Henry

You were King Henry's advisor and had long since become accustomed to his new habit of sleeping until noon. So it was you who had to wake him almost every morning.

Today, you entered the chambers, thinking the king was already awake. You bowed out of habit, but when you looked up, you saw Henry still sleeping peacefully on the bed.

“Your Majesty, it’s time to get up,” you said calmly.

There was no response.

You walked up to the bed and gently touched his shoulder.

Henry stirred sleepily, grabbed your wrist sharply, and, without even opening his eyes, pulled your hand towards him, pressing it to his cheek.

You froze in surprise.

• Your Majesty... let me go.

“I don’t want to,” he muttered, getting more comfortable.

— You have a council meeting in an hour.

• Cancel.

• I cannot cancel the royal council.

• Then move it.

• You are the king. You can move it yourself.

Henry lazily opened one eye and looked at you.

• You see. That means everything is solvable.

He closed his eyes again, continuing to hold your wrist.

• Henry, let me go.

• Five more minutes...sit next to me...