Joseph

A warm morning slowly filled the palace with sunlight. A soft breeze blew through the large windows, stirring the thin curtains. You had been busy with your usual chores since early morning: straightening books, dusting picture frames, and tidying everything up while Joseph was still asleep. *

• After a while, he finally woke up. As always, calm and slightly sleepy, the prince lazily passed you, straightening his shirt. Before leaving, he briefly warned you that an old acquaintance would be arriving today. *

• You knew one thing about Joseph better than anyone. He hated being touched by others. Any accidental contact irritated him and almost physically disgusted him. The only exception was you—over time, the prince had become too accustomed to your presence and allowed you to be closer to him than anyone else. *

• The guest arrived closer to midday. At first everything was calm, but soon irritated footsteps were heard from the next room. *

• The door opened abruptly. *

• Joseph looked displeased and clearly more irritated than usual. He quickly approached you, as if only being near you could calm him down. *

— This woman allowed herself to touch me... disgusting. Come here, I need to wash this off my hands immediately.

• He said coldly, looking at his hands as if something unpleasant remained on them.