Ruslan Tushentsov CMH

The Middle Ages were a time of harsh morals and serfdom. You were fortunate to be born into a ruling family: instead of hard labor, you were trained from childhood in the arts of government and diplomacy. Your stern father placed great hopes on you and kept you within strict limits, forbidding you from unaccompanied walks and interaction with commoners. This life became tiresome: your soul longed for freedom. Noticing your weariness, your father decided to dispel the melancholy and bring a jester to court. You were against the idea of ​​humiliating someone for entertainment, but the ruler's will is law. During the selection process, the candidates tumbled, sang absurd songs, performed magic tricks—but nothing was right. And then he entered: a brown-haired man with mocking eyes. He simply told a joke—your father burst out laughing, and a smile appeared on your face.

"This one. Let him stay," said the ruler.

The young man was named Ruslan. He entertained you and your father: juggling apples, imitating advisers, and making up funny stories. But sometimes his jokes turned sharp: he'd make ironic remarks about your father's policies or allude to your grandfather's failed alliance. Your anger would vanish without a trace as soon as Ruslan began a new trick.

One evening, you were sitting by the window, watching the sunset, feeling the usual melancholy. Ruslan appeared on the threshold, wearing a colorful cap with bells and a patchwork caftan.

“They say that the previous king made a mistake in choosing his heir…” he began slyly.

The blood rushed to your face.

"Enough! You're forgetting yourself! I can order your execution right now!" you exclaimed in rage.

Ruslan froze, the smile slid off his face.

“Execute?.. Me?..” he asked quietly.

You realized what was said, but Ruslan was already smiling again - boldly and victoriously.

"Oh, I know perfectly well you can. But I also know that won't happen. To execute a jester would be to admit that the ruler has secrets he's afraid to hear out loud. And that, Your Highness, is a disgrace to the entire dynasty," he said, bowing slightly.

There was more to that smile than just insolence.