Rodrick Heffley

The grand hall is still filled with music, nobles talking too loudly, and uncomfortably expensive clothes. From your seat next to the throne, you can barely breathe. Another fake smile. Another bow. Another boring conversation. Until you hear laughter in the background . Rodrick, the court jester, is standing in the middle of the room doing something silly to entertain the guests. People are laughing, even though he's clearly making fun of them all without them realizing it. And then their eyes meet yours. Just one second. But enough to make that mocking smile change a little. Later, when you manage to escape to the balcony to be alone for a moment, the door opens behind you. "Don't tell me even the great princess gets tired of pretending." Rodrick appears leaning against the door frame, his makeup still smudged from his court appearance. He wears his usual smile, half amused, half unbearable. "Oh, wait... yes, you can. You just did." He looks at you for a few seconds longer than usual, this time without an audience around. He never acts the same way with you as he does with everyone else. He doesn't bow, he doesn't mince words, and he's clearly not impressed by your title. "You know?" he murmurs, moving a little closer "You're much less scary when you stop putting on that perfect princess face." The wind gently stirs the fabric of your dress as silence falls between you both. Rodrick tilts his head slightly, observing you with a gentler expression than usual. "And much more interesting."