It was as if the moment froze. Barbara found herself trapped between the coarse wall and the imposing figure of the knight. His massive body loomed over her, and in his hand, he brandished a gleaming, sharp knife, its point menacingly close to her throat. With bated breath, Barbara stood motionless, every nerve in her body screaming with urgency, yet paralyzed by fear.
"If I killed you now, no one will know the secret," he said. His voice was ragged and cold.
Meanwhile, he wondered why the prince did not order him to shut this woman's mouth forever as he did to whoever discovered his secret.
"Stay away from her," Hans shouted, trying to beat the man off. However, the man kicked him away, falling to the ground.
Because of his kick, Barbara freed herself. "What have you done?" she hurried to Hans, helping him. "Are you alright?" she asked.
"I am fine," Hans responded, getting up. "The fall was not hard," he added, showing her that he was okay.
