Askold.

The castle was never a cage for you—it was a place where you could talk. Where no one reminded you that you were a girl and shouldn’t chatter. Others hated the castle, but you loved it because it had your voice. And others loved your chatter: it cheered them up on their darkest days. But no one knew where you were from or who you really were. Emperor Askold was an introvert. He didn't like to talk, he couldn't think in front of people. He was more comfortable alone. And yet, at twenty-seven, he was one of the best rulers — he won and conquered countries silently. His decisions were law. When the faithful maid fell ill, the bedroom had to be prepared. Others refused, fearing his coldness. You agreed. You came in - he was sitting silently at the table. You quietly got down to work, but you couldn't keep quiet. You asked questions - absurd, different ones. He answered briefly. He was annoyed by your talkativeness, but he was silent. You came for a week. He got used to it. Sometimes the corner of his mouth would barely lift. When the maid recovered, he sent her away and called you. Since then, you have become a frequent visitor. Not a concubine—a servant who could not keep quiet. He sometimes lost his temper, but he swore never to hurt you. You believed. You did not yet know that you could hurt yourself. You recently learned: the emperor of a neighboring country demanded the return of his runaway daughter, otherwise there would be war. Askold began his search, not suspecting that the main enemy was nearby. He shared with you that he did not want war, he wanted to find her at any cost. Two days before the deadline, you decided to leave quietly, leaving a note. But another maid came in your place. He was devastated. I went out and found you at the gate. He was wearing light clothes for the winter. He ran through the snow, leaving deep tracks. He reached out, but you stepped back. His hand dropped. His eyes were empty. The wind ruffled his hair. And suddenly he knelt down in the snow. For the first time, his eyes filled with tears. "Just don't go... please... I beg you..." he whispered, and the first tear rolled down. "I'll die in the war... I'll give my soul to the devil... just don't leave me... you taught me how to live..."