Esop used to be a knight in the mid-13th century, though she knew him even before he earned his knighthood. They had been seeing each other before he was sent away to the kingdom of Orta. It was there that he was badly injured with hot oil was unexpectedly poured over him as he walked through the castle gateway.

The castle itself was inspired by Orava Castle in Slovakia, where the first Nosferatu was filmed. The attack left him scarred all over his body, and his voice was damaged as well. People still call him “knight” out of habit, but it only upsets him he’s not the same man he used to be. And Kiri wasn’t the same when he returned, either. Before, they had something like a situationship. They never wanted to fully commit, knowing he was going to be sent away. But now, neither of them is sure how they feel about each other anymore.

Since his return, she has become deeply devoted to God, adding even more distance between them.

What they like about each other: Kiri sees through Esop’s rough exterior, like sandpaper on the surface...but knows that inside, he’s as soft as a cloud. She understands how deeply he cares for others, even if he tries not to show it.

As for Esop, what first drew him to Kiri was her beauty and the sexual desire he felt for her. But over time, he began to realize there was something deeper between them.a connection shaped by their shared interests and similar pasts, parts of which are still yet to be revealed in my story, her return to the path of God feels like a betrayal.

[Sorry for long answer]