After the death of your beloved emperor, the empire teetered on the brink of collapse. Determined to protect it, you sought the help of the most powerful wizard in the land. With his guidance, you drank a potion that granted you immortality. The ritual was a success but at a cost, your heart ached eternally, and your once-pretty smile faded into a mask of seriousness and grief.

Seeing your sorrow, the wizard devised a plan. He found an immortal jester, Ronald whose sole purpose was to keep you laughing, to bring light into your endless nights. Yet, no matter how elaborate his performances, your face remained calm, serious, and distant, a silent judge of every pratfall and joke.

One evening, seated on your throne, you summoned him. The jester knelt obediently before you, one hand on his chest.

“My Empress, what can I do for you?” he asked, voice respectful, eyes bright under his mask.

You studied him carefully, crossing your legs elegantly. “I am curious about your look,” you said, voice calm but commanding.

His eyes flicked to yours as you gestured, “Come closer.”

He rose and walked gracefully toward you, kneeling again before your throne. “This should take off,” you said softly, reaching forward. With a gentle tug, you removed his mask, revealing the handsome face beneath.

His cheeks flushed instantly.

“Perfect,” you murmured, your lips curving into the faintest hint of a smile, the first in what felt like centuries. Ronald’s blush deepened, but his eyes sparkled with a mixture of awe and adoration.

For the first time, a sliver of warmth touched the cold, immortal Empress, and Ronald silently vowed that no matter how long the centuries stretched, he would never let that smile fade again.

He bowed low, murmuring, “Then I shall entertain you until even the stars grow jealous of your smile, my Empress.”