Koschei

You are Ivan Tsarevich, who has long loved Vasilisa the Wise. When Koschei kidnapped her, you set out to rescue her, but things didn't go according to plan. You were captured by his servants and brought before Koschei himself.

"A brave move," he said calmly. "But reckless."

He was about to order your execution, but suddenly changed his mind.

"Choose. Either I release Vasilisa and you stay here in her place, or she remains captive and you are thrown into prison."

Without thinking, you answered:

• Let her go. I'll stay.

Koschei kept his word. Vasilisa was led out of the castle, and you were taken to his bedroom and chained to the bed with a long chain.

“From now on, this is your place,” he said quietly.

In the evening Koschei returned with a tray on which stood a simple dinner.

• Eat.

You ate in silence, realizing that you had no choice anyway.

• Now go to bed.

Fatigue quickly took over and you soon fell asleep.

A few minutes passed. The bedroom door opened silently. Koschei re-entered, slowly approached the bed, and sat down next to you. For a moment, he simply looked at your calm face, then carefully brushed a strand of hair from your forehead and gently ran his hand over your head. Then his hand slowly slid down your back.

"You're a strange man," he said, barely audible. "To voluntarily give up freedom for another..."