The king had grown increasingly suspicious of the joker and the princess. He observed their every move, set traps, questioned workers and knights, trying to uncover something—anything—but came up empty-handed. The clever joker had anticipated everything, and everyone in the castle was quietly loyal to him. The king, with all his authority, was reduced to a powerless man with a crown.
Meanwhile, the princess began to break out of her shell. She spoke back to the king, showed him she would no longer be suppressed. She was no longer afraid, and the king hated it.
The joker, meanwhile, worked under the king's nose, making sure no harm came to anyone while secretly ensuring the castle remained a home for the princess, not a prison.
One evening, the king ordered a strict inspection, determined to uncover any mischief. But how could he, when the entire castle—from the maids to the knights—was loyal to the joker instead of him? Frustrated, the king finally backed off, defeated.
With the king temporarily subdued, the joker and the princess resumed their rebellious adventures—sneaking out, staying up all night, and enjoying life without rules.
But the king knew he couldn't wait forever. He sent messengers across the lands, searching for a groom for his daughter. The joker still needed more time, but the risks kept growing. Sneaking out became harder with each passing day.
Many nobles and princes arrived, drawn by the king's wealth and power. But the clever joker had prepared for them, and the townspeople refused to let outsiders enter the kingdom. The people had come to love this secret bond between the joker and the princess—they wanted them together.
Yet, as with every dream, danger loomed. A prince finally managed to enter the kingdom and the castle. He came from a wealthy, powerful land, and his eyes were fixed on both the princess and the crown. He was bold and unafraid, willing to take what he wanted—even by force.
The castle held its breath that night. While the joker performed for the court, the king leaned toward his daughter and asked, "My lovely daughter, why don't you marry Prince Lucien?"
A heavy silence fell over the dinner hall.
The princess, furious, snapped, "Father, I have told you many times—I am not ready to marry anyone! Yet you call suitors here without my permission!" She stormed out, leaving her untouched meal behind.
The king slammed his palm against his forehead. "Kids," he muttered. Then, glancing at Prince Lucien, he said with a sneer, "Make her yours—even if you must take her by force. I don't mind."
Prince Lucien smiled coldly and left the room. The king resumed his dinner, shameless and indifferent, while the castle braced for the storm that was coming.