Go to his quarters

Stewart sighs and rubs the back of his neck. The stress was really starting to get to him, and he had been king for only a few hours. He steps out of the room and sees the guard who has been assigned to stay nearby, even while in the palace — a further reminder that he no longer has the independence that he enjoyed just a short time ago.

“I’m going to my room for a moment,” he says to the guard. “I need some time to myself.”

“Of course, Sire,” replies the man, who immediately begins leading the way.

At first, Stewart makes a point of acknowledging the curtsies and bows from each member of the household staff whom he encounters along the way, but even that takes a toll on him, and he finds himself keeping his eyes straight ahead, avoiding eye contact with anyone. “Is this why royalty gets the reputation of being aloof?” he wonders to himself.

The guard makes an unexpected turn at a corridor, causing Stewart to think that he made a mistake. He opens his mouth to correct the guard, when it dawns on him that he is being led to the king’s chambers, not his old, familiar quarters. The realization descends on him, adding to the weight of his burdens.

The guard opens the door to what is now Stewart’s living quarters, and allows the king to enter, before closing the door, leaving the monarch alone with his thoughts. He looks out the window and is shocked to see the sun is low in the sky. The day’s activities have caused the hours to fly by! His body is spent, but he knows if he tries to sleep, his thoughts will prevent him from doing so. There is so much that has to be done, and only he can make it all happen!