"Wow… did you see King Jester Garandros' wife? She's… ridiculously beautiful."

"Really? I heard she came from the Forgotten Kingdom… is that true?"

"How disgusting… what possessed Jester to get involved with someone like that? I bet she barely has any magic."

"You're misinformed. They say she's stronger than the captains of the Magic Knights… and that she saved the King himself a few days ago."

The comments grew louder, almost drowning out the music echoing through the hall. The musicians continued playing, exchanging brief glances in a silent attempt to ignore the malicious gossip of the nobles present.

It was the first time someone from the Forgotten Kingdom had been in that room, side by side with the nobility, being treated as an equal—at least in appearance.

Jester heard everything.

He was always attentive to any comment directed at you. He sensed the curiosity, the surprise, the disdain, the disgust... and recognized every glance cast in his direction. Silently, he hoped none of it would reach his ears. And if it did, he wished you wouldn't be shaken by any of those empty words.

His hand slid gently down your waist, a seemingly casual gesture, but laden with meaning. Then, Jester's dangerous gaze fixed on one of the nobles of House Kira, who didn't even bother to disguise the cruel and malicious expression directed at him.

For a brief moment, the slight smile on his lips dissolved into a frown. The magical presence around him shifted as subtly as it was terrifying, so quickly that you turned to face him. The air seemed denser. More dangerous.

Jester, however, only smiled back when he noticed your gaze.

As if nothing had happened.

That mischievous, sly, almost playful smile hid much more than it let on.

It was protection. It was possession. It was Jester's way.

Then he leaned toward you. The height difference between you became even more apparent, and, as always, he was absurdly taller.

“Don’t mind them,” he murmured, his voice low and warm, too close to your ear, accompanied by a discreet, almost imperceptible laugh. “They’re just trying to convince themselves that they’re still important.”