The army of Ashur withdrew from the city of Ora, leaving behind ruins soaked in blood and betrayal. But they did not leave empty-handed. At the center of their spoils was a reinforced carriage drawn by four black horses, carrying four precious prisoners:
Daniel Krios—the young man whose mocking smile never left his face, even as chains bound his wrists.
Lina Krios—the queen stripped of her kingdom and family.
Elena—the princess who had yet to comprehend how the world had turned into a living nightmare.
And Kara—Daniel's devoted maid who hadn't closed her eyes since the fall of the palace.
The Ashurian army surrounded the carriage from every direction. Hundreds of soldiers marched with disciplined steps, led by their ruthless general, Nirsa, who rode her white steed with eyes that knew no mercy.
The road was long, and at its end awaited the towering capital of Ashur: Ashura City. It loomed like a beast ready to devour all who approached. A full week of travel lay ahead—through mountains and valleys—swords sharpening each evening, and vigilant eyes that never blinked.
One night, as silence blanketed the camp and the moon stood guard in the sky, Kara sneaked into the carriage where Daniel lay shackled in iron. She sat before him in silence, then whispered, her voice trembling:
"Master… I can distract the guards—run toward them, scream, fight… You'll have time to escape. I'll sacrifice myself for you…"
Daniel raised his gaze, calm as always, yet more serious than ever. In a low voice, he replied:
"If you do that, you're a fool. Your death won't grant me freedom—only a fleeting moment before a chase begins. I won't let you die like that."
He leaned forward slightly, his violet eyes locked onto hers, and continued:
"You have two choices. Either stay as their captive—a slave to their whims, your purity shattered—or end your life tonight, before your soul is broken."
Kara gasped, her tears falling like silent rain. Her hands trembled, her breath shallow with suppressed sobs.
But at last, she lifted her head and spoke in a voice barely audible:
"I'll stay… I'll endure it all… just to gain their trust. I'll become nothing to them… a shadow… But I'll be your eyes, your chance—if you ever choose to escape."
Her words were soaked with heartbreak. She couldn't say what truly weighed on her soul. She loved him—but the unspoken law stood firm: a maid must not love her master.
Daniel stared at her, and after a long pause, he said quietly:
"Maybe… there's a third option."
Kara looked up, startled. Daniel leaned closer and whispered:
"Tell Nirsa part of the truth. Say I'm not Karis's son, but a bastard the king adopted. Say all his children died—except Elena. That way, you won't be seen as the maid of a royal hostage… just a servant to a no one."
Kara hesitated, then nodded slowly. It was not an easy choice—but it was the least cruel.
Meanwhile, inside the same carriage, Lina held Elena tightly in her arms. The young princess hadn't spoken since their capture. Her gaze was lost in the void, haunted by memories of her fallen father and brother.
Lina whispered:
"Elena… I swear to you. No matter what it costs me, I will protect you. I won't let them take anything from you."
Elena looked up at her mother with tear-filled eyes, then collapsed into her embrace like a child caught in a storm.
Outside, Nirsa stood silently, watching the moon. A faint smile danced on her lips. She knew the capital awaited… but her thoughts had begun to drift—to someone in chains… with a defiant smile… and a name she could not ignore: Daniel.