With longing heart, She-Who-Would-Be-Queen steps onto the landing, looking anxiously toward the valley between the mountains. At last! Horse-backed figures appear out of the mist proudly presenting her kingdom’s standard. Victory! She excitedly alights the stairs to the Great Room to greet her Beloved.
Celebrating knights bear He -Who-Would-Be-King aloft through the castle, depositing him at her feet. He sees her start, taking in the slashes of sword across his once-handsome face, the missing leg. Reaching with the remaining three fingers of his left hand, his blood-crusted lips smile, not caring as she flinches, for he has made her Queen!