The joker knew his end was near, and before he was captured, he entrusted a final mission to his loyal knight friend: a mission to deliver two boxes to the princess after his death.
When the knight returned to the castle, having buried the joker's body, he quietly handed the boxes to the princess.
She opened the first box and unfolded the letter inside.
> Dear Princess,
If you are reading this, I am sorry that my actions have brought tears to your eyes. I need you to know something: I love you more than words can say.
If fate had allowed, I would have run away with you. I had everything planned, but it seems fate wanted me to suffer one last time. I apologize for all I've done, and I promise that even in death, my love will remain with you.
Remember: love is stronger than any king, stronger than fate, stronger than death. Nothing can stop me from loving you.
I have one final request—please forget me and live your life. You are far too young to spend it crying and waiting for me. Do this favor for both of us, and marry someone who reminds you of me. I will be waiting for you in heaven, if I make it there.
Yours, always,
The Joker
Tears streamed down her face as she read, knowing that even in the face of death, he had only ever thought of her.
She opened the second box. On its lid, carved neatly, were the words: "My final confession to you."
Inside were three precious items:
His eye, a symbol of how he had always watched over her, protecting her smile.
His heart, a reminder of the love he had held for her so dearly.
A half-moon pendant, delicate and familiar, shaped in a way that seemed to spell "U"—a secret symbol of "I love you."
She smiled through her tears, understanding the meaning immediately. Together, the items spoke the words he had left unspoken: I love you.
The princess clasped the pendant around her neck and gazed out the window.
"You lied… why, Joker? Why did you leave me alone in this darkness? You got off easy. How am I supposed to live without you by my side? You promised me you'd never leave… you promised you'd wipe my tears whenever I cried… so why?"
She pressed the pendant to her heart, feeling the echo of his love surround her. Though he was gone, his presence lingered, a reminder that love, even in loss, could never truly die.