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XXth November 18xx

Mother was not in her chambers when I visited. I found her in the flower gardens. She stated that she required fresh air, and that the stone walls made her feel ill.

I do admit, her cheeks were a bit flushed and she appeared more lively.

It was mid-afternoon, and there had been no rain for a few days. In spite of this, the air outdoors was fair. She seemed to enjoy it.

We sat and spoke. Her voice was clearer. Her eyes brighter. Though, still, I saw deep sorrow plainly etched within them. I truly wish I can relieve her from its grasp.

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**

**

[About a week later]

*

[Evening]

The heat of the day lingered. Into the night and into the very stone walls, agitating those within the castle and palaces.

A bright blush of pink the evening's sky was; entirely covered by rain clouds, causing many to wish that it would finally rain.

**

Asleep, was how she found him. On his large canopy bed he lay; its drapes drawn back.

All the windows were open to allow the air; though warm it was, to keep him cool. Their lengthy linens billowed gently, while the golden flames upon the walls in their glass enclosures gently swayed.

To one corner she stood and observed him. His dark hair had grown in since she saw him last and from where she stood, Marie noted that he slept soundly.

A flash of pain cut across her heart now reflected in her troubled appearance.

Quietly, she addressed the attendants present, requesting for them to

Marie: Kindly leave us, please

And one by one, they all departed.

The last, closing the bedroom doors behind him.

Now in his presence she was entirely alone.

And with a soft

-click!-

The Queen turned a small key, locking the bedroom's double doors.

He found himself completely lost within his own thoughts.

Having left the castle since afternoon last, Roman finally returned only to find his office with piles of parchment and their many things to approve awaiting his attention.

Without much thought given, he sat heavily at his desk and viewed the work before him.

But he gazed upon it and yet saw nothing.

And with his attention drawn elsewhere; he failed to hear the servant addressing him at the doors.

-- Your Highness?

Roman: ...

-- Uhm..Your Highness?

Roman: ...?!

Confused at first, he quickly changed his expression and glared at the man while he silently berated and reminded himself to be mindfully present at all times.

-- Pardon me...please...

The Crown Prince, exhaustion clearly evident in his voice, answered

Roman: Yes, what is it?

-- My Prince, the Queen arrived sometime ago and Her Majesty made for the King's sleeping quarters...

Roman: Mother is here? Is she feeling that much better? I will go to her..

The servant's expression seemed odd, so Roman questioned him as he rose from behind his desk and approached him

Roman: What's wrong?

Servant: ....

Roman: Tell me,. what has happened in my absence?

Servant: y-Your Highness...uhm

Roman: I said tell me!!

**

**

-click!-

At the doors she stood and viewed her husband once more. And as she neared his bedside; observing the gentleness of his breathing she wondered how it was that he slept so soundly.

Then the smell of stale wine on his breath crossed her nose.

Marie observed his peaceful state; and as she did, she felt heat rise to the back of her neck and the tears she held at bay began to sting her eyes.

Breaths escaped, rapidly and shallow to meet trembling lips.

And from within the folds of her gown, she withdrew an object; a hidden pocket concealed it. A silver dagger.

Her heart pounded wildly, threatening to make her thoughts and hands unsteady. Grasping her own hand, the shaking then subsided little.

However, her mind fell victim to internal whispers which began to weaken her resolve.

Marie squeezed her eyes shut and shook her head in an attempt to chase away the doubts that now challenged her.

Control regained and swiftly she lifted the dagger above her head.

Lips pressed together; so the sounds of her sobs remained within. And while tears silently streamed forth and down her cheeks, she stared down at him.

Marie closed her eyes, and with all of her strength behind the dagger's blade, she brought the dagger's sharp iron down onto the sleeping King's chest.

➵