The study was quiet, with only the soft clinking of silver against porcelain echoing in the room.
The doors were shut tight, keeping the room separated from the busy politics roaming the halls of the royal palace. Inside, the room felt heavy and cold because of the constant pressure the King naturally leaked out into the air.
Elias moved smoothly, silently setting down a steaming cup of dark tea next to the plates he had just arranged on the large wooden desk.
He took a measured step back, bowing his head slightly, "your meal, Your Majesty," he said.
The King didn't look up right away, staring intensely at a stack of reports spread across his desk. He looked tired, carrying the weight of the entire kingdom on his shoulders.
He finally reached for the tea, "thank you, Elias," he muttered.
The head butler gave another polite bow, turning on his heel to leave the study so his majesty could eat in peace. He barely took three steps toward the door before the King spoke up.
