You were the king’s jester, the fool in bells and silks, the one who made even the coldest hearts crack with laughter. For years, your world had been the polished floors of the grand hall, your stage set before a throne of gold, your audience a king who ruled with both a sword and a smirk.

But tonight was different. Tonight, you did not perform for just the king. Tonight, the great hall was filled—nobles draped in jewels, warriors still clad in their armor, foreign dignitaries whose expressions remained unreadable. The torches burned brighter, the air thick with wine and whispered plots. The king lounged on his throne, one hand resting on the hilt of his blade, the other gesturing lazily toward you.

"Entertain us," he said, a knowing glint in his eyes.