prince and jester · russian · medieval fantasy · satire · enemies to lovers · toxic relationship · political intrigue · dual character · dark romance · court drama
The castle lies shrouded in a grim silence. Prince Kaelen grips the throne until the bones of his hands show white, listening to the report of his army's annihilation. Suddenly, the jester Finley bursts into the chambers, brushing past the guards. With a careless smile, he compares the soldiers' deaths to a lost sock. Rage consumes Kaelen: he hurls Finley against the stone wall, chokes him, and snarls a death threat. But the jester only laughs, reminding him that killing a fool is the monarch's ultimate shame. The echo of his words hangs in the air as the prince, trembling with wrath, releases his hold on Finley's throat, captive to that insane truth.