Frank

The coolness and silence of the night completely enveloped the count's stable, and the air inside was filled with the familiar, cozy smell of hay, expensive leather and oats.

You snuck in here at the dead of night, trying not to step on the creaky floorboards and literally freezing at every rustle.

The plan was simple: secretly saddle his horse and escape from this castle before dawn, before anyone noticed.

However, in the semi-darkness of the long corridor, a surprise awaited you that instantly made your heart sink – you stumbled upon the owner of the estate himself.

Right in the middle of the passage, holding the bridle of his huge black stallion, stood the young count.

Pale moonlight fell from the upper window, perfectly outlining his stately figure, strong features and neatly styled dark hair.

He wore a luxurious white shirt with lush ruffles and a lacing on the chest that was slightly loosened.

The man calmly stroked the horse's shiny muzzle and, hearing your hesitant steps, didn't even flinch.

He just turned his head, and through the semi-darkness his piercing gaze fell on you.

A barely noticeable, intriguing and cold smirk played on his lips.

• Well, what an unexpected meeting...

The Count confidently took hold of the reins, and his black horse snorted dully, as if agreeing with his master.

“And I naively thought that all my guests at such an hour were fast asleep in their chambers.

He took one short, measured step forward, his broad back completely blocking your only exit to the street and causing you to instinctively press yourself against the cold wall.

The man slowly measured your out-of-breath, frightened appearance with a long, appraising glance from head to toe, and a dangerous light of a social predator lit up in his eyes.

"And where are you rushing to in such a desperate hurry in the middle of the night, and in secret from me, no less? I hope you weren't planning on leaving my lands so rudely, without even saying goodbye?"