A King had three daughters. His wife had died giving birth to his youngest daughter, Anna. The King had always harbored bitterness towards Anna because of that and rarely spoke to her. On her fifth birthday Anna suffered an injury that stole her ability to speak. Nobody noticed except the servant boy she grew up with, Sebastion. Sebastion was two years older than Anna and her only friend. She played with him all the time and grew close to him over the years. He was the one good thing that came out of never being noticed, because if anyone ever drew attention to their relationship, Sebastion would be removed from the castle.
On Anna’s eighteenth birthday the King had a special surprise for her, “You’re life will never be the same after today!” Her birthday was hardly celebrated, but today something was different and Anna was hopeful for a reconciled relationship with her father. She has never hardened her heart towards him. She has always hoped for a better relationship, but the days at the castle were getting darker. There were rumors floating around saying that the King is going mad. Early that afternoon the three daughters were summoned to the throne room and the King looked happier than ever, but everyone else in the room looked terrified for their life. Sebastion was standing in the corner and Anna glanced at him for reassurance. “My lovely daughters, I have summoned you here because I have a very important question. Which one of you loves me the most?” The oldest quickly jumped in and said, “Father, I love you more than you love this kingdom. I would choose you over any power given to me!” “Very good,” the king answered. Anxiety swelled in Anna’s chest and she glanced once more at Sebastion. The second daughter quickly chimed in, “Father, I love you more than all of the riches of the world!” “Ah, wonderful,” the king replied. He looked at Anna, “and what about you?” Anna started moving her hands trying to communicate that she couldn’t tell him what she thought of him. The king smiled and said, “very well, Sebastion take her out into the woods and execute her.” The entire room gasped. Anna looked at Sebastion and back at the king. “NOW!” screamed the king. Sebastion quickly grabbed Anna and took her to the woods and when they travelled far enough in where nobody could hear them, he said,” Of course I am not going to kill you. You must flee. I will go with you.” Anna shook her head and showed Sebastion her cloak which had holes in it. “Very well, I will go and fetch you a different cloak if that’s how I can help you best.” Anna nodded. Sebastion left and an hour later returned with Anna’s favorite cloak, her mouseskin cloak. They hugged and wept because they knew they would never see each other again
She fled to the neighboring kingdom disguised as a man. The King employed her as his servant, but was very abusive. One day as she was taking his boots off before bed, he kicked his boot at her head, knocking off her cloak and he noticed that she was a beautiful woman. “I am going to take you as my wife.” Anna looked terrified. This was not what she wanted. She shook her head, but he grabbed her and said, “You don’t have a choice.” Nearly a week later, Anna saw her father at her wedding and of course he didn’t notice her until she sat directly in front of him. He looked at her for a minute and then immediately broke into tears. He looked weak and pathetic to Anna. He begged for her forgiveness, but she didn’t want it. Her husband heard this plead for forgiveness and yelled, “she accepts!” and everyone at the wedding celebrated, except Anna.