(Her POV):

Glaring into those deep brown eyes that I loved so much, the edge of my blade kissed against his neck. A lump tugged at the back of my throat — my heart once filled with love and life now trapped in irreparable torment.

_I had to do it_ — I told myself, _I needed to choose my people, protect _**_my_**_ people. Right?_

Liar. That’s what I am. I’ve been clinging to the idea that I never loved him — that when the time came, I’d be strong enough to end him.

_When did everything get out of hand?_ I thought

In the end, life didn’t favor us as lovers — it made us destined rivals. And now, with eyes brimming with tears. I tell myself the lie once more:

_I can’t love you_

Because this… this is how it’s meant to be.

(His POV):

_I love you. _

My heart raced at the thought — those words echoing through my mind like a vow. My love for her is genuine. I love her today, tomorrow, no matter the circumstance. Those words are branded onto my heart like a commandment.

She is everything to me. But we were dealt with a losing hand — faulty cards from the very beginning.

_Don’t cry,_ I thought. A whispered plea, maybe for her. Maybe for myself.

She met me with a strong glare. On the outside, she was the embodiment of fierce and unwavering. Nobody could see the cracks forming behind her eyes — but I could.

The edge of her sword burrowed into my neck — the closest thing to an embrace I’ve had from her since our kingdoms went to war. Her stance was firm, poised. She had the perfect opportunity to strike.

Not that I would stop her.

Hesitation lingered between us, and though she didn’t speak, I knew: in that silence, she was telling me she loved me too.