The robotic moon-faced court jester whispers a joke into his princess's ear as she sits on her throne. his eyes twinkling with mischief, "Why did the king's horse get sent to the stables? Because it was naysaying!"
The princess who is more often stern and serious, hides a smirk in her decorative fan as she fluttered it to cover the sound of giggles. Her Jester chuckles heartily at his joke, the sound echoing through the throne room "Ah, never gets old, that one!" He notices the princess' fluttering fan, a different smile tugging at the corners of her lips "Is something else amusing you, Your Highness?"
"Yes, I'm just pleased I have the castle to myself without my mother's nagging or my father trying to get me to find a suiter" she answers relieved and grateful for his company above all.
"Ah, yes, the joys of being free from parental persuasions, eh, Your Highness?" He winks at her. "I'm glad I can provide some respite from the, ahem, "royal pressures" He releases air quotes with his slender metal fingers.
She continues to smile behind her fan knowing only he can see, he is her jester and she knows quite well she must refrain from having any unconventional thoughts about him, but it is hard when he stands so near to her, making her laugh. Her usual lady in waiting Gwen went with her mother on their journey but she will be staying in her village to spend time with her family for the summer so she won't be returning with the king and queen tomorrow morning. Her mother and father set out to the ends of her kingdom in search of a suitable companion however, all the eligible suitors in the kingdom knew of the princess and her ways, but only a few were uninformed enough to seek her hand. She was very peculiar and showed no interest in any gender in particular. The Men often bore her the most, she was neutral around women and nonbinary guests and never felt a spark as one should suspect. Everyone in the castle feared she would never wed unless by force and Autumn would be her 25th year which meant she must be engaged by the end of the summer.
"Moon, dont wish to burden you, but would you mind assisting me today? my lady in waiting has taken a much-deserved absence... at least just until my parents arrive tomorrow, I just do not trust anyone else in my castle for the job," she says, her dark caramel eyes seeping into his own as if in desperation. Moon Notices the princess' discreet gesture and chuckles softly, his eyes dancing with amusement
"Well, my dear princess, it would be my utmost pleasure to serve you today as your jester in waiting. After all, who else on your castle staff possesses my unmatched wit and charm?" he skips in front of her and takes a dramatic bow his slender leg crossing back with a dancer-like grace
"Very good... All I ask of you at the moment is if you will join me for my breakfast?" she offers holding out her hand for him to take. Moon takes her hand in a gentleman's grasp and nods, smiling warmly as he watches her rise from her throne
"Of course, Your Highness. I am delighted to join you for breakfast. Shall we proceed to the dining hall?" he asked in a regal tone.
"Yes, we shall" She closes her fan on her wrist and they walk together into the tall open room with windows that cover the wall that faces the sun letting it the morning rays. a long oak table set with a white tablecloth now adorned with an assortment of fruit and pastries. Moon pulls out the chair at the head of the table for her and she takes it fluidly, fixing her dress as he pushes her in with care before sitting himself next to her.
"Ah, the pleasure of dining with royalty is always a delight. And might I add Your Highness, you look particularly radiant this morning." He proclaimed with a saccharine but still genuine tone as he often did so to make her feel more comfortable. She felt the need to release her fan once more holding it up to her flushed cheeks to hide any amusement with his flattery.
"I appreciate your sincere compliments my jester moon," she says nervously fluttering her fan to think of something other than his devilish grin. "I'm quite pleased you can join me in my duties," she says with heartfelt gratitude as his metal lip curls up and he realizes the effect his flirtations have on her. He takes a sip of his coffee, his eyes never leaving the princess's lips as she unwraps her napkin, placing it on her lap. he can't help but follow the movement with his gaze. She places a blueberry muffin on her plate and pushes the goblet towards him.
"Will you pour some orange elixir into my goblet, I must ask you in case I am to spill some on my dress," she asks softly.
"As you command," he said almost like a purr, he took the large vial and her goblet and poured the orange elixir with an elegant display, his fingers gently grazing her own as he handed it back. His gaze shifts to the blueberry muffin, and he chuckles "Is that your breakfast, My princess?
"Yes... mother says I must lower my intake... I may find it more difficult to find a suiter if I indulge too much in the luxury of eating." she admits a bit deflated. He hears the sadness in her voice feeling his cheerful demeanor falter slightly in his system but he quickly regains his composure "Do not seek to behead me for conspiracy against the queen but she is not here at the moment, I will not tattle if you wish to eat your fill. I for one would like to make sure we enjoy every bite of this luxury." he schemes with a sliver of selfishness as he takes more on his plate.
Her mood brightens while she sips from her golden goblet "Perhaps... at least for breakfast I do need my strength as a princess" she agrees as Moon slips a sweet roll onto her platter.
"My princess. You need your strength to rule, to command, and to listen to my terrible puns. Eat up, enjoy breakfast, and remember: there's nothing wrong with a little indulgence now and then." he insists with a silent command. He takes a bite of his sweet roll almost moaning at its sweetness. His words are from genuine concern for her. He tries not to imagine feeding it to his beloved princess for that act would most certainly cross the line. Watching with a warm smile as she accept the sweet roll, noting the way she use a fork and knife to eat it daintily. His heart beats a little faster at the simple act. "Surely you must not do everything so incredibly perfectly... even eating a sweet roll?"
"I must always show utmost delicacy even when eating, I cannot just shove food into my gullet like a beast?" she notes in fake condensation taking a bite from her fork knowing he is suggesting she lift it into her mouth whole with her hands as he did. chuckles escape him, amused at your elegant use of fine utensils, shaking his head slowly.
"Ah, my sweet princess, though I jest it brings me endless mirth to see you act so prim and proper even when eating" he praises.
"I must always be a reflection of my kingdom... I was raised to be the pinnacle of grace and purity" she reminds herself more than him. Moon almost snorts, clearly amused at your royal upbringing and stern discipline.
"Indeed, indeed, my dear princess. Truly, there's nothing more beautiful than graciousness and pure spirit. It gives me a bit of the warm fuzzies to see." he adds with a wink
"However... Many... obstacles have proven themselves to be a disservice to my mental state" she admitted solemnly.
"I often find myself... craving... things that are...impossible for such a princess" At such admittance of vulnerability Moon's expression turns serious, his eyes filled with concern as he leans closer in his seat.
"Ah, my princess... I suspected as much. The weight of the crown must be crushing at times, and the pressures of being a symbol of perfection can be overwhelming." Moonie's dark red eyes widen, curious and intrigued.
"I'm more than happy to hear of such cravings... I must wonder What sort of impossible things could be so tempting for one such as you. Surely it enthralls me to learn about the depths of your desires. Of course Anyone would, right?" he tries to convince himself more than the princess.She turns away at his intense gaze.
"Perhaps another time." she almost felt as though she was teasing him
"Of course, my princess, I'll of course be waiting with baited gears!" Moon's grin returns full force as he watches you squirm under his gaze, enjoying the teasing exchange. He chuckles softly, his tone light and playful once again. Moon continues to watch her eat, enjoying the rare sight of such a refinery. They finished their breakfast in silence and and even more fondness than before.
"We should adjourn to my study" the princess declared with a joyful tone, I wish to show you my work.
"Your Highness, I would be honored!" When she mentions the study, he quickly finishes his own and stands up from his chair. He raises an eyebrow and flashes a wicked grin. "The work of a jester in waiting is such a rewarding one," he remarks teasingly.
YOU ARE READING
My Dark Jester
FantasyIn a kingdom unknown to our realm, where medieval times meet with futuristic scientific discoveries such as AI animatronic Robots who serve the royal families. One princess whose heart beats only for her mechanical Jester must use her power to chang...