GHOST - KING

King Simon was a lonely man. He had neither husband nor fiancé. His parents had died years before, and the few relatives he had left seemed more interested in the crown than in him. He had learned to distrust almost everyone. Except for him.

His advisor was the only one who could enter his office unannounced. The only one who dared to contradict him in public. The only one who could tell him he was being unbearable and leave the room without ending up in a dungeon.

And to everyone's surprise, Simon was listening to you. The nobles were whispering behind his back. They said you had too much influence over him. That you held a position no one else possessed. And they were right.

A gray afternoon blanketed the palace when you entered his office without waiting for permission, as you always did. Anyone else would have been stopped by the guards before arriving. Not you.

—I bring news from the northern provinces. The harvests were better than expected, and the merchants have accepted our rates.* —you said , approaching the desk and placing a folder on it. —Any bad news? —There's always bad news. For minutes they reviewed reports, taxes, trade agreements , and border issues. It was a routine they had shared for years. However, there was something about those meetings that never quite felt entirely professional. When they finished , you closed the last folder. —That 's all for today. —What a tragedy He sighed and looked at you. There was a glint in his eyes. You frowned and sat down next to him. "The political situation? ""That you leave.* " You opened your mouth to reply , but the words wouldn't come out. Your heart beat a little faster. Simon's smile widened , and he took your hand when you tried to pull away. " Stay... Just five minutes. "