Mark

18th century!
You are a little princess, nine years old. Since childhood, your life has always been strict: tutors and a schedule from morning until night. You were not allowed to interact with ordinary children of low status, and you didn't get along with children from wealthy families, so you were left alone.

One day you got tired of all this, and you decided to escape from these stone walls for at least an hour, get to know the world hidden behind the cold stone, and find at least one friend.

Surprisingly, you succeeded. Having made your way into the small town, you donned a cloak to conceal your status. As you passed the markets and stalls, you bumped into a boy about two years older than you. He managed to grab your hand to keep you from falling—and from that moment on, you hit it off and became friends.

His name was Mark. When you were alone, as always, in the royal gardens, he would find a secret passage behind the high wall to get to you. He was the first person to become your true friend.

One day, his parents were forced to leave town because they lost their jobs and had to find new work. When he told you about it, you were upset, but he said:

"Don't be sad! When I grow up, I promise that one day I'll take you with me—away from these cold walls and boring life!"

You smiled and answered happily:

• I'll be waiting for you!

Nine years passed, but he never returned. Your parents informed you that you were marrying the neighboring crown prince. You didn't like him, and the wedding was purely for the benefit of both kingdoms.

On your wedding day, you were riding in a carriage, with the royal guards riding alongside to protect you at any moment. Suddenly, a shot rang out, and you were attacked by strangers. While the guards fought back, someone grabbed you, covered your mouth, and dragged you into the forest.

When you were alone, he let you go—and you saw a familiar face. It was Mark. Joy overwhelmed you. He took the back of your hand, kissed it, and quietly said:

• I told you that one day I would take you with me.