[Evening - before sundown]
[Within the Southern Kingdom's Castle walls]
It was the day before they departed for the Summer hunt, late afternoon to be exact and the youngest Prince was being summoned by his father. Whenever his father called for him, this usually resulted in him immediately having a stomachache. It was no different now.
Alex knew that it always meant one of two things; either he was to be berated with strict instructions and orders which were mandatory to follow and if they were not carried out and performed in the exact way his father wanted, it came with the promise of being disciplined. Or, he was being summoned to receive said disciplining.
Difficult it was to recall if he had done anything which warranted punishment; his nerves got the better of him and so nothing came to mind.
So, upon arriving at the well known double doors, he entered his father's spacious study and addressed him cautiously.
Whenever a stern talking to was coming his way, his father usually stood, however, Alex found him sitting behind the desk. Therefore, he surmised, the reason he was now there had to be to
Southern King: Sit
He obeyed. Stomach squirming, sweaty palms - so he clasped them together as his heart thumped away rapidly in his chest.
Southern King: Tomorrow, we depart for your first hunt and there are.. certain things I want to make clear to you... Alexander!
Alex: Y-yes, father?
Southern King: Eyes on me when I'm talking to you
His father's fixated glare only served to further make him more nervous.
Alex: Yes, father
Southern King: The first is that tomorrow, you'll be paired with Roman as your hunting partner. Listen to your brother's instructions and follow his lead. Any untoward behaviour and Roman will notify me of such. So there better not be any. Understood?
Alex: Yes, father
Southern King: Second. Your brothers have both set perfect examples of what is to be expected from a Prince during a hunt. This standard is to be upheld. Maintained. Followed. Do not fail in that regard. Understood?
Alex: Yes, father
Southern King: Last and most importantly. Tomorrow, noblemen, ministers, high ranking officials and clansmen will also be present. I tell you this, so you would do well to remember that from tomorrow, for an entire week, you represent me. Eyes will be on you. Failure will not be tolerated. Disappoint me Alexander and you will be severely disciplined. Understood?
Alex: y-Yes, father
Southern King: Good. And as is customary, you'll visit your mother now to receive your ring. You're dismissed.
YOU ARE READING
BLACK ARROW - ACT 1
FantasyACT 1 ~ Alexander; a young prince of the Southern Kingdom, the youngest and often compared to his older brothers because of his failings. With the annual hunt close at hand and having come of age to participate, he finds himself having to disprove t...
