After a long day of training on the castle grounds, my muscles ache and I have a headache coming on. My plan was to escape to my quarters for a while and wash the sweat off, but I’ve been summoned to my liege’s side. So I make my way into the halls toward the private rooms.

The evening is wearing on, and the torches are all lit along the corridors. My footsteps echo in the quiet. A few servants walk by with friendly greetings, and before long I reach the heavy doors of the royal quarters. I knock firmly to make my presence known.

“Your majesty?” I call out, careful to keep my voice down.