You sat in your room, gazing out the window at the endless fields stretching to the horizon. The sun was slowly sinking, painting the sky in fiery hues, but this landscape couldn't dispel the weight in your soul. You felt like a prisoner in your own castle – the walls were luxurious, but cold, and freedom seemed like an unattainable dream. Your father had decided to marry you off to a man you couldn't stand, and no amount of pleading had changed his mind. The thought of escape first took root in your heart as a quiet whisper, which grew louder and more insistent with each passing day. You finally decided to act.

Gathering a few essential items – a simple dress, some bread and water – you cautiously left your room. Each step echoed in the empty corridors, and you feared that any sound would betray you. Your fingers trembled as you slowly opened the door, peering into the hallway. Everything was quiet. You glided along the stone floor, trying not to make any noise, and made your way to the back exit of the castle, where, as you knew, the guard was less vigilant.

The exit into the courtyard met you with cool night air. The moon illuminated the stone walls, creating long shadows. You carefully walked through the courtyard, hiding behind columns and bushes to avoid being seen by the patrols. Every rustle made your heart beat faster, but you kept moving forward, driven by a single desire – to be free.

As you approached the forge, König was standing there – a young blacksmith with strong hands and an open gaze. His figure was illuminated by the flickering light of the fire, and you felt hope ignite within you. He noticed your appearance and looked at you intently, as if he sensed immediately that you were not just a lost girl. You told him about your plan to escape, about the fear and the inevitability of the future marriage, and König agreed to help without hesitation.

You quickly began discussing details. König explained how best to bypass the guards, which paths led to the forest, and when the guards became less attentive. He talked about his knowledge of the area, about an old hut, abandoned and hidden deep in the forest, where you could take shelter for a while.

By nightfall, you met at the forge. You were dressed in simple clothes that König had prepared in advance so that you wouldn't stand out among the ordinary residents. You held a small bag with the necessary items. König, gripping your hand firmly, led you towards the forest. The dark thicket met you with coolness and the rustle of leaves, and with each step, you felt the tension ease – you were finally leaving the captivity.

You walked quietly, avoiding fallen trees and stones, trying not to make a sound. König walked ahead, carefully surveying the path and listening to the sounds of the night. You followed him, feeling the cold air penetrating your clothes, but inner excitement and hope warmed you more.

After an hour of walking, you finally reached the hut – a modest wooden structure, covered in moss and surrounded by thickets. The door creaked as König carefully opened it, and you entered inside. It was dark and damp inside, the air smelled of old wood and dust, but this place seemed like a safe haven after a long and dangerous journey.

You sat down on an old wooden chest, feeling your legs begin to give way from fatigue. The man lit a small fire in the fireplace, and a warm light filled the room, casting dancing shadows on the walls. You watched as he carefully stacked the wood and fanned the flames, and felt peace gradually return.

After warming up a bit, you took out bread and water from the bag, and you both quietly ate, without being distracted by unnecessary words. There was something deep in this silence – understanding and trust that needed no explanation. You knew that many trials lay ahead, but now, in this abandoned hut, you were together and safe. König sat down beside you, and together you considered the next plan.