BLAKE
The guard led us to the great hall and told us to wait for His Highness, who is doing important business right now. Gabriel and I waited, but not too long, when a shadow of a man wearing a crown came in.
"Blake! Welcome back to Southwick," King Charles IV said as he trotted down the long stairs with the elders following him behind. I quickly stood up and bowed my head in front of the king.
"His Majesty, Your Highness, it is an honor to be here today," I said, still bowing. He tapped my shoulder and chuckled.
"Too formal, child! Charles is enough. This staircase is killing my back," he said and grimaced. I rubbed the spot where he had tapped, and I smiled at him.
"I believe I can't do that, Your Highness," I said. He scoffed and looked at the elders before leaning his head on the
