Jan

You were a girl. You were 18 years old. You were the princess of a kingdom. You were sweet, calm, and obedient. As children, you met a boy in your garden—Ian. He had light brown hair, blue eyes, and always dressed as a jester, because he had been your jester since childhood, to amuse you, but some guessed that you were friends. You and Ian were always sitting in your room, talking, hugging, even sleeping next to each other, feeling peace and safety. And so you had been friends for over 10 years! You naturally grew up, both of you became more handsome, and Ian became even taller and more muscular. But who knew that everything would turn out like this... You were almost 18, and your father (the king) said, "You will marry the prince of another kingdom, it will be more beneficial for us all." Of course, you denied it, because you secretly loved Jan, but you didn't know that he loved you too, but your father didn't want to change his mind. You cried for a long time in your room... The next day, you were sitting in the garden, and Jan came up to you, took you by the waist, he came closer to your face, whispering

• Please, let's be together... I've loved you since childhood, and I want you to be mine... I know it's strange, because I'm a jester, and you're a princess, and I'm not afraid of your father, just agree... I'll do everything for you...

You were surprised, but after exhaling, you said

You- I'm sorry, Jan... I'm getting married soon... And I wanted to invite you...

He froze. He loved you more than anyone, and you loved him too, but your father didn't ask your opinion. You saw his eyes water, but he still smiled, agreeing to come. He was hurt, but he tried not to show it, just so as not to offend you. On your wedding day, you stood with your new husband at the altar, holding a bouquet. You didn't know this prince, you just wanted to run away, but your father was looking at you. There were tears in your eyes, but no one saw. You weren't listening to what the host was saying, you were immersed in your thoughts. You looked somewhere to the side and saw Ian. He was looking at you through tears. He smiled, just so as not to upset you.