A soft wind stroked through the forest as you and Morvran rode the horses like you did every morning. Ever since the wedding, it had become a ritual of the two of you. It filled both of you with happiness to spend an hour of the day with each other before having to meet up with the servants and villagers.

With a soft smile, you turned your head to look at your husband.

A few years had passed ever since the wedding had happened. His appearance had changed a bit. Not drastically hut he looked a little older now, a little more mature. A few strands of his hair had begun to turn grey but the majority was still this beautiful Auburn colour that you loved about him. His eyes were still filled with a loving shimmer whenever he looked at you. The way he loved had not changed a single bit.

"Is something on my face?", he asked with an innocent smile.

You giggled, shaking your head.

"No. I just love to look at you.", you whispered and breathed a kiss onto his cheek.

Smiling, he took in a deep breath. He was enjoying this life.

"It's getting colder, I can smell it. Maybe we should get back. Rain will come soon.", he turned his horse, a grin on his slim lips. "The last one at home has to do the dishes."

With those words he let his horse run up the hill.

Protecting, you screamed after him but he did not stop nor did he look back. Having no other choice, you ordered your horse to run, chasing your husband as quick as possible.

Wind danced around your face, causing a whistling tone to fill your ears. It was cold wind, hinting that it would be winter soon.

With a broad grin, you managed to make up for the lost time and caught up on Morvran.

Laughing, the two of you chased through the streets of the valley, not wanting to let the other one win. The horse below you moved as if it carried no weight. It felt like running on clouds, as its hooves hit the ground, running at insane speed.

Enjoying the moment, you let your horse run faster and passed Morvran. With a protecting sound, he tried to catch up but his mere refused to obey. After all this time, she still had her own will.

Cheering, you passed the gate of the mansion. Throwing your hands in the air, you purposely celebrated the win a little too much, so that he would feel defeated. He took the defeat like a man, jumped off of his horses back and caught you with a laugh, as you jumped into his arms.

"Easy, I'm getting old.", he jumped and kissed you.

"Oh, come on you say that as if you're two minutes away from dying.", you laughed while unsaddling your horse.

Pretending to be hurt, he put a hand on his back and walked like an old man to his horse to clean it as well.

"Back in my days the young people were not allowed to be as rude as you, young one.", he said in an old voice, barely being able to hold back the laughter.

The way his humour had unfolded over time made you grin.

"Oh, my dear general, will I take over the wealth when you die? Must I wear black at all times then, to grieve every second?", playfully, you pinched his side and kissed his neck.

He wanted to turn around and start a play fight but before his idea could unfold, one of the servants came running.

"Sir Morvran, sir Morvran!", she yelled. "There is someone to see you. A visitor. It's very important. Come now, come!"

You had expected anyone to visit. Anyone, a noble man, a lost lover, even the sorceresses of the lounge.

Instead, there was a woman waiting in the dining hall. She was young, almost still a teenager. Her beauty was unquestionable but there was a scar running across her face that seemed a little out of place. A sword was sitting at her back.

She was accompanied by a man with white hair, wearing two swords and a woman, dressed in black and white.

"Cirilla. What a surprise to see you here.", judging by his tone, Morvran seemed to know her.

The woman named Cirilla raised he chin as her name crossed his lips.

"General Voorhis. Or shall I say mister Toulessi? I've heard that you have a new name now.", she crossed her arms in front of her chest.

Without reacting, Morvran sat down on the table. You positioned yourself behind his chair, placing a hand on his shoulder. He grabbed that hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"I'd say I'm honoured to welcome you, princess of Nilfgaard, the Witcher Geralt and the sorceress Yennefer at my humble home. But I'm not. What do you want? It must be important if the emperor sends his only daughter."

Surprised, your eyebrows rose. So, this was the famous princess, the lady of space and time. You had heard stories about her.

With a shake of her head, the princess destroyed his impression.

"My father hasn't send me."

"Why are you here then? Not to seek shelter I suppose. If you're here to fulfil the idea of your father to connect our houses through marriage I must disappoint you. I am a happy husband already.", he squeezed your hand again.

With a short glance, Cirilla eyed you before a slim smile appeared on her face.

"This one suites you, general.", she said. "But no, marriage is not the reason why I am here."

"What for then? Don't waste my time with small talk, let me know now."

"You remember how you fled the battlefield as Redania defeated Nilfgaard at war?"

Her words made your heart jump.

Visibly unsure, Morvran frowned, trying to hide his concern.

"I do.", he said with a strong voice.

"That is a crime, punishable through death."

"I am most certain about that. So, you are here to kill me."

Again, she shook her head.

"I am here to tell you that your crime has been forgiven."

Morvran's lip twitched.

"Only the emperor can forgive such a crime. Your word means nothing.", he said.

"You're wrong, general.", with a satisfied expression on her face, Cirilla stepped closer. "My father is dead. I am the empress now. And I tell you, you're a free man."