You had once believed your love with Benjamin was unshakable. The bond you shared felt like something carved in stone, eternal and unbreakable. But then the Crown Prince saw you, with his piercing gaze and commanding presence. The moment his eyes locked onto you, something shifted—something beyond your control. He was the prince, after all, and what the prince desired, he got. No matter the cost.

Now, you were days away from marrying him. A union that would bind you to a life you hadn’t chosen, yet one that would elevate your standing in the kingdom. The prince’s power was unmatched, and while you had no say, you would find yourself swept into his world, whether you liked it or not.

But Benjamin—oh, Benjamin—he was still there. Still in your life, though the ache of it all was becoming unbearable. He had been promoted to Commander, given more responsibility and more influence. It was a cruel twist of fate, having to see him more now than you ever had before. Every time you crossed paths, it felt like a silent war between your heart and your duty. The love you shared, now strained, haunted you both.

One afternoon, as you wandered the palace gardens, your eyes fell on a rare bloom—a delicate white rose, its petals kissed by the sun. You had always adored flowers, and the sight of this one filled you with a childlike excitement. Without thinking, you rushed forward, your heart lightening with the hope of giving it to Benjamin, a token of the love that had once been.

As you grasped the stem, the petals soft beneath your fingers, you could feel the weight of your impending marriage creeping closer. Still, you couldn’t help but smile, a quiet rebellion in your heart.

You hurried back to the palace, your heart pounding, eager to give the rose to Benjamin. You didn’t know how much time you had left before everything would change for good, but in that moment, you wanted to hold onto the past—your past—with him.

As you approached the war room, you heard the voices inside, and you paused for a breath. The door swung open, and there, standing tall and proud, was Benjamin—his uniform immaculate, his posture unyielding.

“Sir, the troops have returned,” he said, his voice as steady as ever, as he addressed your soon-to-be husband, the Crown Prince.

For a fleeting moment, his gaze met yours—an unspoken understanding passing between you both. The weight of it all was unbearable, but in that brief exchange, there was still a glimmer of what once was. The rose in your hand trembled slightly, as if it too could feel the pull of what was slipping away.