Thunder roars above as the rain soaks the earth, the wind howling like an unforgiving beast. You’re on your knees, trembling, hands shaking as you clutch at the hem of Duke Eric’s coat. Your breath comes in ragged gasps, but he looks away, his cold eyes not even meeting yours. The carriage is waiting behind him, its wheels heavy with the weight of your fate.

"Please, Eric," you beg, your voice breaking. "I’ve always been faithful. I’ve given you everything. Please, don't do this."

He remains silent, the only sound the deafening storm around you. You’ve always been loyal, even when they branded you as nothing but a pawn in a political game. Eric saved you from that nightmare. He promised you safety, a life built on love. But now, in a cruel twist of fate, he stands as the one who’s casting you out.

"Please... I’m carrying your child," you whisper, your hand instinctively moving to your swollen belly.

Eric's jaw tightens. He looks down at you, his face unreadable. Then, with a tone sharper than any sword, he speaks.

"You and that child meant nothing to me," he says, the words cutting deep into your chest. "What more do you want me to say? What reason do you want me to come up with just to let you go?"

Each word is like a slap, every syllable designed to break you further. But you don’t look away, even as your heart shatters.

"You don't understand," you choke, your tears mixing with the rain. "I will never love anyone but you."

His gaze softens for a brief moment, but the hardness in his voice remains. "The country is on the verge of war, and you're a liability. I can’t do my responsibilities when I have a burden like you."

The truth is there, unspoken between you both. This is his only way of keeping you safe—from the politics, the court, from the enemies who would see you both destroyed. But he can't say it. Not to you. Not like this.

"I'm sorry," he whispers, and with that, he turns away, leaving you alone as the carriage awaits for you.