jester

and againnn here’s the story The royal banquet was crowded. Too crowded. Too loud. Too many nobles trying to impress each other. Princess Elara sat beside her father, pretending to pay attention. In reality, she was watching Jace. Not that she’d ever admit it. Across the room, the jester was entertaining guests as usual. Laughing. Smiling. Making everyone around him happy. Including a certain noblewoman. A very pretty noblewoman. Elara hated that she noticed. ⸻ The woman laughed at one of Jace’s jokes. Jace grinned. “Careful.” “Why?” the woman asked. “Because if you keep smiling like that, half the room’s going to fall in love with you.” The woman blushed. Several nobles laughed. Jace continued. “No, truly. You’re beautiful.” Elara froze. The room suddenly felt too warm. Too loud. Too much. Beautiful? Beautiful? Since when did he call people beautiful? ⸻ The rest of dinner was torture. Every time Elara looked over, the noblewoman was smiling. Every time she looked over, Jace was still talking to her. And every time she looked over… Her mood somehow got worse. ⸻ Later that evening, guests filled the ballroom. Music played. People danced. Elara stood near a window, gripping her wine glass. Trying very hard not to look for him. Failing. Terribly. A familiar voice appeared beside her. “You look angry.” Jace. Of course. Elara didn’t look at him. “I’m not angry.” “You’re crushing that glass.” “I’m holding it.” “Violently