Agree to a sponge bath

"A sponge bath would probably be safer," you say, barely able to keep your eyes open. "Will it take long to heat the water?"

"Oh, no Sir. This is the royal palace," Aressi says, hurrying past you into the bathroom. "The water is always hot. Let me get the water and I will help you out of your clothes, Sir.”

“Oh, I know how to get undressed,” you say.

Aressi turns toward you, a shocked look on his face. “But, Sir, it is a valet’s duty to see to the needs of the man he serves. It is a source of pride and a great responsibility. I would be too ashamed to show my face if you don’t allow me to assist you.”

“Sorry, Aressi,” you say. “This is all very strange to me. I’m just a poor farmer.”

“Not anymore, Sir,” Aressi says with a slow, knowing nod. “Now, you are the future of the kingdom.”

He leaves you to let that sink in. The future of the kingdom. You can almost feel the weight upon your shoulders. You don’t know much about being the Vessel—it is a responsibility you never thought you’d have—but you do know one thing: if you cannot produce a male heir, the kingdom will be torn apart by war.

You watch as he turns a shiny brass knob and steaming water begins to pour from the spigot. He fills a porcelain basin and grabs a wash cloth off the shelf before carrying everything out to the dressing table. He bites the edge of his lip as he turns to you, a cute flush coloring his cheeks, then he reaches out and takes the hem of your shirt in his hands.