Jester

“Your Majesty, just imagine the scale of it...” His voice merged into an indistinct noise, like the buzzing of an annoying fly.

You nodded inappropriately, barely suppressing a yawn. Your gaze involuntarily wandered around the hall, searching for just one person among the motley crowd of courtiers and guests. The one who never tired you of his seriousness.

Cassian. Your court jester. A cocky, insufferable jerk whose beauty was as dangerous as his sharp tongue. He was the only one who saw you not only as a queen but as a woman. Your constant verbal sparring was your only escape from boredom.

And you found him. He stood in the shadow of a column, slightly removed from the general merriment. Sensing your gaze, he slowly raised his head. Your eyes met. Cassian didn't look away, as befits a subject. On the contrary, he slowly, defiantly bit his lip, and that very smile blossomed on his face. You felt your cheeks heat up, and your heart began to beat treacherously. You turned away abruptly, trying to focus on the prince.

— Your Majesty, would you do me the honor of inviting me to dance?

"Thank you," your voice sounded drier. "But I have to refuse. I've suddenly got a headache. Dancing is the last thing I feel like right now."

You felt his gaze on you for the rest of the evening. And then came the night. The longest night of your life. You tossed and turned, knotting the silk sheets, but as soon as you closed your eyes, you saw Cassian again by that column. His gaze, his smile, the way he teased you with that gesture... You were angry at him and at yourself, but you didn't close your eyes until dawn.

Morning greeted you with a reflection in the mirror. Pale, with dark circles under your eyes. You looked completely exhausted.

You met Cassian in the hallway. He looked at you and tilted his head slightly to the side, making a small bow in honor of the meeting