**
[6 days later]
*
[July]
[Outdoors - Early morning]
[Southern Kingdom - Duke Beauregard's Palace]
(A short length of the covered terrace was being repeatedly tread upon; all the while as she constantly wrung her fingers.)
(Staring at no one and at nothing in particular, Marie addressed her cousin who was looking on; her head and eyes following as she sat at the breakfast table.)
Marie: Father never takes this long to return from the hunt..
Gloriam: It's only been a few days..
Marie: But the hunting party was nearby. It shouldn't take this long
Gloriam: He'll be home soon
Marie: What if he was injured? Accidents do often occur
Gloriam: Marie, I'm certain everything is fine-
Marie: But it has already been almost a week since it ended
Gloriam: Last year, Uncle returned about four days after didn't he?
Marie: Yes, he did
Gloriam: Well...then I suppose he's already on his way back
Marie: Maybe....but I dislike waiting this long for him. I become anxious and I feel...I feel not myself
Gloriam: Won't you sit, please? There's no need to be overly worried..
(With closed eyes, Marie sat tensely next to her cousin)
Gloriam: You'll see...everything will be fine. Are you remembering to breathe as I taught you?
Marie: -nod-
Gloriam: -smile- Good. Join me in having something to eat, then?
Marie: -sigh- I suppose...
(Quite faint but unmistakably, the sound of a horse drawn carriage was heard. It drew nearer and could be seen. Marie shot up from her seat and quickly asked)
Marie: Is it father? Has he returned?
(Gloriam, squinting as she focused into the distance, then stood and said)
Gloriam: No, I...don't believe he has..
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...
