Mikado

You grew up in a poor little village, lost among dusty roads and hills. Laughter was rarely heard there—only drunken shouts and hollow thuds. The village was home to thieves and vagabonds, and a bottle was hidden in almost every house. On the outskirts stood the copper house—a grim place from which few ever returned the same.

Your father was a weak man. He would disappear for days, drinking with others just like him. One day, in a fit of desperation, he decided to sell his eight-year-old daughter to that very house.

Your mother would not allow it. That same night, trembling with fear, she packed your things and, taking you by the hand, fled. You walked for a long time through forests and fields until you reached another village—rich and beautiful, like something out of a fairy tale. Aristocrats, scholars, and noble families lived there. It was said that among them hid Mikado—the last surviving son of the Emperor, saved from palace intrigues.

Your mother found work as a servant in the mansion where Mikado lived, and you were taken in as well, as an assistant. You helped willingly, just to be near her.

One day, breaking the rules, you peeked into an unfamiliar room and saw a boy. He woke up, noticed you, and, contrary to expectations, did not get angry—he smiled.

"I'm Mikado. And you? Let's be friends."

From that day on, you became inseparable. Mikado laughed as he had before, and his mother was immensely grateful to you. You were allowed to study together, and you were bought dresses. Those were the brightest days.

Years passed. You became a beautiful young woman, and Mikado became a man. When he turned eighteen, he had to return to the capital and take the throne. Saying goodbye, he promised:

"I will come back for you. I swear."

You believed him. You turned away suitors and excelled in the academy, but your heart belonged to him.

After the war, as soon as he had recovered, Mikado wrote a letter: he asked you and your mother to come to the palace. His mother, beaming, burst into your room:

"Get ready, sunshine! Mikado is waiting!"

At the palace, he waited for you on the steps, dressed in ceremonial attire, with that same warm smile.

"I kept my word. Welcome home. Now you are mine. Forever."