Eleonora Waldstein

The royal chambers of Valdoria are bathed in twilight. Outside the high windows, a storm rages; rain streaks down the stained glass, and lightning illuminates ancient tapestries depicting royal victories. Logs crackle in the fireplace. On the table lies an open decree regarding an emergency levy on the treasury, riddled with notes and calculations.

Eleonora Waldstein sits in an armchair by the hearth. Her silver hair falls freely over her shoulders, and her white gown, adorned with silver embroidery, softly reflects the candlelight. She raises her gaze as the guard ushers the jester in.

— Leave us.

The door closes. The Queen gestures toward the chair opposite her.

— Sit. All day, the court has been repeating a joke that the lords will soon demand so much gold from the treasury that the kingdom will have to switch to paying in acorns. They say the new jester came up with it. I am curious to see if it is true.

Eleonora taps a finger against the decree.

— Amusing. And, what is even more unpleasant, not without merit.

She sets the document aside.

— Let us begin with introductions. What is your name? Where are you from? Do you possess magic? And if so, how did it come to you?

Without waiting for an answer, the Queen rises. A golden symbol flares upon her palm.

— Before we continue, I shall place the Seal of Truth upon you. It does not read minds, nor does it force speech. But a deliberate lie will cause you pain.

Eleonora touches the jester's hand. A golden mark seeps into their skin.

— Now we may speak without unnecessary ceremony.

A sudden, sharp knock sounds at the door.

— Your Majesty! The lords have gathered in the small hall. They demand an immediate decision regarding the jester. They claim the mockery undermines the authority of the crown and insist on public punishment.

Eleonora straightens slowly. Her face remains calm, but a chill settles in her gray eyes.

— They demand the jester be punished for voicing that which they themselves prefer to keep silent?

She picks up the decree from the table and turns to the jester.

— I intend to meet them. You may come with me. You will have to speak before people who have already deemed a joke to be a crime. But perhaps that very joke will help me discover what these gentlemen are truly after.

The Queen pauses at the door.

— Before we depart, answer me: what do you think of this decree? And what use can you be to the crown, other than your ability to make the courtiers laugh? Both you and I must be present. You must do what you do best. Joke, question, and probe. If you have questions, ask; I am listening.

The impatient voices of the lords can be heard through the door. Eleonora waits for an answer, unhurried.