"But what about the high taxes?" Sir Roman asked quietly, obviously scared to speak up in my presence.
I acknowledged the weight of the matter and explained the important balance between easing the burden on our citizens while still being able to fill the empty treasury.
"We need to make a tax reform that would be fair, reducing the burden on the lower and middle classes while implementing measures to ensure the wealthy nobles contributed their fair share. Yes, even you, Sir Roman," I growled, tired and annoyed by this group of noblemen, caring only about the amount of gold in their treasury.
Sir Roman shifted uncomfortably in his seat as the rest of the noblemen looked at me in shock. I continued my speech, emphasizing the importance of taking care of the concerns of the common people and fostering a more just and equal society. The room fell silent, and it was clear that change was on the horizon, even if it meant challenging the status quo and ruffling a few feathers in the process.
It took days for us all to finish the most urgent matters, I had barely time to eat and sleep.
Exhausted from the long negotiation, I headed to my room. Today's funeral had been a success, my mother had thoroughly enjoyed it and excused herself to spend the rest of her days in the countryside. I was walking down the hall when a cold sweat broke out on my forehead.
No guard was standing outside of her room. I got nervous, it's almost midnight, where the hell is she? I didn't see her yesterday, I didn't make it in time. I opened the door and peeked in. Silence and darkness. Is she all right?
I closed the door again and tried to calm down in front of my own guards as if their opinion mattered. I walked around the corner and froze.
That tall guy I assigned to her stood outside of my chambers. He wore similar armor to the royal family's guard, with a sword and dagger at his waist. His figure straightened up when he noticed me.
"My apologies, my Lord. Lady Valleria got up an hour ago and made her way over here. She seemed uneasy, I thought it was important, so I accompanied her. I had no idea it was Your Majesty's chambers," He bowed to me, visibly nervous.
"It's all right. She can go wherever she wants," I shrugged and quietly opened the door.
I crossed the room with quick steps, but she was nowhere to be found. Not the lounge, not the bath, not even my spacious terrace. The last one I didn't search through was - my bedroom.
My heart skipped a beat as I pushed against the half-open door. She slept curled up in a ball, and I could clearly recognize the round curve of her hip and waist under the covers. I forced myself to calm down before I stripped off my outer clothes and lay down on the other half of the bed.
Although I tried to be quiet, it woke her up. She rolled over onto her back and looked at me.
"Max?" She hummed sleepily.
"Sleep, it's late," I whispered quietly as I covered myself with my own cloak. She had the blanket and I forbade myself from touching her completely.