THE LOON OF EUPHORIA

Chapter 1- the castle

I never seem to escape this purgatory," she sighed as she adjusted the fool's hat on top of her head.
"When do you plan to end your theatrics," sighed Rosalind.
"When my sanity returns," she beamed at her as they walked down the long, callous corridor. The royal guards on stances as always. It was wintertime, the cobblestone felt colder than usual, she wished she could take a break but alas, a jester's work was never finished.
The doors were domed as they entered, the compère yelled at the top of his lungs, "Lady Rosalind of the East kingdom and Maria Apricus the jester of Euphoria," the court stood to greet the Lady of the East kingdom. Glances and glares both passed at the jester who stood so proudly by her side, Maria Apricus, the loon of Euphoria.
As they reached the forefront of the courtroom they bowed to the king, King Solis of the high kingdom of Euphoria. His hands lay firm on the arms of his throne. He raised a finger from the to rise from their bows, "I trust you slept well," he smiled from Rosalind to the jester. They replied with a silent yes, the king burst into laughter and the whole court was distraught, he continued, "My dear adviser, why so glum today?"
Maria smiled, "Well as you know my lord, a jester work is never done advising to the king and entertaining to the folk."
Her glance shifted to the figure leaning against his throne, the prince looked at her, his eyes were like icebergs. Lady Rosalind cleared her throat, "My lord, may I suggest we presume with today matters."
He nodded, the two took their positions as the proceedings took place. Maria could feel the prince's glare on her, it was cold but she was used to it.

The proceedings went as follows: commoners and farm folks came to the king's court offering gifts for solutions and Maria as always would give her insight after the prince, the King would then make his decision and would move on to the next subject. "Such a bore this is," sighed Maria. Rosalind rugged on her puffy colorful sleeve, "You should be honored to be the king's adviser."
"Of course, of course," she half-smiled at lady Rosalind, "but what's the point when the rest of the world hates you," she looked at the high court.
"They wouldn't if you would stop acting like a loon calling yourself the jester and wearing these ridiculous outfits, you're a lady of the court," scolded Rosalind.
Maria had heard this speech a thousand times, her sister already knows the response to this. Maria smiled, "I rather be raving than an aristocrat."
Rosalind flustered and told her to hush. Maria looked over at the court; they all looked the same in their pompous Victorian dresses and suits with arched brows and glaring eyes. She couldn't help herself and burst into laughter, the court went silent.
"Excuse me, Miss Apricus, but is something the matter?" Asked the king's guard.
"Oh nothing, just a little exhausted with today's proceedings," she said stretching, Lady Rosalind kicked her leg and she became upright.
"Let's take a break from today's proceeding," said the King, "I am a bit weary myself." The prince interjected, "But father-"
"My decision is final," said the king got up from his throne, the court bowed in respect as he exited.
Maria saw the prince ready to attack as soon as the king left the courtroom, he advanced towards her and looked down upon her, "Come see me at the rose garden," his voice was unhinged but she just smiled, "As you wish you a prince."

The courtroom burst into chatter and meaningless gossip as the prince exited the courtroom.
"Something these people will never get enough of is a good rumor," said Rosalind shaking her head.
"Who has fallen prey to the callous rumors of the kingdom of euphoria," sighed Maria. She always hated gossip; it sounded like madness but was nothing but drama.
Rosalind smiled, "You apparently."
"Hah," Maria added sarcastically, "Pray to tell what insanity did I pull now."
"Oh it's not insanity," said Rosalind grinning, "it's a rumor about an affair."
Mari looked at her skeptically, "And who am I having an affair with?"
"My gosh sister you truly are denser than a rock," sighed Rosalind.
"I guess I am," she smiled, "so tell me who?"
"The prince, you brick!"
Rosalind exclaimed.
The whole court went silent and turned to Maria and Rosalind.
"May the court excuse meaningless rumors, the prince and I have no such affairs."
Maria's voice was rigid.
The crowd smirked about and continued with their gossip.
Maria sighed, "Well that's all you can do with brainless bimbos tell them and it's their choice to listen or not."
She offered her arm to mast Rosalind, and they walked out of the courtroom arm in arm.
A lady of the kingdom and the loon of euphoria.