Prompt from Anonymous: Ok, thanks. I'd like to see a sequel to chapter 39 taking place after the movie. Being in prison makes John reconsider a lot of his life decisions, helped along by a devastating, but eye-opening speech by his brother Richard (and maybe Hiss as well). The Prince tries to better himself in response and that includes making amends to Hiss.

PROMPTS ARE CLOSED

…..

Two lions sat in the cell. One dressed in the royal robes of the king, the other in the rags of a prisoner.

"Did you ever think this would happen, John?" Richard sighed wearily, "I trusted you… I left you in charge because… well, there's every chance the throne will go to you anyway."

"Not planning to produce any mini Richard's?!" John spat hatefully.

Richard sighed, "You know women aren't really my expertise…. Much in the same way, they aren't yours."

Silence.

"I spoke to Sir Hiss earlier. He told me everything… plus a little something he probably didn't mean."

John didn't look at him, but the slight tremble in his lip gave him away.

"He's been your loyal assistant for almost ten years now. He's been by your side, and still, you refuse to acknowledge your feelings for him."

"Brother- "

"- It's not something you should be ashamed of." Richard kept his voice low and soothing, "It's not something you should ever be ashamed of."

"… Hiss could never love me." John eventually whispered, curling in on himself, "Not after everything I did and said to him." He shook his head, "It was all so different when we've been courting, but when you left for that STUPID crusade, I just- I just- "

"- Wanted the crown more than you wanted him."

John frowned, "You're being a little harsh there, brother."

"I think a little bit of harshness is what you need right now." Richard sighed and took a seat next to his brother, "You know you have to be punished for all that you put my kingdom through… but once your punishment is over, what do you plan to do?"

"… I don't know."

"Well, you have plenty of time to talk about it." Richard rose to his feet, "There may come a time when the crown will be placed on your head again, and when that day comes, I hope you will think about Sir Hiss."

"Why do you even care?"

"…. Because I want you to be happy."