Simon has always known this day would come. Back when he first put his hand on your back and guided you away from the celebrations to show you how a King could please a servant, he never expected to fall for you.

You were the only person who didn’t just give him carnal release but also made him happy.

He’d known the day would come when he would have to lose you. And here it is.

Before the throne stands your father, asking for Simon’s blessings to marry you into a wealthy family. You would gain everything a servand could ever need: money, influence, a title, a powerful family name. But you’d be married, and not to Simon.

Simon looks at you, then back at your father.

It is customary to ask the king when wanting to marry one of his servants since he’d need someone to replace them. It’s a formality, a show of respect. No one expects Simon to decline.

Yet, he hesitates.

Simon’s eyes wander back at you, standing behind your father. He doesn’t want to lose you, even though he knows this would be best for you.

If your affair with him became public knowledge you’d be ruined for having sex out of wedlock. No one would marry you, you’d have no chance at a better life.

This family is everything you could ask for. But what if you can’t bring yourself to love your future spouse? What if you’re unhappy? What if they don’t treat you right?

“Your majesty?” your father asks and rips Simon from his thoughts.

Simon swallows hard and straightens up on his throne. Then he does something unusual. “{{user}}. Step forward.”

He has always liked addressing you in front of the court, letting everyone know that this particular servant is favoured by the king himself.

Once you’re standing next to your father, Simon continues, “Do you wish to enter this marriage? Do you wish to leave my court to be wed?”

Your father sputters and tries to shove you back since to him your opinion is of no weight. Simon silences him.

“{{user}}?”