[Boris' Vision]
Boris was transported to the castle in his hometown, Volkorod. He saw himself with his original bride, Zhanna, having a quiet conversation in a corner. He watched as he lifted her up and twirled her around the garden. They were both smiling, joyful and carefree. Boris unconsciously smiled, he had a feeling of déjà vu… like it had happened before.
The scene shifted to countless moments: their first kiss, horseback riding, trying to cook (and making a mess). The sense of familiarity deepened. He didn't know how, but he was sure of one thing, he loved that woman.
Everything felt perfect… until the next scene. He was with Tatianka, Lord Nikolai's daughter, planning to kill his wife. Boris stared at his former self in disbelief, wishing he could step into the vision and knock some sense into himself.
Another vision followed- one of public disgrace and, ultimately, his wife's death commited and composed by him!
That was the moment everything clicked into place.
Was that why she ran away? Boris asked himself.
He was pulled out of the vision and handed the glowing rock back to the magician. After paying and thanking him, he turned toward the carriage.
"Are you alright, my wife?" he asked gently, noticing Ulyana's distant stare as he reached to help her in.
"Don't touch me! My name is Ulyana and I'm not your wife," she snapped, brushing past him. Her tone dripped with contempt.
She was clearly disgusted by him. In her mind, she was above humans now, she was a witch! And every hour spent with Boris felt like a mistake.
Boris noticed the shift in her attitude. He wondered briefly what she had seen during her vision but dismissed the thought. He had bigger concerns- he needed to find Zhanna, fill the emptiness gnawing at his heart, and secure the throne.
He and Ulyana sat far apart during the journey back to Volkorod. The visit to the magician had opened their eyes. Though they hadn't seen their exact futures, what they saw had changed their lives, and their thinking...forever.
Back at Camp...
A few peaceful days passed. After a successful war with the troublesome Sadgor kingdom, the camp had finally earned a rest day. Zhanna (disguised as Zayne) and Shura were chatting outside the tent. Kazmir and Vee argued as usual. Some men were resting, others played cards. Everything seemed normal.
Until…
"What is that?" Zhanna asked, pointing at a cloud of dust approaching fast. Soldiers on horseback. Shura squinted into the distance. The way they were riding, fast and straight, meant destruction. Their tents and training grounds wear obviously ahead and the speed at which they came meant trampling and destruction.
He quickly alerted Kazmir to tell the men to pack up. Meanwhile, he and Zayne ran out to stall the incoming threat.
It wasn't just any group, it was the palace guards from Koldunova.
Somehow, one of them recognized Vika and rushed to inform the Royal Guard Commander (RGC). He was furious. The Queen had ordered no rest until the missing princess was found, and the relentless search was wearing them all down. His rage turned into determination.
Zhanna felt a surge of fear...what if they recognized her? She reassured herself: with makeup and a wig, she was unrecognizable.
But she was wrong.
Thirty minutes into the fight, the RGC noticed something. The person he was battling wore a wig, and the face beneath it, too flawless to be real, sparked a memory. Only one person was known for such flawless makeup: Princess Zhanna and her signature "Flawless Finisher."
"Princess Zhanna," the RGC whispered, eyes widening.
Zhanna faltered, her stance broken. Her secret was out. She didn't waste a second. Denying it was pointless. She went on the offensive, cutting down as many guards as she could. There was no turning back.
Zhanna and Shura injured most of the attackers. The chaos gave the others enough time to disassemble tents and pack.
"Such psychos," Shura muttered, kicking one of the bodies. He wondered who they were, could they be from Sadgor?
They began their journey toward Volkorod. But just a few meters into the trip, the earlier attackers returned...with reinforcements.
The group acted fast. Vika was sent ahead with the goods, while the others stayed to fight. This wasn't just a skirmish, it was life or death.
Zhanna was nervous. Her secret was out, and her life was on the line. Her only hope now was to win.
As the fight began, the RGC charged straight at her. Zhanna readied her defense, waiting for his first strike.
But then… he hesitated.
Everyone paused. Eyes turned to Zhanna, hers filled with confusion.
"I–I..." she stammered.