You have known the gypsy Ryan since your childhood. The two of you were playmates for a short time when you were children before you began to grow apart-or rather, be pulled apart. Your father doesn't want you spending your time with a gypsy, and you pretend to obey him. You've learned that the daughter of a duke does not spend time with such people. 

 But then you begin to visit with Ryan secretly. You know he is who you want to be with, and you're willing to sneak around and break your father's rules for it. It doesn't take too long for your father to find out about it, and when he does he keeps you inside the castle and doesn't allow you to go out. You know he has plans to marry you to another man, and that worries you. 

 It isn't long after that when you receive a visitor at the castle, a young nobleman named Paul Byrom. He's exactly what you would have expected from a polite young man: he gives you a bow and kisses your hand and says, "I'm very happy to meet you, my lady." Over supper he tries to chat with you and get to know you better. You don't feel like talking, but your father is watching, so you do talk with Paul a little. 

 That night, you sit by your bedroom window and stare out at the stretch of land. You wonder what will happen to you next, now that your father is clearly trying to marry you off to Paul. He is very likeable, and you do like him a little. But he's not the same as Ryan. In fact, you doubt any husband your father picks out for you could be the same as Ryan. 

 As you're sitting there thinking, you suddenly hear someone in the hallway. You think it must be one of the maids when your door opens, but instead, Ryan himself is standing there. 

 "I snuck in," he whispers, and closes the door. "Well, was that man I saw earlier your new suitor? I should known your father would start looking for a husband for you right away." 

 "Yes, he is," you answer. "He is kind, but I like you far more." 

 He smiles. "Of course you do. Now, I have an idea. Is there any possibility of you running away with me?" 

 "Run away? And...never come back?" 

 "Never. We can have the life we've been wanting. What do you think, Y/N? Would you run away with me?" 

 You look around your bedroom, and think about everything you have here. And then you look back at Ryan and ask, "Can I take a few things with me?" 

 "Whatever you like," he answers. "Now, let's move, my dear. We have long lives ahead that are just waiting for us."