“I’m sorry, your Highness,” you say, “but not just yet. There are still more guests for me to attend to.”

He stares at you a moment, bringing pinched thumb and forefinger to his lips as he considers you like he might a subject in his own throne room. For a few moments you think he might not say anything at all, but then…

“Very well,” he says. He inhales sharply and leans back in his chair, getting comfortable. “I will be here waiting for you, should you reconsider.”