[Evening]
A victory had occurred. Albeit, small but he was proud of it. He had a sense of direction now, a purpose. He would become more than he was now with the help of his brother's training. It would take months or even several years to arrive at that destination but it was a start. A minute one.
For now, his objective was his father's study And despite the lateness of the evening, the cold squirming in his stomach and the anxiety which threatened to overwhelm his mind; he readily obeyed his older brother's instruction - to go to father without delay.
Upon entering the room, the familiar loud thumping in his head could be heard, along with his father's command to..
King Valentin: Sit
..and a soft click of the doors closing behind him.
No one but he and his father were present in the room. Hesitantly he sat, clasped his hands and looked ahead.
The King was not behind his desk, nor was he seated but he stood unsmiling; stern and directly in front of him.
Mindful to maintain eye contact, he unblinkingly stared at his father; or at least he made an attempt to., for soon his eyes pricked and stung and he blinked.
His father's gaze however, narrowed as he approached him and now he stood large and ominous; hovering over him like a dark and heavy storm cloud. He then began speaking without notice. The King's hands clasped behind his back as he asked a question.
King Valentin: Did you know that you're my greatest disappointment?
Alex was certain that the question was rhetorical, therefore, he did not reply and instead remained silent and still.
Even if he wanted to reply, he felt as though he could not; his mouth felt dry and sealed shut.
The King then began pacing around him. For which Alex was grateful, as it meant that he no longer had to stare into his father's eyes.
King Valentin: I would rather have my daughter sitting here in front of me than you. You're weak. Useless. Untrainable. You have no one to blame but yourself for all of your failings. And the disasters you've caused... You completely serve no purpose to me...
Alex: ...
His lips quivered, so he lowered his head to avoid his father's stares and pressed his lips together; but his eyes betrayed him as they began to well up, and he dared not make an attempt in wiping them. So he kept his head bowed and his hands clasped upon his thighs.
King Valentin: ...but there is a purpose for you yet. I have made certain of that. Surely, you're wondering why I summoned you?
Rhetorical or not. He was unsure but he replied simply
Alex: y-Yes, Father
King Valentin: I strike against the Empire in less than a month...
Alex's eyes widened and he saw that his father had now paused in his pacing. The tears in his eyes threatened to spill over.
He could tell without looking that the King was staring down the back of his head.
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...
