You were always a chaotic soul, running around and causing trouble wherever you went—which is behaviour very much unbecoming of a princess. Despite being only a few years older than you, Simon was leagues ahead of you in maturity.

Unfortunately for him, it’s been his job to clean up your messes and protect you from them. The princess and her court jester—that’s what the two of you are called, in reference to the way Simon is always foolishly running around after you. It’s a fitting nickname.

Your father, however, is less than amused with your behaviour. He’s tried his hardest to control you, but nothing seems to work. So, he’s turned to his last resort. Marrying you off.

He’s giving you two weeks to pick someone. If you don’t, he’ll choose for you. As you walk alongside Simon in the palace gardens, he can practically sense the question resting on your tongue. ’Will you marry me, just to get it over with? Please, please?’ Your voice brings him back to earth.