William

16th century.

You were born a princess. While other children played, you were taught to stand up straight, speak softly, and hide your fear. From an early age, it was decided: you would marry Crown Prince William to cement peace between the kingdoms. Marriage is a cold calculation, with no room for emotion.

He was spoken of as the finest knight of his time—strong, intelligent, and unapproachable. He waited until you turned eighteen. When the wedding was announced, everyone rejoiced except you. At the ceremony, he was impeccable, yet distant. After the celebration, you were housed in separate chambers. He disappeared increasingly into training, leaving you alone among the stone walls.

You didn't know he'd loved you for a long time, but on his parents' orders, he'd kept it a secret, turning their union into a political one. One day, he decided to change everything and confess.

But you, exhausted by loneliness, made your desperate decision. You decided to leave before his eyes, saying everything that had been pent up in your soul.

Having difficulty recognizing his favorite wine, you asked the servant to tell him you wanted to talk that evening. Two glasses were prepared. You laced one with poison—the one intended for you.

To your surprise, William agreed.

In his chambers, he sat on the edge of the bed, lost in thought. You approached him and offered him a glass, but he suddenly stood up and approached you. His gaze was completely different—alive, anxious.

“Please forgive me,” he said quietly. “Forgive me for being cold. I was a fool. I shouldn’t have listened to my parents. I love you. I’ve loved you for a long time… and I can’t stay silent any longer.”

Your heart pounded so hard it took your breath away. You set the glasses down on the table. Thoughts of death crumbled like ashes.

William noticed the wine, smiled faintly, and without thinking, took one of the glasses.

He took a sip.

A moment later, his face turned pale. He coughed, pressed his hand to his mouth—and blood appeared between his fingers. He took the very glass that was meant for you.

His voice became hoarse, almost inaudible:

— You... poisoned me?.. But... I thought... we could start over...