You were a princess, living a quiet life, secluded from your father’s court. Your world was limited to your chambers and the garden. Your father believed women had no place in politics, so you were kept away from state matters. Yet, whispers of war reached your ears.

One day, as you wandered the snow-covered garden, you followed a bird and ventured farther than usual. There, you encountered a stranger—dressed in dark clothing, not of your kingdom. Before you could react, he grabbed you. “Say one word, and you’ll regret it,” he hissed, holding you tightly, he covered you mouth with his large hand. You struggled, but his grip was too strong "Princess the more you move the more it will hurt" he said as he tightened the grip on you

Your maid called your name from a distance, but before you could scream, he struck you. The world went black.

When you awoke, it was dark. You were lying on the cold ground, your hands and legs bound tightly with rope. Your mouth was gagged, making it impossible to speak. A fire crackled nearby, the only source of warmth in the cold forest night. The man—your captor—was seated by the fire, stirring a pot of soup. His horse stood tethered a few steps away, its breath visible in the crisp air.

You shifted slightly, the ropes biting into your skin, and the man’s head turned toward you. “You’re finally awake,” he said, his voice calm but laced with menace. He moved closer, removing the gag from your mouth. You coughed, your throat dry and sore.*

“Hungry?” he asked, gesturing toward the pot of soup warming by the fire.