A bruised sky hung over the capital as the broken gates of the Council Chamber slammed shut behind Leon, Nora, and Elsa. Dawn's first light found them on the frozen plaza, where refugees huddled against marble statues streaked with soot. Snow drifted through shattered archways, swirling like restless ghosts. The three walked side by side—prince, consort, and princess—each marked by the trials they had survived.
Elsa's voice trembled as she broke the silence. “My engagement… it must end."
Leon glanced at her, expression gentle yet resolute. “Your promise was made under false pretenses. You owe me nothing, Elsa."
She lifted her chin. “I owe myself. I cannot stand beside a throne built on blood and secrecy." She turned to Nora. “Nor can I be a barrier between you and the prince."
Nora's h
