just wanted to sweep Blake into her arms right then and there.

“Welcome,” their officiant finally began in a clear, loud voice.  “We’re gathered here today to witness these two young souls - Yang Xiao Long and Blake Belladonna - be joined both in spark and in marriage.”

Blake’s brow rose when he dropped ‘Queen’ from in front of Yang’s name, and Yang’s smile grew impossibly wider.  He hadn’t wanted to leave out her royal title - ‘it wasn’t proper,’ he argued - but she’d ordered him to do it.  The title meant nothing to her, and she wanted to go into this as equals and come out of it as equals, even if in name only.

“Marriage is not to be taken lightly, especially in Vale where the ceremonies can be quite…explosive.”  The official paused for the crowd’s obligatory laugh accompanied by several plumes of fire proving his point.  “But the two young women before you have decided to embark upon the rest of their lives together.  To face life’s obstacles by each other’s side.  To tie themselves to one another in a bond that cannot be broken.”

Paying attention to his speech proved difficult when Yang couldn’t tear her eyes away from Blake, and when Blake never looked away from her.  There was so much she wanted to say, like how happy Blake made her, how excited she was to spend the rest of their lives together, and how she couldn’t believe today was even happening.  Knowing better than to interrupt, she simply beamed like a fool and mouthed, ‘You’re beautiful.’

A soft pink glow dusted Blake’s cheeks, but she didn’t shy away from Yang’s gaze.  The unconcealed joy sparkling in her eyes lifted Yang’s spirits as only Blake could, silently showing both Yang and the rest of the people in attendance how much she wanted to be here, too.  When it looked like she might respond, however, she turned to the wedding official instead.

“Yang,” Ruby whispered, elbowing Yang’s side to get her attention.  “It’s time.”

Yang took a deep breath and smiled.  She’d been excited about this part as soon as they announced their engagement but also nervous on Blake’s behalf.  Everyone knew that she loved using her spark, especially now that it didn’t bring her to her knees in pain, but she didn’t know how it would work with Blake.  And with the entire kingdom watching...Blake didn’t want to embarrass herself, and Yang certainly didn’t want to be the one doing the embarrassing.

“Ladies, if you will,” the officiant said, motioning to the railing before stepping aside.  Ruby and Weiss also moved away, leaving only Yang and Blake to traverse the few steps to the rooftop’s edge.

Yang held Blake’s hand the entire way and squeezed it as the drone of voices grew louder.  Blake responded with a squeeze in return, her palm slightly clammy but her pace calm and assured.  Moments later, they reached the rooftop’s edge and a thunderous cheer rose from below.

Ruby was right - it was packed.  The streets of Vale had probably never hosted so many people at once.  They crammed into every nook and cranny.  They covered the roofs and balconies and any available spot to stand.  And every single one of them clapped, cheered, and whistled as Yang and Blake appeared before them.

Their excitement lifted Yang’s spirit higher as she and Blake stopped at their designated spot near the railing and turned toward each other.  Beside them, a steep drop ended in an empty pool below.  A ring of guards kept people from getting too close to that pool, hopefully ensuring their safety.

Honestly, Yang had no idea what would happen next, but she was excited to figure out that answer with Blake.

“Ready?” she whispered, lifting one arm and pressing her palm against Blake’s.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

“You’ll do amazing,” Yang assured Blake, waiting for the small smile before taking a deep breath and pulling at the flickering flame in her heart.  Blake quickly followed Yang’s lead - the two of them casting their sparks in the empty space beside them.

Yang started with a small burst of fire - curls of orange and yellow unfurling and flickering in the air.  Blake responded with a wave of soil - dark brown and black that rolled over itself in a surreal, water-like way.  The opposing elements met in the middle of the divide, clashing against each other with ebbs and flows that were inquisitive rather than adversarial.

The crowd on the rooftop murmured, but the people below erupted in cheers now that the ceremony had begun.  Egged on by those cheers, Yang increased the intensity of her flame.  Blake responded in kind, mixing rocks in with the soil, presenting a more formidable wall to hold Yang’s spark at bay.

When Yang tried holding back, worried about pushing too far, Blake sent a surge of power that knocked her back a step.  Laughing at Blake’s none-too-subtle way of telling her not to take it easy, she increased her power even further, prodding her spark toward levels she rarely used with so many people around.  Blake matched Yang’s spark every step of the way.  Heavy, sturdy boulders replaced the smaller rocks and soil, easily rebuffing the scorching flames licking against them.

Yang had no idea what was supposed to happen next - their only instructions were to use their sparks against one another and wait.  But as she pushed her spark even further, and Blake pushed further in return, she felt something...different.  Strange and new, yet...incredible. Blake’s wide eyes suggested that she felt the same thing, and the two of them doubled their efforts chasing that sensation.

Something lingered at the edge of Yang’s flames, something that had never been there before.  The more she reached for it, pressing her spark to seek it out, the more she wondered…then realized...that it was Blake.  Blake’s spark.  Blake’s power over the earth.  It was right there, nearly within her grasp.  Almost like it was coming from her just as easily as her fire was.

When Blake smiled, Yang knew that she felt it too.  Their sparks were mixing now, twisting together in a cascade of power that kept growing.

Yang had always known that Blake was stronger than the average person, but the further they went, the more impressed she became.  Her column of fire towered skyward, having nowhere else to go when meeting a relentless wall of rock.  Her spark started protesting the effort, softly requesting a break while another wave of cheers reached her ears.

Perspiration broke out along Yang’s brow as waves of heat swept across the rooftop.  Blake’s brow furrowed at the effort of holding that mountainous wall in place.  People murmured beside them.  The crowd cheered below them.  Their elements crashed into each other with near reckless abandon.

Then everything changed.

Yang gasped when the rock finally gave way - but her fire gave way at the same time.  Sparks showered into the air, but she only glanced that way when Blake did.  Even then, she couldn’t believe what she saw. Trapped between the last remnants of fire and rock, a stream of molten lava sizzled and burned brightly.  She had control over the lava - a unique, new element so unlike her typical flames - but...someone else had control, too.

She beamed at Blake before the two of them, together, pushed even further.  It felt incredible.  Like her spark had doubled in the blink of an eye.  The fire roared hotter.  The tower of earth grew stronger.  In the midst of it all, a volcano surged to life, spewing smoke and ash into the air while the onlookers roared with applause.

At that moment, Yang felt like she could conquer the world if she wanted to.  With Blake beside her, so intricately connected to her, she could do anything…and she would help Blake do anything in return.

After several more seconds, Blake nodded - the silent signal they’d agreed upon in advance - and Yang slowly released her grip on her spark.  Blake’s eased in turn, gently casting the remaining lava into nothing as their elements faded away.

The crowd continued voicing their loud, triumphant support, but Yang couldn’t find words.  Her mind raced with too many thoughts right now - like how amazing that was, how amazing Blake was, and how she’d never felt so intimately connected to another person before.  Even as the creation of their combined sparks faded away, she felt the remnants of Blake etched on her skin and in her heart.  That molten rock was them - both of them, together, in a material form that everyone had seen.

After smiling down at the crowd, where plumes of flames shot into the air, Yang took Blake’s hand and led her back to their positions in front of the officiant.  The guests on the rooftop clapped as they returned from the railing, many of them nodding with admiration.

“That was incredible,” Yang whispered before sneaking a kiss on Blake’s temple.  Still holding Blake’s hands, she backed away and grinned like an idiot when Blake smiled back at her.

“Well done,” their officiant congratulated them.  “Having completed the rite of marriage, witnessed by all in attendance, the two of you have completed the bond which began long before we gathered here today.  On behalf of everyone in Vale and beyond, let me express our greatest hope that your sparks hold steadfast and burn brightly for the rest of your lives.”

While Yang smiled at the well wishes, which she hoped came true too, he addressed the onlookers.

“With the conclusion of the marriage ceremony, we reach another event of its own - welcoming a new member into our royal family.”

He smiled at Blake with the words.  Blake smiled in return, but Yang noticed the deep, steadying breath she drew through her lips.  After the power she just displayed, Yang couldn’t believe that she was still nervous.  Then again, Blake had never been the type to celebrate her accomplishments.  That was part of what made her such a great leader, and one of the many reasons why Yang loved her.

As their wedding official stepped away, ceding his position for the coronation, Yang took a deep breath.  By virtue of her position, she had the honor of wrapping this up.  When Ruby walked over holding a golden, jewel-studded crown in her hands - one of the few heirlooms left by their mother - Yang’s gratitude for this moment only grew.

According to custom, one of Vale’s top advisors should deliver the symbol of Vale’s monarchy, but Ruby had offered to do it herself.  She told Yang, in no uncertain words, that she supported this decision with all of her heart, and she wanted everyone in attendance to see that there was no power struggle to be found. Ruby had never wanted power to begin with, and handed it over as easily as she handed the crown to Yang.  Before leaving, however, she threw her arms around Yang’s neck for a hug - yet another breach in tradition that Yang had no problem accepting.

“Love you,” Ruby whispered before letting go.  After the two of them shared a smile, she turned around and hugged Blake, too.

The gesture took Blake by surprise - the onlookers murmured amongst themselves as well - but it wasn’t long before she smiled and returned the embrace.  Once Ruby pulled away and softly said something, Blake nodded before her eyes drifted back to Yang.

While Ruby returned to Weiss’ side, the two of them immediately holding hands again, Yang held Blake’s gaze and prepared for the last part of the day. Delicately holding the crown between her fingertips, she savored how right this felt.  The crown symbolized Vale.  It symbolized her family, who for generations had led Vale through countless trials and times of prosperity.  By itself, it was nothing more than metal and precious stones, but it represented power and responsibility that few would ever understand.

Yang felt no hesitation in handing that authority to Blake, who’d proved time and time again that she wouldn’t abuse it like some might.  ‘Reluctant acceptance’ more accurately described Blake’s relationship with control.  That healthy respect, however, made her more deserving of it than anyone else Yang knew.

“Ever since that day you stormed into the palace, I knew you were special,” she whispered while holding the crown between them, watching emotions flit through Blake’s eyes.  “No matter what you’ve done, no matter what you blame yourself for, you’ve always been a leader.  You’ve always been one of us.”

Reaching out, Yang gently set the crown on Blake’s head and smiled.

“But now…you’re a queen without a crown no longer.”

When Blake looked up at Yang, long lashes blinking at what just transpired, Yang was overcome with joy at the beautiful sight.  Regardless of what custom said she should do next, she took Blake’s hands and pulled her into a kiss. She felt the surprise and disbelief on Blake’s lips, but happiness quickly chased away those emotions.  They melted into each other while wordlessly expressing their joy, and they might have pushed even further were it not for the people applauding beside them.

Breaking away from the kiss, Yang felt goosebumps rise on her arms.  Blake looked stunning in a crown, but she would probably take it off as soon as it was acceptable.  Yang relished the image while she could, gently tucking a strand of hair behind Blake’s ear and whispering, “I love you.”

“I would hope so,” Blake teased before tenderly brushing her fingers across Yang’s cheek.  “And I love you too.  Quite a lot, actually.”

“‘Quite a lot?’” Yang repeated.  “We just got married and I only get ‘quite a lot??’”

Laughing now, Blake pressed a quick kiss to Yang’s lips.

“More than anything,” she whispered.  The sincerity in her eyes sent a warm flare through Yang’s veins, and she was already leaning in for another kiss when Ruby cleared her throat.

“The rest of Vale’s kind of waiting for you,” she teased before nodding to the railing. Grinning at what might be the best part of the day, Yang squeezed Blake’s hand and motioned that way.

“Ready to see your new kingdom?”

“Our kingdom,” Blake corrected before considering the question.  “And...yes, I think so.”

Thrilled by the response, which was night and day better than the reticence Blake showed that morning, Yang held her hand and led her back to the railing.  As they approached the rooftop’s edge, Yang couldn’t stop her heart from pounding, and she couldn’t help but feel like she was about to give Blake the most treasured gift she could offer.

The throngs of people cheered as soon as Blake and Yang appeared, and Yang’s heart promptly soared into the clouds.  Vale lay in front of them, basking in the golden sun while its people celebrated their newest leader.  The cheers grew louder when Yang waved with her free hand but became a near frenzy as soon as Blake did the same.

Yang beamed at the enthusiastic response, which said everything that she needed to know.  Hopefully, Blake felt it too because there was no greater acceptance than the feeling in the air right now.

“I think they like you,” Yang teased before kissing Blake’s temple.  Hearing the cheers rise like a wave, she chuckled.  “I think they like when we kiss, too,” she mused before stealing another one to test her theory.

When the cheers rose again, buoyed by loud whistles this time, she laughed.

“They definitely like when we kiss.”

“I like when we kiss,” Blake replied, drawing Yang’s full attention.

“Oh yeah?”  Forgetting about the audience, Yang wrapped her arms around Blake’s waist and tugged their hips together.  “What about when we become one with our sparks?” she asked, motioning to where their elements had been.  “Did that feel as amazing to you as it did for me?”

“Are you suggesting we do that instead of having sex?  Because I might be on board.”

“Woah, woah, woah,” Yang said, smiling while Blake laughed.  “I wouldn’t go that far, but I definitely wouldn’t mind doing it again.  Just like I wouldn’t mind seeing you wear that crown again.”

“Now you’re pushing your luck.”

Laughing at the playful response, Yang rested her forehead against Blake’s and smiled down at her.  Blake smiled right back, looking gorgeous in her golden dress and crown while she brushed her fingers through Yang’s hair.  After letting that moment linger, she sighed and leaned into Yang’s embrace.

“So...what’s next?”

Considering Blake finally relaxed after weeks of worrying about the ceremony, Yang nearly felt bad for what she was about to say.

“Well...according to the schedule Lola drilled into my head this morning...we have the procession, then the reception, the royal dances, dinner, and, finally, an ‘intimate tea’ with the advisors late tonight.”

When Blake’s eyes widened at the list of upcoming obligations, Yang laughed and nodded.

“But after that, we can do whatever you want,” she offered, waggling her brow to make sure Blake knew what her suggestion would be.  After playfully shaking her head, Blake gently squeezed Yang’s shoulder.

“You’re right.  We should have called in sick.”

“I get to be right already?”

“Don’t get used to it,” Blake teased.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Yang said before kissing Blake’s forehead.  More cheers made her smile as she turned around and found the other most important people in her life patiently waiting for them.  “Let’s get this party started,” she mused while waving Ruby, Weiss, and Winter over.  James trailed close behind, never far away when too many strangers were around.

“You’re married!” Ruby exclaimed, flying into Yang for a hug that knocked her backward.

As soon as the crowd recognized their second queen - and favorite queen, as far as Yang could tell - the cheers kicked up a notch.  If Yang listened close enough, she could pick out adoring shouts of, “Queen Rose!  Queen Rose!” from below.  Weiss and Winter’s presence didn’t garner as much fanfare from Vale’s populace, but the few Atlesians in attendance took notice.  Weiss’ attention, however, was reserved for Blake.

“Congratulations,” Weiss said, giving Blake a much more controlled hug and genuine smile before nodding to the sky just beyond the balcony.  “That was quite the display.”

“It was awesome,” Ruby added, making Yang grin even wider.  “I didn’t know you could even do that.”

“I didn’t either,” Yang admitted before stealing a glance at Blake.  Blake caught the look and squeezed her hand while they shared a smile.

“Weiss, we should try and see what happens.”

“Not before your wedding day!” Yang protested, but Ruby just laughed and flitted out of the way when Yang swatted at her.

“I’m sure you and Blake saved everything for your wedding day, too.”

After looking at Blake, who shrugged at Ruby’s tease, Yang scoffed and shook her head.  Arguing would be a lost cause since Ruby was right.  Besides, now wasn’t the time for arguing, as Blake silently communicated by moving close to Yang’s side and sliding one arm around her waist.

The comforting gesture reminded Yang of all the times when Blake had supported her - in many cases, literally supporting her when she was too weak to move.  She was stronger now, but she still relied on Blake’s support more often than not.  Blake relied on her too, which she felt when Blake sighed and leaned her head against Yang’s shoulder.  Looking out over Vale, where the party of the decade was getting underway, Yang smiled and set her hand over Blake’s.

“How did we ever make it here?” she mused while Vale’s happiness mingled with her own.

“Perseverance!” Ruby replied, adding a little hop of emphasis.

“Faith,” Blake added while smiling at Weiss.

“And love,” Weiss concluded, reaching over to hold Ruby’s hand.

Thinking about those responses, which were all true in more ways than one, Yang couldn’t wipe the smile off her lips.  As soon as a thought popped into her head, however, she laughed.

“Can we just appreciate that the girl with a frozen heart said ‘love?’”

While Yang chuckled at the irony, and Ruby giggled, Weiss playfully rolled her eyes and said, “You had a frozen heart too, remember.”

“Right, right.  How could I forget?”  After reaching over and patting Winter’s shoulder, Yang grinned and focused on the warmth in her chest.  “Not anymore though,” she added before shooting a huge plume of flames into the air.

In the midst of their celebration, the firespitters responded with flames of their own.  Sparks shot over the rooftops with small trails of smoke quickly following.  But then something remarkable happened.  Something so unexpected that the crowd briefly quieted and looked up in awe.

In the dry, hot desert of Vale, snow began to fall.  Fluffy, white snowflakes drifted across the city, peppering the sky with dots of white.  Glancing at the only two people capable of such a masterpiece, Yang caught Weiss and Winter’s shared smile before the light dusting became a beautiful flurry.

The revelers damn near lost their minds as Vale experienced its first snowstorm, but Yang reached out, caught several snowflakes in her hand, and smiled as they melted at her touch.

“Good thing you can keep me warm…” Blake whispered while snuggling into Yang’s side.  Yang’s heart swelled with love as she wrapped her arm around Blake’s shoulders so that they could watch the snow together.

Having been granted a second chance at life, she intended to make the best of it.  With Blake by her side and their newfound friends in Atlas, she knew that the next few years would be better and brighter than any in recent memory.  Even if they faced new challenges, they would overcome them.  All they needed was perseverance, faith, love...and a little bit of strength.