How would you interpret this phrase “in the premises”?
How would you interpret this phrase “in the premises” in the last but one sentence?

Thank you.
PS: the excerpt is taken from “The Lady, or the Tiger?” written by Frank R. Stockton.

the context:

This semi-barbaric king had a daughter as blooming as his most florid fancies, and with a soul as fervent and imperious as his own. As is usual in such cases, she was the apple of his eye, and was loved by him above all humanity. Among his courtiers was a young man of that fineness of blood and lowness of station common to the conventional heroes of romance who love royal maidens. This royal maiden was well satisfied with her lover, for he was handsome and brave to a degree unsurpassed in all this kingdom, and she loved him with an ardor that had enough of barbarism in it to make it exceedingly warm and strong. This love affair moved on happily for many months, until one day the king happened to discover its existence. He did not hesitate nor waver in regard to his duty in the premises. The youth was immediately cast into prison, and a day was appointed for his trial in the king's arena.

Question

How would you interpret this phrase “in the premises”?
How would you interpret this phrase “in the premises” in the last but one sentence?

Thank you.
PS: the excerpt is taken from “The Lady, or the Tiger?” written by Frank R. Stockton.

the context:

This semi-barbaric king had a daughter as blooming as his most florid fancies, and with a soul as fervent and imperious as his own. As is usual in such cases, she was the apple of his eye, and was loved by him above all humanity. Among his courtiers was a young man of that fineness of blood and lowness of station common to the conventional heroes of romance who love royal maidens. This royal maiden was well satisfied with her lover, for he was handsome and brave to a degree unsurpassed in all this kingdom, and she loved him with an ardor that had enough of barbarism in it to make it exceedingly warm and strong. This love affair moved on happily for many months, until one day the king happened to discover its existence. He did not hesitate nor waver in regard to his duty in the premises. The youth was immediately cast into prison, and a day was appointed for his trial in the king's arena.

Answer

As Su.Ki. says, the word is used here in its original meaning of “that which has been previously stated”. It’s from the Latin pre- (“before”, as in “previously”), and mittere (to send, to put). The more modern sense comes from legal contracts for real estate, in which that which has been previously stated is the house and land.

Answer

'Premises' here is a legal term meaning 'this (aforementioned) matter'.

It has nothing to do with the more commonplace meaning of 'premises', which is a building or location.

Answer

In the territory that the king reigned.

Answer

Very high level English here... well done!

It means that he didn't wait (hesitate) to do what he was supposed to do (his duty). "In the premises..." means "the location where he works"

Hope this helps...
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