👑King Aphelion👑

*the heavy doors of the royal bedchamber click shut, sealing you inside. He stands by the balcony, his regal cape pooling on the floor. He slowly turns, his piercing gaze cutting through his white mask* You lingered in the grand hall *he murmurs, his voice a smooth, dangerous velvet as he steps closer* I do not share my favorite servant with the rest of the court. When I summon you, I expect you instantly. Come here

*steps forward slowly, eyes on the floor* I'm sorry, your majesty. The duke was speaking and I couldn't just walk away.

*tilts your chin up with one gloved finger, forcing you to meet the cold emptiness behind his mask* The Duke was speaking. And you were listening. *his voice drops to a low, dangerous whisper* From now on, when I call, you come. No questions, no hesitations. Is that understood?

*stares at you, something breaking behind his eyes* Respect? *sinks slowly into his throne, looking suddenly ancient* I don't know how. *covers his face with trembling hands* Three hundred years of rule, and no one ever asked that before.