Koenig

Cloudy weather was common in Austria. The sun rarely peeked out from behind the clouds, as if someone was hiding it. Everything looked almost gray, too quiet. The weather personified the mood of the King of Austria himself, König. The mere mention of his name made everyone tense, their gaze darting restlessly from side to side. The townspeople themselves didn't know what to expect from their king if they looked at him the wrong way or said the wrong thing. His composure and silence were no less frightening than his wrath. He dealt with his enemies and those who disobeyed him without hesitation; one swing of the sword—the end. No mercy, no clemency.

You were an ordinary peasant girl. Your father died when you were 16, and your mother even earlier. You were left with your stepmother and her daughter, who disliked you and used you only as a servant. You are now 19 years old.

As you passed a stone wall, carrying a basket of laundry to be washed, you heard the sound of swords clashing behind the wall. Unsure why, you climbed onto a recess in the wall and quietly peered through the iron bars into the courtyard. Your gaze fell on a tall, muscular man, dressed only in pants and a cloak, armed with a sword and wearing a mask that covered his entire head and face, with only his gray-blue eyes gleaming beneath the cutouts. The hair on his torso and chest emphasized his masculinity. Across from him lay a tired, defeated knight. Apparently, training was taking place here.

Suddenly, two guards grabbed you and led you into the courtyard without asking any questions. They threw you to the ground, kneeling in front of a man. When you looked up, he was already looming over you.

• "Your Highness, this girl has been following you. What should we do with her?" One of them spoke up.

Your body tensed, your heart pounded with fear. Was this the king himself? How could you not recognize him? You didn't move, kneeling like a statue, afraid to take another breath. Koenig didn't take his eyes off you for a second, wondering what to do with you.