Bitter Sweet Farewell

Morning dawned swiftly. The first rays crept through the cracks of the castle window as the camp below stirred to life. I held James close, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest beneath my hand. His heartbeat was a quiet reassurance, a steady pulse against the stillness of dawn. His eyes fluttered open, soft and bleary with sleep.

"Good morning, darling," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep yet tender.
"Good morning, James."
"Today is the day we take back my kingdom."

James pulled me closer, his arms wrapping protectively around me. His hand settled gently on my stomach. Five months along, I could feel the life inside me.

"Isabella," he began, his voice tinged with concern, "I do not want you to fight in the war today."

I met his gaze, the conflict in his eyes reflecting the turmoil in my own heart.

"James, I need to fight.”
“Not just for us, but for the people.”
“If I do not stand with them, they will not rally behind me."

He sighed, his hand tightening slightly on my stomach.

"I want to protect you and the baby."
"I know, James.”
“This fight is bigger than us.”
“It is about a future we can build.”
“A future for all of us."

He hesitated, his gaze darkening. The child was not his, it belonged to his brother. A shadow crossed his face.

"The baby is part of your life now, Isabella," James said quietly, his sadness cutting through the morning's calm.
"I cannot bear the thought of losing you, or the child."

I reached up, cupping his face in my hands, forcing him to meet my eyes.

"This child is a symbol of hope.”
“A reminder that we can rebuild, that we can create something better.”
“None of that matters if we do not win today."


His eyes searched mine, the battle waging within him as fiercely as the one we would soon face outside. At last, he nodded, reluctant but resigned.

"Promise me you will be careful."
"I promise," I whispered before pressing my lips to his in a lingering kiss.

A knock on the door interrupted the moment.

"My lady, it is time to get ready," Mark called from outside, his tone respectful yet firm.
"We will be right there," I answered, my voice steady though my heart trembled.

James and I stood in silence for a moment as Mark’s footsteps retreated. The intimacy between us began to fade, replaced by the cold reality of the day ahead.

"James I will stay behind the lines," I assured him, gripping his hand tightly.
"I will not be on the battlefield unless I have no other choice.”
“If it comes to it, I will fight."


"Isabella..." he began, but I cut him off gently.
"Promise me you will return to me."

He held my gaze, his intensity making my heart ache.

"You know I will do everything in my power to come back to you."
"Isabella," he continued, his voice thick with emotion.
"You have to promise me something too."

I nodded, urging him to go on.

"You are not strong enough yet," he said, his eyes flicking to my belly before returning to my face.
"I need you to stay safe.”
“For the baby.”
“For us.”
“Do not take unnecessary risks."

"I understand, James," I replied softly.
"I will be careful.”
“I will only fight if I have to."


He pulled me into his arms, holding me as if he could shield me from the storm brewing outside. I rested my head against his chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat anchoring me.

"I cannot lose you," he murmured into my hair.
"Not now.”
“Not ever."
"You will not lose me," I promised.
"We will find our way back to each other.”
“No matter what."

The sounds of the camp filtered through the window, armor clinking, weapons being sharpened, the murmur of soldiers readying for battle. James stood, his back straight as he stared at the armor laid out before him. Every piece gleamed, reflecting the cold, unforgiving reality of war. I moved beside him, my fingers brushing against the cool metal as I picked up the chest plate. Its weight surprised me.

"Are you ready?"

His eyes softened as he met my gaze.

"As ready as I will ever be."


With a deep breath, I stepped closer, lifting the chest plate to his torso. He held his arms out, allowing me to secure the straps, my hands moving with practiced precision. I fastened the final strap, my fingers lingering on the cool metal as I looked up at him.

"It is heavier than I thought," I murmured.

James smiled faintly, a wry twist to his lips.

"It is not just the weight of the armor.”
“It is the responsibility that comes with it."

I rested my hand against his chest, the armor cold beneath my touch.

"You do not have to bear it alone."

He nodded slightly.

"I know.”
“I need to.”
“For our people.”
“For our future."

I reached for the gauntlets, sliding them over his forearms, my movements slow and deliberate. His fingers brushed my chin, lifting my gaze to meet his.

"Promise me something," he said softly, but firmly.
"Anything."
"If something happens to me..."

He paused, his tone hardening.

"You need to stay strong.”
“For the child.”
“For our people."

I swallowed hard, nodding as tears welled in my eyes.

"I promise."

He leaned down, pressing his forehead against mine, his breath warm on my skin.


"You have to promise me something too."
"Anything," he repeated, his thumb brushing my cheek.
"Promise me you will come back.”
“That you will fight with everything you have, not just for the kingdom, but for us."
"I promise.”

I passed him his sword, the familiar weight of it resting in my hands before he took it, his grip firm. He sheathed it at his side, and I stepped back, my gaze lingering on him, memorizing every detail before the battle could take him away.

"Be careful.”
"I will.”
"You stay safe."

With one last, lingering look, James turned and walked out, the sound of his armored footsteps fading into the noise of the camp. I stood still, my heart heavy, before gathering my strength.