BITTER

4 0 0
                                    

[Morning]

[Queen's Palace - Ante-bedchamber]



Marie: I do not understand how Alex could be this ill. Bedridden?

Lady in waiting #3: I'm certain the prince's condition is not as awful as the messenger stated M'lady

Marie: Then, why does His Majesty call for me?..

Lady in waiting #2: ...



(All last evening and into the daylight; windy and wet. The annual rains which began in September arrived fierce and heavy. Needless to say, the morning sky was grey and thunderous, lingering the chill within the stone walls.)

(Having received a message from the King to visit and care for her ailing son, Marie was dressed and ready to depart. Her cloak; to which Gloriam attended, draped around her shoulders, was now being fastened closed at the front.)


Marie: ..Alex was quite well a few weeks ago when I saw him last. And even before Damian's ceremony. How is it he came to be this ill? So, suddenly?

Lady in waiting #3: ...

Lady in waiting #2: ...



(Gloriam, spotting the two ladies behind Marie exchanging cautious glances, furrowed her brows and silently observed them)


Gloriam: ...?

Lady in waiting #3: m-M'lady?



(The Queen turned and replied)


Marie: Yes?

Lady in waiting #3: Uhm..

Lady in waiting #2: ...

Lady in waiting #4: Won't you speak? Her Majesty needs to depart

Marie: It's quite alright..

Gloriam: ...



(However, they still hesitated to reply and only shifted and fidgeted, avoiding Marie's eyes. She though approached them and most kindly asked, taking hold of their hand.)


Marie: Tell me. What is it? What's the matter?

Lady in waiting #3: p-Permission to speak freely M'am?

Marie: Of course, yes. Go on

Lady in waiting #2: Uhm, well..

Lady in waiting #3: We heard- that is, in passing...from servants

Lady in waiting #2: Who heard from other servants..

Lady in waiting #3: That the Prince, uhm ..became severely ill after being drenched in the rainfall last evening

Marie: Why- Why would he be outdoors during the late evening? And in the rain, no less?

Lady in waiting #2: Uhm...

BLACK ARROW - ACT 1Where stories live. Discover now