Page 19 of Fit for a King

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I did not request it.”

“No, sir.”

There was silence, and when I looked up, Noah’s expression remained perfectly neutral.

“Mrs. Stuart sent it,” he said.

“Did she.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And why would she do that?”

“I imagine she thought it would go well with the toast.”

“I do not eat breakfast.”

“No, sir.”

I narrowed my eyes. “You’re aware of this?”

There was a twitch at the corner of his mouth, barely noticeable, but I locked in on it. “Downstairs is aware of many things, Your Majesty.”

“Then why do you bring it?”

“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, sir.”

“I don’t eat it.”

“You might change your mind one day, sir. I’d like to be prepared.”

The man was insufferable, and I waved him away. “Dismissed.”

“Yes, sir.” He bowed and left, and I glared at the breakfast tray. I’d never bothered really looking at it before, but it was a nice presentation. The strawberries especially looked plump and juicy, and I wondered what happened to them when I left them untouched. I’d never thought about it before.

I picked one up, examined it, then ate it, leaving the rest of the food there to grow cold.

THE NEXT MORNING, there were more strawberries on the plate.

Noah didn’t say anything. I didn’t say anything. But the tray was returned downstairs with the strawberries and toast cleared from the plate.

The morning after that, there was an extra slice of toast, both cut into neat triangles, taking up the spot where the eggs had been.

I looked at the tray, then at Noah. He stood by the door, a carefully neutral look on his face.

“Do you find this amusing?” I said.

“No, sir.”

“Does Mrs. Stuart?”

“I wouldn’t presume to know Mrs. Stuart’s feelings.”

A wise answer. It seemed Noah was finally finding his footing in his position. Not that it mattered to me one way or another. I was just happy I wouldn’t have to break in another new employee when I was busy trying to step into my own new role.

“Was there anything else?”