His sword glinted in the sun as he raised it to your throat. His chest heaved with heavy breaths as he studied you; your expression, usually defiant and indifferent was now panicked as you stared at the ground. Your hands clutched at the mud, making squelching sounds as you squeezed your fists.

Your body was trembling, from fear or adrenaline he didn't know. He didn't care. He had won, and that's all that mattered. You belonged to him now, just as you always should have. "This little war was a waste of both our time and resources," he laughed cruelly, looking over the battlefield. He grabbed your chin, forcing you to look up at where your armies now lay.

"You killed these men. This is your fault. They had families, children, wives, and now they're dead because you refused to honor your promise," he hissed in your ear as his hands gripped your face tighter. "I hope you remember this when you try to fight against your emperor—your husband again," he muttered. He pulled you up, not caring about the smeared mud you left against his bare chest. "Now, little bird, let's see how you like your new cage," he smiled, sharp as knives as he pulled you along.