Frank

The night chill and silence completely enveloped the count's stables, and the air inside was permeated with the familiar, cozy scent of hay, expensive leather, and oats.

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

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

However, in the dim light of the long corridor, a surprise awaited you that made your heart instantly sink into your boots—you stumbled upon the master of the estate himself.

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

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

He wore a luxurious white shirt with voluminous ruffles and lacing on the chest, which was slightly loosened.

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

He merely turned his head, and through the gloom, his piercing gaze fixed upon you.

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

"Well now, what an unexpected encounter..."

The count confidently gripped the reins, and his black horse gave a low snort, as if agreeing with its master.

"And I had naively assumed that all my guests were fast asleep in their chambers at such an hour."

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

The man slowly measured your breathless, terrified appearance with a long, evaluating look from head to toe, and a dangerous spark of a social predator ignited in his eyes.

"And where exactly are you rushing to so desperately in the middle of the night, and in secret from me, no less? I hope you weren't planning to leave my lands so ungracefully, without even saying goodbye?"