20 His perspective (3)
Dario left for the capital around noon the following day along with a small entourage. News about his disobedience had surely already reached the king's ears and if he wanted to avoid any annoying confrontations he had to correct the situation swiftly.
He was reluctant to leave thinking of how ill Amelia had looked when he arrived home early that morning. Her skin had felt so fevered as he had carried her to her room. But he had to leave, there was no avoiding it if he wanted to lift the sentence that had been placed on her. And she would probably be able to recuperate much easier if he was not around.
Since they did not stop for any unnecessary breaks the journey only took two and a half days rather than the usual three. To Darios surprise they recieved a warm welcome at their arrival. He and his knights were all given their own suites, personal servants and they were served a lavish dinner accompanied by three bottles of premium whiskey.
He found it strange since it would have been more in line with the king's character to be moping over Dario's bahaviour and making the servants treat them rudely.
After a delicious three course meal they all retired to their chambers. The king had not made his appearence the entire night and Dario figuered that he would recieve an audience the following day.
His assumption turned out to be correct. Early the next morning a servant knocked on his door and delivered the message that the king was expecting him in his office. Dario was annoyed but not surprised that the petty ruler would call for him before he'd even had the chance to eat breakfast.
He took his time to get dressed and make his way to the study, smirking to himself while imagining the king's annoyed face from being kept waiting.
When he arrived outside the office a young servant announced his presence to which the king responded in a haughty tone from inside the office, allowing him to enter. Dario found the silly charade of nobleness amusing.
He went into the study and bowed before the king who sat behind his desk.
"I greet His Highness Wilfred Rowan Winchester the first of his name".
The king rose from his seat, a gleeful smile playing on his lips. He raised his arms to his sides in a dramatic manner looking like he was embracing the air.
"Dario, my old friend, why the formal greeting? Haven't I told you to just call me Wilfred?".
Dario felt annoyed by the usual fake display of friendliness.
"Would a friend really send a spy to keep track on someone?" he answered in a sour tone.
"You're hurting my feelings, who would ever call that sending a spy? I simply asked a trusted sevant to keep an eye on my close friend who is still getting used to ruling over a fief."
Dario scoffed. Who would've thought that a ruler could have such a terrible personality?
On the outside the king was the epitome of royalty; he was young with a handsome face framed by honeyblonde curls and he always carried himself with poise and dignity. But the truth was that he was a childish philanderer. If not for the fact that they were both striving towards the same goal Dario would never serve such a man.
"Would you like some breakfast?" Wilfred smiled happily. "I assume that you have not had the time to eat considering how early it is."
Dario furrowed his brows, ready to decline as he did not wish to make their meating last any longer than necessary. But the king did not wait for his answer and simply called for the servants to bring them their meal. A few maids carrying trays of food burst through the door almost immeadiatly, as if they had been waiting right outside the door.
Dario realised that he had missed his chance to turn down the offer. With a sigh he took a seat on one of the sofas in the office's lounging area.
