Anna, who was surrounded by soldiers, listened to the creaking snow and was extremely focused. All the labyrinths of the corridors of the royal palace and the view from above of the surrounding area quickly flashed through my mind.

– Anna, – a child's voice said suddenly.

The girl smiled at Augustus as she continued walking.

– I was told you were looking for me.

– Yes. I need your help. Please pluck a branch from the old juniper tree in the back yard and bring it to the room that opens onto the pillared hall.

The child looked at her in surprise, and at the same time saw the whole plan of the future movement in his imagination.

– You should be there by midnight.

– I'll do it, – she heard a voice behind her.

With her inner vision, Anna quickly entered the stable and said softly:

– Flame.

The bay leader, flanked by two grooms, shuddered.

Realizing that her friend had heard her, she said:

– Home.

Realizing the order, Flame immediately rushed to the exit.

– Hey, where are you going? – The man yelled, trying to grab the horse's bridle.

Immediately an assistant ran up to him and threw a noose around the animal's neck. A few moments later, an interesting sight opened up to the crowd of onlookers. With a sharp blow, the stable gate was carried out by a wild stallion, which rushed forward like a whirlwind. The battered grooms ran after him, shouting: " Hold him!"

But no one dared even come close to this embodiment of unrestrained energy. Flame leaped over the castle's stone railing, leaving his pursuers with their mouths wide open.

– Damn horse, – one of them lisped, spitting out a broken tooth.

For nearly an hour, Anna had been in the luxurious bedroom located in the royal guest house. It was a new building, and it was welcoming compared to the huge, dark palace. The fire crackled merrily in the grate. The room was decorated in bright colors, and there were fruits and treats on the table. Glancing at the huge carved clock, she went to the window. She heard the door open and someone enter the bedroom, but she didn't even look back. Raven appeared, took off his doublet, and threw it on a chair, leaving himself in a white shirt and black trousers. There he also sent the removed belt, which made a metallic sound. Anna was still standing with her back to him when he came close to her and put his arms around her, sliding his hands over her arms and capturing her wrists. Her tension caused a flash of anger in him, which he suppressed and asked, whispering in his ear:

– Did you really think I'd send you to the scaffold?

– I still think you'll have to, – Anna said mockingly.

– So you're a fool, – Robin said evenly, still holding her.

– Oh, don't jump to conclusions, my King.

He walked away and, almost ripping off the buttons, took off his shirt.

– Call me by my first name – Robin.

– All right, Robin, – Anna suddenly looked around and, barely touching the man's naked torso, looked into his eyes.

– You turned your back, – Raven chuckled. – You don't like me? With that, he took a step forward.

– No, come on, Robin, you're well-built, but I'm just shy of other people's half-naked men, – she said, backing away.

He smiled suddenly, a boyish, infectious smile that made his eyes sparkle.

– Then let's get closer.

For a moment, something in Anna responded to his smile, and her face reflected something similar. But then her expression suddenly became thoughtful. He continued to advance slowly until the Countess's back was against the wall.

– Give me your tenderness, – Robin said softly, touching her hair with his hand. – We'll be fine together.

He couldn't resist leaning in, nuzzling her nose, trying to kiss her, but Anna gently pulled away.

– Yes, for a short time we can really be happy, and then … – she didn't finish the sentence.

– And then? – Raven asked, mesmerized by the sound of her voice.

– And then there will come the bitterness of disappointment and a cruel reckoning that will erase all pleasant memories.

Anna went to the door and tried the handle, and the bedroom was locked.

– Well, well, well, – the young man drawled, putting his arm around her again and lifting her easily into his arms. – You will be my wife.

– Robin, please let me go, – Anna said, looking into his eyes.

He set her down on the floor, still holding her in his arms.

– Let me go home, – she said gently.

Raven sighed and whispered fervently in her ear again:

– I can't, you won't cross that threshold until you're mine.

It was extremely pleasant to hold her in his arms and kiss her hair. He even thought that he had never experienced this before.

Anna gently pulled away from him again and spoke: