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XXth February 18xx

Expectations of greatness overshadow me. My nightmares have increased and I find myself working and penning my thoughts mostly in the quiet and stillness of the evenings once more. The darkness and warm lamps calm me and my intrusive memories. I mustn’t make use of the wine, lest it makes me a fool again. 

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XXth  March 18xx

Construction of my vessels is taking longer than I anticipated. Without assistance from kin on our southern isles, the task stretches on and thoughts of abandoning it all occur daily. 

I am weary. For I have given all of everything towards this decade long project. 

I lament the length of time it has taken, knowing that Alex must have suffered these long years. A part of me wishes that I had risked it all from the start, but I am aware that going about it in that manner would have been for naught. 

A small victory has been made however, having finally adjusted the toxin successfully; it shall be made ready for all of my archers. 

Planning and patience; of which the latter wanes day by day, are mainly required now. 

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XXth March 18xx

The artful manner in which this Imperial dog went about his plans has made me ever more wary of the words he speaks. 

Betrayal, in his twisted mind, correlates to a display of loyalty. 

Knowing this, it is fair to conclude he could and highly likely will consider doing the same again in the future.

Therefore, I have decided to take precaution, to execute a plan should he attempt to entrap me in one of his schemes. I shall be most ready to reply in kind.

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XXth March 18xx

Mother makes further attempts to weaken my resolve. 

Should I explain to her my reason for doing this?

Will she understand? 

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[Morning]

[Queen’s Palace - Eastern gardens - Greenhouse conservatory]

Cool sunlight gently streamed through the glass ceiling and walls of the conservatory. Lively laughter spilled forth from the flowery green-house and into the lush gardens surrounding them.

It was the fourth month and with the weather being fair, Marie and her ladies took to the large outdoor enclosure to partake of breakfast and soon they entered into pleasant conversations.

Lady in waiting #2: ..On all fours the animal then ran away!

Lady in waiting #4: His horse or the tiger?

Lady in waiting #2: No. I meant Lord Cendan..

The young lady laughed heartily while she spoke saying

Lady in waiting #2: ..after he was thrown off! 

Lady in waiting #3: I heard the tiger was quite large.

Lady in waiting #4: Such a terrifying thing. He must’ve been so afraid

Lady in waiting #3: Why do you laugh?

Lady in waiting #2: Ow! 

Firmly smacked upon the forearm, her chuckles came to an abrupt stop. And again the lady sternly asked of her

Lady in waiting #3: Why?

Lady in waiting #2: Unfair. When I told M’lady, she laughed along as well. 

The lady whined in her defence. Marie and Gloriam were both found to be giggling

Marie:  I did. But only because of your excitement in telling it

Lady in waiting #3: Oh! Did you hear that for this year’s hunt, ladies are allowed to participate?

Lady in waiting #2: Really?!

Lady in waiting #4: How do you not know?

Lady in waiting #3: Do you not hear about everything?

Lady in waiting #2: I do not.

She replied in a huff 

Lady in waiting #3: The ministers were the ones who insisted on it.

Lady in waiting #4: Is that so? Why? 

Lady in waiting #3: Why else do you think?

Lady in waiting #4: …

Lady in waiting #3: Two weeks out on the plains and the men become…restless.

The lady’s eyes widened as she replied simply

Lady in waiting #4: Oh..

Lady in waiting #2: …?

Lady in waiting #4: ..I see

Her head tilted and brows furrowed, the younger lady observed her associates and questioned

Lady in waiting #2: See what? I do not see- Why did they?

Lady in waiting #4: You shall when you are older.

Lady in waiting #2: But I am older. 

Lady in waiting #3: Not enough.

Lady in waiting #2: Then when will I become older enough? Are you not going to tell me?

One lady tittered, while the other closed her eyes and shook her head questioning

Lady in waiting #4: Alone in a tent? Out on those plains? No thank you.

Lady in waiting #3: You shan't be alone.. 

Lady in waiting #4: …

Lady in waiting #3: ..Ladies must be accompanied.

Lady in waiting #2: A hunting companion? 

Lady in waiting #3: Yes. But it must be a male companion.

Lady in waiting #2: ..oh

Lady in waiting #4: Still…It’s quite dangerous, is it not? Accidents always do occur every year

Lady in waiting #3: His Majesty only approved it to please them. They were quite adamant about the whole thing 

Lady in waiting #4: …

Lady in waiting #3: And another thing I also heard, is that they wanted His Majesty to be wed soon. 

Lady in waiting #2: -gasp!- Really?! 

Lady in waiting #4: Is that so?!  

Lady in waiting #3: oh..!

The lady’s eyes were wide and swiftly she covered her mouth as she glanced over at Marie, who smiled kindly and said

Marie: In private I mentioned that to you. 

Lady in waiting #3: My apologies. I’m very sorry m’lady 

Marie: I suppose it could not be helped…sooner or later..

Lady in waiting #3: ….

Marie: ..but as my confidantes, do let it remain between only us for now, yes? 

To which everyone nodded and replied in agreement

Gloriam: Shall you speak with him today, Marie? 

Marie: Only to perhaps encourage him somewhat, yes.

Gloriam: .... 

Marie: It has been far too long now..

Gloriam: I am certain that he has considered..others since

Marie: -sigh- No. Now he appears entirely indifferent towards the idea of his future. 

[Mid-Evening]

[Southern Kingdom’s Castle - Inside King Roman DuMont’s Office]

Gentle the glow of lamp lights were and they shone upon Marie as she eased throughout the familiar room. She then paused, a melancholy air surrounding her. 

From above the mantle the family painting observed her.  

Two young princes stood side by side in front of their father; his broad hand placed proudly upon his eldest's shoulder. And with her little one in her arms, she sat smiling warmly.

At the sound of the double doors opening, Marie sighed and now beheld her eldest as he hurried into the room and rushed toward her.

Roman: Mother? You wished to see me?

Marie: I do, yes

Roman: Is something the matter? Did something occur? Are you feeling unwell?

Gently by the arm he held her; vivid concern in his eyes as he surveyed her from above.  Then he offered her a seat on a wide sofa. 

Marie: I thank you..

She replied; touching his hand which held her. Marie continued and then reassured 

Marie: …but I would prefer to stand. And there is no need to worry, I am quite well.

A few men still lingered behind, standing guard, so she requested  

Marie: Privately...I wish to speak with you. May I?

Roman: Of course. 

In dismissing them, the doors closed and he at once turned on her questioning

Roman: Mother, what is it? Are you certain you are well? I would have happily visited you instead.

Marie: You are busy enough these days, are you not?

Roman: Incredibly so, yes.

Marie smiled and gently touched the stubble upon his jawline and stated 

Marie: You always were a quiet and determined one. Fiercely loyal and caring in your own little ways..

Roman: …?

She observed his dark eyes as they silently questioned her. By the hand Marie held him and added

Marie: ..My son…I wish to speak with you. It is about your future

Roman: What of it?

Marie: Roman…your ministers and advisors have already spoken to you concerning it. Have they not?

Roman: …

Marie: Acquiring an heir. Do you not think it time?

Roman, removing her hand from his, scowled and made for his desk. As he perused something laid upon it, he replied 

Roman: Mother, please. I do not have time to squander on such right now.

Marie: Squander?! You do not have time to secure a future for yourself? For the throne? For your Kingdom’s sake? What about the people you serve?

Roman: There are more pressing matters.

Marie: More pressing you say? Do tell of such.

But Roman remained silent and made no attempt to respond. His mother admired him from behind and teased 

Marie: No? 

She drew near him and questioned

Marie: My son, certainly you knew that I would one day become aware of your plans? 

Roman: …

Yet Roman still gave his attention to the scribbled notes on parchment. 

Marie, seeing this, gave a little sigh before saying 

Marie: Slowly, I saw your father lose his way. Though I gave warning….your father felt the need- the demand to achieve, to satisfy those around him. 

There was a time once when I believed in him…but, greed and blind ambition- It has stolen enough from us. Do you not agree?

Roman: …

Marie: Do not recklessly follow in your father’s legacy, Roman. You shall not find what you are looking for. I implore you. Please… 

Roman: …

Marie: ..for my sake?

Roman: …

Marie: Will you not give reply to my words?

Marie tried to catch his eyes and as she did, she heard him whisper to himself

Roman:  What I am looking for…

Marie: …

And in addressing her directly, he stated clearly

Roman: What I am looking for..I intend to find it. For your sake.

Marie: …?

Roman: And you need not worry on my behalf. I do not follow in father’s legacy.

Marie: Then, why? Why go after the North? For revenge?

Roman: ….

By both his arms Marie now held her son. She spoke firmly and to him said

Marie: You will not do this, Roman. What sense is there in this? Listen to me- You will abandon your plans. Do you understand me?

Roman: …

Marie: Roman!

Roman: I hear you mother.

Roman replied sternly; his eyes closed and appearance falling dark. His mother then delicately asked

Marie: But, do you understand me?

Roman: No, I do not. I shall not abandon all these years of planning and toil.

Marie: …

He freed himself from his mother’s hand and concluded his refusal with saying

Roman: Do not ask this of me! To do such a thing now?! I will not!! 

To her face he yelled. And he stood before her determined and resolute in his stance. Marie noted this. 

And so, with a knot in her throat she replied 

Marie: I see

Marie said simply at first, with a sad smile on her face. And in giving a slight nod she tensely added

Marie: Then..I take my leave of you. For you are preoccupied with much and I have said what I needed to.

Briefly she touched him upon the shoulder, before making for the doors and departing into the evening.

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