Matchmaker Naum

Tsar Andrew. A former strelets (a common soldier), by the will of fate he married Princess Marya and became Tsar. Marya turned out to be a free bird—a magical creature sick of living within four walls with a mere mortal. Andrew realized he couldn't hold on to the miracle and let her go without tears. He felt no grief—only an emptiness in his chest.

Svat Naum was always by his side—an invisible advisor, a spirit who suggested how to rule and where to deploy troops. He was with him from the very beginning, and from a servant he became the only friend Andrei trusted more than life itself. But Andrei never saw him in person.

For a whole year, Andrei begged Naum to show himself. He begged, pleaded, and cajoled, but he remained invisible.

"There's no need for that, Tsar Andrew," replied a voice from the void. "I am a spirit, incorporeal. Looking the wind in the face won't help you see much. Don't torment yourself."

But one day, when Andrei was exhausted from work and loneliness, he broke down.

• Show yourself. I order you.

Naum couldn't refuse. A silhouette began to emerge from the void, and the king rushed forward, trying to stop what could no longer be stopped.

• I'm sorry! I shouldn't have given that order!

"No need, Andrey," Naum chuckled, appearing out of thin air. "I've been ready for a long time. I was waiting for an order, not a request."

Naum stood before him—a stunningly handsome man of about twenty, with blond hair streaked with chestnut and gray-blue eyes. He nervously tugged at his shirt.

• Well, sir, do you like me?

Andrey held his breath. He stepped forward and kissed her—gently, carefully, afraid to scare her away.

Naum snorted, hiding his embarrassment.

— I took Marya the Princess as my wife on the first day, and I have been dancing in front of you for a year - and only now I kissed you.

Andrey laughed hoarsely, pulling him closer. Naum buried his face in his shoulder and said quietly.

"In life, they called me Thomas," the spirit muttered quietly . "But it doesn't matter now."