ALGTS: 17

Celestria made her way to the King’s suite with the escort of three elegant maids. When she came to the door, they simply bowed as it opened on its own.⁣

⁣

Lord was sitting on a carpet littered with plush cushions, his hair spreading out on the red fabric like a black waterfall. “Blessings to the King of Fortane.”⁣

He was not facing her but he nodded anyway.⁣

“I have come to give my thanks for your bottomless kindness in allowing me to stay in your home. My utmost gratitude, Your Majesty.” She didn’t feel that jittery nervousness or the scratching fear as of now. That venom was far more effective than she had thought.⁣

“Mm.” He hummed, putting aside a large scroll he had apparently been reading. There was silence for a little while later, then Celestria took a deep breath and spoke again.⁣

“I may appear presumptuous in speaking like this, Your Majesty, but I.... would like to ask of you a favor.”⁣

⁣

Lord stopped all movements. It was almost like world had come to an unexpected halt. “A favor?”he repeated, finally turning round to look at her. She was human. So she did not know the disrespect she would be showing.⁣

“Yes, Your Majesty. I hope that at the very least, you could hear me out.” Lord watched her for a bit, eyes as enigmatic as ever, before nodding. “Speak.”⁣

“Many thanks to you Your Majesty. I wanted to ask for two things. First, I wanted to request a month off for my recuperation. I am badly exhausted.”⁣

Lord personally did not understand humanity’s need for rest, but he knew it was important for them to keep on living. A favor from one who is weaker... very well. He would indulge. “Okay.”⁣

⁣

“Thank you so much, Your Majesty. Your kindness knows no bounds. The second favor...” he had only agreed to one favor. Technically, he knew that he need not even entertain this second one. But this was the first time someone was asking something of him. 𝘈 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳. Although he did not mean to, a smile curled his lips.⁣

She took a modest breath, then looked him directly in the eyes. How unexpected. How rare. How 𝘣𝘰𝘭𝘥. “I would like to ask you to consider allowing Nedrie to stay in Fortane as a public health official.”