Seraphina Li had not imagined her fate would lead her here. She had spent years mastering the art of war, standing unwavering in defense of her kingdom. Yet now, bound in chains before her greatest enemy, she was no longer a general—only a prisoner.
The weight of the iron shackles cut into her wrists and ankles, a cruel reminder of her fall from grace. She could still feel the sting of the lashes that had marred her back, the echoes of betrayal ringing in her ears. And yet, she did not beg.
Evelyn Jin observed her closely. The empress, draped in regal crimson, exuded power as she circled her new captive. Her golden eyes flickered with something unreadable. Pity? Curiosity? Seraphina could not tell.
"Tell me, Seraphina," Evelyn finally spoke, her voice like a blade's edge. "Did you expect your dear emperor to betray you?"
Seraphina lifted her gaze, her violet eyes meeting Evelyn's without hesitation. "I expected nothing, and yet I am not surprised. The Zhou throne is built on deceit."
A small, approving smile touched the empress's lips. "Then you understand the game of rulers. Loyalty is fragile, easily discarded when it no longer serves its purpose."
Seraphina remained silent. She had learned that truth the hard way.
Evelyn sighed, stepping closer. She reached out, gripping Seraphina's chin gently but firmly, forcing the fallen warrior to meet her gaze. "I should break you, you know. Make you kneel, make you weep, make you suffer as your own people intended."
Seraphina did not flinch. "Then do it."
Evelyn chuckled, releasing her. "But I won't."
Surprise flickered across Seraphina's face, quickly masked by her usual composure. "Why?"
"Because, Iron Rose of Zhou, I have a use for you. And I do not waste valuable assets." The empress turned, walking toward her throne. "You will serve me, not as a slave, but as an advisor."
Seraphina's breath caught in her throat. She had expected death, humiliation, anything but this.
"You would trust a former enemy?" she asked cautiously.
Evelyn smirked. "Trust? No. But I know talent when I see it. And you, Seraphina Li, are wasted as a prisoner. Prove your worth, and you may find your place in my empire."
The chains around her wrists felt no lighter, but for the first time, Seraphina saw a path beyond them. And for that, she would endure.