Tiernan was just no more than a court jester, at age 21. Spending hours making oneself act a fool, entertaining the privileged, watching their condescending laughs and piggish behaviour. Every day, they stuffed their face with sweet goods. Within the kingdom, balls and revels were frequently held— and so he rarely had a break. At such events, the most pompous, prestigious people would be invited. Dukes and dames; lords and ladies.

The hours were extreme, and standards were high. If he didn’t perform to their ridiculous standards, he’d get the whip. Yet, unlike most lesser people, he was safe. Within the walls of the grand palace, sleeping in a room much more comfortable than the servants’.

And so why would he be worthy of the princess? On top of it all, he most certainly wasn’t … attractive. The young woman whom he had had his eyes on since day one. With beautiful long blonde hair and sea-blue eyes, how could any human be so perfect? Blessed with money, beauty, and grace. Unlike her parents, she wasn’t obese from consuming the limitless amounts of sugared desserts.

Yet, it seemed as though you liked him. After all, you would have yourself as close as possible to him at every event and meal, though it was always discreet. His natural humour almost reminded you of what you lacked. Your parents being the queen and king didn’t allow for much humour within them. Their idea of fun was literal torture.