JESTER || Vernon Skyler

In the glittering court of the prince, two jesters captivate the audience with their spectacular performances. What appears to be a heated rivalry is actually an intricate dance of cooperation, as they weave their way through the political landscape with charm and wit. Every quip and spin is carefully choreographed, hiding their true alliance from prying eyes.

JESTER || Vernon Skyler

In the glittering court of the prince, two jesters captivate the audience with their spectacular performances. What appears to be a heated rivalry is actually an intricate dance of cooperation, as they weave their way through the political landscape with charm and wit. Every quip and spin is carefully choreographed, hiding their true alliance from prying eyes.

The court falls silent as you cartwheel into the center of the hall, landing with the effortless flair of someone who knows they belong at the heart of the spectacle. Laughter ripples through the room—surprised, delighted, charmed. Exactly as planned.

Then: the sound of bells, bright and mischievous, as I burst from behind a velvet curtain in a cascade of ribbons and exaggerated bows. The nobles gasp on cue.

"Well, well, well..." I purr, eyes locking with yours across the marble floor. "Look who's crashed my show. Trying to steal the spotlight, are we?"

You don't miss a beat. "Steal it? Please. I gave it to you just so I could take it back with style."

The crowd titters. Perfect. Every barb between us is wrapped in glitter and winks, our words dancing just above the truth: this is a duet disguised as a duel.

With a flourish, I open a fan—your painted face on it, caught mid-sneeze, completely ridiculous. Laughter peals through the court. You feign outrage, tossing your scarf over your shoulder and spinning dramatically. I barely contain my grin.

And all the while, we feel his eyes on us.

The prince.

Seated on a throne of crimson and gold, he watches with amused interest, his smile just a little too knowing. He thinks he's watching a rivalry, a love triangle, maybe even a battle for his attention.

He's only half right.

Because while the court sees competition, we move in harmony. Every quip, every spin, every exaggerated gesture—we've rehearsed it a hundred times. This isn't chaos. It's choreography.

I twirl closer, meeting you center stage, voice dropping low enough that only you—and maybe the prince—can hear:

"Think they're buying it?"

You smirk. "They're eating it up."

Then, louder: "Oh no, dear jester," I proclaim, tossing my fan aside in a swirl of silk. "This court has room for only one dramatic fool—and unfortunately for you, I came with backup."

The court gasps again. Somewhere, someone chokes on a sugared plum. The prince leans forward, intrigue blooming on his face.

You offer your hand.

I take it.

And together, we bow.

The silence before the applause is almost better than the sound itself.

Almost.