[Was this kind of stuff anything but a recital? Kelsey always hated formalities and now his life, unless Henry returned home or their dad managed to find him, was going an endless parade of them. The alternative was throwing his entire family into disgrace and... as rocky as his relationship with his parents was, the young man knew this was no option. It wasn't like he could go back to his normal soldier life, after all, if his family name fell into ruins.

Playing this game was the only chance they all got.

Basil stopped. Kel immediately did the same.

Huh, those words didn't really feel a lot like a nobleman's ones, from his limited experience with rich and powerful people. Then again, he knew better than lowering his guard. He brought one hand to his chest, bowing his head. What the hell is he even supposed to say?]

That does seem to be the case, my liege. I think I am a bit older than you, but we should be in the same age range. [Too informal? Too stiff? Hell if he knew, Henry was the fancy smancy person! Oh, WAIT, wasn't he supposed to know his charge's age? Fuck.] It is a great honor to serve you. I am at your complete service. [Was this too repetitive? He didn't have his brother's charm and right now his brain wasn't catching up with his mouth.] So... uhm... I will be eternally grateful to you and your father for trusting me with this position.