[Southern Kingdom - Morning - June month]

[Inside His Grace Duke Beauregard’s* Mansion]

*(w/n: pronounced: Bow-ray- guard)

-huff huff- 

-- Gloriam?

(Untidily tied up high, the young maiden’s silky dark grey hair was. She glanced upwards at the sound of her name; questions etched on her face and in her bright amethyst coloured eyes. Her fair skin, cherry red, as she sat in a sleeveless home dress by the open window reading)

-- huff-  There! Found you!.. Come with me, please 

Gloriam: huh?

(Without warning, a silver-haired girl adorned in a tunic and loose trousers belted at the waist, energetically grabbed and pulled her by the arm; removing her entirely from her seat.)

Gloriam: Wha- Marie! What is it? Why the rush?

Marie: Something happened that I must tell you. Join me in my chambers, will you?

Gloriam: It does not seem as though I have much of a choice, now do I?

Marie: Don’t be silly. You always have a choice. Only thing is… not this time

(Both hurriedly climbed the staircase and as soon as they were within the large and lavish room, Marie closed the door behind her and said, eyebrows tensed)

Marie: There is something… I did. It was an error on my part 

Gloriam: …? 

Marie: With father and Cyrus gone to the hunt, I became bored, so I snuck away to the training grounds-

Gloriam: But I looked for you there this morning. You weren’t there. And all the attendants I questioned said that they also didn’t see you

(Lowering her voice, she came away from the door saying) 

Marie: No, no… you know?… The other training ground

Gloriam: Marie! 

Marie: Shh…! Would you please not… speak so loudly

(Gloriam followed closely behind her and stated) 

Gloriam: You know you aren't supposed to go without brother. Not to mention it's dangerous; Snakes and scorpions…wild tiger cats! 

Marie: Tiger cats are rare, Gloriam. When was the last time you saw one?

Gloriam: That’s besides the point, Marie. What if someone saw you?

(Heavily onto her bed she seated herself before sighing and flopping back; her long silvery white hair with strands of braiding in between, laid strewn around her head.) 

(With arms outstretched and eyes closed she sighed again and said) 

Marie: -sigh- Someone did

Marie: How was I supposed to know that the hunting party would venture here? To the southern forests? 

(Gloriam, sitting in an armchair next to the bed, appeared quite concerned. And as she stared ahead at nothing in particular, she slowly said)

Gloriam: They usually do not…but, still.. 

(A moment of silence passed between the two before she continued by asking)

Gloriam: Did..did the person see your face?

Marie: ...No. I had my veil on..

(Marie heard Gloriam sigh in relief, before she tentatively added)

Marie: ..but...that was..until..it…came undone and flew away

Gloriam: Marie!

(Upright she bolted and stated)

Marie: I was in a rush to get back. He did not see my face. I swear!

Gloriam: -sigh- Anything else?

Marie: Uhm...as I was readying myself to leave, he approached from behind. That’s when he startled me. Hidden amongst some bushes and behind the big live oak tree.  In my fright, I suppose, I failed to recognise who he was; so naturally, I drew my sword. It was…it was only until a servant or...or someone called, then..I knew..  

**

**

Gloriam: His Majesty?!

Marie: Shh!

Gloriam: You drew your sword on the new King?!

Marie: Shh! Shh! Shh!

(In an attempt to defend herself, Marie promptly stated )

Marie: I was not aware at the time- It was an error on my part- Had I known-

Gloriam: Had you known, it still would not matter. He saw you with a sword in your possession, Marie. This is serious.

Marie: I know…

Gloriam: As soon Uncle returns from the hunt, you need to inform him of what transpired, Marie

Marie: I know…

Gloriam: You’ll tell him..

Marie: …yes

Gloriam: Promise?

Marie: Yes, yes. I’ll tell father. I promise I will.. 

(She then sighed and thought) 

Marie: -sigh- {I should’ve been more alert. I did swear that if I was ever caught I would…How am I going to explain this to father? I just thought that maybe-}

Gloriam: But, Marie?…

Marie: …?

Gloriam: What if His Majesty inquires and concludes that it was you? And regards it as a threat upon his life and accuses Uncle? You weren't supposed to ever be seen wielding a sword.

(She covered her face with her hands and spoke through them. Her muffled voice was heard saying)

Marie: …I know. I’m sorry. 

Gloriam: -sigh- I think it’s best…for the remaining days of the hunt, that you stay on the grounds. Preferably inside.

(Onto her lap, Marie’s arms heavily dropped as she whined)

Marie: But that’s nine more days, Gloriam. What am I going to do during all those days till Cyrus returns?

Gloriam: Never mind that brother’s not here. There are other things…You love to play the piano and to read in the gardens, don't you?

Marie: I do, but..now that father’s away..I thought…perhaps-

Gloriam: That doesn't mean we can slack off or get into any more trouble now does it?

Marie: -sigh- 

(Rosy in the cheeks and bright eyed, Gloriam stood up and took her cousin by the arm) 

Gloriam: Excellent! Then join me in some needlework

➵