When Daniel and Kara arrived at his chamber, he found his clothes neatly arranged on the bed. For the first time since his release from the dungeon, she spoke.
"Your bath is ready, my lord."
Upon hearing her, Daniel headed toward the bath, his thoughts consumed with plans—his mind quietly organizing matters, preparing to reap what he had sown. As he entered the bath, a sense of calm swept over him. The scent of blood still clung to him, now mingled with the fragrance of flowers that filled the bathwater.
Thirty minutes later, he stepped out as usual, a towel wrapped around his waist. Yet Kara noticed something different about him. She studied his body intently: his muscles were now more defined. He had once been slim, almost boyish—his body soft and devoid of any strength. But now, he looked different. More... masculine. His muscles were not bulky, but finely etched—no trace of femininity remained.
Daniel spoke in a low voice, audible only to her:
"You're drifting in your imagination again. Come back to reality—touch me if you must. I don't mind, as I've told you before."
Her cheeks flushed crimson, the color rising to her ears, even staining her neck. He looked striking—like a piece of cake she longed to taste. But she caught herself, and with quiet submission, replied:
"Forgive me, my lord. I haven't seen you for a week."
Then she approached him and carried out her duties…
After dressing in his comfortable clothes, Daniel sat on the bed. The door burst open, and a figure entered hastily—almost running. A woman, radiant with beauty, her white hair dancing behind her as if a breeze played with it. Her full body moved with graceful vigor as she threw herself into his arms, tears of joy spilling from her eyes.
"You've come back safe…"
She pushed him slightly, scanning him from head to toe. It was Lina—his brother's wife.
"Are you alright? You weren't harmed, were you?"
She spoke with a tone rich in warmth and care—something that soothed Daniel, prompting him to reassure her:
"I'm fine, as you can see. I came back in one piece."
At his words, she exhaled deeply, a sigh of relief escaping her lips.
"Now that I'm at ease… let me catch you up on what you've missed."
Daniel nodded, and they both sat on the bed. Kara stood silently nearby, observing. A calm, heavy atmosphere settled in, and Lina continued:
"In the past few days while you were locked away, much has changed. The army of Ashur has mobilized and might reach the borders within the next month. There have been skirmishes—they strike and retreat, testing the strength of our knights. Because of this, King Karis has readied our forces and dispatched thousands to the front lines, under the command of Marcus. Be careful, Daniel. Once the supply routes are secured, he may send you as well. I'll do my best to prevent it, I promise."
Daniel sank into deep thought, then finally spoke:
"If he does send me, then that means I'll gain experience—learn the army's tactics and how leadership works. It will help me build myself… and survive."
As his final word left his lips, both Lina and Kara gasped. Kara remained silent—Daniel had forbidden her from speaking in Lina's presence—but her eyes betrayed her fear. Lina, on the other hand, was stunned. She had expected him to resist, not embrace the idea. But what startled her more was the aura around him—something primal, a predator's thirst for the hunt.
"You idiot," Lina said sharply, "I won't allow it, even if you want to go! This could get you killed!"
Daniel simply shook his head, refusing her objection. The shift wasn't just physical—something had changed at his core. Lina felt her heart race. What happened in that cursed dungeon? she wondered. Is this rebellion? Or is it… something else?
She hesitated before saying:
"If I have to, I'll have you imprisoned again. I won't let this happen."
The determination in her eyes told him she meant every word. But Daniel's expression darkened—he didn't speak, yet his gaze spoke volumes. It was a silent challenge, one Lina understood all too well. Her jaw tightened in frustration before she stormed out of the room, vowing to stop this at any cost.
After her departure, Daniel spoke softly to Kara:
"I can feel it—you don't want me to go either. You've always supported my choices… what's different now?"
Kara finally spoke:
"This is war, my lord. You either live—or die. I've heard they outnumber us nearly two to one. And they have not one, but two generals commanding their army. How can I not fear for your life? Still… no matter what happens, I'll go with you. Even if it means dying by your side."
Her eyes blazed with fierce resolve. This wasn't a whim—it was a choice she'd made long ago.
Daniel was taken aback. For the first time, she'd placed his life above her own. He had always known her loyalty, seen it in her fierce protection. But this… this was more than loyalty. What he wanted now was something deeper—faith. He knew she longed to say more, but the boundary between master and servant held her back. Time would tear it down eventually—he was certain.
He spoke calmly, trying to soothe her:
"Don't worry. I don't intend to die—not now, not anytime soon. And besides, you're the last person I'd ever allow to perish."
At his words, a bright joy spread across her face, touching not only her lips but her eyes as well. But the joy was short-lived. He delivered one last blow:
"In the coming days, whatever happens to me… do not interfere. Just watch—be a spectator. And enjoy the show."