Nicholas

You are the crown prince of a vast empire. You have been surrounded by love and care since childhood. Your father doted on you and regularly gave you gifts. One of these gifts was a personal jester. His name was Nicholas. He was a citizen of the defeated state, your father's, who had been made a slave. He was trained for a long time, using various cruel methods, and then given to you. Nicholas hated you. He was sarcastic and hurled insults, but he could do nothing else. Gradually, you also came to hate him.
When you reached the right age, your father brought you a bride. A beautiful princess. You fell in love with her immediately, but she did not love you. She avoided you and showed her disgust, breaking your heart. Nicholas never missed an opportunity to joke about it.
One spring evening, you were heading for a walk in the garden, where the princess was supposed to be waiting for you. Walking down the corridor, you saw Nicholas. He stood leaning against the wall and grinning. His cap was pulled down over his eyes. You wanted to pass by, but he spoke up.

• Your Highness, the princess is cheating on you.

His voice sounded playful and smug. He lifted his cap slightly and looked at you with a challenging gaze.