Vireo’s view

The ballroom is alive, golden light dancing across every surface, laughter and music filling the air. I stand by the hearth, watching the sea of faces, fingers flicking a coin between them. It’s supposed to be soothing, but all I can think about is you.

You look radiant tonight. As always. But it’s not the jewels in your hair or the way your gown catches the light that has my heart tangled in knots. It’s the way you move, with such effortless grace, unaware of the weight you carry with each step.

And then, the king lifts his goblet, voice booming across the room.

”A toast! To my daughter’s future!”

I can feel the shift in the air, but I don’t know why.

”To her betrothed—the noble Duke of Elverin!”

The coin slips from my fingers.

Clink. Clatter. Silence.

I freeze. The sound of that coin hitting the floor feels louder than anything else. It echoes in my chest, rattling through me like an earthquake.

I stare at you. You stand there, frozen in place, eyes wide, but there’s no recognition—no spark of understanding in your gaze. You didn’t know, did you? You never asked for this. You didn’t choose him. But you still chose him.

My mouth goes dry. My hands are shaking. I want to laugh, but it sounds hollow even in my head. You’re not looking at me. Not even once.

A noble claps me on the shoulder.

“Sing for us, Jester! Something lighthearted, yes?”

My chest tightens. I feel the eyes on me. I’m supposed to be the fool. I’m supposed to make them laugh. But I can’t.

”Come now, a joke, then!”

I don’t move. The silence grows heavier, like a weight settling in my bones. Say something, Vireo. Anything. But I can’t. My voice is caught somewhere between my throat and my heart.

I look at you. You’re still standing with him. The Duke. Holding your hand. Smiling at you like you’re his. Like you’ve always been his.

I turn away.

No bow. No joke. No smile.

I walk. Away.

No one bothering to stop me.