The following are a few journal entries penned by the

Crown Prince - Roman A. DuMont

following the aftermath of his rash action, resulting in his father's death

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XXth November 18xx

Wearied and weak; His Majesty died from his wounds.

This is how his passing shall be known.

But when each day draws to its end and the evening becomes silent and still, thoughts, memories of father arrive, and I have found that no amount of wine can remove them.

I acted rashly. I know this. My thoughts were only of mother at the time. In fact, it has always been. And now I think of how much I have hurt her and caused her further pain.

I must attempt to rectify this in some way.

-----

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XXth November 18xx

The last images of him will forever remain with me. Mother was present. Mainly for appearances. I personally did not want her there at that man's funeral procession.

If it were solely up to me, I would have his body thrown into the depths of the Black Sea without anyone ever knowing of it. However, in the Hall of Kings he is entombed.

Mother returned to her Palace before this; she felt unwell.

I, on the other hand, was required to remain. Now all responsibilities fall heavily upon only me.

I will be a better King. I swear it. For mother's sake, I swear it.

-----

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XXth December 18xx

Coronation plans. It seems too soon, his mourning month has barely begun, but I must quickly claim my rightful place.

Power. Dominance. Strength - must be displayed now for the stability of the Kingdom.

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XXth December 18xx

I have not slept in a few days. A great many things to do and my thoughts would not allow me.

The ministers give their reports. The advisors approach me with their cunning and so-called guidance and counsel. Planning and preparations. Noblemen and clansmen and many others to arrive soon.

I remind myself to maintain a trained eye on them all when they do. Those sly vipers have motives.

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XXrd December 18xx

The ceremony, so long. The crowds, so loud. The crown, so heavy.

Clansmen with their shifty eyes and fidgeting fingers and tongues filled with false flatteries, irk me to no end.

For I see in their little traitorous minds; they wish to overthrow a supposed weakened throne.

I shall not let that happen.

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XXth December 18xx

At first troublesome, but now I see their small underhanded motives and treasonous whisperings as something inherited. Hereditary. As I took it upon myself to do a little digging and little it was indeed. For father had all of the reports destroyed in regards to it. Save one item.

Grandfather's death was not as it seemed. A half uncle and others were to blame. And though I failed to find out how, I learned that those involved were either executed or exiled; some publicly and others most discreetly.

As for the remaining portion of the various clans, father deemed them as 'risky'.

I see now why father warned me.

But a friendship of sorts has already been formed over these past few weeks and this may be most difficult, troublesome rather, to end now.

I shall have to speak with her.

-----

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XXst December 18xx

Mother's servants; they care for her well; though still visibly wounded, she appeared livelier and more talkative since I last saw her.

She spoke of him and of them, and told me how sorry she was for causing me further worry.

I could not look her in the eyes as she spoke.

My throat tightened and I thought to myself; for I said nothing in reply - 'Why should mother apologise? She is not the one to blame.'

Yet I only listened; as I was unable to confess my wrongdoing.

-----

[A few months ago...]

*

[GREAT EMPIRE]

[NORESTA: Eastern Province - Belleverde Castle]

On one September afternoon, along the lush and green banks of the winding Great River, stood a grand and impressive castle with its thick fortress-like walls and its surrounding grounds well cared for.

And at that very moment, somewhere along the many hallways on the eastern wing, two men sat in silent concentration over a board game spread before them.

In princely quarters, gently sunlit and cool, one then addressed the other saying

-- You left your rook hanging..

-- ..?

-- ..captured by a simple pawn.

The man feigned sadness before swiftly changing his expression into a wide smile and stating

-- How disappointing.

In assessing the damage done, he then advised the other man

-- Henri, you really ought to pay more attention. A leader must. Your men are at war before you right now.

Henri: Apologies, m'lord. I will in earnest try to do better.

-- Do not be too hard on yourself.

Henri: ...

-- You are improving..

Henri smiled. Pleased with himself, he proceeded to make another move upon the board

Henri: Thank you, Sire. Your words mean a lot to me

Lord: ..yet still...

Henri: ..?

Lord: Hmm..Check!

Henri: ...!

Dispirited, the loyal servant then hung his head and heard his master unexpectedly question

Lord: How is father's condition?

Henri: ..! His Grace is still unconscious. With no improvement from last evening

Lord: Therefore..anytime soon then?

Henri: ..yes, m'lord

Lord: I see

Henri: ....

Lord: Well...

And with that, the young lord flashed his bright smile and declared

Lord: ...that's checkmate, Henri.

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