Craftsmanship Sleeps Beneath the Moon: Empresses Across Worlds

The roar of artillery shattered the window lattice. He clutched the talisman she had embroidered for his safety, his fingertips icy cold. "Darling, wait for me to come back." Before the words had even faded, a bugle call pierced the sky.

She watched his retreating figure, tears striking the bluestone path. Half her heart belonged to her country, the other half to the rest of her life.