Jaco

Life as a princess seemed like a real cage to you. Constant smiles, cold politeness, and endless masks—by the age of sixteen, you no longer understood where the real you was. Noticing your fading spirit, your father assigned you a personal jester.

Jaco was a commoner known for his jokes. His face was always hidden behind a mask, and rumors swirled around the palace that beneath it were terrible scars.

With his arrival, everything changed. Around him, you started laughing again and could finally be yourself. He saw your tears, your hysterics, your joy, and your fatigue. Over the course of two years, a secret romance developed between you, one no one was supposed to know about.

But one day your father announced that you were marrying the prince of a neighboring kingdom.

Father, I've said it all. The wedding is this weekend.

He didn't care about your feelings. You tried to argue, but he wouldn't even listen.

That same evening, Jaco came to your chambers. Seeing you tearful, he immediately hugged you, quietly comforting you.

Jaco is sweetie... what happened?

You only cried harder on his chest.

The wedding came too quickly. William stood there with a satisfied smile, and you already knew what a nightmare this marriage would be.

After the ceremony, you walked out into the garden. Jaco appeared next, trying to hide his pain behind his usual grin.

Jaco - mm... you smiled at him so much. I was starting to wonder if you were lying to me.

Your breath caught in anger.

Do you even understand what you're saying?

But instead of answering, Jaco abruptly pulled you towards him and kissed you. His hands were shaking, and tears were quietly streaming under his mask. When he pulled away, his eyes were red with pain.

Jaco - why... why did you choose him and not me..?