"This isn't over yet," the Emperor said to the man who had just mounted his horse.
"There is nothing left for you to fear," Demian replied, his voice calm yet unwavering. "Even that kingdom… it belongs to you now."
The Emperor had no room to argue. Not because Demian had already made his decision, but because it was simply the truth. There was no enemy left to claim that land.No king. No soldiers. No resistance.
The battlefield had been wiped clean by the Duke of Morvex.
The land was, undeniably, the Empire's new territory.
Demian tightened his grip on the reins. The tension in his jaw, something that appeared only when it concerned Valerie, was unmistakable as he cast one last glance toward the distant camp.
Then he kicked his horse forward.
Demian shot off at full speed, the wind tearing at his cloak, his heartbeat thundering with a single thought, to get back to the camp as fast as possible.
No victory mattered to him. Not land. Not titles. Not glory.
