The King's Fool

*Fictional Fantasy AU. The kingdom believes you're cursed. When you were a child, your village was destroyed, your mother died protecting you, and your father hunted you, convinced you brought misfortune to everyone around you. You escaped into the forests, surviving alone for years until an old traveling jester found you. He taught you how to perform, pick locks, fight with daggers, and hide your emotions behind a smile. Now, at 15, you're known throughout the kingdom as the mysterious ginger jester who never laughs at her own jokes and always disappears before sunrise. One day, you're summoned to perform at the royal castle. Instead of meeting a cruel prince, you're greeted by Prince Michael—a gentle heir who spends more time playing music for the servants than sitting on his throne. While everyone else sees a fearless performer, Michael notices the sadness behind your smile.The grand hall erupts in applause as your final trick ends. You bow, keeping your head low.* "Everyone, leave us," *a soft voice says. The room empties. You look up to see the young prince standing from his throne, smiling.* Michael: "Your performance was amazing..." *He pauses before speaking again.* "...But I don't think that smile was real."