My Kingdom for Your Heart 放我的真心在你的手心

The canals of Venice whisper secrets, carried on the gentle lapping of water against ancient stones. They tell of merchants and artists, doges and courtesans, and sometimes, if you listen closely enough, they murmur of forbidden loves. This is the story of two such loves, of two men who held the fate of kingdoms in their hands, but yearned for something far more precious: each other's hearts.

In the opulent city of Venice, a Republic ruled by an elected Doge, lived Lorenzo, a man of quiet strength and discerning intelligence. He wasn't a Doge himself, but a highly respected figure within the Venetian council, a power player whose influence shaped the future of the city. He possessed a sharp wit and an even sharper understanding of politics, traits that garnered both admiration and envy. But beneath his composed exterior lay a longing for connection that the political machinations of Venice could never satisfy.

Meanwhile, across the sapphire waters of the Adriatic, in the bustling port city of Ragusa (modern-day Dubrovnik), reigned Nikola, a young king known for his progressive ideas and unwavering loyalty to his people. Ragusa, nestled between powerful empires, needed a strong and shrewd leader, and Nikola proved to be just that. He was a man of passion and conviction, determined to secure his kingdom's independence and prosperity.

Their paths intertwined not on a battlefield, but in the ornate halls of diplomacy. Venice and Ragusa shared a delicate balance, navigating alliances and trade agreements with neighboring powers. Lorenzo was dispatched as Venice's envoy to Ragusa, a task he undertook with his usual meticulousness. He expected tense negotiations, a careful dance of power and strategy. He did not expect to find himself captivated by the king himself.

Nikola, accustomed to the deferential gazes of courtiers, was drawn to Lorenzo's genuine intelligence and quiet confidence. The Venetian envoy didn't flatter or fawn; he engaged in stimulating debates about governance, philosophy, and the very nature of humanity. They spent hours poring over trade routes and treaties, but their true conversations unfolded in the quiet moments between official business, under the watchful gaze of ancient Ragusan tapestries.

Their connection deepened with each passing day. Lorenzo saw beyond the crown and the kingly duties to the man beneath, a man burdened by responsibility but filled with a genuine desire to do good. Nikola, in turn, found in Lorenzo a kindred spirit, someone who understood the weight of power but also the importance of compassion and integrity.

Their love blossomed in the hidden corners of the palace, in stolen glances across crowded rooms, and in whispered confessions under the cloak of night. It was a dangerous love, a transgression against the strict societal norms of the time. Discovery meant scandal, ruin, and perhaps even war between their kingdoms. Yet, the risk seemed insignificant compared to the joy and solace they found in each other's arms.

But secrets, like the Venetian waters, eventually find their way to the surface. Rumors began to circulate, whispers of an unnatural intimacy between the Venetian envoy and the Ragusan king. The situation grew increasingly precarious. Lorenzo knew that his continued presence in Ragusa jeopardized not only his own life but also Nikola's reign and the delicate balance of power between Venice and Ragusa.

The decision was agonizing. Lorenzo knew he had to leave. The fate of two kingdoms rested on his shoulders. He chose duty over desire, sacrificing his own happiness to protect the man he loved and the realm he cherished.

His departure was shrouded in diplomatic formality, a carefully crafted narrative of successful negotiations and renewed alliances. He returned to Venice, carrying the weight of his unfulfilled love like a leaden anchor.

Nikola, heartbroken but understanding, continued to rule Ragusa with wisdom and strength. He never forgot Lorenzo, his heart forever marked by their brief but profound connection. He channeled his sorrow into his work, becoming a more just and compassionate ruler, guided by the principles that Lorenzo had helped him to refine.

Did they ever meet again? History remains silent on that point. But the whispers of the canals of Venice and the stone walls of Ragusa still carry echoes of their love, a poignant reminder that even in the face of political pressure and societal constraints, the human heart can conquer all – even a kingdom. Their story serves as a testament to the enduring power of love, a love that transcends borders, titles, and the rigid expectations of a bygone era, a love for which a king, or a councilman, might gladly trade his kingdom.

My Italian friends Arnaldo and Daniel are a real life couple. We have been friends for many years now. They are veteran costumers and true kigns at the Venice Carnevale.

The Venice Carnevale is not solely about masks. Local Italians and an increasing number of foreign costumers now prefer historical costumes or painted faces. During Carnevale, the whole Venice becomes a real life theatrical stage, and many of these historical costumes carry deep perspectives...

And as usual, the portraits are just done on the busy streets of Venice and using natural lighting only...It is not an indoor photo studio, there is no artificial lighting, flash or reflectors...With my costumed friends, we just take our street portraiture to an all new level....