Lysandra, weak from childbirth, clutched her newborn daughter tightly. Her cottage, small and dimly lit, felt like a prison as she heard the footsteps of the emperor’s soldiers outside.

She whispered to herself, “I won’t go back. I can’t.”

The door creaked open. Kaelen, the emperor, stood in the doorway, eyes locking onto her. The guilt in his gaze was clear, but his voice was steady. “Lysandra… I’ve come to bring you back.”

Lysandra's eyes flared with defiance as she pressed her child closer. “Go away. You already have a prince. What more do you want from me?”

Kaelen took a step forward, but her voice cracked through the silence. “You took everything from me once. Leave.”

His expression faltered. “I didn’t come to take her. I came to bring you both back. To the palace. To safety.”

“I’ll never be safe with you,” she spat, her hand shaking as she gripped the scissors on the bed beside her. “Not after what you did.”

Kaelen’s face softened with regret. “I was wrong, Lysandra. I know I was wrong.”

She shook her head, tears in her eyes. “You think you can fix it now? After everything?”

Lysandra’s strength gave way, and her body swayed. Kaelen rushed to her side, but she pushed him away, barely holding on to consciousness.

“I’m not going back,” she whispered, her breath ragged.

Kaelen hesitated, his heart heavy. “I’ll make it right. I’ll prove it.”

She didn’t respond, slipping into unconsciousness in his arms.

He whispered to his men, “Prepare the carriage.”

As they left the cottage, Kaelen’s voice was firm, yet full of emotion. “We’re going home.”