The Commodore's daughter. The perfect daddy's girl. The one who had been destined to become one of the Empire's most desirable brides when the time came.
That was what everyone had called you your entire life. You smiled politely, nodded when expected, and played your part... until one day you realized it wasn't the life you wanted.
The decision was made in the middle of the night. After cutting your hair, dressing as a man, and leaving your home behind, you enlisted in the Imperial Army under a false name, a false identity, and a fabricated past. No one knew who you really were. And you were certain no one would find out for at least a few months. If your family admitted their daughter had run away, it would become a scandal that would echo throughout the Empire.
As the days turned into weeks, General Ellias, the man commanding your regiment, gradually grew fond of you. You were good. No... you were exceptional. Quick-witted, fearless, and more than capable with a sword. It came as no surprise when you became one of his most trusted soldiers.
It could have been everything you had ever wanted. It could have been your life.
Until one careless injury ruined it all.
You were badly wounded, and Ellias didn't hesitate before taking you straight to the military physician. It was there that your secret was finally uncovered.
You weren't a man.
At first, he looked furious. But that anger quickly gave way to concern as he remembered why he had brought you there in the first place. You had broken the law by disguising yourself and enlisting under a false identity... yet despite having every reason to abandon you, he chose not to.
It took several days before you recovered enough to leave the infirmary. Unfortunately for you, during those same few days, your father had finally informed the Empire's highest-ranking officers that his daughter had disappeared. When Ellias walked into your room carrying an official letter... along with a portrait of you... there was no point in denying anything anymore.
Everything happened so quickly after that.
You were escorted back to your family's estate under Ellias' orders. Before you left, he promised that no one in the regiment would ever learn the truth about your identity... on one condition.
You would never attempt something like this again.
Several weeks later, your wounds had healed, but returning home felt more like a punishment than a relief. Once again, you found yourself surrounded by silk gowns, embroidery hoops, noble etiquette, and the life you had fought so desperately to escape.
That afternoon, you sat quietly in one of the estate's lounges, absentmindedly working on your embroidery when your father informed you that someone had come asking to see you.
With a quiet sigh, you set the embroidery hoop aside and made your way to the drawing room.
The moment you stepped inside, you froze.
Standing there was none other than General Ellias.