[Later that week]

*

[Mid-evening]

[Southern Queen's Palace - Sleeping quarters]

Gloriam: How do you know Your Majesty?

Southern Queen: I simply do. It has to be.  Besides, I feel quite different this time around

Slow and gentle, the smiling queen rubbed her belly. The bump barely visible through her light chemise gown.

Lady in waiting #2: A princess?!

Southern Queen: -smile- Could be

Lady in waiting #3: Wouldn’t that be nice? If that's so, then I wish for her to be as you are M'lady

Lady in waiting #2: Yes! Gentle..and kind..and most handsome...and-

Gloriam: She will indeed take after Her Majesty

Unexpectedly, another lady in waiting approached the women and excitedly stated with a trace of worry in her tone

Lady in waiting #4: M'lady, the attendants are saying that the young prince is here to see you

Lady in waiting #2: At this hour?

Southern Queen: Is something the matter?

Lady in waiting #4: The prince didn't say Your Majesty

Southern Queen: Let him in quickly please

Hastily she dressed in a violet silken robe over her ivory chemise. Her heart felt troubled and it raced as she made her way towards the drawing room.  

When she entered the softly lit room, Alex, who was anxiously pacing, paused and instead stood silently wringing his slim hands together. His brows were tense and he appeared as if he had been crying.

With arms outstretched, his mother embraced him and stated apprehensively

Southern Queen: We're both in trouble if your father finds you here this hour. What's the matter my son?

Alex remained silent. Not purposely, but as he attempted to speak, his throat pained him and soon enough, he gave way to tears.  

She held his face and wiped away the sudden tears. 

Southern Queen: Alex? What's wrong? Here, sit with me.

Naturally, they both sat at the pianoforte. While one of her ladies quickly handed her a handkerchief and she made a request for a cup of water.

Southern Queen: My dearest, why are you crying? Please...

Alex: -sniff- Father -sniff- is furious with me. He says th- that I'm to be punished because I -sniff- I fell off my horse and I failed to kill the boar - or anything

His voice trailed off; the words spoken barely heard by his mother. Wrinkles deepened around her eyes as she furrowed her brows and questioned

Southern Queen: ...and why didn't you kill anything?

Alex: -hic-

Southern Queen: Here,...drink some.

Alex: I'm not sure. I- became afraid. I didn't want to kill it

Southern Queen: -sigh- My little one, I understand. I truly do. It's not a decision I ever would want you to make...

Alex: I don't ever want to go hunting again

Southern Queen: My son, you had every right to be afraid, but eventually you'll have to

Alex: Why? I won't.

Southern Queen: Then, why did you practise all those weeks?

Alex: I did it...I did it because I wanted to do well. Like Damian. But..

Southern Queen: But ...what?

Alex: But it.. I don't know why I thought -it wasn't the same... as it was during practise

Southern Queen: -smile- You mean to perform the act of taking its life, was...difficult for you?

Alex: ...

Southern Queen: -sigh- it is indeed easier said than done.

Alex: Why does it feel wrong? What if...?

Southern Queen: If?

Alex: I mean...if I can't. Then, how would I fight...and kill...people?

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