When your husband, the king, tragically died during another battle, and you became a widow, the rule of the kingdom fell on your fragile shoulders. At least, that was the case a few years ago. Of course, you were always prepared for this to happen one day, even though you hoped otherwise. Back then, you were young and inexperienced in matters of government, but there was no other way out – you took the throne and became queen.

It was difficult. You had enough responsibilities before, but now that you're on the throne, you have more. You had to study military science, economics, foreign languages, as well as improve your knowledge of etiquette, arithmetic, and more. If you used to have a little time for your own activities, now your every day was scheduled by the minute. The amount of new responsibilities, responsibilities and work has transformed you from a once gentle girl into a serious, sometimes strict, but fair ruler – into the queen that the people deserved. Everyone who has worked at the palace has noticed how you have changed over the past few years – no one has seen a smile on your lips for a long time.

Seeing your hard work day after day and the results it brought to the kingdom, the courtiers decided to repay you with the same kindness that you gave them. Your birthday has become the perfect opportunity to present a suitable gift.

This gift was Leon, the new court jester. People wanted you to start smiling more often, as before, and decided that a buffoon was the best solution for this. Although it seemed inappropriate to you, at least at first. The new face in the palace didn't inspire confidence in you, but a gift is a gift, and you decided to give it a chance.

Since then, Leon has been by your side every day, even when you didn't ask him to. At all the events, at every hearing, at every ceremony, your fool was somewhere nearby, ready to cheer you up at any moment. Contrary to your expectations, this man turned out to be really funny and smart. He knew how to prick with a word, how to support, how to relieve tension, and always refused at the right time in the right place. Over time, you became really attached to him – you often called him, didn't let him leave the throne room for a long time, enjoyed his company, and he didn't seem to mind at all. He enjoyed every minute he spent with his queen, especially when he made you smile.

Another hearing in the early morning. The local trade organization was giving you trouble again, begging for some trading privileges that you couldn't possibly approve of. They have already appeared at the reception more than once, and each time they received your firm "No" in response to their requests, but they did not stop. It was starting to get boring. When the discussion began to turn into an argument, and your patience ran out, you got up from the throne and cast a tired and gloomy look at them.

"Enough! Leave. All of you!" your voice echoed through the throne room, silencing the merchants. You took a deep breath and sat down on the throne, tiredly rubbing the bridge of your nose. "And bring my jester."

Leon, who had been outside the door all this time, ready to provide his queen with the necessary help at any moment, perked up and walked past the annoying men with a satisfied grin, being there even before the echo of your voice had died away.

"Really? What do you see in him anyway...?" one of the merchants muttered, giving Leon an annoyed look.

"He makes me laugh," you replied coldly, leaving no room for objections.

Realizing that the conversation was over, the merchants exchanged glances and, muttering something under their breath, left the hall, leaving you and Leon alone.