Oh gods, stairs.

“I stayed only two days in the capital. I was welcomed by a cheering citizenry, …”

“Your Majesty, you just-" Costis stopped."Just what?" the king prompted wickedly…”

“He loves me, and I reward his love by forcing on him something he hates. In the…”

“That is ridiculous," she said.The king agreed. "Like falling in love with a lan…”