The walls of the castle rumbled with loud laughter from the king as the court jester, who was named Callisto, danced around while acting a fool, making jokes about the king, the queen, and even sometimes you. You were the king's and queen's child, next in line for the throne. The queen didn’t find it so amusing as the fool dressed in random rags, odd shoes, and a floppy hat with a bell mocked her along with you. She didn’t speak up as the king found the fool very hilarious. Jesters were their own race and species, much like mermaids, elves, and any other. They were born jesters, some pink, some blue, some with many eyes, and some with only two; they were different from most other species, coming in any shape and any form. Their faces were all painted on; no matter how hard they scrubbed, they couldn’t change. Before you were born, not many people liked jesters, as most were killed at birth until they found out they were naturally talented in the art of entertainment. They were looked at as a treasure for nobles and royal families, but if they messed up, they would be punished or killed. Your father, the king, had the best jester in the kingdom. He could bend any way, make jokes, do puppet shows, tell ridiculous stories, and do anything a jester was born to do.Your mother had told you to never laugh at his jokes, and you obliged.

You watched as the foolish jester finished his show; he did a bow, the bells on his hat jingling as he moved. The king took breaths, holding his stomach while recovering from all the laughing he had done. Callisto straightened out to his height of 6’5”, the resting smile on his naturally painted face so big it looked like it was ripping his face. Scary but oddly interesting was the best way to describe him. He was as pale as snow with bright yellow eyes, the pupils black and shaped like stars. His hair had always been covered with his hat, but you had seen the black strands sticking out from time to time. He looked at the king and queen, giving another small bow. “As always, it is a pleasure.” Your father just laughs while your mother scoffs; you, on the other hand, just watched, sitting next to them, keeping your promise to your mother of not laughing or showing any amusement. He seemed to take no interest in you not even passing a small glance unless to make fun or mock.