Even as Olivia cradled her newborn son, the ominous shadow of a prophecy threatened to unravel everything she cherished. A false prophecy, spread by a church, foretold that a "Prince of Death" would be born in the Darkwood Empire, bringing ruin upon the world. This deceitful prophecy fueled fear and suspicion among the neighboring kingdoms, who scrutinized her every move, waiting for any reason to strike.
Yet amidst this darkness, a glimmer of hope shone through: Luther Ashborn, the man destined to become her husband and the love of her life. Their love story had not been simple; it had been forged in the crucible of conflict. Luther was a legendary warrior, known throughout Terra for his unmatched strength and indomitable spirit. Their relationship began with a spark of rivalry when he was hired as a mercenary by one of the allied kingdoms during a border conflict.
When they first clashed on the battlefield, his formidable presence captivated Olivia, even as they fought on opposing sides. The moment their eyes locked, something profound stirred within her. She had always prioritized duty over passion, but Luther's bravery and fierce loyalty challenged that belief. When he later switched sides, choosing to protect her during a treacherous ambush instead of completing his mission, it became evident that his heart lay with her, not with any kingdom's agenda.
Their courtship flourished amidst secret meetings, whispered confessions in hidden gardens, and stolen moments during times of political tension. One evening, while hiding beneath the blooming cherry blossom trees, Olivia playfully challenged Luther to a sparring match. "Let's see if your skills match your reputation!" she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Luther's grin was confident. "Prepare to eat dirt, my lady." What began as playful banter quickly escalated into a light-hearted match, and within moments, Olivia found herself pinned to the ground, laughter spilling from her lips as Luther chuckled above her.
"Okay, okay! You win!" she surrendered, raising her hands in mock defeat.
"Only because you were distracted by my stunning good looks," he quipped, beaming with pride.
Their laughter echoed in the air, momentarily washing away the burdens of war and duty, leaving only the warmth of their connection.
As their love deepened, the day he asked for her hand in marriage became a cherished memory etched in her heart.
Standing on a balcony that overlooked the empire lands, Luther took her hand, his voice steady yet imbued with emotion. "Olivia, I cannot promise you a life without struggle. But I swear, I will stand beside you and fight for the peace we both long for. Marry me, not as a queen to a warrior, but as a woman to the man who loves her with everything he is."
Her heart swelled with a hope she hadn't felt in years as she accepted his proposal. Their marriage was not just a union of two hearts but a coalition of strength and strategy, offering the Darkwood Empire renewed hope. Their love soon blossomed into the birth of their son—a symbol of a brighter future, or so they believed.
When Olivia discovered she was pregnant, they shared a fleeting moment of joy, laughing and dreaming about the life they would give their child. "I can't wait to train our little warrior," Luther said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"I'll teach him how to swing a sword before he can even walk!"
Olivia chuckled, playfully nudging him. "And I'll teach him to read before he can swing that sword! We need a well-rounded child, not just a baby gladiator."
However, their dreams were shattered the day the first assassination attempt occurred. With the announcement of their son's birth, threats to his life began—each one more perilous than the last. In the past seven days, they had fought off at least forty assassins, leading Olivia to make the heartbreaking decision to send her son away for his safety.
"I don't want to do this, my precious boy," she whispered, clutching him tightly. "But I must, for your sake and the sake of the empire. Grow strong, and when the time comes, return to us. We will be waiting."
With trembling hands, she placed the pendant around his neck—a powerful artifact blessed by the goddess herself, designed to protect him from dark forces and guide him to his true destiny. She kissed his forehead one last time and gently laid him in a woven basket, her tears staining the soft fabric.
As she watched the basket being carried away by a trusted knight, her heart shattered anew. She had sent her son into an uncertain future, but she knew it was the only chance to keep him safe. The Darkwood bloodline had endured too much already; it would not be extinguished now. She and Luther would continue to fight for him and for the day they could be reunited as a family.
Whispers spread across the kingdoms, proclaiming that her child was destined to bring about the end. But Olivia remained undeterred; her heart was solely devoted to her family and her empire. After entrusting her son to the care of one of the royal knights, she implored him to safeguard the child and ensure he grew into a worthy heir for the empire.
"Please return safely, my son, Kaito Darkwood. Your family is waiting for you here," she whispered, her gaze lingering on the departing knight as shadows loomed over the end of the empire.
With a heavy heart, she watched as the knight vanished into the night, carrying her son away from the only home he had ever known.