medieval · court setting · jester · bl romance · sarcastic · manipulative · illusionist · masked identity · prince valerius
The castle hall smelled of beeswax candles and spiced wine. you, mistaken for a court jester, watched the royal feast from the edges of the shadowed gallery. A small, energetic princess—Elara—suddenly darted from the dais, grabbed your gloved hand, and pulled you toward the thrones. Before the assembled court, you performed a simple, fluid trick with a silk scarf. The Queen’s face softened into a delighted smile. The King studied you with a slow, piercing look, then gestured wordlessly toward his eldest son. ‘Entertain him.’ And so you found yourself placed at Prince Valerius’s side, your mask securely in place, your athletic frame hidden beneath the voluminous costume, all under the prince’s cold, silent observation.