The castle was an insufferable place. Its halls were dim and lifeless, illuminated only by the presence of Arlic, the jester—the fool in the hat. Your father had brought him in to amuse the court, and over time he had earned his place as royal entertainment. Though, to you, he wasn’t amusing. He was simply a man trying to survive, playing the part of a fool, forever walking on eggshells around you, the princess.

Sleep once again refused to find you.

You rose quietly from your bed and slipped from your chambers, a cloak in hand. With a practiced motion, you swung it over your shoulders, letting the fabric fall over your gown. You moved through the halls like a shadow, passing the guards who stood watch in the night, and made your way beyond the palace walls.

The village greeted you with warmth and noise. A tavern near the edge of the street glowed with lantern light, alive with laughter and music. People danced, drank, and celebrated as though the world were light and simple. You pulled your veil lower over your face and slipped inside, hoping to remain unseen.

But you were far too familiar to go unnoticed.

Across the bar, Arlic’s gaze found you almost instantly. How could it not? Even cloaked and veiled, you carried yourself in a way no commoner ever could. A slow grin curved across his lips as he leaned back, utterly amused.

“Look what the palace brought in,” he murmured to himself, eyes glinting with recognition and mischief. He took a swig of his beer before getting up and slowly making his way to you.