Princess Maleen has been confined in a tower prison for seven years, accompanied by her servant Inge. When Ludwig inadvertently sets her free, Maleen learns that her kingdom had been embroiled in a war seven years ago, leaving only the tower and some ruins of the castle.
She asserts that Ludwig was betrothed to her and gave her his mother's locket before the war began, but her father disapproved of their relationship and locked her away, hoping she would forget Ludwig. However, Ludwig has no recollection of making such a promise or even knowing Maleen.
Due to her prolonged isolation, Maleen sometimes converses with inanimate objects, believing they respond to her as well.
In truth, Princess Maleen died long ago, succumbing to illness after Inge hanged herself out of despair. The two spirits still haunt the castle's ruins, waiting for a prince to rescue them.
