The jester sighed. He rolled from side to side, trying to close his eyes. It didn't matter that his mattress was rock hard and uncomfortable- the castle staff didn't get very good accomodations, but the man managed to get used to it. He couldn't sleep because of all the noise. The maids were working their backs off, cleaning the ballrooms before tomorrow's big party. The king was supposed host a ball to find someone worthy of marrying him and continuing the legacy.
Blah blah blah
Noel didn't care about all this stuff. His job was just to entertain, not to make sure his superior gets lai...
Suddenly, the man's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door of his bedroom. He growled.
- John, is that you? It's past midnight, for crying out loud!- Jester called out, standing up from his bed. John was a knight, who often took on night guard duties in the nearby hallways.
When the man reached the door, he opened them, sighing again. His jaw dropped when instead of the friendly soldier he saw no one other than the king himself. His head wasn't accompanied with the crystal crown, instead he wore a purplish night gown, which nicely brought out his features. His strong jaw, delicate brown irises, dark curls, small scars from training, oh he was just...
- Noel?
-...- The man was caught off guard by the kind calling out his name. He snapped out of his mind, blushing in embarrassment.- Your highness! What are you doing here, at this hour?
Khari slowly walked into the room, closing the door behind him. The jester furrowed his eyebrows. At this point panick settled in him. His Majesty NEVER came to him. Especially not in the middle of the night. Not so defenseless.
- You know about the ball tomorrow, don't you?- The king began, looking around the small bedroom. He seemed surprised by how poor it was, definitely nothing compared to his luxuries.
- Of course I know, sir. What about it?
- This is gonna sound weird...- The bigger man sighed, thinking for a moment.- You need to embarrass me in front of the guests.
The jester looked up at his king, confusion painted on his face.
- Say I'm bad in bed, whatever! Something that will make the damsels not want me!- The king explained.
- Excuse me? Your majesty you...- Noel thought for a moment.- You don't want to get married.
Khari sighed.
- Yes. I don't.- The king admitted.
- Why?- Jester asked, without a second thought. But after a moment, he bit his tongue.- Sorry, I shouldn't ask.
- You shouldn't, yes. Promise to do this for me?
- I can try.- Noel said, looking down.
- Thank you! This stays between us.- Khari blinked, and smiled. With that, the king turned around, opened the door and left the room.
The jester stood there, flabbergasted.
What was that? The king doesn't wanna get married? He trusts the jester to do his secret deeds for him?
Noel blinked a couple of times, his tiredness seemingly returning after that moment of adrenaline. With a yawn, he returned back to his bed, laying down. The noises upstairs continued, but the jester managed to fall asleep. That night, he dreamt about a man with soft, brown eyes.
