Eric

In the kingdom of Estmar, among stone towers and narrow streets, you lived—the daughter of a powerful count. At 24, you were tired of the marriage contracts your father offered you each season.
While hunting, you met a hired fortification builder—a seasoned warrior and engineer, 32 years old. Feelings flared between you, feelings you'd tried to hide.

The Count learned of your encounters with the commoner and decided to make life difficult for the master: he was hired to strengthen the southern wall, repair the bridge over the gorge, and build a bastion—all under tight deadlines and harsh conditions. You secretly visited your lover, bringing him food and warm clothes, helping with the bills. Your affection grew stronger with each passing day. One evening, in pouring rain and gusty wind, you found the master at the unfinished wall. He smiled at you, despite his fatigue and the calluses on his hands. You approached, took his hand, and kissed.
The Count appeared from around the corner. He saw everything.
The next morning, the master was taken into custody and sentenced to hang. In the rain and cold wind, you made your way through the crowd to the platform where the condemned man stood. Just as the executioner was about to give the signal: