Westan entered the council man's office hesitantly. Zaccheus only ever called him in here when they had an important matter to discuss, or more often, when he was in trouble.

He gazed around the room again. He never really liked coming in here. It was very spacious, with richly decorated furniture and gold emblems lining one wall to another, but the large window's drapes were constantly drawn closed so candle light was needed no matter the time of day. Overall the whole room felt gloomy and suffocating.

Once Zaccheus entered, he dismissed the guards and closed the doors. After which he walked over to his desk and sat down in a tall gold chair. Then he gestured for Westan to sit in the chair facing him, which he obediently did.

"My Lord, did I actually just witness you conversing with servants in the hall today?" He asked with disappointment.

Westan blushed and shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Wh-what is wrong with that?"

The man sighed loudly and rubbed his forehead, something he often did whenever they talked. It was the biggest sign of his disapproval.

"It is not proper for the King to speak so informally with such unworthy people!"

"Why should I not be able to talk to my own servants when I please?" Westan replied defensively.

Zaccheus laughed and shook his head. "What business could you possibly have with them?"

Westan shrugged. "They can make for some good entertainment when I am bored."

His council man put his arms on the desk and folded his hands together, staring at him closely.

"Such impudent people are so far beneath you, your majesty. The only interactions you should be having with servants is when they are taking your orders, or with your tutors when they are conducting your studies. Speaking of which, they were late starting your lesson today, were they not?"

He looked up with shame. "A-Actually it was my fault. I asked them to join me for lunch."

Zaccheus shook his head and sighed even louder. Westan's cheeks went pink, so he looked back down at his fidgeting hands, too embarrassed to look his council man in the eyes any longer. He had clearly disappointed him, again.

"My Lord, try and remember that you must be very cautious around these people. You cannot lower your guard too far with them. Remember, your parents were betrayed by their most trusted servants along with your own uncle!" The man said harshly.

Westan felt a lump in his throat. Perhaps he already had let his guard down, seeing as he was inviting Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson to supper every night. He wondered if Zaccheus knew about that or not…

His council man suddenly stood up and came over to him. "This is for your own protection your Majesty. I do not want anyone getting dangerously close to you."

Westan nodded. "Yes Zaccheus, I understand..."

The man smiled. "Very good. Now, how about you eat supper by yourself tonight. I think you need some time to meditate on your actions."

Westan blushed with embarrassment. So he did know about it then!

"Of course, if you think that is wise." He said.

Zaccheus nodded. "Your father would be proud of your mature understanding."

He looked away with shame. He doubted that very much. It seemed he never did anything right…

"Very well, now that such a mess has been dealt with, I have much work to return to." The man said, sitting back down in his chair.

Without another word Westan stood up and quickly left the office. He rushed back to his chambers and slammed the door shut angrily. Then he flopped down on his bed miserably, putting a pillow over his head.

Why did he have to be a King? He never got to have any fun! He never got to go anywhere! He never got to do anything! Rules and tradition seemed to dictate everything he was supposed to do and think! And now he was not even allowed to enjoy the company of his paid servants?

Westan roared loudly and threw the pillow aside with frustration. Paid servants, that's all Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson really were in the end he supposed. It is not as if they would stay here without such incentives, or keep him company for reasons other than their work. The only reason they were truly here was to work and earn their money!

How foolish he had been in trusting them! In getting his own hopes up…