"Well then sire, that ends it for today. You did very well my Lord!" Mr. Jameson said with a smile.

"Indeed sire, you did excellent. Tomorrow you will be able to move on to the next lesson." Bartholomew added encouragingly.

Westan frowned with disappointment. That was it? Was it really over already?

Almost a week had gone by now and he was ever reluctant to admit it, but progress was actually being made with his studies. Both his reading and writing had been improved a little, with both men continuing to treat him so kind and patient. So odd how he had gone from despising these times, to nearly enjoying them! Westan nearly felt bad about his previous harshness towards them. Sincerity among servants was rare, but not unheard of. After all, Zaccheus had turned out to be the most trustworthy man of his acquaintance! Perhaps he had merely misjudged these men in the beginning…

The only problem he had today, is that his study session was over, and Westan had nothing better to do than sit in his room or wander around outside by himself until supper came around. Unfortunately, he really was not looking forward to either option. In a way, he had come to not hate the presence and company of his tutors. They were even, rather relaxing at times. Honestly, it had been a long time since he felt at ease around anyone other than Zaccheus.

"Mr. Jameson, Bartholomew." Westan called out awkwardly.

Both men were busy packing away their papers and books, but they stopped and looked up at him.

"Yes my Lord?" Mr. Jameson replied.

Westan cleared his throat nervously, wondering if this was indeed a good idea or not.

"I am departing now, but I want to discuss some things about my studies with the two of you and it cannot wait until tomorrow. If you have no previous plans I would like you both to join me for supper tonight." He said, trying to sound casual.

Both of the men stared at him with astonishment, and for a moment neither looked able to make a reply.

"Is something wrong?" Westan snapped with embarrassment, almost wishing he had not made the offer.

Bartholomew suddenly shook his head and gave a smile.

"No my Lord, we would be honored! We certainly did not expect such an invitation is all!" He said with a deep bow.

"Yes indeed, we are truly honored your Majesty!" His father added, still looking quite shocked.

Westan felt a small wave of relief and nodded. "Very well, I will see you tonight then."

Both men bowed as he departed, so he made his way back to his chambers. When Westan reached the room, he flopped down on the bed and covered his face with a pillow, groaning quietly.

Just what he was doing? Had he actually invited Mr. Jameson and Bartholomew to supper with him? No King before him had ever invited such low ranking men to dine with them, not even his own father! Besides, he wondered if they really wanted to come or if they had just agreed earlier out of fear or obligation.

But surely, even despite all that, there could be no real harm in it. Westan had come to enjoy the company of these men, and he really did have important things to discuss with them tonight anyways, so it must be allowed. Besides, who was going to tell him otherwise? He was the King now, and he would do as he pleased!

Westan eventually stood up and started getting ready for the occasion. He even decided to dress up, so he put on his dark blue cloak along with his father's large gold necklace. He did not usually wear such things unless it was a special event, but tonight he just felt like being a bit more formal.

Around his normal supper time, Westan arrived at the dining hall and seated himself in the large gold chair at the end of the main table. Usually he ate alone in his room, so the servants looked quite surprised by his presence. Still, the food was already prepared and waiting with silver platters lining one end of the table to the other, as it was every night in case he should attend. Guards and servants stationed themselves all along the hall walls awaiting his commands, and thirty chairs were set along the long table meant for guests. But tonight would be the first night since his parent's death that more than one person would be sitting at this table. Zaccheus had never even dinned with him, as his work usually kept him too busy.

After a few moments, a messenger came to let Westan know that Mr. Jameson and Bartholomew had arrived. He immediately had them called in to enter. Both men were then escorted in and presented to him, each also well dressed for the occasion in blue gentlemen's clothes.

"Good-evening your Majesty!" They both said with a nervous bow.

"Greetings. You may sit." Westan said, almost feeling a little anxious himself.

Then they were shown their seats, the two of them sitting next to one another on his right side. Both of them looked around the room and table curiously, their eyes full of awe.

"Let us eat first. We can discuss matters later." Westan said, suddenly feeling too embarrassed to talk about his announcement just yet.

At his words, the servants immediately began serving the food. He received his plates first of course, and then his guests were tended to. Both Mr. Jameson and Bartholomew looked quite uncomfortable as the servants served them whatever they chose from among the many prepared platters presented to them.

Once their plates were full everyone began eating. No one said a single word during the meal, but still Westan was enjoying the occasion. He could not help but watch both men curiously as their eyes lit up at tasting something good, and when they met with something they did not quite like. He nearly wanted to laugh a few times as Bartholomew politely tried to drink the wine he had been served although he clearly was not fond of it.

Was this what it was like? Eating with company? It was truly more interesting than he remembered! Perhaps it would be best to dine like this more often…

Once they all finished their food the servants came and took their plates away, as well as all the other food platters. Then Westan felt relaxed enough to talk.

"Mr. Jameson, Bartholomew, I summoned you both here tonight to make an important announcement." He said seriously.

Both men watched him with slightly nervous faces, so he continued.

"It has been a whole week, and the two of you have done a good job conducting my study sessions. After much thought, I have decided that you shall indeed be allowed to remain here as my tutors. Permanently." Westan stated.

Both men looked to be in shock for a moment, then they both relaxed with relief. Bartholomew was the first to speak up.

"I am glad we could be of service to you my King. We are most honored to remain here." He said happily.

His father nodded. "Yes sire, we are grateful to be deemed so worthy by you!"

Westan was feeling quite embarrassed again, so he looked away and continued on to the last statement he wanted to make.

"Well, I also think you both should dine with me at night like this. I may have questions or complaints I want to discuss after my lessons and I think that this would be the best time to do so, else it might take up time during my session." He said casually.

Bartholomew almost chocked on his sip of wine, and even the nearby servants and guards looked surprised. Everyone gazed at him with astonishment.

"Of course my King, we would be most honored!" Mr. Jameson said eventually.

"Indeed, honored beyond words." Bartholomew eventually managed to say.

Westan felt a small grin forming at the sight of their very sincere faces. Their company every night was sure to be quite entertaining to say the least!

So, since he had nothing else to say for the night, and the meal was over with now, he stood up to leave. Both men got up and bowed respectfully as he prepared to depart.

"Thank you your Majesty!" Mr. Jameson said.

"Yes, thank you sire! Goodnight to you." Bartholomew said.

Westan nearly smiled. “Until tomorrow then.”