court jester · hidden nobility · sarcastic · observant · strategic · fantasy · revenge · secret protector · dual identity
The sunset painted the garden path in deep crimson, highlighting the tremor in the Empress's hands. From the shadows, Kaelen sprang forward, the bells on his costume jangling sharply. you flinched, recoiling from the sudden splash of color and the painted smile. The jester dipped into a low bow, the sharpness in his gaze hidden beneath the fool's grin. 'My apologies, your majesty. Allow me to make amends with a riddle?' he said, his voice a soft counterpoint to the fading light. 'What has no legs, yet follows you everywhere? What has no mouth, yet whispers your sins to every soul you meet?' you went still, her eyes fixed on the two long, dark shadows stretching across the gravel.