[Evening -  before sundown]

[Within the Southern Kingdom's Castle walls]

It was the day before they departed for the Summer hunt, late afternoon to be exact and the youngest Prince was being summoned by his father. Whenever his father called for him, this usually resulted in him immediately having a stomachache. It was no different now.

Alex knew that it always meant one of two things; either he was to be berated with strict instructions and orders which were mandatory to follow and if they were not carried out and performed in the exact way his father wanted, it came with the promise of being disciplined. Or, he was being summoned to receive said disciplining. 

Difficult it was to recall if he had done anything which warranted punishment; his nerves got the better of him and so nothing came to mind. 

So, upon arriving at the well known double doors, he entered his father's spacious study and addressed him cautiously. 

Whenever a stern talking to was coming his way, his father usually stood, however, Alex found him sitting behind the desk. Therefore, he surmised, the reason he was now there had to be to

Southern King: Sit

He obeyed. Stomach squirming, sweaty palms -  he clasped them together as his heart thumped away rapidly in his chest.

Southern King: Tomorrow, we depart for your first hunt and there are.. certain things I want to make clear to you... Alexander!

Alex: Y-yes, father?

Southern King: Eyes on me when I'm talking to you

His father's fixated glare only served to further make him more nervous.

Alex: Yes, father

Southern King: The first is that tomorrow, you'll be paired with Roman as your hunting partner. Listen to your brother's instructions and follow his lead. Any untoward behaviour and Roman will notify me of such. So there better not be any. Understood?

Alex: Yes, father

Southern King: Second. Your brothers have both set perfect examples of what is to be expected from a Prince during a hunt. This standard is to be upheld. Maintained. Followed. Do not fail in that regard. Understood?

Alex: Yes, father

Southern King: Last and most importantly. Tomorrow, noblemen, ministers, high ranking officials and clansmen will also be present. I tell you this, so you would do well to remember that from tomorrow, for an entire week, you represent me. Eyes will be on you. Failure will not be tolerated. Disappoint me Alexander and you will be severely disciplined. Understood?

Alex: y-Yes, father

Southern King: Good. And as is customary, you'll visit your mother now to receive your ring. You're dismissed.

**

**

Dizzy and nauseous but also relieved, he was finally out of his father’s study. Past walls of dreary portraits, mounted armour and weapons, his mind wandered; and slowly, anxious thoughts began creeping in.

{How am I going to be as good as Roman and Damian? At least I'll have brother's help tomorrow but then again, why would he help me?- He never assists anyone, especially not during a hunt.}

-sigh-

{And other people would be there. Important family members as well. I hadn't thought about that. And now they would be noticing my every move. What if I make a mistake? A great many things could go wrong...}

He suddenly no longer felt excited for the hunt, and silently wished tomorrow, nay,  the entire week would arrive quickly and be over with as soon as possible.

It was indeed quite an easy stroll towards the Queen’s palace - North of the Main Castle, however, a simple carriage was provided to cover the short distance. 

The sun began its descent below the horizon and the heat of the day remained. Alex was grateful for the carriage ride, but he still arrived at the Queen’s residence a little sweaty.

A wave of relief washed over him as he stepped out. 

While his father’s study often gave him nightmares, here, he felt at peace, having grown up within its walls for half his life.

Now though, he resided with his father at the Main Castle and he occupied an entire wing and had servants and a large study with his favourite books and a piano. The King, though generous in this regard, only allowed him to visit his mother on special occasions and also when he was given permission to do so. 

He had not seen her in so long, a little over six months- by his calculations; and though he often felt joy being here, for some strange reason, this time he felt awkward and a little uneasy.

His mother waited for him in the drawing room; as the kindly servant stated, and when he entered, Alex observed that the hallways were already lit and had a soft and inviting glow, along with the sound of gentle music coming down the corridor to greet him.

{Mother is on the piano}

He thought and smiled, excited now to finally see her.

Upon being announced, he heard the music come to a stop and he entered the familiar living space. 

There she stood, with arms outstretched and a wide smile. She appeared to glow. And as if she were to attend a special ball, she was dressed in an off shoulder gown; a pale blue silken dress with her long silvery white hair in an up-do which dropped gracefully onto her bare shoulders in soft curls.

Tightly he embraced his mother around her waist and Alex felt safe within her arms; he also felt as though he would soon begin to cry. 

The Queen splayed her fingers through her son’s hair and softly said

Southern Queen: My dearest, you've gotten taller...

He looked upwards and saw her beaming face and teary shining eyes

Southern Queen: ...and you've been in the sun quite often haven't you?

Alex: Mhm! I've been practising for weeks.

Alex resumed hugging her, his head snuggled on her chest. The Queen gave a short giggle and said 

Southern Queen: Not too tightly now...

Alex: Why? What's wrong?

Southern Queen: Nothing's wrong. But, you'll be a big brother soon

Surprised, he blinked upwards at her and slowly released his hold.

Alex: Me? A big brother...?

Holding his face in both her hands, she said before kissing him between the brows

Southern Queen: Yes, you. And what a good big brother you will be...-kiss- Come and sit

Alex motioned to sit at the piano and his mother took him by the hand and said

Southern Queen: No, no not there. Come, sit with me over here

As they both sat on the sofa, the Queen took her son’s hands in hers, frowned and said 

Southern Queen: I've missed you so much my little one

Alex: I've missed you as well mother

She smiled and gently kissed both his hands, before enquiring

Southern Queen: Are you hungry?

Alex: Yes, I am

Southern Queen: Good. I had the cook prepare your favourite dish

Alex: The venison?

Southern Queen: Yes, of course...but before we...

The Queen reached over to a side table, and gave a quick shake of a little bell which sat there; a female servant then appeared. Alex knew her by name

Southern Queen: Gloriam? Please bring me Alex's present

The lady curtsied and said 

Gloriam: Yes, M'lady

His mother, returning her attention towards him, held his hands and said

Southern Queen: Hmm, your hands are so small with such slender fingers- I wonder whether...

The young woman returned, and within her slender hands she carried a rectangular silver tray. A small lacquered black box sat on a square of red velvet upon it. She held it out to the Queen, but she did not take it. Instead, the smiling Queen said to Alex

Southern Queen: Go ahead, take it

Gloriam now directed the tray at the Prince. As he took the box, he looked into her amethyst coloured eyes and said

Alex: Thank you, Gloriam

Gloriam:  -smile- You're most welcome, my Prince

Quickly she curtsied and departed.

Alex could see his mother smiling at him from the corner of his eye as he opened the small receptacle. Nestled inside was a ring, and he plucked it out, placing the box aside.

It caught the light as he examined and held the tiny object high. 

The design was the same as the one Damian wore: a solid band, however, where his brother’s had ruby inlaid within black onyx, this one had sapphire inlaid within platinum. He observed the thinly engraved inscription on the inside; the words of the clan’s motto: 

Potestas * Vis * Fidelis

Southern Queen: Do you fancy it?

Alex:  I do, yes. It's beautiful!

Southern Queen: Here, let me put it on you.

Within his mother’s palm Alex placed the ring. In taking his left hand, she slipped it onto his middle finger but the only problem was

Southern Queen: Hmm, it's a little too big..

So instead, she placed it on his thumb and advised

Southern Queen: When you're grown to be even more handsome, wear it appropriately. It should be worn on this finger - next to your heart*

*((a/n -fun fact: The 'ring finger' was commonly thought to be connected to one's heart - however- uhh, no it isn't))

The Queen continued

Southern Queen: I gave your brothers theirs as well- each one symbolises a word in the motto - and yours represents-

Alex: Fidelis

Southern Queen: Correct. As a Prince, 'Fidelity' is required - among many other qualities of course. Be sure to always show it to your country, and its people and foremost, your father and King.

Alex furrowed his brows, and lowered his head -lost in thought. Seeing this, his mother asked with deep concern

Southern Queen: What's wrong my love?

But Alex simply shook his head

Southern Queen: ...Is it about going on the hunt tomorrow?

He looked up at her and said

Alex: Yes...How am I supposed to be as good as my brothers? I can't possibly be. And if I try - What if I fail?... It's all too much.

Together in silence they sat for a while.

The Queen smiled tight lipped before tenderly saying

Southern Queen: Sometimes...when situations arise and we feel- as you are now my son - overwhelmed; It is best to briefly, take a step back, close your eyes, take a deep breath and...

She gently placed her hands on both of his shoulders

Southern Queen: ...relax those tense and tired shoulders. And you'll come to see that quite possibly, the situation isn't as daunting as your mind makes it to be.

Alex: -sigh-

Southern Queen: There...feel any better?

Alex: Hehe, no, not really...

Southern Queen: At least, you're smiling now

Just then, a servant entered and called

-- Pardon me, Your Majesty - Dinner is served

➵

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