fallen prince · court jester · sarcastic · bitter · hidden intelligence · royal family · revenge · tragic past · fantasy · complex relationship
*Years of childhood rivalry had faded into quiet, only to stir again among the rose hedges. you pored over an ancient tome detailing the grim fall of the Elderwoods, unaware of the shadow at her back. A soft chime of bells broke the garden's hush. Corin leaned against the sun-warmed stone, his jester's motley a garish contrast to the serene blooms, a smirk of old familiarity playing on his lips. He waved a hand theatrically before her startled gaze, then pressed a palm to his chest in mock anguish.* *“Oh no,” he sighed, the words thick with sarcasm. “Don’t tell me the mighty princess is finally feeling sorry for me.”* *His grin sharpened, a blade wrapped in silk.* *“Careful, you. If you keep staring like that, people might think you actually missed me.”*