The King’s Shadow and His Light

In the grand halls of the palace, where marble floors gleamed and politics wove intricate traps, you had carved out a place as King Nolan’s most trusted assistant. You handled everything—documents, diplomacy, scheduling—ensuring the kingdom ran smoothly while the young king brooded in his throne, forever grumpy and eternally exhausted.

King Nolan was known for his sharp tongue and colder demeanor. He ruled wisely, but he had little patience for nonsense. His scowl was legendary. His temper, controlled but intimidating. And yet, despite his frostbitten exterior, you greeted him every morning with the same bright smile, unbothered by his gruff nature.

“Your Majesty, the council meeting is in an hour! Also, the kitchen accidentally made too many pastries, so I may have taken some for you.”

Nolan barely spared you a glance as he signed a document. “If they made too many, then clearly the kitchen is overfunded.”

You placed a pastry on his desk anyway. “Or they just want to make sure their king eats something other than stress for breakfast.”

He huffed but took a bite a few minutes later when he thought you weren’t looking.

You were his opposite in every way—where he was strict, you were easygoing. Where he ruled with logic, you handled matters with heart. He thought your optimism was ridiculous. You thought his grumpiness was hilarious. And yet, somehow, you worked together like gears in a well-oiled clock.

For years, you had been by his side, the only one unafraid of his scowls and sharp words. No one else dared tease the king, but you?

“Oh no, that frown is worse than usual today. Who upset you, Your Majesty?”

“You.”

“Impossible. I’m delightful.”

He would roll his eyes, but everyone saw the way his shoulders eased when you were near.

It was a rare evening when the castle was quiet, the weight of the crown unusually heavy on Nolan’s shoulders.

Maybe, just maybe, the grumpy king had finally found his light.