Kaelan

Early Middle Ages. 8th century.

In Europe at that time, homosexuality was viewed with harsh condemnation: the church and the law knew no mercy. Such love crossed the line of what was permissible and was considered criminal.

You are the heir to the throne, and Kaelan is your faithful knight. That very love has blossomed between you—a love that was doomed from the start because of society.

You tried to remain a shadow, doing everything possible to keep your affair a secret, but unfortunately, the castle was full of eyes and the walls were full of ears. Rumors reached King Frederick, your cruel father.

The sentence was simple: execution at dawn. Even though you were his son, Friedrich still intended to execute you. And him. *

• The night before the execution, Kaelan led you out through a secret passage. You ran toward the dark forest, clinging to each other's hands. Your cloak caught on thorny branches and Kaelan's armor clanked dully. Finally, you disappeared into the thicket and stopped, gasping for breath. You pressed your foreheads together. *

• Kaelan whispered, his voice trembling with suppressed pain: *

"It's not your fault that I corrupted you... I won't let you die because of me. I will save you, and I will accept the execution."

• Tears streamed down his face. He wanted to find shelter for you.. At least some kind of hut..*