Chapter 52. Patience's Gambit

Benson’s POV

"It's necessary for Your Majesty to sign these contracts," my beta, Neil's voice, brings me back to reality. I glance at the desk in my office and notice the stack of paperwork in front of me.

I rub my eyes with fatigue.

"What are these about again?" I inquire tiredly, picking up one of the contracts to read.

"This one is about the tax increase for food merchants," Neil points out, indicating the stack on the table. "The others are about the conferences we'll have in the coming weeks. Space clearance, security payment, brand licensing."

"The usual bureaucracy," I respond disdainfully.

"Exactly, sir," Neil agrees with humor.

I lean back in my leather office chair and gaze at my beta sitting across from me. I don't have many friends; it's not possible to trust many people when you're a king. Everyone wants to stab me in the back and take the