chapter 8

But fate had woven a cruel design. As the king's forces neared victory, he discovered the devastating truth—the woman he loved was the princess of the enemy kingdom. The daughter of the very warlord who had stolen his throne.

The revelation shattered them both. She had known but had chosen to stay by his side, torn between her bloodline and her love for him. He was left to decide whether love could ever triumph over duty.In the final assault on the capital, the warlord—the enemy king—was slain, and the throne was within reach. But in his last act of spite, the defeated ruler ordered his remaining assassins to kill the fallen king before his victory could be complete.

As blades flashed, the woman—the princess, his love—threw herself between the king and death. She took the fatal strike meant for him. As she lay dying in his arms, she whispered that she had made her choice—not as a princess, not as a warrior, but as the woman who loved him With tears and rage, the king struck down the last of his enemies and reclaimed his throne. But the triumph was hollow, for the one he wanted to share it with was gone.In mourning, the king stood before his court and made a vow that shook the kingdom—he would never marry. He had found love once, and fate had torn it away. He would rule alone, dedicating his life to his people, but his heart would belong forever to the woman who had given her life to save him.

And so, though he sat upon the throne, crowned in victory, his soul would forever bear the weight of love lost to war.