Chapter Text
Daniela sat by the window, the early morning light spilling softly across her hands as she turned the small music box over in her fingers. She trails her fingers on the edges of the box before she lets out a quiet breath, then she lifts the lid.
The hinge gave a faint creak as the its little details in the inside was revealed. It had a delicate and stiff shape.
“such a beauty.” She thought.
She reached for the key at its side and began to wind it in slow turns, each click’s noise filling the room. When she let go, the mechanism caught.
A soft melody bloomed into the room. When the music began, she lets the tune play, a faint smile on the corner of her lips as she kept her gaze on the music box. It’s a call.. for a certain someone to hear.
The melody reached Sophia before she leaves her business behind and rushes to the stairs, quiet enough not to be heard. She doesn’t want to disturb anyone.
The sound was soft, delicates and if not, almost fragile. the kind of tune that could be lost beneath louder things if one wasn’t listening closely. But Sophia always listened for it.
She grew to learn on recognizing it even among the noise of the kingdom, the distant movement of servants, the chats of the villagers, or the muted clatter of armor somewhere far below.
To be frank, only to a music box.
Daniela’s music box.
Sophia slowed in the corridor, her hand hovering just inches from the door as the melody plays freely in the air. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to simply stand there and listen, her expression softening in a way it never did in court, or among soldiers, or beneath the weight of her title.
Then she pushed the door open.
Morning light poured into the chamber in pale gold, catching dust motes in the air and casting long shadows across the stone floor. By the window, exactly where Sophia expected her to be, Daniela stood with her back turned, one hand resting lightly on the table as the other turned the small key of the music box.
She hadn’t noticed her.
Sophia stepped inside quietly, closing the door behind her without a sound. Within this moment, She simply gazed at the breathtaking scene. The gentle rise and fall of Daniela’s shoulders, the way the light caught in her hair, and her elegant figure.
Also within this moment, Sophia felt like she was put under a spell. She was that mesmerized by her wife.
She crossed the room slowly, her steps deliberate enough to not be heard, until she was close enough to reach her. Then, without warning, she slipped her arms around Daniela’s waist from behind, pulling her gently closer.
Daniela startled—just slightly—before letting out a breath that turned into a soft laugh. “Sophia…”
“I didn’t mean to scare you,” Sophia murmured, though there was a quiet amusement in her voice. She rested her chin lightly against Daniela’s shoulder, her hold tightening just enough to be felt.
“I didn’t even notice you came in” Daniela replied, though she leaned back into her without resistance.
Sophia hummed in response.
Sophia turned her gently, hands lingering at her waist as Daniela faced her fully now. The music box continued to play between them, its melody lingering in the rooms silence.
Sophia’s gaze softened as it traced Daniela’s features, as if committing them to memory without realizing she was doing so. Then, slowly, she lifted her hand, brushing her thumb along Daniela’s cheek before leaning in.
The kiss was soft, almost featherlight from how gentle it was. Sophia then trails kisses onto her jaw, down to her neck. Daniela lets out a faint, breathless moan as she gripped onto the girls shoulder.
Sophia’s lips didnt stop at her neck though. Her hands moved onto her dress, sliding beneath the straps as She slowly but delicately lets it slide off and down. Exposing daniela’s beautiful body. She carries her to sit on the table infront of her.
The air hit Daniela’s bare skin, sending a delicate shiver through her, but Sophia was there a second later to provide her with her warmth. Sophia’s hands, calloused slightly but incredibly gentle, traced the line of Daniela's hip.
"You're so.. divine," Sophia whispered, her voice rough. Sophia leans in, her hands finally coming up to cup the weight of Daniela’s breasts. She held them with a reverent touch, her thumbs grazing over the peaks until Daniela let out a soft, sharp intake of breath. Sophia didn’t stop there; she dipped her head, her lips trailing heat over the sensitive skin before she began to nibble softly.
She was teasing, her teeth just barely catching against the surface in a pace that made Daniela’s toes curl against the wood of the table.
Daniela’s fingers threaded through Sophia’s hair, her knuckles white as she held Sophia close, her head falling back in a daze of pure sensation. Every time Sophia’s tongue swirled over her damp skin, a fresh shiver raced down Daniela’s spine. “Sophia-.. oh god..” she could come undone right then and there.
Slowly, Sophia pulled back, though her hands remained anchored on Daniela’s hips. Her breathing was shallow, her eyes dark with a mix of hunger and hesitation. She looked up at Daniela, her voice dropping to a rough, barely-audible whisper.
"May I?"
“Sophia, you absolute idiot..” daniela groans at the lost of contact. She pulls her closer and kisses her soft lips.
She pulls away—just a little bit off. “Yes! Of course you can..” she replied, breathlessly. Already shifting her weight on the table and spreading her legs.
Sophia doesnt waste any time as she quickly leaned in, pressing Daniela back against the table as she slid two fingers deep inside her.
"Fuck..!…" Daniela’s eyes rolled back, a sharp moan breaking from her as she hooked her legs tight around Sophia’s waist.
Sophia moved her hand in a steady, driving rhythm. The sound was wet and frantic, matching the ragged hitch in Daniela’s breathing. "… Daniela…" Sophia breathed against her skin, her pace quickening.
Daniela’s fingers dug into Sophia’s shoulders. "Sophia..harder.. please" she whimpered, her back arching off the wood with every deep surge.
Sophia didn't let up, her knuckles grazing Daniela as she pushed the pace. Daniela was shaking now, her inner muscles clenching tight and desperate. “Im so close.. fuck go harder..!” She moans out loud.
With one final, forceful curl of her fingers, Daniela shattered. Her whole body seized in a blinding release, sobbing out Sophia's name as she collapsed against her, both of them gasping in the sudden quiet of the room. They didnt stop there. Not even a break.. At this point, due to how loud daniela was, it was no surprise that the whole castle could hear them.
Nevertheless, it was something they’ve done countless amount of times.. yet it felt like forever.
Or is it?
Amidst the…things. Going around. Across the room, the letter rested on the table. It seemed already open, its crimson seal already broken.
The Royal Decree
To Her Royal Highness, Princess Sophia Laforteza,
By order of the Crown, you are hereby commanded to lead the forces of Wallachia against the approaching enemy. Your presence at the front lines is required without delay.
Departure is to commence today. If you were to fail on complying, it would will not be tolerated or encouraged.
— Sincerely,
The Crown of Wallachia
“My Princess!”
The door slammed open before either of them could fully realize it. Two of Sophia’s soldiers arrived. Their movements all looked like they were in a hurry. Two of the said soldiers stepped forward and placed a firm, insistent hand on Sophia’s shoulders, pulling away the girl from her wife.. “We cannot delay, princess! Your armor awaits.”
Sophia’s jaw tightened, but she didn’t resist. She had her eyes only on daniela, smiling. All while the soldiers began putting her clothes back on and strapping on gauntlets, adjusting the breastplate, pulling her hair back, all with efficient precision.
Daniela’s hands hovered, reaching out but stopping short. “Come back to me,” she whispered, she gave the girl a smile, yet her voice sounded hurt. That alone broke the ravens heart.
“I will,” Sophia promised, and even as the metal closed around her, even as the soldiers tightened their hold, she leaned forward, stealing one final kiss, then placed a kiss on the woman’s cheek.
After that, the soldiers ushered her out. She mounted her horse, staring back at their room on top of the castle—for a split second— as the gates opened to the outskirts of their land, Her army already waiting for her.
Sophia’s horse rummaged across the bloody trail of the battlefield, hooves pounding against the dirt,Her armor clinked with every movement, Her eyes are focused ahead. She scanned the open field, eyes furrowed, heart hammering not just from exertion, but from the thought of Daniela. Waiting for her to come back.
The enemy soldiers came at her and her soldiers in waves, but they didn’t falter. She raised her blade, the steel catching the sunlight, and struck the first man as he charged, swinging his sword ever so in a not so coordinating motion. Another came, his weapon aiming for a weak point in her armor—but she anticipated it, already blocking his attack with her sword as she kicked him to his knees, then slicing his head off. Just as she was about to get attacked by someone behind her, her right-hand soldier already shot an arrow on its head.
“Watch your back, princess!”
“My thanks, Megan!” She replied, already rushing through the crowd.
The battlefield around her was ruthless—soldiers shouting, horses screaming, armor clanging. Dust and sweat and blood mixed in the heat of the fight.
Several enemy soldiers surged at her at once, but Sophia was not alone. Her own troops moved with her, forming a protective wall around her as they met the attackers sword to sword.
Just as her troops were advancing towards the enemies, Sophia sees the potential enemies commander. She quickly ordered her right-hands to come with her.
Her horse reared slightly as a blade swung near, but yoonchae, was already there to intercept the attacker, driving him back with a precise strike. Another soldier flanked the next enemy, forcing him into Sophia’s path, yet, her soldiers fast reaction already cleared the area. Shooting an arrow on its head to refrain the soldier from reaching their leader.
Just as everything seemed like they had a hold on it, suddenly her soldiers were struggling to keep up with her, turns out they were being held back by the enemies, but that didn’t stop Sophia from advancing.
Infact, Sophia’s pace never faltered. This just means she has to stop relying for a moment. Even at this moment, every enemy she struck, every sword she blocked, brought her closer to him; the man she had been hunting across the battlefield.
Her breath was steady, her grip strong, her eyes locked on the figure ahead. This was the commander. She could feel it. This will be all over soon, her soldiers already have killed most of the enemies.
She urged her horse forward, swinging her blade in precise movements. The path was clear now. Her focus narrowed, Her mind already overwhelmed but she kept going.
She drops from her horse mid gallop. Then with one fluid motion, she struck, bringing her blade down in what should have been the final, decisive blow. But just as the weapon neared its mark,
something struck onto her—the man moved in a way the commander never would have.
Then the messenger came, Panting, disheveled, his eyes wide.
“My Princess!” he shouted over the din. “The castle—it’s been ambushed!”
Sophia’s chest tightened. She signaled to her horse, galloping faster, Arrows whizzed past, soldiers fell behind her, and yet nothing could slow her down.
Smoke rose in the distance, curling toward the sky, carrying the scent of fire and blood. Sophia’s heart lurched as she hoped daniela is safe.
As she arrived, she found her courtyard of the kingdom in completely in disarray. Guards and servants all around, panicking. She orders her soldiers to deal with them as she scanned the area but She doesn’t find a sign of her lover.
She looks over to the open snow outside of her kingdom. Squinting. Then.. she sees her. On a horse, Being chased by three enemies.
Sophia spurred her horse forward, screaming her own rage into the wind. Her horse following her orders and went as fast as it could.
Daniela gripped the saddle as hard as she could, to prevent from falling down, she prayed to the Lord
”Save me.” That all she could say, as tears of terror runs on her cheek.
The enemy soldiers fired an arrow that startled her horse, dropping her down. Shes cornered now. Panic sets to her mind. Nobody is near to save her.
But from the distance, she realizes a figured was behind these men. Sophia.. she sighed out of relief. She quickly catched up. Ever so quietly.
She struck the closest man in such stealth which sent him tumbling, then killed the second—but it was far too late. A scream filled her ears. Another hand clamped around Daniela, pressing a blade on her neck.
“Let her go!” Sophia’s voice tore across the snow, every inch of her radiating fury.
The man laughed, tightening his grip. He was the commander. Sophia’s mind raced. She had one chance. One move. She and her lover glanced at eachother.
“SOPHIA!” Daniela screamed in fear.
The man only laughed louder as he covered her mouth. “Shut up, woman.” He said.
“Get your dirty hands off her!” Sophia yelled, her blade flying towards him.
It struck accurately.
but the force carried through, hitting more than just the attacker but Sophia didnt know that.
Daniela’s body jerked violently, thrown slightly— she lets out a grunt of pain.. Sophia’s heart nearly stopped as she scrambled to catch her, hands shaking with a mix of fear and adrenaline.
She threw the man off with everything she had left, eyes wide as she fully realized what had happened.
she wrapped her arms around Daniela fully. One hand held the back of her head, cradling her carefully; the other supported the rest of her body. “I’ve got you,” Sophia whispered, her voice shaking with rage, guilty and sorrow. everything in between.
Daniela’s breathing was ragged, shallow—but she looked up at Sophia, eyes filled with a mixture of trust, fear, and something else—hope.
Sophia’s grip tightened. “Daniela..!” she called out. “Please, just wait… the medics are on the way. Please-… hold on a little longer”
“My Princess..,” Daniela whispered back, her voice faint but quiet.
And in that instant, the battlefield, the enemies, their victory—all of it shrank to nothing.
Sophia pressed her forehead to Daniela’s. “My love, not yet please.,” she said as her voice cracks., tears falling, “Dont leave me yet..im sorry. Im sorry”
Daniela, ever the most affectionate one, gathered all her strength to kiss her before death separates her soul from Sophia.
The raven closes her eyes as she felt her lips on her.
Then, daniela pulls away as she drops down. “Live for me..”
“I will.. we will....”
“..Daniela?”
Sophia opens her eyes, only to see her lover, her wife.. dead.
In her arms.