Hollow Grounds

Queen

The King's absence, which Jasper had interpreted as a sign of indifference, was actually a result of his illness and the Queen's manipulation. The queen stood across the compound, her loyal dog behind and some royal guards. Her expression was cold and calculating , she looked away and headed towards her quarters.

Unbeknownst to Jasper, his father's health had been declining rapidly. The King had been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and his time was running out. Despite his poor health, the King had wanted to attend the funeral ceremony to pay his respects to his late wife and show his support for Jasper.

However, the Queen, his current wife, had forbidden him from attending. She deemed it "unfitting" for the King to be seen in public in his frail state, fearing it would undermine his authority and create instability in the kingdom.

The King, weakened by his illness and bound by his duty to the crown, reluctantly agreed to stay away. He lay in his room, his heart heavy with sorrow and regret, as Jasper navigated the ceremony without him.

Jasper's anger boils over! He storms towards the King's chambers, determined to confront his father about his absence from the ceremony. But, as he arrives, he's met with resistance.

"The King is not receiving visitors," the guard says, his voice firm but polite.

Jasper's face twists in rage. "I don't care if he's busy or not. I need to see him now."

The guard stands firm, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "I'm afraid that's not possible, Prince Jasper. The Queen's orders are clear."

Jasper's eyes blaze with fury. He takes a step forward, his fists clenched. "Get out of my way," he growls.

But the guard doesn't budge. "I'm sorry, Prince Jasper. But I have my orders."

Jasper's anger reaches a boiling point. He spins on his heel and stalks away, determined to find the queen and confront her. The guard watches him go, a mixture of concern and curiosity on his face.

Meanwhile, the King, unaware of the confrontation outside his chambers, lies in bed, his health fragile and his mind still troubled.

Jasper strides to the queen's quarters. His presence is announced but before he's allowed to enter, he budges in. She was seated at a table, drinking tea with Prince., Erik, the crowned prince, her son.

The queen smiles sweetly at him and placed her cup down. "Ah, Jasper, I see you're as impetuous as ever. Rushing in without thinking."

Jasper speaks,his anger still simmering , " I demand an audience with the king .Why are you keeping me from my father?"

She sips her tea again. "Ah, Jasper, dear, you're so predictable. She motions to Prince Erik. "Please, do sit down."

Prince Erik smirks. "Yes, Jasper, do join us. We were just discussing the future of the kingdom."

Jasper ignores him. "You're not going to keep me from him! I have a right to see my father!"

The Queen sets her cup down. "I'm afraid that's not possible, Jasper. Your father's condition is...delicate. He can't be disturbed."

Jasper is outraged. "Delicate?" He scoffs.

Prince Erik leans forward. "Actually, brother," he snickers, " I can call you that right? it's quite simple. You're not the heir. I am. And I'll do what's best for the kingdom."

Jasper's anger boiling over causes him to speak again. " you're just a pawn in this game of power tussle! A mere puppet."
His smile falters. Jasper's words might have gotten to him.

The queen stands up. "Enough, Jasper! How dare you!"

Jasper stands his ground. " I dare because I'm the one who cares about my father!"

Prince Erik sneers. "And what exactly do you plan to do, Jasper? You're not even a Prince. You're nothing. A constant reminder of father's infidelity- a bastard, born out of wedlock."

Jasper's fists are clenched.
" The King's greatest mistake wasn't me. It was you and soon the whole kingdom will know that the true poison wasn't my birth but your ambition."

With that he storms out of the room leaving the two wild and confused. " you don't suppose he knows does he?" The prince asks but the queen is too consumed in her thoughts.

"Let him rage," she whispers to herself . "It will only make him more isolated, more vulnerable to our control."

*****

Meanwhile in the Hemmet Mansion, Luna paces to and fro in her room with Madina fives paces behind her.
Her tears had dried and her hair looked unkempt. She hadn't had sleep since last night's action. She couldn't help but feel guilty for her inability to protect Jasper from her brother.

"I can't believe what happened last night, Madina. Philip's behavior was appalling!" She says.

Madina ,concerned "Yes, milady."

Luna stops and turns to Madina. "And Jasper... poor Jasper. He was so calm, so collected, even after being beaten like that."

Madina shakes her head. "It's not right, milady. No one deserves to be treated like that."

Luna, with a determination decides against her better judgment to see him. "I'm going to see him, Madina. I have to make sure he's okay."

Madina, surprised. "Milady, are you sure that's wise? Your father..."

Luna speaks with certainty. " no one will know if you don't tell. "Madina," she pauses taking her hand. " I care deeply about Jasper. And I need to see him."

Madina nods understandably. "Very well, milady. I'll help you"

Luna smiled. "Thank you, Madina. I knew I could count on you."