Return to Aretuza

Serena stayed with Emhyr and the Nilfgaardian army as they marched towards Temeria. They were just about a day away from the border of Temeria-Kaedwen-Redania. She kept an eye on their provisions and weapons.

"Your Majesty," the soldiers said to her as she passed.

Serena stopped and smiled at them.

"Hello, how is everything?"

"Good, we're very well stocked."

"Wonderful."

Serena walked on. She got a sense of the soldiers' fading morale and tried to cheer them up.

"Don't worry, this war will be over soon. You're all doing great! Nilfgaard is lucky to have such wonderful soldiers such as you."

She summoned mugs, all filled with ale. Soldiers came up to her, one by one. Once everyone had a mug in their hand, she raised hers.

"To the glory of Nilfgaard!"

The men raised their mugs. "The glory of Nilfgaard!" the soldiers all cheered after her.

Serena smiled and turned to go back to her tent. On her way back, she was summoned to Emhyr's tent. She went over and waited outside as she was announced.

"The Empress, Serena var Emreis."

"Let her enter."

Serena walked in and bowed before Emperor Emhyr. He waved it off, and she stood up.

"You summoned me?"

"Yes, I heard what you did with the soldiers. Thank you. They needed that."

"Of course. Anything for my people. Anything for Nilfgaard."

Emhyr smiled and said, "It looks like I chose the right woman for my Empress."

Serena looked down and blushed.

"You're too kind, Your Majesty."

She looked back up to see Emhyr smiling at her.

"You may go," he said.

She bowed and left. Serena returned to her tent. Inside, she walked over to her full-length mirror and using the mirror, contacted Tissaia.

"What is it, Serena?" Tissaia asked.

"Make sure everything is ready. Nilfgaard is very well prepared. Their provision and weapon stocks are full. Get as many mages there as you can. We're going to need them all."

Tissaia nodded. "Good job, cupcake."

Then, Serena broke the connection. That night, she summoned a servant to draw her bath.

As she was soaking, Serena thought about what her life had come to: lies, espionage, spying, and betrayal. She sighed sadly.

I mean to make you both proud, Mother, Father. But is this truly the way to go? she thought.

Serena got out of the bath and wrapped herself up in a silk nightgown and robe. She climbed into bed and fell asleep.

Over the next few days, the Nilfgaardian army continued on. As they neared Aretuza, fear began to consume Serena. She worried that Emhyr would learn the truth and kill her before they reached the academy. She feared Fringilla would get free and expose her for the traitor that she was. She hoped that her talks with Tissaia went unnoticed and unmonitored. She wondered if everything she had worked for would all go to hell.

When they were about a day away from the academy, Emhyr summoned Serena. She shakily walked over to his tent and tried hard to hide her growing fear. She stood in front of the guards, head held high.

"Empress Serena var Emreis," a guard announced.

"Enter."

She walked in and knelt before her husband. They were alone.

"My liege."

"Stand, my Empress."

She stood, yet kept her head bowed respectfully.

"You called for me, Emhyr?"

"Yes. There's something I would like to discuss with you."

Serena finally looked up at him. She gave a small smile.

"What is it?"

"I have heard disturbing reports that the mages are more prepared than what we had expected. Did you know anything of this?"

Serena went cold. She swallowed and looked him right in the eyes.

"No, I did not. But then again, since I've forsaken the mages, I wouldn't know anything either. Also, I think that they would readily kill me if I returned to them now."

Emhyr nodded, but his face remained reticent. Serena nearly wrung her hands as her nerves were beginning to fray.

"Do you not believe me, Emhyr?" she said a little worriedly.

"I believe you."

Serena smiled wide and nodded. "Is that all, sire?"

"Yes, you may go."

She bowed and retreated from the tent. Returning to her own tent, once she was back inside, Serena breathed a sigh of relief.

She found a piece of paper and put a spell on it. Then, she began to write out a message with a magical quill.

The message read: Rectoress, it's a good thing that we are but a day out, because I cannot do this for much longer Everyday, my fear grows and I wonder if I will be killed for my treason. Also, get Aretuza ready. Nilfgaard comes tomorrow.

Once the message had been delivered, she burned the piece of paper in her fireplace. Serena made sure the piece of paper had fully burned up before she turned away.

That night, Serena fell asleep distressed. The next morning, she was woken up early by a servant, and soon they all set out. After a whole day's march, they finally arrived at Aretuza. On her horse, in front of the entire Nilfgaardian army, she sat at Emhyr's side.

I have to choose a side, she thought. Who do I betray? Emperor Emhyr or Tissaia and the other mages?