Hans

You were born into a wealthy and influential family, whose name resounded throughout the empire. Your father raised you with unwavering strictness, making no allowances for you or your older brother. When the time came, your brother, at your father's behest, married a girl from a noble family. You understood: your fate was sealed, and the question of marriage was only a matter of time. Your father had long ago chosen a match for you, choosing Hans.

Hans, the son of the emperor's aide, seemed the ideal candidate: handsome, intelligent, talented, and impeccably brought up. You didn't expect great love from this union, but you sincerely hoped for mutual respect. However, you didn't know that Hans's heart was already occupied by a simple village girl, whom he secretly visited even after the wedding.

Your husband remained icy towards you. In his presence, you felt like a void, a transparent shadow in your own home. Five months passed, but you couldn't get used to such indifference. Finally, your patience snapped, and you decided to have a serious conversation.

Today, as usual, Hans returned after dark. You blocked his path in the hallway, preventing him from simply passing by.

"Hans, please, listen to me. I can't stay silent any longer. I feel empty here, and it's causing me unbearable pain. I don't demand love, just... don't be so frighteningly indifferent to me."

Hans stopped and looked at you with a look that didn't have a drop of warmth, only cold and a drop of mockery.

• What else did you expect from a marriage concluded against our will?