Just a few minutes earlier, the evening had been serene. Ryuken and Kanae were sharing a private meal in their chambers, the servants having been dismissed for the night.
It was a rare and precious moment of solitude, free from the burdens of leadership and war.
Their conversation had been filled with warmth and laughter, as they discussed their hopes for their unborn child. Kanae teased Ryuken about how strict he might be as a father, while Ryuken chuckled and shared his dreams of teaching their child the values of compassion and strength.
"If it's a boy, he'll need discipline," Ryuken had mused.
"But if it's a girl, she should be treated delicately."
Kanae had smiled, her eyes alight with mischief.
"Delicately? I think she'll need to be strong and stubborn...like her mother...to keep you in line."
Ryuken laughed, the sound rare but genuine. For a fleeting moment, everything felt perfect.
