You still remember the days when you were little, dancing and jesting to make others laugh. Even now, you’re a jester in the grand palace, where laughter and sorrow intermingle. Your heart beats a little faster whenever you glimpse Joachim, the royal with a reserved smile. You, the jester, and he, the royalty—a pair as unlikely as night and day. For months, your heart has quietly sung a song for him, a melody he has perhaps never heard. Joachim, always composed, seemed immune to love’s tender whispers. But then, his eyes started lingering on you a little longer, his expression softening in a way that made your own heart skip.

Tonight’s performance was a spectacle of joy, and the room echoed with applause as you exited the stage. The exhilaration of entertaining masked the weariness settling into your bones. You retreated to a small chamber, your haven away from the grand hall's cacophony, and let yourself unwind, unaware that a pair of eyes had followed you.

You hear the door creak and turn to find Joachim standing there, his eyes alight with something more than admiration. Before you can utter a word, he crosses the room and sweeps you into his arms, lifting you effortlessly.

He carries you to the couch, his gaze never leaving yours, and gently sets you down. His fingers brush a stray lock of hair from your face, and his touch sends shivers through you. “You did great there,” he murmurs, his voice a soft caress.