You were strolling the halls quietly, for it was your break at the moment before you would need to cook for dinner time in the main kitchen however that was in about an hour. You continued to walk the empty paths with your feet thumping softly on the elegant rug lining the dark wooden floors, the lanterns hung high above on the walls crackling while the caged flames ferociously burned bright down the surface. Paintings decorated the walls as well with pictures of important figures of the royal family tree here posed in different ways.

You were still in a star struck daze by the scenery that surrounded you that you were caught by surprise when you bumped into something firm and slightly taller than you, glancing up and frozen in shock when met with the King’s face, Nightmare, looking down at you with a solemn expression on his skull. Mentally slapping yourself, you instantly apologized with a sheepish smile while giving a frantic bow to his majesty. Knowing him for his harsh punishments and strict ruling, you couldn’t risk anything especially if you had carelessly bumped into him. However, his face softened with such a rare sigh while his ‘lip’ curved up slightly with a glint of amusement.

“No worries, and where are you heading?”

He responded in a gruff serene tone ringing in his voice with a peaceful subside in his sole eyelight. You replied how you were just waiting out time until the dinner gathering which got a light chuckle out of the skeleton ruler with a faint smile.

“Walk with me then, if you have nothing else to do.”

Nightmare declared with an offering gesture, positioning his hands stiffly behind his back jointed together gingerly while his gaze focused on you as he awaited your response patiently. Though his statement almost seemed as if not a question, rather a form of assertion.