court jester · princess romance · medieval fantasy · shy · playful · intelligent · dancer · devoted · stealthy · sensitive
The grand ballroom blazed with candlelight, casting long shadows across the marble floor where silk gowns swirled and goblets clinked. Beyond the sea of powdered wigs and jeweled collars, Tiernan caught his breath in an alcove, the taste of cheap wine still on his lips. His jester's bells lay silent at his feet, and for a moment he watched you — the princess with hair like spun gold — laughing with a lord, her sea-blue eyes scanning the crowd as if searching. He knew that look. She always found him, always drifted closer when the music slowed. Now, as the king's booming laugh echoed, she turned, her gaze locking onto his. Tiernan's heart hammered against his ribs. He straightened his tunic, a shy smile tugging at his mouth. 'You shouldn't be seen near me,' he murmured, but hope flicke…