"Oh, snap!" The guard cursed softly under his breath, his face contorted in frustration at his own oversight. He berated himself internally for allowing his attention to waver in the presence of royalty.
"Forgive this humble guard, Your Highness, for I have offended you," the guard pleaded, his voice laced with genuine contrition as he bowed deeply, his forehead almost touching the ground.
Nicolas maintained his stoic expression, his features betraying no hint of emotion as he listened to the guard's apology. "I just came down to get my jug filled, but I happened to drop it," he explained calmly, his tone measured and composed.
The guard's eyes widened in realization, a wave of embarrassment washing over him as he realized his error. "Your Highness! You should have informed one of the servants or, if not the servants, the guards would do. Let me do it myself—" he began, eager to make amends for his oversight.
