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?"

"This is the royal palace," Serron says, striding past you into the bathroom. "The water is always hot. Allow me to get the wash basin and I will help you out of your clothes, Sir.”

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

Serron gives you a reproachful look. “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. You would be doing me a disservice if you don’t allow me to assist you.”

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

“Not anymore, Sir,” Serron says with a small smile. “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 regards you with a critical eye.

"No disrespect intended, Sir, but are these your good clothes?"

Your face heats up as you glance down at your ragged and dirty tunic and trousers.

"No, these are my work clothes," you tell him. "General Avari didn't give me time to change before she marched me away from my family's farm." You hope your father was able to get the corn into the barn without you.

"Understood, Your Majesty," Serron says with a nod. He reaches out and takes the hem of your shirt in his hands.