The Traitor I Raised

Two years have passed since I sent my husband off to war.
The man I loved has returned, but as a traitor to our empire.

“Do I still look like a child to you?”

Our fates had been intertwined since childhood.
Growing up together, I believed ours was a love written in the stars.

“Win for me, Johan. And come back alive.”

It would be no exaggeration to say I raised him myself.
I could proudly say that no one loved him as I did.
Even if he was a political hostage, offered to my country under the pretense of tribute,
That was a matter between nations, not between us.
Yes, everything had been perfect… until now.

“Johan, you traitor—”
“You ought to commend how well I’ve learned from your lessons. Wasn’t it you who always told me ‘an eye for an eye’?”

Esha realized she was finally seeing Johan’s true colors.

“How does it feel to be defiled by your husband who trampled your own country?”

When you were younger, much younger than now, who were you really then?
How will our story ultimately end, Johan?

* This novel contains themes of coercion and morally dubious characters. Reader discretion is advised.