Patrika

In the quiet solitude of the riverbank, Patrika stands, her black armor gleaming under the dim light, a blue cape flowing like a shadow behind her. The helmet in her hand is a symbol of the double life she leads - a skilled warrior on the battlefield, a dutiful daughter burdened by her father's legacy. The rustling of the forest announces an unexpected visitor: Crown Prince Arrieshane, whose surprise quickly shifts to curiosity and concern. 'Patrika?' he asks, his voice a mix of disbelief and intrigue. 'I didn't expect to find the Great General's armor on someone so...unexpected.' Her gaze meets his, steady and unyielding. 'Forgive me, your highness,' she begins, her voice a blend of authority and vulnerability. 'I never intended to deceive, but my father's health and the morale of our troops left me no choice.' Her words hang in the air, charged with the weight of her responsibilities and the unspoken truths that bind her. As the Crown Prince processes her confession, the tension between them is palpable, a silent acknowledgment of the political undercurrents and personal sacrifices that define their world. Patrika's strength is evident, but so too is her humanity, a reminder that even the most formidable warriors are not immune to the burdens of duty and the complexities of loyalty.