[Damian recounts events cont’d]

-------

Queen Marie: …and now you are hated for doing so. What will you do?

(The Queen’s voice was calm and gentle as she lovingly stared at her son sitting beside her. She then questioned him further)

Damian: …

Queen Marie: Is your intention to remain embittered towards them forever?

Damian: Yes!

Queen Marie: -sigh- My lovely son, why not instead, display your strength again?

Damian: ….what do you mean?

Queen Marie: I mean, the mercy you showed towards the villagers, why not extend it towards your father and brother as well, in the form of forgiveness?

Damian: -pout- ….why should I? They don’t deserve it!

Queen Marie: It’s not a matter of whether you feel they deserve it or not..it is so, you can gain peace

Damian: ….

(Both of his hands she held tightly and said)

Queen Marie: Damian, listen to me - If you remain this way; full of anger, hate, rage - it will slowly consume you and there will remain no space within you to show mercy. 

Eventually, you will display this hate to everyone and everything around you - everyday. You will lose who you truly are. What would I do if I were to lose you? Forgive them my son…and forgive yourself.

Damian: -sniff-

Queen Marie: There, there…

(She tightly hugged her crying child and comfortingly said)

Queen Marie: I know it is difficult - but, I also know that you are strong enough to do it

----------

***

Alex: You cried?

Damian: Is that what you gathered? From all  I just said?

Alex: -Hehe- Yup!

Damian smilingly glared at his brother. Meanwhile, Alex, who was fighting to hold back a smile and losing, said

Alex: I mean, no

Damian: ….So, I eventually made my way to Roman - It took me about a week after to do so. I decided, I would apologise for the words that I said after the raid and everything else since then. 

I found him in his study, and it was there when I fully understood that mother was right - It was easier said than done - because I hated the fact that I had to lower myself; even though I knew that I was right. But I said to him..

---------–

Damian: …though I am quite oblivious to all the responsibilities and the pressures that you face - I am, in fact, appreciative for everything you do. Therefore, I am sorry and I apologise for being ungrateful towards the leniency shown on my behalf. And I was… wrong to step out of line; to question father’s and your authority.

So, that’s why…I- 

Are you even listening to a word I’m saying?

Roman: I am

Damian: Then, why aren’t you looking at me?

Roman: Since when do I need to look at you…in order to hear you?

Damian: …

(Damian clenched his jaw and forced a smile. It was a very painful looking expression)

Damian: Surely, you can afford me a moment of your precious time

Roman: ….Very well

(From his book, Roman looked up and sat back fully in his chair; his eyes clearly showing disinterest. He then questioned)

Roman: You were saying?

Damian: Sh-Should I repeat wha-

(The Crown Prince placed his hand up, halting his brother mid-question. He then closed his eyes, and gently shook his head; slowly re-opening his eyes as he locked his gaze onto his brother and said)

Roman: No need. I heard all that you had to say. 

Damian: So, then, I - hope you accept my apology

Roman: Why would I? …I’ve seen who you truly are Damian. You shirk your responsibilities and what is more - the audacity to question me. 

I don’t think that father is fully aware of how you truly are - but I am. It is indeed for the best that he removed you from under my supervision - maybe now he will see. See that you are in fact weak and pathetic.

I think that it would be best for you to remain mindful to never cross me again. Understood?

Damian:...Yes, brother

Roman: ….good. I also think that you should leave now, you’re disturbing my reading

----------

***

Between his eyes; above the bridge of his nose, Damian pinched as he sighed  and said

Damian: -sigh- The very memory of it is giving me a headache

Alex: …

Damian: I swear - brother makes it so very difficult to not hate him. And to think that I used to admire him.

Alex: Damian? 

Damian: Yeah?

Alex: Do you regret…killing all those people?

Damian: …I do. I often feel that Father’s ambition is too great. I fear- Never mind. I’m out of line to speak this way...even if it’s to you. 

Alex: To myself…I often question…his ways. I feel as you do. 

Damian made to speak, however, he fell silent. After a little while, he eventually stated

Damian: As Princes, Alex, we live by different standards, a different code, but taking the lives of innocents- isn’t part of it. It shouldn't be. 

Alex: But, the battle against the Empire?

Damian: On the battlefield - it’s different - at least in my eyes. Here, we, on both sides - know what dangers we have to and will face. We’re soldiers. And it’s what we signed up for. It’s for you to recognise the difference Alex.

Alex: …

Damian: It doesn’t take away the fact that it did happen. Forgiving yourself is also easier said than done but I recognised that I didn’t want to be the same as brother, and that’s why I told you Alex…

Alex: What’s that?

Damian: Please don’t try to be like brother, or even me - we’re not exactly shining examples for you. But instead, you can learn from us. Do you understand?

Alex: Mm, I do.

Damian: Good! ‘Cause I really don’t wish for you to become as he is. Can you imagine if I had to deal with two Roman’s?! 

Alex: -giggle- Don’t worry Damian, I promise that I won’t be as brother is

From above his brow, Damian wiped the imaginary sweat forming there and said

Damian: -whew!-  That’s a relief, because if you did, I think I may-

-- General Superior! Apologies. My Princes. Pardon me - but, we received word from His Majesty.

***

END OF SOUTHERN KINGDOM ACT 1  - to be continued

➵

[4 MONTHS EARLIER]

*

THE GREAT EMPIRE

*

[To be continued…]