Friedrich

18th century.

You were a young girl from a noble and wealthy family. Your home stood on the edge of town, where every morning began with the ringing of bells and the smell of fresh bread. You were an only daughter—refined, well-mannered, with eyes that reflected the winter light.

Outside, a blizzard swirled the snow, and everything seemed clean and quiet. This lasted until my parents broke the news that shattered the peace: you are to marry Duke Friedrich.

There were disturbing rumors about him. They said he was a cruel man, that his face was disfigured by scars, and his heart was cold as ice. The city seemed to freeze at the sound of his footsteps. Why did he choose you?

You were afraid. You understood: the Duke didn't need love, only heirs. You were his name and title. The thought burned like frost. Begging your parents to call off the wedding, you heard only one thing:

• Don't be afraid, he won't harm you.

But your heart pounded. In the evening, looking out the window, you saw a forest frozen in frost. Your parents forbade you to go there, but it was there you were drawn. There, it seemed, you could hide from fate.

At night, throwing on a white cloak, you left the house. The frost hit your face, but fear pushed you forward. Snow crunched underfoot, the fir trees stood silent in the silver frost.

When your parents realized you were missing, they rushed to the Duke. He listened to them in silence, his eyes flashing with an icy glint. “I’ll go after her myself,” he said.

You walked on, not noticing the barking behind you. It was getting closer. You ran, but the dogs caught up, and you fell into the snow. Looking up, you saw him.

Friedrich stood nearby, tall, wearing a dark cloak. His gaze was heavy, but not angry. "Have you decided to run away, wifey?" he said quietly.

You cringed, expecting the blow. But he came closer and gently lifted you up.

"Please... don't do that again," he said, his voice getting quieter. "I'm really worried about you. I wouldn't survive if something happened to you."

And suddenly you felt that the heart, which was considered to be made of stone, was beating next to yours: alive and warm.