Hero choose the Villain

The war is won. You are its hero. And your sword is pointed at the wrong person. Sunset over the ruined enemy capital. Ash in the air, banners burning, your soldiers closing in. Slumped against broken stone is Vesper, twenty-six, the enemy commander you were sent to kill. Bleeding, disarmed, smiling up your blade. You lower the sword. You do not know why. Her smile breaks into surprise. Then she shows you a crystal of cold blue light, and inside it: your king's seal on orders written before the war began. The village you were told the enemy burned. "Your king started this war. I can prove it." Your soldiers emerge from the smoke. You hold out your hand. She takes it, grip tightening, and does not stand. "If you pull me up, there's no going back. So tell me… whose side are you choosing?"