His Majesty (Slide Away)

57.

25th December, Part 2

"...My family has faced many challenges this year, however we have overcome those challenges, and I hope if your families have come face to face with the same obstacles, you have too been able to  beat them. And so wishing you all well this Christmas, is I, your Queen. Merry Christmas to you all!"

John watched as the camera man panned away from Mimi, bringing the camera down to focus on the photosgraphs she had on the table. He smiled as he saw a photograph of Paul and himself on the wooden desk.

"Cut!" A tall man yelled, and John rose to his feet.

There was a short clap, and Mimi smiled slightly, before looking over to John. The Prince made his way over, sensing that Mimi wished to talk to him.

"Merry Christmas, John." She smiled from her wheelchair, and John smiled back at her.

"Merry Christmas, Mimi." He too spoke. "How are you feeling?"

"Woozy... Abigail should be back on her way to help me down to dinner."

There was noise coming from behind them as the lighting and cameras were packed away.

"I can help you, if you'd like?" John suggested, and Mimi looked up to him wearily, before smiling lightly.

"Okay." Her voice sounded weak, unlike the voice she had just broadcasted to the Kingdom.

John made his way around to the back of Mimi, taking the handles of the wheelchair into his grip.

"Ready?" She nodded.

He began to push her out of the room, camera men and servants bowing to the two as they passed. Mimi waved from her chair.

"John?" Mimi asked, as the two reached the corridor.

"Yes, Mimi?"

"Why are you being nice to me all of a sudden?" She asked, not spitefully, genuinely. It seemed like a question she actually wanted the answer to.

John remembered how spiteful Mimi used to be with him, all cocky and arrogant. The two never got on, and it had all started when uncle George had passed. But now... Well, John wouldn't say /he/ was being nice to her, he would say the two were being nice to each other.
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"I could ask the same. Why are you being nice to me, Mimi?" She fell silent all of a sudden, her head bowing down to look at her feet. John ignored it. "I do not know what happened, but a few weeks ago, Paul and I visited you for a conversation... You did not make us feel small, you did not spite us... You were just /you/, Mimi. And so I began to treat you like you..."

There was a short silence, before Mimi spoke up, her voice somehow more timid than before.

"I'm a mess, John..." She spoke, voice barely above a whisper.

The Prince stopped in his tracks.

"What makes you think that?" He asked, genuinely  concerned.

"God, John... If you knew you would hate me again." She sighed.

"No I wouldn't... I never hated you, Mimi. You are my family, I do not hate family." John explained, carefully. "Please tell me, Mimi." He sounded like a child, begging for a lollipop. "Please... Why are you saying these things?"

"Because I... I am not fit to rule." Mimi looked down. "Not just physically, but mentally. A huge weight is upon my shoulders... And I am unfit."

What... What was she saying?

"John, I'm sure it will all make sense soon... But in the meantime, I feel my reign is coming to an end." She looked down. "I am scarred, I am powerless... My mind is constantly fighting a battle I can not and should not win." She explained, before looking up into John's eyes. "John, the crown is going to fall into your hands soon-"