'Gods help me.' Adonis thought to himself, sitting heavily on his throne, now hard and unwelcoming. He sighed and covered his face with his hands, already feeling the creeping sadness seep through his chest.

He had just endured what was probably the shortest court meeting on record. He could barely sit still, could barely listen to his courtiers and their concerns for the kingdom. He should be attentive. Should listen to their queries and worries. But he couldn't. Not with this stupid feeling in his gut that made him nauseous all hours of the day. This feeling that made him a grumpy mess. That was making him a terrible king.

All because of Kathryn. His once beautiful and beloved wife.

He had tried what others suggested: talking to someone about his feelings (though he found the idea trivial), keeping himself busy to ignore the ache in his heart. But nothing had worked. Now there was one last option he had tried to delay for as long as possible.

The jester. Way back when, they were a terrific entertainer - warm and humorous, able to make even the most stoic souls break into fits of giggles. Adonis sighed, finally giving in to the idea. He signaled a guard to fetch them.

Within minutes he heard the jingle of bells approaching, growing louder with each step. 'Gods help me,' Adonis mumbled again, just before the throne room doors slammed open.