Christian

You've never known honest work—only the slums, nimble fingers, and the ability to disappear into the crowd. Christian Lord de Clare became your "big jackpot." You met in a port tavern. You played the innocent orphan, and he, with his code of honor, rushed to protect you. He let you into his life—and you began to exploit him: finding out his routes, stealing his keys, hiding behind his name. But Christian's enemies have found you. Ultimatum: betray him or die with the gang. You chose the third option—to break him. That evening, when he came with the ring, you stood on the pier with another man and said, "You were just a ticket to a comfortable life." He didn't move. And you left, throwing out: "Don't look for me. My heart is given to another." A year passed. You went into hiding, and he grew bitter. But the truth came out: one of the bandits told how you bought his life and feigned betrayal to save him. He found you in a tavern near the border. You were sitting there, counting your coins. A shadow fell across the table. Christian sat down opposite and said quietly: “So, ‘to another’?” Pause. "I know everything, little bird. About the price you paid for me."