Chapter 10 - The Feast of the Sun
One year later.
The summer sun shone brightly over the private coastal estate in Lake Como, Italy, casting golden light across the sparkling blue waters and blooming bougainvillea gardens.
On the grand terrace overlooking the lake, a long wooden table was set for a feast.
Odette Savelli sat at the head of the table, looking healthy, radiant, and full of life, laughing joyfully as she fed a tiny piece of sweet melon to her seven-month-old grandson.
Little Leo Savelli—a chubby, happy baby with his mother’s warm dark eyes and his father’s dark hair—gurgled happily, clapping his tiny hands together.
"Careful, Mother," Clara smiled, walking out of the villa onto the terrace carrying a bowl of fresh hand-rolled pasta.
Clara looked more breathtaking than ever. She wore a flowing white sundress that celebrated her rich, gorgeous curves, her skin glowing with health, peace, and absolute happiness.
Matthias stepped out behind her, wearing a simple white linen shirt and trousers.
He walked up behind Clara, his massive arms wrapping securely around her waist, resting his chin gently on her shoulder as he watched his mother and son playing together under the warm Italian sky.
"Is the meal ready, my Donna?" Matthias whispered into her ear, his thumb gently stroking her hip through the soft fabric of her dress.
"It's been ready for an hour, my King," Clara replied with a sweet, playful laugh, turning her head to press a warm kiss against his jawline.
Matthias tightened his grip around her, pulling her soft body close against his chest.
One year ago, his home had been a cold, paranoid fortress of death, fear, and starvation. Today, it was a sanctuary of laughter, warmth, and boundless life.
He looked down at the massive canary diamond ring shining brightly on Clara’s finger, then up into her warm, beautiful brown eyes that had saved his entire world.
"I love you, Clara," Matthias murmured, his slate-grey eyes soft with an eternal, unshakable devotion.
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"I love you, Matthias," Clara whispered back, wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling him down into a long, deep, passionate kiss as the warm Mediterranean breeze rustled through the trees around them.
And there, beside the sunlit lake, surrounded by love, family, and the delicious aroma of a safe home, the King and his Queen shared their endless feast.
