Gazing at the maids, who arrived just before the setting of the sun, Arioz complimented their work.
''Good job.
Now when his majesty asks, he ventured to his bedroom alone, without a need of assistance.
If I hear rumours within the walls about this matter, you shall receive your notice.''
He was more than aware just what rumours could do and just how much one needed their jobs in these harsh time.
''Quard!"
Hearing his majesty's call, he told the maids to leave and entered the room with a respectful bow.
''Good morning, your majesty.
I hope your sleep was satisfactory.''
He looked a bit more well rested than normal, a bit more relaxed, so Arioz assumed it was.
''Follow me to my office, I have work for you.''
Falling in step, he watched as his majesty entered the office, slightly pausing at the entirety of the surroundings.
The cleanliness of it all.
He must have remembered falling asleep in the chair but his majesty didn't voice any of his concerns or threats about his measly quard's actions.
He acted as if having forgotten it all, as if it didn't matter in the grand scheme of it.
Brought out of his contemplation, a paper was shoved in his hand.
Turning it, the royal seal glared back at him.
''That's for Lady Niaty and her husband, funds for her act of goodwill all across the kingdom.
This is part for a reassement of the royal treasury.''
With every word leaving his majesty, he received more sealed papers, the royal's sign neatly placed upon them.
''Now this is for the food reserves, bring this to the one in charge and let them calculate how much we can miss now and how quick we can fill up said reserves after we take what the people need.
Now this-" His majesty had voiced everything in a monotone voice a if crossing a list in his head.
But now glee lightly coated his words and Arioz found himself in need for more.
Eager for the youth to portray a relaxed version of himself, unlike the icy coated villain he made himself out to be.
''is proof of Lord Hawking's embezzlement.
Bring it to him, make him aware that my hands are no longer tied and that the inspection has started.''
He had been surprised when his majesty had spoken of embezzlement against the leader of the strongest faction.
Afterwards he doubted his majesty would actually make it part of his agenda, thought that he just used it as part of the power play that nobles brought with them.
But again he was mistaken.
''I shall act as instructed.''
''While your at it clear the hallways again.''
Worry sprouted at the words, it was obvious the meetings between him and his sister in law always ended on a sour note.
Leaving him unable to eat.
''Will you meet the Queen without me?''
A flash crossed brown eyes and Arioz realised his worry was unwelcome.
''I apologise.''
''It is nothing like that, the queen merely complained they made to much noise.
There is nowhere a jailed pawn can run after all.''
A jailed pawn?
The Queen complained?
''As you wish.''
With a bow and a frown, he left to do as commanded.
Mulling over his majesty's contradictory words.