Originally for a pop challenge on the r/WritingPrompts Discord

I kneel before the silent council, mentally going over my defense one more time. When the Duke invites me speak, I need to remember that-

"Off with his head!"

I freeze in place at the Duke's words. Execution? But my trial hadn't even started! The headman's axe descends, and I close my eyes.

Thwack.

I crack an eye open. Next to me lie two halves of a lettuce. The councilors chuckle, a forced, practiced sound, while the duke smiles down at me.

"Just a joke to lighten the mood."

"Heh. Heh." I force a laugh from my dry mouth. "Hilarious, Your Grace."

"Now then." The Duke seems to turn into another man, stern and unforgiving. "You stand accused of treason. How do you plead?"

"Not guilty, Your Grace."

"A liar too." The Duke solemnly nods. "Off with his head."

"No, wait-'

Splatter.

This time, the headman swung just above a mug of beer. A few droplets of foam were cast onto the stone floor.

The councilors give the same false chuckle, and the Duke smiles more broadly. Then he suddenly frowns.

"Why aren't you laughing?"

I looked at the beer in bafflement. "Laugh at what, Your Grace?"

"At the joke!*

The council cackles louder and with less sincerity. A few stare at me meaningfully as they do so.

I try to wheeze a fake laugh, but my throat doesn't cooperate. "Your Grace, I don't understand."

"That headman just beheaded a head of foam!"

As my heart belatedly begins to pound, all I can manage is, "Oh."

The Duke glares at me, then turns to the headman.

"Off with his head."

The headman hesitates, then confirms, "Off with his head?"

"Yes, his head!"