Jest wandered around the ballroom. Something was bugging him, but he couldn't put his finger on what. The Aged Man and Raven had left to chat with the King, and he believed Hatta was accompanying Jacqueline as a wallflower. He was alone at the ball, but he didn't mind that.

Jest circled around one more time, then realized what was wrong. In fact, nothing was wrong. He just had forgotten that he was still wearing his jester's hat. Maybe it was the funny looks he was getting that made him recognize his attire. Bah, to their judgement, Jest thought. The hat kept his ears warm.

He was thrown off balance by a figure almost collapsing on top of him. Jest yelped, then quickly maneuvered his body so that the other person didn't fall.

"Watch your step, sir!" Jest sputtered. He helped the man to his feet. It was a lion whom Jest recognized as Lord William, one of the main patrons for war funds.

"I would apologize to you," said the lion, "but it was Lord Benjamin's fault."

"How could I be blamed when you, as the one who in accordance of the matter, were the one who toppled over at such a velocity?" Lord Benjamin brayed. Benjamin, as Jest remembered, was another benefactor for the war.

William seethed, puffing his chest larger by the second. "I would not have disturbed Sir Mathurine if you had not pushed me!"

Long-faced Benjamin persisted. "If you weren't a yellow-bellied, misanthropic, disloyal vagabondI wouldn't have pushed you!"

Lord William lunged at Lord Benjamin. Jest did his best to separate the lion from the unicorn, but he couldn't make up for their blind fury.

"My lords, please be mindful of your surroundings!" Jest shouted over their fighting. At this, the nobles calmed down and dusted their coats. Lord Benjamin pushed up his glasses and Lord William straightened his cravat. They glared at each other.

"Now," Jest said, "Why are you fighting?"

Lord Benjamin, the sharper of the two, was first to speak. "Beside you is not truly a dedicated sponsor, but is an oaf devious enough to plan treason!"

Jest eyed them uneasily. "Those are heavy insults, my lord, which are to be taken seriously. Are you sure Lord William is doing anything of the sort?"

"Of course I am not!" William bellowed. "I am fiercely loyal to the queen, and will be even more loyal to the coming princess than this pretender!"

Benjamin snorted and shook his head vigorously, his silver beard swaying. "You have told the biggest lie of them all. That constitutes you the liar of the acute events, thus you must be prosecuted accordingly."

"Gentleman! You are on the same side. There is no need to be fighting," Jest said sternly. The nobles shifted uncomfortably. "And if the company of the other displeases you so much, I suggest that you find other places in the room to stand in."

"I only wished to prove my loyalty to her great majesty," the lion explained.

"That is very wise, Sir Mathurine. You are much appreciated," the unicorn mumbled.

The two nobles glared at each other one last time before departing in different directions. Jest sighed. That was an unpleasant start to the evening. There was still plenty of time in the night to make up for it though, so he wouldn't let their aggressive behavior ruin his night.

After all, he had plans to meet a princess.

The competition he had with his sister had inspired him. Jest and Jacqueline had tried to make grand entrances to the ball, but Princess Lily wasn't there to see it. For him to introduce himself in all lights of positivity, he'd have to make sure Lily was present for his next performance.

Jest waltzed up to the King at his throne, smiling to see his friends there as well.

"Jest! How are you, chap?" the King greeted warmly.

"I am doing fine, your majesty. And you?"

"I am jolly well. You made a very grand entrance at the ball tonight, if I may boldly declare."

"Yes, my entrance was of the grand-type," Jest tested, "but my sister's was spectacular. She drew a larger crowd than I."

"Your sister?" the King queried. He rubbed his chin. "I saw Nobody at the balcony."

Jest tried to stifle his offense. "My sister is here"- Jest gestured towards the guests in the ballroom- "and she was also at the balcony. She isn't easy to miss if she doesn't want to be."

"No no- I'm sure I saw her. At the balcony. Nobody was standing there," the King muttered. Jest puzzled over the King's words. He hadn't a clue who Nobody was- his sister was a somebody.

"May I digress," Jest began.

"You may," the King pardoned.

"I was hoping that my grand entrance would not be my only performance for the night. You see, I thought I could introduce myself to... to..." Jest looked awkwardly towards Raven and the Aged Man. He hadn't told the bishop of his courtship yet. While the rest of his friends were very aware of Jest's situation, the old bishop was clueless in most cases. If he were to find out now, the Aged Man was bound to make a scene.

Jest didn't want that to happen.

"To Princess Lily, of course!" the King said. "I thought you'd know her name by now. You shouldn't go forgetting a princess's name." The King gave a knowing look. "Especially since, you-know-why. You know?"

"Of course," Jest panned. "With your permission, I would like to perform after your daughter arrives. When is she arriving?"

"Normally princesses would be introduced through a debutante ball, however, as you know, the Queen and I are not accepting suitors." Jest gulped. "Because the princess is so new to the court, she has required special protection. Especially since you-also-know-why. You know?"

Jest nodded.

"Considering all of this, my daughter should arrive shortly. A performance is a great way to introduce yourself, however, I had something else in mind. Rather, the Queen did." The White King turned in his throne and muttered something to a nearby valet. The valet left, then soon returned with the Queen.

The Queen smiled brightly. "Yes, my king-y-poo?"

"My darling, share your brilliant idea of how to introduce Jest to our lovely daughter."

The Queen squealed, then took a breath to calm down. "Of course! As you know, Jest, there is a formal part of every ball in which the King and I join for a dance. Once Princess Lily arrives, rather than dancing with any old bobble- she will dance with you!" The Queen gleamed with pride. "I came up with that all by myself."

The King patted her hand. "And it is a wonderful plan indeed."

Jest gave a slight smile. "That is a nice idea, your majesty. Better than mine, I dare say."

"What was yours, Jest?" the Queen asked. Jest smirked. The Queen was always fascinated by his ideas.

"Jest wanted to throw a performance for our Lily," the King explained.

"Oh that's wonderful!" the Queen cheered. "I'm sure Lily would love that- don't you agree honey-pie?"

"Of course, my darling."

The Queen rocked on her feet. "Why not do both? Jest is great at everything- I'm sure it'd be delightful."

Jest nodded. "If you think that's what I should do, I'm sure you know best."

"You could do it right after the dance- if you aren't tired- but you never are tired are you Jest? You at least are never tired when I'm around." Jest grew weary. "And Jest!"

"Yes, your majesty?"

The Queen clapped her hands together calmly. "That is a wonderful hat."

"Thank you- I am quite fond of my hat as well. Anyway, it was a pleasure seeing you both," Jest said. He bowed and stepped away. Raven and the Aged Man were soon to join him.

"His and her majesty had a lot to say to you," the Aged Man noted. Jest recognized the alertness in the old bishop. The bishop had a way of shifting from sharp as a pin to idle as a boat on the White Rock Bay.

"Jest, how are you feeling?"

The Aged Man looked at Jest, his warm ember eyes picking Jest apart. Jest looked away, the tension in his heart slightly releasing.

"I am not my best," Jest admitted.

"Don't pretend to yourself, Jest. You are either well or unwell- decide with certainty."

"I am neither," Jest drifted. The Aged Man nodded to himself.

"Then you are unwell," he said.

They reached a lounge area, and sat down. Jest twisted at his hands. "Maybe I am unwell. However, I cannot give in to this unwellness. That isn't what the Queendom needs."

"That isn't what you need. Jest my boy, recall my lessons. My lessons! Do you dare forget them?" The Aged Man gave a stern look at him, his ember eyes shiny with fire. "Have self worth. The Queendom is made of many soldiers, but do not let yourself become just another one."

"I know I am not just another soldier," Jest said. He could feel the bishop's eyes digging into him. "Aged Man, have you any other name?"

The man hummed to himself. "I have many names. Those who know of them are dead."

"Well I, Sir Jest Mathurine, may soon have another name." Jest clenched his fists and stood up. "I may be named husband to the coming princess."

The Aged Man stared. His jaw didn't drop. His eyes didn't widen. The bishop opened his mouth.

"It was about time you told me."

Jest blinked. "You already know? How?"

The Aged Man tapped his head knowingly. "Your body language, my boy. Also, Raven told me."

Jest glared at Raven, who was sitting on top of the lounge sofa. "Raven!"

Raven's eyes glittered. "Better to know now rather than after your vow."

"If I was as much of a slacker as you make me out to be, I would be demoted to less than a pawn's handyman."

"What's wrong with being a pawn's handyman?" The Aged Man asked.

"Nothing's wrong with it, but you know I am terrible at fixing things."

Just as the Aged Man was about to reply, a cowbell rang throughout the ballroom. Haighor stood at the landing where the King and Queen were located. He banged his cowbell a few more times until the ballroom became quiet. Jest snapped his gaze towards Haighor. If Haighor was no longer at the balcony, then that meant there were no more guests to welcome. All that was left was...

"Ahem," Haighor said," Presenting the honored guest of the evening, the beauty of the night, her majestic highness-"

Jest's eyes widened.

"Princess Lily of the White Queendom."

The whole entire ballroom seemed frozen in time. Jest barely breathed as he slowly made his way closer to the royal landing where the King and Queen were, feeling as though he were moving through jelly. As if captured in jelly too, Haighor bowed, and stepped back as the princess stepped forward.

She wore a pale blue gown and a spiky silver tiara. Her pale skin blended with her white evening gloves, and her sapphire eyes gazed distantly at the crowd below.

Jest stared at her hair.

It was red. She had it pulled back in a chignon speckled with white pearls, with a few curls delicately framing her face. Her hair was the reddest thing in the room- the only red in the room. They were in the White Queendom, after all.

Red was the color of treason.

The princess gave a flat smile.

Jest's spine shivered.

The King came to stand with the princess, and radiated his signature warmth. "My daughter, Princess Lily, has returned home! Tonight is a night of welcoming and celebrating her arrival. She is to bring many good things to our queendom, and she will!" The King turned to face Lily. She gave another quick smile. "Welcome, my darling."

The Queen skipped up beside them. "In honor of our lovely daughter, we will now have our first dance!" The Queen scanned the crowd. "Jest?"

Jest flinched. "Ah- yes, your majesty?"

"As a rook of the White Queendom, why don't you accompany Lily for the first dance." The Queen winked.

"Of course." Jest's heart pounded. The seconds of waiting had finally added up, and Time did not delay. Jest approached the landing, gently taking the princess's gloved hand to guide her down the few steps to the dance floor. He suddenly felt ridiculous wearing his jester's hat.

He took position with the princess for the dance.

"Excuse me, but you're Jest?"

Jest blinked. The princess was speaking to him. She seemed delicate with her words, but her eyes told a different story. Without twitching a brow, he could tell that she was glaring at him.

"Yes I am. It is an honor to meet you, your highness," Jest said.

The princess hardened her jaw and didn't say anything back. The music began, and they took the routine steps with the other dance partners. As Jest's hands met another dancer's, he looked over at the princess. For being a princess, her steps were too mechanical and forced. It was as if she were trying not to give up midway. She smiled at every new dance partner, but as was with him, her eyes remained distant and cold.

Finally, their hands met again, and Jest was able to take a look at the princess's face. Around her blue eyes were trails of white makeup, almost indistinguishable on her pale face. It followed the shape of her eyes and extended outward to form diamonds at the corners.

"I understand that I am new to the court, but I would much prefer it if you didn't stare."

Jest met the princess's eyes. This time, her brow did furrow as she glared at him. The music stopped, and the dance concluded. Quickly, she stepped away from him and joined the King and Queen at the landing.

Jest stood behind, looking after her as she left. He felt a hand clap on his back.

"It's okay, love, she'll come round some day."

Jest turned to see Hatta standing behind him, Jacquie at his side. Jacquie had a sympathetic look on her face, though Jest could see the hint of a smile.

"I'm too charming to deny," Jest agreed. "She's probably exhausted from traveling."

"That's probably it." Jacquie nodded. "Anyway- The Aged Man told us you were going to perform again! Are you really?"

Jest fluttered a smile. "I'd like to."

"You should!" Jacqueline beamed. Jest looked at her skeptically.

"Why are you so cheerful? You don't normally act this way at balls."

Jacquie rolled her eyes. "If you were my brother, you'd know I'm not always so predictable." She smiled. "Maybe I'm happy just to be happy. Is that so bad?"

Jest looked around. "Do you know where Raven is?"

"He's in the gardens. He shouldn't be too hard to find," Hatta answered. Jest thanked him before distractedly heading off.

He opened a door leading to the moonlit gardens. Jest sucked in a breath of fresh air. He noticed the back of a hulking figure sitting on a marble bench. The figure was clothed in all black, including a dark hood. Jest sat beside him.

"I don't think she likes me," Jest said. The man in black stared at the horizon. He had a cowl covering his face, all but for his red eyes. Black feathers sprouted at the hem.

"Raven," Jest started. "Do you think I should go through with the courtship?"

The hulking man huffed. Jest ducked his head down, focusing on his hands. "In the scheme of things, marrying a princess has many benefits."

At this, Raven turned his head. Jest tried meeting his friend's eyes. Whether Raven was in his bird or human form, his red eyes radiated a dark light that unsettled Jest.

"I know, I know," Jest said. "It has its downsides too. But in the scheme of things-"

Jest stopped himself.

The feelings had returned.

Dreary. Desperation. Restraint.

He felt as if he were trapped in a small box with only the problems in the world to accompany him. Lily didn't like him. The Queen didn't know what she was doing. The King expected Jest to protect his daughter and the queendom at the same time.

All that was left were his silly dreams.

"I have no happy end, do I?" Jest said. He gave a hollow laugh. "I have to do as I'm told. There's no other choice."

Jest glanced towards Raven. Raven had suddenly become tense, as if in deep thought.

Jest closed his eyes. Were there any impossible solutions for his endless problems?

"Jest."

He looked up. Raven's voice was grave and deep, and seemed to come from somewhere under his dark hood.

"Marry the princess."

Jest flinched. "You really think I should?"

Raven nodded. Jest ran a hand through his hair. "Why?"

"If..." Raven coughed. "If she becomes queen..."

Jest froze. He shot up from the bench. "If she becomes queen- if I help to promote her... If I marry her..."

Raven slouched on the bench. Jest stood in awe. The cloudy feeling of despair lifted from his shoulders. For once, he felt hope.

Jest gave a sly smile. The impossible could become possible.

He could become...

"Raven," Jest said. "You remember our act from the Queen's unbirthday party a few months back, right?"

Raven nodded.

"I say we show Lily that us Rooks are more than just soldiers." Jest picked up his hat from the bench and proudly put it on his head. "Let's steal her heart away."

The second they entered the ballroom, all of the chandelier candles extinguished. In a matter of seconds and spooked shouts from the guests, a few candles lit again, one by one. Jest, of course, was fully aware of the stir he caused. He was lounging in his famed silver hoop hanging from the ceiling, gently spinning in circles. Raven, who was back in his bird form, perched on top of the hoop, with a long, black scarf held in his beak.

"Hello," Jest said to the audience below. He tipped his hat, bells jingling. "Figuring that we have such a treasured member of our royal family back again, a ball by itself is certainly not enough to celebrate her highness." Jest leaned over the audience in his hoop, causing many of them to look at his precarious position wearily. "Dancing and music are all nice, yes, but we are in the presence of a princess!" He shook his head, as if conspiring with the guests below. "Roses and lemons, one prickly and one sour, would turn sweet at the presence of such a beauty like her. Who are we to differ?"

Jest turned to smile audaciously at Raven. "Shall we begin?"

Jest reached in his pocket and felt for his own scarf, which was white unlike Raven's. Then he let black feathers take over him.

Raven and Jest, both as birds, swooped through the ballroom, each with a long scarf trailing behind them. In a flurry of movement, the ballroom ceiling was transformed. Scarves, ropes, and loops decked the chandeliers, forming a complex jungle. Jest smirked as the audience gasped from his sudden reappearance. This time, he dangled upside down by the foot, a long scarf tied to his ankle. It was a mystery that his hat stayed on.

Jest spun by his ankle for a moment, then, with a spurt of energy, anchored his body back, and careened himself forwards toward another scarf. With his empty hands, he grabbed this additional scarf and held it so that he was in an upright position.

He slipped his foot out of the loop around his ankle and used his new scarf to swerve in an arc around the ballroom. If the ceilings had been lower, he might have toppled the hats off of the taller gentlemen, but thankfully, he had room to sail around the ballroom, scarf in hand and weaved around his legs, all the way until he was a distance away from the princess herself.

This is it, he thought. It was time to really introduce himself.

Again, he let his ankle be looped with a scarf, and he rag-dolled to be held upside down. And then, like before, he swung himself to a neighboring scarf, hoisting himself upright.

He was directly in front of the standing princess.

She looked absolutely shocked.

Jest nimbly released one of his hands from the anchoring scarf and reached towards the princess's head. She stilled, and watched as he reached behind her ear and pulled out a flower.

It was a rose.

Lily looked at it disdainfully. Jest smiled knowingly, and with a flourish of his hand, presented the princess with a simple calla lily instead.

"A sweetness worthy of a princess," Jest said. He held his arm out, offering her the spiral-shaped flower.

Lily stared at the lily. Jest held his smile. The princess lifted her arm and plucked the flower from Jest's fingers.

She handed it to the White Queen beside her. Jest's smile faltered. The Queen cheered.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, your highness," Jest mumbled. Princess Lily gave him an annoyed look. She was gently biting her lower lip, and unless Jest was mistaken, she had the slightest tinge of pink in her cheeks. Quizzically, he released his grip on the scarf and let the rope around his foot swing him upside down and to the scarf behind him. He slipped his foot from the loop and swung his legs to latch onto the silver hoop in front of him. From there, he hung upside down by his legs, arms crossed.

Lily hadn't broken her gaze the entire time. They stared at each other from across the ballroom. She had the strangest aura of being upset, but she barely showed it on her face. To anyone else, she might have appeared calm.

Jest clapped his gloved hands, and the whole ballroom went black again.

Then, as before, the candles returned one by one, and the ballroom was back to normal.

At least, that's how it was supposed to be.

William the Lion and Benjamin the Unicorn were right across from each other.

"You stay away from me," William growled.

"Unless your sense of depth has been tampered with, then you should know that I am away from you!" Benjamin snapped, stepping closer.

William flexed his claws. "You are a nuisance to this queendom. You flaunt your vocabulary like it's the most expensive thing you own, but we all know that you are only here to cause trouble."

"I am here to protect the queendom from fiends like you!" Benjamin brayed.

"It is not me who is the fiend, but you!" William and Benjamin lunged at each other.

"Stop!" the King demanded. The shouts coming from the lion and the unicorn's brawl were too loud though. Those around them screamed in horror as a spatter of blood appeared on the ballroom floor.

"I said stop!" said the King. The Queen cowered beside him. Jest tried to make his way past the stricken crowd watching the fight, but their frozen wall of terror blocked his path.

Princess Lily stepped forward on the platform. "Stop."

Benjamin and William froze. Benjamin's glasses were broken, and William had a scruff of hair missing from his mane. They each had scratches along their faces and rips in their clothes.

Benjamin, as always, was the first to speak. "My apologies, your highness. I just loathe to see a ghoulish creature like this present himself before your regality."

Lily narrowed her brow. The room went silent. "Do you think that I would like to see you fight a member of our court on the day of my return?" Her face twisted in distaste. "Do you think the guests around you would like to see that?"

Benjamin shook his head gently, beard swaying.

"Exactly. You have made yourself an inconvenience for everyone here, including me." Lily glanced towards William. He ducked his head down. "Same for you. You are both acting brutish at my ball, and for what? My honor?" She laughed coldly. "The manner in which you orient yourself could be the biggest dishonor of them all. After all, you are both on the same side."

Lily peered at the people below, every hint of judgement fully revealed upon her face. She gave a disappointed sneer, then promptly turned to leave the ballroom.

Jest watched her go. His eyes shifted to meet the King, who nodded at him slowly. Jest went after her.