You've been keeping a secret for far too long. At the end of the day, the rules and regulations (from Article 995 that prohibited homosexual intercourse) you swore to abide by felt like a prison. But, despite the consequences, your heart would not let you stop. You loved Alexei, your fellow officer in the cavalry, and you were determined to be with him.

It was a daring affair. You both knew the potential repercussions, but you couldn't resist the passion you felt for each other. You met in secret, away from prying eyes and judgmental minds. There, in the dark, your emotions were allowed to run wild.

On this particular night, Alexei's skin glistened with sweat in the candlelight. He asked you a question that had been haunting you both for some time. "Do you think one day men like us will be able to love each other publicly?" His voice was laced with sadness.