To Wear The Crown

12

"I-I don't... I don't think you would want me to do that?" Charlie replies taken aback, expecting a different answer from the prince than the one he got.

The prince scoffs at Charlie's comment. "Oh yeah? Why's that?"

"Cause then you'd be king and I'd be hanged for killing the king, and that means you'll have to find a new servant." Charlie states and the room goes silent. By killing the prince's brother that means Charlie is killing the king, and there is no possible way to do so that doesn't end up with Charlie being locked in a cell before being taken to be hanged, or beheaded in front of the whole town. Even if Charlie managed to escape the castle grounds, he'd have the entire royal guards chasing him down until he was found and slaughtered. The prince wouldn't be safe either if it became known that it was his idea for the king to be killed. All the allies would turn their backs and possibly attempt a war to overthrow.

The prince lets out a sigh as he places the empty plate on the floor for Nellie to lick the minimal crumbs left behind. "I think I could handle a new servant. It would be weird at first considering how I've always had you, but with enough time they could easily learn my schedule and I'd get used to their company. A servant wouldn't be that bad. However... that part about my becoming king... I think I'm going to have to take back my request for you to kill my brother"

"A wise decision, your highness." Charlie picks the plate back up so Nellie doesn't hurt herself trying to chew on the chicken bone. "Is there something else you'd like me to do? Something that perhaps doesn't end with being killed, I'd like that?"

"Of course you would." The prince gives a quick laugh. "You could," he starts "...actually, do you know any physicians in the lower town? I don't mean personally, but if you do that would be even better. Or would it? You don't know any personally because you or any members are chronically ill, do you?" Charlie can't even get a sound out as the prince continues to ramble about the little plan he's concocting in his head. "If you could get one of them to go to that village for me. Have them find out what's going on and how severe the situation is. Then that way we might be able to get something done. Huh? What do you think?" The prince finally stops talking, his chest heaving as he regains his breath. He looks at Charlie with hopeful eyes as he waits for approval. How quick the prince's moods change is going to give Charlie a massive headache one day.

"It could work..." Charlie starts, but his attitude isn't as hopeful as the prince would like. "I have a friend who's going for an apprenticeship with a physician. I'll try talking with him. He'll have a better idea and understanding than the two of us. It's not definite that he'll get the apprenticeship, though it looks strong that he is."

The prince hums, stroking Nellie's head as he thinks. Rising to his feet, the prince makes his way over to the table in the middle of his room. Taking a blank piece of paper he starts to write. Nothing is said for a few minutes as he scribbles away. "Here, give this to your friend." The prince lifts the piece of paper that has now been folded over his shoulder, hiding the contents from those who do not need to know. "You may be excused for the rest of the night as well. I'll see you tomorrow morning." He adds feeling the paper leave his finger tips.

"Thank you, your highness. I'll get this scene too straight away." Charlie lowers his head in a curt bow. The paper tucked into his pocket as he makes his way out of the room.