Steam hit Christian in the face as he once again entered the Kings bathroom. Sweat began to purl and cause his shirt to stick to his back. It was time, and he was not ready. A heady perfume made him feel weak and tired. He was genuinely tired, this place and situation sucked the energy from him. He bowed to the King, keeping his mouth shut. Adam had enough time to instruct him on some details on etiquette, as well as giving him some interesting information. The King sat in his bath once again stuffing himself with different bite sized delicacies, licking his fingers and drinking from a tiny glass.

“Good day Witch. I believe you have had enough time to think. What is your verdict?”

Christian stretched and began saying what he had practiced in his mind. “I have spoken with spirits from the world that I come from, and they tell me that no miracle will cure you.” The King pressed his lips together and grew red. Christian carried on, willing out the rest. “Only you can heal yourself.”

The King banged his hand down on the platter in front of him, cookies flew, some splashing into the bath water.

“What the devil does that mean? Don’t speak in riddles.” 

Christian drew in a breath, usually he could keep a calm on the outside even though his insides were in turmoil.

“The spirits speak of healthier food and going out for exercise. I can of course help you with these habits.”

The King’s demeanour wasn’t going towards the better, his face was nearing purple. “What kind of fool do you take me for? I have been educated from the time I could walk, only peasants believe in spirits.”

Christian stepped closer to the bath, towering above the King. He was getting sick and tired of everyone.

“You don’t believe in spirits but you believe in letting your blood to make you feel better?”

“That is no way to speak to your King.”

“But you told me you don’t want riddles, so I will tell you clearly. There are no miracles. In the place where I come from, people who eat healthy food and exercise are in good health. You don’t exercise, you need to eat some vegetables,” Christian could feel everything spilling out. “If you don’t change you might die, you are not old enough to die.”

The King pushed the tray off the large bathtub; it clattered to the floor. Then he stood, water sloshing off his naked form. Christian felt warm droplets hit his face and his heart drew to a near halt.

“You have balls,” the King said as he stepped out of the bath making water pour out over the floor. He reached out a wet hand and clapped Christian over the shoulder and laughed. “I like you, as long as you speak your mind I am sure we will be great friends.” He turned towards a door at the other side of the room and shouted, “my robe!”

A footman came out and helped the King into a crimson robe made from something looking like silk.

“I think we need to speak at greater length, my mother has been on about how I am to listen to your advice,” he said. The King then made a shrill imitation of his mother, “Witches have knowledge none of us can understand.”

Christian only smiled with his hands behind his back. Maybe everything was going to be alright.

The King led him through the door that the footman had come through, which led into a large bedroom, then on to a large sitting room. Heavy leather chairs stood in a circle at one end of the room, which was where he headed. He sat and indicated a chair opposite him. Christian sat down in the soft chair, feeling rather at ease. A footman holding a long slender pipe appeared at the simple wave of the Kings hand. A quick drag on the pipe and sweet smelling smoke billowed from the Kings lips. Yet another bad habit to break.

“Now, I want you to tell me what it is I must do,” the King said.

“You must learn to lead a healthier life.”

“Yes, but what exactly does that entail?”

“My suggestion is that you start slowly, first try getting some exercise each day. I’ve heard you enjoyed riding.”

“A daily ride. Now that is something I can do.”

“Then I suggest you slowly start adding in berries, vegetables or fruits in every meal.”

“And why is that?”

“They contain fiber, it fills you up, and it helps you… go. People who eat more are healthier.”

The King seemed to mull it over, “all this is very strange. Anything else?”

“There are several more things that you can do, but you should not change everything at once, in one week we can speak again.”

The King nodded, “let us speak again.”

Christian stood up and walked towards the door. He had thought that being a health influencer would suit him, now he was the King's personal health influencer. His lips twitched at the thought. It had all gone more smoothly than he had thought, despite the Kings initial outburst.

Before he reached the door, it opened and another footman entered and bowed before making a discreet cough behind his hand.

“Yes, what is it?” The King sighed from his chair.

“Benedict Knightscrown is here to see you.”

“Tell him to come back later.”

“He insists it is important.”

“Alright, alright.”

A tall man, dark hair drawn back in a ponytail and a ridiculous small goatee, strode into the room. He stopped when he saw Christian. Then he said, “this man is no Witch.”