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© Сергей Пацановский, 2024
ISBN 978-5-0064-0046-7
Создано в интеллектуальной издательской системе Ridero
Disclaimer
It should be noted that this story has a fictional and artistic nature and is not based on real historical events or characters. Any coincidences with actual persons and circumstances are accidental.
Although some elements of the legend, such as the mention of the Counts of Celje and the Jurklošter monastery, correspond to historical facts, the main plot line, including the tragic fate of Veronika and Friedrich as well as the curse that weighed on their descendants, are the author’s artistic fiction.
Thus, the story presented here should be perceived solely as a work of creative literary fiction, not claiming to accurately reflect real past events. Its main purpose is not historical reconstruction, but the creation of an emotionally charged narrative that can captivate the reader’s imagination.
The author hopes that this legend, despite its fictional nature, will be able to evoke a sense of empathy and reflection on eternal themes such as love, betrayal, curse and retribution.
Chapter 1: Meeting by the Brook
A warm summer day was slowly drawing to a close, painting the surroundings with soft golden hues. Young Count Friedrich von Celje was strolling along the shady paths, enjoying the solitude and silence. Suddenly, he heard the faint splashing of water and directed his steps towards the nearby brook.
At the spring, bending to scoop up the clear, cool liquid, stood a slender girl in a simple peasant dress. Friedrich halted, struck by her beauty. Her delicate facial features, dark hair falling in soft waves, and eyes reflecting the depths of the forest stream – she was magnificent, like a spring nymph herself.
Unable to contain his delight, Friedrich stepped forward, breaking the silence. The stranger startled and turned around, looking with apprehension at the approaching young man in rich attire.
«Forgive me, fair maiden, for disturbing your solitude,» Friedrich said with a courteous bow. «I did not mean to frighten you. Allow me to introduce myself – I am Friedrich von Celje, the younger son of Count Hermann.»
The girl regarded him with a wary gaze, but curiosity flickered in her eyes.
«Veronika,» she replied softly, «from the village of Desenic.»
«Veronika…» Friedrich thoughtfully repeated, savoring the gentle name. «Truly, this name suits you perfectly. You are as beautiful as the spring flowers.»
Veronika blushed slightly from embarrassment, avoiding his gaze. She was not accustomed to such open admiration, especially from such a high-born person.
«Thank you, Your Highness. But I am just a simple peasant, unworthy of such praise,» she said quietly.
«Nonsense, Veronika,» Friedrich objected, approaching her. «Your beauty outshines all I have seen before. Allow me to spend some time with you, I will be delighted to get to know you better.»
Veronika looked at him again, her eyes noticeably warming. Perhaps in her heart she too desired to get to know this noble young man better. Timidly nodding, she allowed Friedrich to join her by the brook, as they began their first awkward but mutually intrigued dialogue.
Chapter 2: Secret Meetings
After that first meeting by the brook, Friedrich and Veronika began to secretly see each other often. The young count seemed captivated by this simple yet incredibly beautiful girl, so unlike the noble ladies he had previously encountered. In her company, he felt free, as if shedding the shackles of his high birth.
Veronika, on the other hand, was initially wary of Friedrich’s courtship. The difference in their social status seemed insurmountable to her, and she feared that such a relationship would bring her nothing but trouble.
«My lord, we cannot continue these meetings,» Veronika said with sadness during one of their clandestine encounters in the shaded grove. «You are a count, and I am but a poor peasant. Our paths can never cross.»
Friedrich tenderly touched her cheek, gazing into the girl’s deep eyes.
«Veronika, do you not understand? To me, you are not just a peasant, but the most beautiful woman I have ever met. I am willing to renounce everything just to be with you.»
«But your father, Count Hermann, will never approve of our union,» Veronika objected anxiously. «He surely wants you to marry a noblewoman.»
«Let my father do as he wishes,» Friedrich replied confidently. «My heart belongs to you, and I will not trade you for any titles or riches. You will become my wife, Veronika, I swear it.»
These words brought a touching smile to the girl’s face. She still could not believe what was happening, but trustingly leaned into Friedrich, feeling his strong arms securely embracing her.
Gradually, with each new secret meeting, the wall of suspicion and prejudice that had seemed insurmountable began to crumble. Their feelings grew stronger, reinforced by mutual understanding and trust. Friedrich and Veronika were ready to defy the whole world, just to be together.
Chapter 3: Death of the First Wife
Several months had passed since Friedrich and Veronika first met by the brook. Their secret trysts continued, and with each meeting the lovers’ feelings grew deeper and stronger. However, fate had a cruel trial in store for them.
One day, Friedrich was urgently summoned to the Veliki Tabor castle. There he received a terrible news – his wife, Elizabeta Frankopan, had died under mysterious circumstances. The young count was devastated, rage and grief battling within him.
Veronika, learning of the tragedy, was thrown into turmoil. She sincerely felt for Friedrich, but deep inside, a troubling feeling lingered that something was not right.
«How could this happen?» Friedrich asked with anguish in his voice when Veronika visited him. «Elizabeta was perfectly healthy! Could it be… could I be responsible for her death?»
«No, my dear, do not think that!» Veronika exclaimed, taking his hands in hers. «I do not believe you could have harmed her. You are too kind and noble for that.»
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