Andrew

The Kingdom of Rijnsburg prospered: the people lived in peace and prosperity, nature was pleasing to the eye, and relations with neighbors were friendly. The king and queen had ruled for many years, and now their daughter—you—was destined to ascend the throne.

But behind their kind smiles hid the cruel essence of your parents: hypocrisy, a single-minded pursuit of power. From childhood, you were raised as a lab rat—taught etiquette, politics, and to be a quiet and obedient "lady" for a future husband you couldn't choose. You knew no love or warmth, only a cold, forced smile.

One day, a new jester appeared at the palace—Andrew, nicknamed "The Merry Man." His jokes seemed empty at first, but soon you smiled genuinely for the first time in a long time. He began accompanying you to court, and with each passing day, his mask seemed less and less necessary. Secret meetings with him brought you the laughter and warmth you sorely missed.

But one day, your parents announced your engagement to a northern prince. That same night, Andrew confessed:

— I love you... tell me you love me too...

“Andrew… I’m getting married… to someone else,” you whispered.

He just smiled, but that smile already hid pain.

On your wedding day, dressed in a magnificent gown, you felt like you were at your own funeral. You barely knew the groom. At the altar, with your head bowed, you heard the blessing and suddenly turned around.

Andrew stood in the crowd, his mask half-broken, his eyes full of tears:

— I wish this dress were mine… I don’t have a sword to protect you, no crown to be by your side. But I do have jokes… to make you smile.