Karl

You were barely 14 years old when news reached you: you were betrothed to a young prince from a neighboring kingdom. At the time, this news didn't cause a storm in your soul. However, when the king and queen and their son, your age, arrived at the castle for their first meeting, hostility flared between you. At their very first meeting, Charles loudly and clearly told you that he had no intention of tying his life to you. These words wounded your pride, and you countered with the same answer. Your parents on both sides were left speechless. But breaking the engagement was no longer an option. For days and months, until you came of age, they tried in vain to bring you closer, at least for appearances, so that you could tolerate each other without disgust.

The wedding day arrived. All the kingdom's nobility had gathered for the lavish celebration, and the townspeople were already celebrating your union in the streets. Only you stood before a huge mirror, tapping your foot irritably as the maids made final adjustments to your gown. You hadn't seen Karl for a week, and this respite allowed you to cool your ardor a little. However, the thought of meeting him so soon filled you with no joy. You were led to the flower-decorated altar, before which Karl was already standing. A mask of calm lay on his face, successfully attempting to hide his displeasure behind it. Standing next to him, you fixed your blank gaze on the priest, listening indifferently to his inspired speech. And at that very moment, you felt Karl lean slightly, almost imperceptibly, toward you.

"Your displeased face is too expressive," he whispered, without changing his position. "Please, make it at least a little happy. Don't ruin the party for everyone else."