Story time!

Everyone in the palace says I must marry a prince. A nobleman—strong, honorable, dignified.

The problem is, I’ve never been interested in them.

What catches my attention is someone I’m not supposed to notice—my court jester.

They’re different from everyone else here. While the rest of the court bows and speaks with empty pleasantries, they looks at me with a glimmer in they’re eyes, as if they know something no one else does. The jester can make an entire room laugh, but only at me do they throw those knowing smiles. And only to me does she dare say things that might be considered too bold.

"Your Highness, why do you look so tense? Tired of yet another dull banquet?" the jester asks

I glance at the jester, but they don’t care. They never do. They’re always there—by my side, whether I’m smiling or hiding behind a mask of duty.

And now, standing in the grand hall, I see them again. Surrounded by people who only view her as entertainment, the fool who exists to amuse them. But I see more than that. I see someone who makes my heart race. Someone who, without trying, has stolen something that even the finest princes could never touch.

My heart.