‘Again I am mistaken to presume that my active proceedings would courier unto you mirth, Chancellor; though I will admit your assiduity brings me no less joy. When you are occupied, dearest brother, Sweden’s commerce is always burgeoning.’
“Is my assiduity not what merited my holding such a position as Chancellor, Your Majesty?” the older man deadpans, looking up from his work to meet the gaze of his sovereign. Such is their way; he is only able to maintain such a stony disposition for so long before it breaks, a smile replacing the look of faux unease. “His Majesty should know better than to think that such beguiling words would work upon me. Is it that same charm that now has me pouring through letters of Danish resentment, sire?”
