Victory didn't feel like peace.
It felt like a pause before something worse.
The battlefield was quiet now. Fires still burned in the distance. Medics moved between the wounded. Soldiers whispered instead of cheered.
Seraphine stood at the edge of the watchtower, staring toward the horizon.
I joined her.
"Corvin lost today," I said. "But they won't accept it."
"No," she replied. "They'll change the game."
Her eyes met mine.
"And they'll start with you."
I already knew.
In my first life, this battle was the moment the empire decided I was a threat.
Not a prince.
A problem.
That night, we gathered in the war tent. Maps were spread across the table. Officers discussed troop movements and supply lines.
Seraphine led with calm authority.
I watched her more than the maps.
The way her fingers moved across the terrain. The way her voice never wavered. The way the soldiers listened to her without question.
She was born for command.
When the meeting ended, one by one, the officers left.
Until only the two of us remained.
The silence felt… heavier.
"You shouldn't stay here," she said. "The capital will react fast. If the emperor is angry—"
"He will be," I said.
She turned to face me fully.
"This victory makes you dangerous."
I stepped closer.
"Is that a warning… or concern?"
Her breath caught for just a second.
"Both."
I studied her face.
In my first life, this woman had been my executioner.
Now, she was standing between me and the empire.
"Seraphine," I said quietly. "If they move against me… will you stand with me?"
She didn't answer immediately.
Her gaze searched mine.
"Choosing you means choosing against the throne."
I didn't look away.
"I know."
The wind brushed past us, carrying smoke and ash.
Finally, she said, "Then I will not turn my blade on you."
Something in my chest loosened.
Not relief.
Something warmer.
Footsteps approached outside the tent.
Seraphine stiffened.
"Someone's coming."
A soldier entered, bowing quickly.
"General. A messenger from the capital."
He handed her a sealed letter.
The imperial crest burned in red wax.
She broke it open.
Read.
Her expression changed.
"What is it?" I asked.
She folded the letter slowly.
"The emperor has issued a command," she said. "You are to return to the capital immediately."
Of course.
"And?" I pressed.
She met my eyes.
"He has also ordered me to escort you… and report on your actions."
So that's how they would play it.
Not chains.
Not open arrest.
Surveillance.
Control.
I let out a quiet breath.
"They don't trust me."
"No," she said softly. "They're afraid of you."
We stood there, the truth hanging between us.
"You can refuse," I said.
She shook her head.
"If I refuse, they will send someone else. Someone who doesn't care whether you live."
Her voice lowered.
"I would rather it be me."
I held her gaze.
"Then we go together."
The journey back to the capital began at dawn.
Our horses rode side by side. Soldiers followed at a distance.
To the empire, we were allies.
To our enemies, we were a threat.
To each other…
Something else.
At a narrow mountain pass, Seraphine suddenly raised her hand.
"Stop."
The soldiers halted.
Her eyes scanned the cliffs.
I felt it too.
The silence was wrong.
"Ambush," I said.
The first arrow came from above.
Then another.
Shouts erupted.
Steel flashed.
Enemies poured down from the rocks.
"Protect the prince!" someone yelled.
Seraphine drew her blade instantly, stepping in front of me.
So that's how it begins.
The empire hadn't even waited for my return.
I tightened my grip on my sword.
"Looks like they've already decided," I said.
She glanced back at me.
Her voice was steady.
"Then we survive."
And this time…
We fight together.