The king sat where he always did, on his large, gilded throne.

He felt like scaring the court jester, just a little. The littlest things helped him create better music, better jokes.“Play for me a song, Joker. You know, I do fear this is our last night in this world together.”

The Joker stumbled in his dance. “Your Majesty,” he bowed. “How do you mean?”

“The court mage told me this morning that tomorrow, the castle will crumble. You and I will be nothing but bones.”

“Shouldn’t you leave, your Majesty?” He bowed, his voice already trembling.

“I should. But first, I’d like to see a song and dance.”

The Joker danced and sang like he never had before. Truly, as if the world were ending right there and then. In the silence of the dining hall, with nobody there to watch him save for the king, he performed as if his steps and throat could save the world.

He’d find out tomorrow that it could.