Duties.

"Will you come to me tonight, too?" I boldly demanded as my fingers traced over her hand, relishing the sensation of her soft skin.

She tensed a bit, before she shook her head and lowered her eyes.

"Why not?" I teased her a bit more, suppressing a laugh.

"I should probably sleep in my bed, today." Valleria muttered quietly, dodging my question.

"My bed is yours, too. Everything will be yours. This -" I whispered and led her hand across my body "This, and even this, too." I stopped with her hand pressed into my crotch, but she jumped up and quickly excused herself, running out of my chambers with red cheeks.

I probably shouldn't tease her this much, but I couldn't help it. Her shyness was adorable.

"Sir -" One of the servants stepped closer with ceremonial garments in his arms "appointing officials is to be held in just a few hours, you should get ready."

Fuck.

I totally forgot. It holds a great significance and we spent days picking through suitable candidates for the positions to be filled, how could I leave it out?

"They are already waiting for me to come to the venue, right?" I groaned and stood up, getting a few bites of the late breakfast.

"Yes. We didn't dare to interrupt your sleep." One of the servants explained and stepped closer, with a pair of shoes adorned in gold. 

I groaned when I saw them. It was so utterly unnecessary I wanted to puke. It was even worse than the clothes I had to wear during the coronation, definitely not what I was used to. They managed to clothe me only halfway when I lost my temper.

"Fuck it!" A loud growl left my throat and I ripped the heavy shirt with gems from my upper body "Get the fuck out, all of you, I'll get dressed alone."

I refuse to look like a jester or peacock, glittering like a jewel, sweating in today's hot weather. I took a simple, clean garment from decent fabric and damped my hair to keep them in place.

I walked into the grand hall accompanied by royal guards, with the exact same effect as when I am fully covered in gold.

Everyone hushed up and all eyes turned to me in silent anticipation as I started with the formal procession. I accepted oaths of allegiance from each one of them, as they pledged their loyalty, service, and dedication to the realm and its people.

Following the formal proceedings, a lavish banquet was held to celebrate the appointments. I finally got the chance to privately speak with each one of them in a more relaxed setting.

I managed to excuse myself only in the late night. I smelled of wine and had to banish the idea of a short visit in her room before I could go to sleep. Every fiber of my being yearned for a stolen moment with her. But I knew I had a hard time restricting my lust even when I was sober, this would be way too dangerous. 

I walked past her chambers with a poorly hidden disappointment.

I couldn't help but reminisce about our previous encounters filled with forbidden passion. The scent of her body still lingered in my mind, heightening my desire. The internal battle between my desires and rationality raged on, until I locked myself in my bedroom and collapsed on the bed. 

'They changed the sheets. I realized when I wasn't able to catch even a glimpse of her scent, regardless of my best efforts.

Tomorrow. I'll see her tomorrow. I promised to myself and fell asleep in a matter of mere minutes.