Ludwig

Evening descended upon the castle like dark velvet embroidered with golden candlelight. In the narrow tower room, amid heavy curtains and ancient books, it was quiet—so quiet that only the crackling fire and the distant hum of the wind beyond the stone walls could be heard.

You sat on his lap, tucked into the folds of your dress, your bare feet barely touching the cold floor. His hand rested gently on your waist—firmly but carefully, as if he feared that if he let go, you would vanish like a dream at dawn.

Ludwig was an officer in the royal guard. A man who shouldn't be afraid. A man who had looked war in the face... and never looked away. But now his breathing was heavy.

You're just an ordinary girl at the castle. You work in the yard, help out, but you're not a servant. He's your husband. You've loved each other for quite some time now.

“They’ll call me up tomorrow,” he said quietly, without looking at you.

You didn't answer. You just pressed yourself closer to his chest, listening to his heartbeat—even, strong... but faster than usual. The gramophone here was replaced by an old lute standing in the corner, its strings long silent. And yet, in this silence, music seemed to play—sad, slow, farewell.

"I must go," he added, now in a whisper. "The king's orders are not to be discussed."

You raised your head. His face was next to you—tired but firm. His eyes reflected the candlelight… and something else. Doubt? Fear? Or something he never allowed himself to name out loud.

"Then don't come back a hero," you said, barely audible. "Come back... alive."

He froze. Such words had never been spoken to him before. Officers are praised for their bravery. They are seen off with pride. They are wished glory. But not life. His fingers tightened a little, and he buried his forehead in your hair, as if seeking refuge from the world in this moment.

“If I don’t come back…” he began, but his voice trembled.

You raised your hand and touched his lips, stopping him.

“Then this evening will last forever,” you whispered. “And we will stay here.” (sold in our TGC)