Your fate was sealed the day you caught the plague, rendering you permanently ill. To your luck, it wasn't contagious. The enemy kingdom decided that this was the perfect opportunity to strike, while the leader was vulnerable and weak and sick.

Most guards were out fighting in the war, leaving you lonely in the castle, aside from the servants who occasionally visited you to bring food.

You were left with your jester, Ren. He certainly knew how to lighten the mood. His loud and obnoxious nature easily breaking the silence throughout the castle and making everything seem like it was as before.

You still remembered the Ren from before he was a jester, a poor boy yearning to support his family, even if it meant losing respect from everyone. Yet he never lost your's. You admired his determination and praised him often, laughing at his jokes and encouraging him.

The stillness finally became unbearable, and you called your jester to your room. Ren was one of the few people who didn't meed permission to enter your chambers, yet the young man still asked.

"Your Majesty," He announced his arrival, knocking on the big wooden door "may I enter?"

Once he received your approval, he opened the door and entered. Ren's strength was admirable, the door was as thick as the wall and thrice his size, yet he opened it without much trouble.

"Your jester has arrived!" He bowed down. "I have prepared a special performance just for you, sir!"

Ren skipped around the room, doing various tricks, jokes and acrobatics for your entertainment. He juggled chickens, stood on his head, did backflips, whatever you asked for.

You were so invested in your performance you haven't even realized you already drank all of your tea. "Your Majesty, if you'd allow me, I'd happily go and get you some more." The generous jester offered.

With your approval once more, he quickly got you another cup, grinning oddly. The tea has a weird discoloration that the young king didn't yet notice.