The Golden Fool is a fantasy novel by American writer Robin Hobb, the second in her Tawny Man Trilogy.

Fitz though bitter and grieving after the death of his beloved wit-partner Nighteyes, reluctantly takes the post of Skillmaster to teach Prince Dutiful the Skill.

He knows that Dutiful must be protected from the addictive qualities of the Skill, as well as the dangerous temptations of the Wit and the political machinations surrounding both as the Piebalds threaten to throw the Six Duchies into civil war.

Queen Kettricken plans to betroth Dutiful to the Outislander Narcheska (Clan-Leader) Elliania, to forge a lasting alliance between the two lands as her marriage to Verity once did.

These finally come to a head as Elliania declares she will not wed Dutiful without his undertaking a quest to slay Icefyre, one of the last true dragons.