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Chapter 14: “The One You Carry”

Serika and Rikuya

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The northern wind had gentled for once.

The soldiers rested after a hard-won victory. The fires were low. The camp quiet.

Inside the infirmary tent, Serika sat up slowly, bandaged and pale.

Her strength had returned, but not all of it.

Something inside her still hurt—something no healer could reach.

Rikuya entered without armor, carrying a tray with tea and dried fruit.

“You’re walking again,” he said, his voice flat, almost tired.

She gave a faint smile. “And you’re still bringing me meals. You’ll ruin your legend.”

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He sat beside her cot, and for a long time, they said nothing.

Until she finally asked:

> “What’s her name?”

He blinked. “What?”

> “The one you carry. The one behind your silence.”

Rikuya didn’t answer.

He didn’t have to.

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Serika’s gaze dropped. Her fingers curled slightly on the blanket.

“I’ve fought beside you for over two years,” she said quietly.

“I’ve buried men for you. Killed for you. Almost died for you.”

He looked away.

Still, she continued.

> “I never expected anything. Never asked for your heart. But I need to know…”

She paused. Her voice was steady, but her eyes shimmered.

> “Is there still someone… waiting for you?”

Rikuya nodded.

> “She doesn’t wait for me anymore. But I still wait for her.”

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The silence that followed was colder than any battlefield.

Serika looked down.

And smiled.

> “Then ask her permission first.”

> “If she no longer claims your heart… ask her if she’ll give it back.”

Rikuya’s jaw tensed.

He looked at Serika—really looked. At the scars, the strength, the way she never begged even as she bled.

> “If I asked you…”

> “If I asked you to be the one I choose instead…”

She met his gaze, fierce and unflinching.

> “Would you be choosing me?”

Or…

> “Would you be running from her?”

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That question shattered the room.

Rikuya didn’t speak again.

Because he didn’t know.

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Outside, the snow began to fall again.

Inside, Serika laid back, closed her eyes, and whispered:

> “If you ever choose me…

Let it be because you love me.

Not because you lost her.”

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