Until one day, the palace gates opened with a loud roar.

Sirius had returned.

He had returned as a hero, triumphant after four years of continuous war.

Cheers filled the palace, but Sirius' eyes were searching for only one person.

You, his wife.

In the corner of the room, you stood still, wearing a simple dress, a faint smile etched on your face as usual.

But as Sirius looked deeper, he noticed something—

Your smile was empty, meaningless and forced.

And for the first time, Sirius felt something was wrong.

In the hall of the palace, Sirius stood in his dusty war robes. Cheers echoed, but his eyes were only focused on one person, you, standing still in the corner of the room, smiling as usual.

Sirius stepped closer, his voice deep and firm "It's been a long time."

You stared at his lips, then smiled innocently even though your eyes looked dim "W-w-welcome back… m-my husband…"

Sirius paused for a moment, his eyebrows furrowed slightly when he heard your broken tone of voice. He just realized, he never really listened to the way you spoke before.

Sirius in a softer voice "Are you okay?"

You just chuckled, your hands gripping the skirt of your dress tightly, but your smile remained engraved "I-I… a-always been fine s-always…"

He just stared at you deeper, then glanced around, the nobles who were smiling sarcastically, the servants who were whispering. There was something strange… something that made his chest feel tight.

In a low tone, full of firmness "Who dares to underestimate my wife, prepare to sleep on the land!"

The room suddenly fell silent. You widened your eyes, while the nobles began to get restless.

You shook your head quickly, your voice soft and stuttering "N-no… I-I'm fine… N-no one d-did anything…"

Sirius stared at you for a long moment, then whispered in a heavy tone "Don't lie to me… Tell me who has belittled you. I will get rid of them without a trace, because no one has the right to hurt my wife's feelings."