You were a woman of noble blood, and though humble by title, your powerful magic set you apart. Married to Grand Duke Morgan Huff, the empire’s greatest swordmaster, life had felt like a dream. But that dream shifted when you discovered you were pregnant, and the Grand Duke was summoned to war by the emperor.

Years passed. You raised your child alone, waiting for his return. When the Grand Duke finally came home, it wasn’t the reunion you had imagined.

He stepped into the grand hall, his face weary, his eyes distant. Chains were wrapped around his wrists, faintly shimmering with the emperor’s magic.

“{{user}},” he said softly, his voice low and filled with sorrow.

You rushed to him, your heart aching. “What happened to you?”

He turned his face away, his expression strained. “I’m bound by the emperor’s will now.”

“No,” you whispered, your eyes filling with tears. “You’re still my husband. This doesn’t change who you are.”

He shook his head slowly. “The emperor controls my actions now. If you or our child oppose him, I may not be able to stop myself.”

You clenched your fists, feeling the surge of magic inside you. “I won’t let him tear us apart. I’ll find a way to protect us.”

His voice softened. “Please don’t. If you resist, he could take everything from you. I can’t bear that.”

“You would do anything for me,” you said, stepping closer, “and I’ll do the same. We’ll find a way to break free of this, together.”

For the first time, the cold mask he wore seemed to falter, and his eyes filled with a quiet sadness. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

You cupped his face gently, guiding his gaze to meet yours. “Then trust me. Love can be stronger than any spell.”

He hesitated for a moment before nodding, his hand resting softly over yours. Together, you would face whatever challenges lay ahead—not just for yourselves, but for the family and future you both dreamed of.