I was sprawled out on my plush bed, surrounded by a feast of delectable snacks and refreshing drinks. With each sip and bite, I reveled in the contentment of my own private sanctuary, feeling like a king in his castle. Here, there were no expectations or formalities to adhere to – just pure, unadulterated relaxation. As I lounged about, indulging in the simple pleasures of life, all the while rolled around on my bed like a pig in its own filth, Baalkaroth's disgusted voice echoed in my head, hurling insults and taunts at me, as apparently he did not like me lazying off.
.But I paid it no mind, for in this moment, I was in Nirvana – a state of complete and utter bliss – simply doing nothing and embracing laziness. This was the kind of life I had always yearned for – why bother with fighting and risking my life when I could happily exist in my own little bubble?
The heavens seemed determined to thwart my enjoyment, for as soon as I settled into bed, a loud and insistent knock echoed through the room. With a resigned sigh, I rose from the comfort of my pillows and made my way to the door.
Upon opening it, I was met with the sight of an elderly man dressed in somber black and crisp white. He bowed deeply, his eyes filled with deference and respect as he spoke.
"I apologize for disrupting your evening, but the king has requested your presence in his royal chambers. He wishes to share a cup of tea with you," the man explained gravely.
A small smile tugged at my lips. It seemed fortuitous that I would be meeting with the king tonight, as I had some important matters to discuss with him.
"Please inform His Majesty that I will join him shortly. And if you could have a cup of honey-infused milk prepared for me instead, I would greatly appreciate it. Tea has never been to my liking," I replied with a dismissive wave of my hand.
The expression on the old man's weathered face shifted momentarily to one of confusion, his wrinkled brow furrowing in surprise at my request. As a noble, it was expected that I would drink with gusto whatever elaborate form of liquid was presented to me. Yet he nodded stoically and assured me that my request would be fulfilled before bowing and departing from my doorway.
But as he left, a realization struck me - who would show me the way to the meeting with the king? In this unfamiliar land, I had no idea where to go or who to ask for guidance. Still, I pushed aside my doubts and trusted that somehow, I would find my way.
Left alone once again, I took a few moments to straighten my appearance. In my private quarters, I had grown accustomed to dressing in comfortable and casual clothes. But in the presence of royalty, I knew that a certain level of decorum was expected.
As I stepped out of the house, a towering figure dressed in gleaming armor stood waiting at the door. He was the biggest and tallest person I had ever seen, both in this world and in the other one. His massive frame was adorned with polished armor that reflected the sunlight with blinding brilliance. A helmet concealed his face, leaving only his piercing blue eyes visible. And emblazoned on his chest plate was the emblem of the king's guard.Was his name Gregor or something?Because Holy Moly .... if he was as tall as a Mountain.
"What is your name?" I asked, sizing him up curiously.
But he did not respond with words. Instead, he raised his helmet to reveal that his tongue had been cut off at its stem.
''Are you my guide?'' I asked leading him to nod.
I couldn't help but wonder if choosing someone who couldn't speak was the best decision diplomatically at least, well I am sure there is a reason for which they chose him.
Nonetheless, I followed as he wordlessly led me towards the king's chamber.
As I made my way through the sprawling palace, guided by a stoic guard with a stern expression etched on his face, I couldn't help but feel small in comparison to the grandeur and opulence that surrounded me. Every inch of the hall was adorned with lavish decorations - ornate swords and shields hung on the walls, sparkling chandeliers illuminated the ceiling, and portraits of past battles and regal figures lined every corridor.
The air was thick with the rich scent of oak and polished metal, a reminder of the strength and power that resided within these walls. The sound of my own footsteps seemed to echo off the marbled floors as I followed closely behind the guard's steady stride. His gleaming armor clanked with each step, a constant reminder of his duty to protect this majestic place.
After what felt like an eternity of walking, we finally reached a set of towering double doors intricately carved with intricate designs and adorned with glistening gold accents. With a nod from the guard, I took a deep breath to calm my nerves before pushing open the heavy doors and stepping into the heart of the palace.
As the door creaked open, the room was enveloped in a warm glow from countless candles that lined the walls.
The only occupant of the room was a man, though at first glance he appeared much older than he actually was. His hair, was snow white and his eyes held a deep red hue, Though his appearance lacked regality, there was something undeniably royal about him, perhaps in the way he carried himself or the striking resemblance to the princess herself.On the top of his head there was no crown, so I was let out to see if he was actually the king or not.
After much contemplation, I made the decision to bow before him. He was the only man in the room, his regal aura radiating from every inch of his being. It was impossible not to see him as anything less than a king. "I greet His Highness," I said with a brief curtsey, my eyes locking with his piercing gaze.
"Please, you may rise, Lord Favian," a brisk voice spoke,
"Take a seat and make yourself comfortable. I have already sent word to the servants about your peculiar request. They shall bring your beverage shortly." As I settled into my seat, I couldn't help but find the situation ironic, as usually the king had to appear the one owning everything and being in control , but for now, we were simply two individuals sharing a conversation over a cup of tea and one of milk.