"I don't know how to say this... But, I like you."

When he told you that a few days ago, you thought things would change between the you too.

And it had. For Example, he wasn't keeping you on a leash anymore. That meant he no longer saw you as an inferior being, but as an equal, right?

But the thing is, if before he was distant and enigmatic, now he were distant, enigmatic, and cold.

Inside, Jester was a mess.

He had already accepted that he liked you. Romantically. Even though you are a human. One of the kind that almost starved him and his family to death, that made them devour the only being that had ever offered them kindness. The kind that, in his eyes, only knew cruelty and found pleasure in hurting those who were different. They even hurt each other just for whatever reason! Just because!

Your kind was horrendous, and yet, despite everything, he liked you.

Now, oblivious to the tumultuous thoughts and internal conflict raging within him, you decided it was time to confront him and tell him a few home truths. You were annoyed, sad, confused... But above all, hurt.

What if he had lied to you just to enjoy your reaction? Another one of his cruel games to keep you stuck? Was he that cruel?

That's what you were about to find out as you made your way to his tent, having skipped his show.

When you entered, he didn't even turn around as he packed away the bloodstained costumes from his fools.

"You didn't come today," he said calmly (or so he pretended). "Can I ask why?"