[Mid-Afternoon]
[Southern Kingdom Castle - King Valentin's Study]
(A personal vow; a show of strength, she made with herself. Remain agreeable and reply as respectfully and concise as possible.)
(Unsure of the state he was currently in, Marie silently hoped that he was not inebriated as when last they spoke. And so, heart unsteady, she entered her husband's office. Greeting him simply by saying)
Marie: Good Afternoon, Your Majesty
(He stood at one of the windows behind his desk, observing the rainstorm and lost in thought; void of any discernible expression on his face.)
(A sliver of a smile; lacking any warmth, was what Marie saw as he turned in her direction.)
Valentin: You address me with such.. correctness
(A moment of silence passed between the two before the King stated)
Valentin: It has been sometime since we last spoke...
Marie: It has, yes
(He locked eyes with her for a moment longer before moving across to his desk. And upon taking up a piece of parchment and perusing it, he questioned)
Valentin: How is Alexander?
Marie: The doctor states that Alex requires rest. The rain..the awful weather and chilly air may worsen his weakened condition. Therefore, it is best for him to remain indoors. It shall be some time before he fully recovers
Valentin: I see
Marie: ...
Valentin: Then, I shall have Peter disciplined for training Alexander so harshly
Marie: ...
Valentin: ...There is also another reason I wished to speak with you..
(He returned the parchment upon his littered desk.)
(And from across the room, Marie saw his eyes scrutinising hers until eventually settling upon the light brown area on her cheekbone)
Valentin: That evening at the ceremony...
Marie: ...
Valentin: I- that is ...the wine was particularly strong and it caused me to become a changed person. It was not my intention to..do or say anything I did that evening. I did not wish to hurt you
(Uncomfortable by the Queen's lengthy silence, he gently asked)
Valentin: Will you not give a reply to my words?
Marie: What is there to say?
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...
