Chapter 6: In Honor of the King

Hans stalked up the stairs as he made his way back to his bedchamber. Downstairs, the gala was in full swing, and the music from the ballroom was filling the empty halls and stairwell. As he reached the top step, he rounded the corner and loosened his cravat. He couldn't wait to get back to his room and out of his formal attire.

Attending the ball wasn't originally on his agenda, but Charlotte talked him into going. For the most part, he was actually glad he went, too. The small chamber orchestra was lively, and he enjoyed several rounds on the dance floor. He even indulged Princess Josephine when she approached him, though the first dance was a bit awkward. The second time around was marginally better once he got the impression that she was no longer completely obsessed with him. Still, after the fourth waltz, he politely excused himself to the refreshment table and forced her to find another partner.

Dancing and sweets weren't the only things to capture his attention. In-between waltzes, he even got the chance to hold some interesting conversations with new faces from foreign kingdoms.

Hans closed the door behind him and let out a sigh as he shrugged off the tailcoat and royal sash. A part of him felt guilty for leaving the party so early. He didn't even give Charlotte much warning or explanation; only a quick goodnight and he was out the door.

The prince sank into an armchair and stared out at the flames in the fireplace. The warmth it brought was welcoming after spending his last portion of the party outside on the balcony. His mouth twisted into a frown as he ran his fingers through his auburn hair. He was under the impression that returning to his room would in some way make him feel better. Instead, he only felt alone. Which… he should have expected after spending so much time in a lively ballroom. But what's done is done. It would be too late to return to the ball now, especially after his goodbye to Charlotte.

He just knew he couldn't sit still. The lonely quietness of his room would only get on his nerves. And he wasn't tired, so going to bed wouldn't actually work either. After a few minutes of being idle, he made up his mind, and it certainly wasn't going to be spent alone staring at the fireplace. Jumping from the seat, he started unbuttoning his waistcoat. The formal attire came off, and on went a rougher ivory shirt, plain brown trousers, and riding boots.

It was almost frightening how much of a routine he's created during the last several weeks. He wasn't really paying attention to the directions he was taking after leaving his room, but sure enough, before he knew it, he was already outside on the path leading right into the stables.

"O-oh! Your highness!" The young stable-boy on duty exclaimed as he poked his head out of one of the stalls, "I didn't expect you tonight. I mean… with His Majesty's gala—"

Hans let out an awkward chuckle and shrugged his shoulders. "I was at the party, but there was a point where I couldn't take being around crowds any longer." He replied, trying to make it sound convincing. "I can only handle so much before seeking out some peace and quiet."

"A-ah." The young servant replied and scratched his cheek. He couldn't relate but remained polite about it to indulge the prince. "Well… uh, I was just finishing up the stalls. Did you want me to ready a horse for you?"

"Oh no." Hans shook his head, "It's too late for a ride. I was just going to relax with the horses." He paused, his eyes scanning the stables. "How… how would you like the rest of the evening off?"

The servant blinked. "O-off? Wow! I… I uh…" he cleared his throat and tried to regain some decorum. "That's very generous, but I couldn't possibly—what I mean is, what about the horses?"

"Well, you said you were nearly finished here anyway. I've tended to horses before, back home." Hans replied with a casual shrug. "I'm sure you've guessed, I spend a lot of time in my own stables, too. They'll be fine."

"Well… if you insist." The young man smiled shyly. "Thank you, your highness. I'll just finish this last stall and be on my way."

It was fifteen minutes later when the servant finally left the stables. Hans was grateful for the room to himself. Grabbing a brush off one of the nearby shelves, he then walked over to one of the far stalls. The large chocolate brown horse inside had been serving as his companion over the last few weeks. As soon as the door opened, the horse perked up and trotted over to him.

"Hey there, Cocoa." He smiled and rubbed his hand down the horse's face. "Miss me?" Cocoa let out a short whinny, causing Hans to laugh. "Probably not. I was just here yesterday." He cleared his throat and started to gently brush down Cocoa's side. "Usually, I'd be spilling my soul to Sitron—he's my steed back home. But I guess you probably knew that. I'm sure I've mentioned Sitron plenty of times. Heh. I suppose it's a good thing you horses can't get jealous. Not like…. Not like men do." Hans sighed, "you have no idea how lucky you are."

There was a long period of silence as Hans brushed the horse. He had told himself that he wouldn't let anyone, or anything ruin his evening. That despite everything, he was going to have a good time. And his entire reason for leaving the party early was to preserve his pleasant experience. Like a great many things in his life, it just didn't work.

"This was the last time I let Charlotte talk me into something." He sighed loudly, "I should have known things were too good to be true. Everything was fine, Cocoa. I met people. I got to dance. Heck, I even managed to get away from Princess Josephine before she became too grabby. But all it took was one stupid, fleeting glance." His sighs began morphing into grumbles. "Here I thought getting some air on the balcony would be safe. Boy was I wrong. I looked to my left on a mere whim and there they were, standing on the next balcony over. Hand in hand….

…I think…"

Hans closed his eyes. He could still picture the scene as if he were still there. "She had this beautiful ivory gown with a purple sash—and-and this cute little matching jacket—" the horse whinnied, breaking him from his immediate thoughts. "—yeah, I'm sure you don't care one bit what Princess Anna was wearing. I mean, you're a horse. But I care. I didn't want to care. But I did. I do. I can't help it." He stopped blathering to lament in silence.

I suppose it's a good thing there wasn't anything stronger than champagne to drink or I really would have ruined myself…

Still, he had the smallest consolation that he didn't get to see Anna and Oscar dancing together. Their appearance on that balcony prompted him to immediately retreat back inside before the pair even noticed him. And two glasses of champagne later, he had said his goodbyes and made his exit.

"I can't keep doing this." Hans sighed out loud. "I can't keep letting this bother me—letting her bother me." He briefly set the brush down and ran his hand gently through the horse's mane. "I'll be going home in what, a week? Maybe less. I'll never see her again, and nothing here would matter. Should matter. But god-damnit, it does. Because every time I see her, see her smile, see her happy, it makes me think she's in a good place, that she's moved on. That's a good thing, and I'm happy for her—even if her company is questionable at best…." He trailed off for a moment before stepping out of the stall. There was a barrel off to the side full of grain. He scooped some into a dish and brought it back for Cocoa. As soon as he set it on the ground, Cocoa started nibbling.

"It's just…" He leaned against the stall wall, "… I thought I had moved on, too. Obviously not." He sighed again, "Seeing her happy, especially on Oscar's arm, makes me miserable. That could have—no, should have been me. But, as usual, I was a complete idiot and ruined everything. The feelings I have for her will never be returned. Not now. She'll go on and live a happy, fulfilling life surrounded by a warm family and friends, and I'll just be left behind, trapped in the hostility of my home with only my guilt to keep me company."

Hans wasn't entirely convinced spilling his secrets to this horse was a good idea. It certainly wasn't making him feel any better. And unlike the close bond he shared with Sitron, Cocoa didn't seem too phased by anything Hans had said at all and was more focused on the treats set before him.

"I guess there's no better time than now." He glanced down at his hands as they flexed in and out of fists. "Anna will never view me as anything but a monster, so I'm better off letting go. For my own sanity, I've just got to bury my jealousy until it withers and dies off."

He frowned, So much for closure. If she's going to be borderline rude to me at every opportunity, I'm not going to bother bending over backwards to be pleasant anymore. It's—

A loud banging sound outside interrupted him from his thoughts.

…I didn't know they would be sending off fireworks. Hans pushed off the wall, listening for another explosion. The next few moments were silent, so he dismissed it and returned his attention to Cocoa. All of the grain was gone, and the steed was nudging into his arm. Figuring he wanted more, Hans reached down to retrieve the empty dish when another bang went off. And another. Now, Hans was curious, and he set the dish aside outside the stall and moved to stand in the doorway to the stables. His eyes hit the skies when another crack sounded in the distance, but there were no signs of an explosion in the air.

A sinking feeling began to form in his stomach. The loud noise was getting louder every time it went off now. Whatever it was, it was coming closer. And it certainly wasn't coming from above him. Then, there was shouting off in the distance, too, and Hans suddenly knew exactly what the noise was, and was mentally scolding himself for not recognizing it sooner.

Gunfire.

He wasn't sure what was going on outside, but he didn't want to find out first-hand. He quickly closed the door to the stables and worked to secure Cocoa in his stall. It was too dangerous for him to retreat back to the castle now. All he could do was stay put until the shots stopped.

"It's a beautiful night." Anna smiled and closed her eyes. The cool evening breeze felt wonderful on her face.

"It really is." Oscar agreed and leaned against the balcony railing beside her.

Anna peered at the lit grounds below. A few guards were on patrol, but otherwise there was no one wandering about. Everyone was inside the ballroom. While she was thoroughly enjoying the festivities, the ballroom was a bit warm from the crowds. Thank goodness for the open balconies to provide some relief. "So, what's left for the festival?" She asked.

"Not much, I'm afraid. Papa will be delivering a speech on Monday in the center of Oskberg to close off the event. This ball is the last major engagement."

Anna nodded slowly and turned to face her companion. "Then that's it. Everyone will start going home."

Oscar's mouth twisted upwards at the corners. "I won't lie. I think I'll be happy when everyone departs, and things go back to normal around here. I miss the peace and quiet of these castle walls."

"I think I'm eager to get home, too," Anna replied thoughtfully, "I do miss Elsa."

"But, you're not too eager, are you?" Oscar prompted her, "I'm going to miss your company. I've gotten quite used to you being here."

Anna reached out to gently pat his hand. "I know. But there's always letters."

He shrugged. "Written correspondence pales in comparison to seeing your beautiful face every day."

"Flatterer." Anna tried hard to fight the blush working its way onto her cheeks. It's not as if his compliments were new to her at this stage. Still, it would be nice if she could maintain a straight face just once. She turned away to glance back at the grounds below.

There was a good pause between them until Oscar broke the silence. "At the risk of sounding far too repetitive for my liking, I suppose I'm left wondering if you've given any final thoughts to…well… us."

"Oscar…." Anna sighed. She should have anticipated the prince bringing it up at some point in the evening.

"…only our date—"

"—you mean our picnic." Anna clarified.

"—It went rather well."

It was a nice afternoon, Anna thought. She still didn't have a definitive answer for him, and part of her felt a twinge of guilt for potentially leading him on. "You know, the last time a man was actively seeking my hand and I sprung it on my sister, she froze out the entire kingdom."

"Then I have the advantage." He replied confidently. "The Queen and I have met before."

Anna sighed. …That's not the point I was trying to make…. In a way, it actually was, but her mind was in such a conflicted jumble that she didn't quite know what she wanted, what she wanted to say, or how to even express it. His gaze finally left her, and she took that opportunity to really look him over. Oscar was attractive, attentive, kind, gentlemanly. She certainly liked those traits about him. But there were so many others that she's met in the past that were pleasing to her, and she denied all of them.

What was it about this crowned prince that had her torn to pieces? The more she thought about it, she knew very little about him. A lot of their conversations came from the festival. Or Arendelle. She was even certain that she's spoken more about her sister and her magic than he's done about himself and his personal interests. …that's what courting is for though, isn't it? Learning about each other? Oscar certainly made for a great friend, that much was true. But what about partner?

She had been down this road before with Kristoff. The rude rugged mountain man from her first impressions turned into a softie with a heart of gold, and through their unexpected adventure to and from the North Mountain, he proved himself to be a wonderful friend. So wonderful, in fact, that at her lowest point, she believed the man to be her true love—and all she had to go on was some advice from a talking snowman.

To a degree, it was true. Kristoff certainly loved her, and she loved him. But it wasn't true love. They were from different worlds, and as time went on, they both agreed they weren't compatible. One of her biggest regrets was clinging to that relationship as long as she did and stringing him along. Thank goodness he took the separation and emotional blow well, and their friendship didn't suffer too badly in the long run. It was a little awkward for a while afterwards, but time made things easier.

She thought back to Oscar's picnic. The weather was nice, and the food he picked was delicious. But what did they talk about? Her. The festival. Anna frowned, realizing that once again, she had the reins to the conversation and didn't even use it to her advantage. Nor did she take advantage of the fact that they had an entire afternoon unchaperoned. They ate, followed a walking path, and skipped stones in a stream. She didn't even tease-splash him with water like she always did with Elsa and Kristoff when they were down at the fjord's shore; or tempt him with a race in the meadow to see how fast he could chase after her. Nothing physical. Nothing energetic. Nothing fun. As a whole, she could tell that he really enjoyed the afternoon. She did to a degree also, and tried to think of it as a date, to test the waters of her insecurities, to give him a chance. She expected her heart to flutter the way it did during their previous outings, or to feel tingles going down her spine whenever their hands touched. She wanted sparks to ignite some inner desire that this man really could be the one and want her to explore an actual courtship. But in the end, it didn't feel like one. It felt like she had lunch and a mere walk with Kristoff. Well, a Kristoff in fancy clothes and great-smelling-cologne.

And she didn't want another Kristoff.

In the end, would it really be different with Oscar? Since the moment she arrived in Rheland, he had been trying to captivate her and win her favor. And now that the festival was ending and her days in the kingdom were numbered, his efforts had intensified. He was a man on a mission, and his drive put a sour thought in her mind.

Why me? What could he possibly see in me and want that badly? She had always described herself as rather ordinary, despite what Elsa and Kristoff said. Is it really me he's after? Or something else? Is he desiring me for a purpose? Obviously, Oscar isn't after Elsa's throne, or my title. He's already a crowned prince in his own right. This entire kingdom will rightfully be his someday. He's a king in the making. I'm just the spare. She frowned and looked away from him. He could have any girl he wants. I'm surprised there isn't a group of young women vying for his attention… hoping to score their way to becoming a future queen. But everyone is leaving him alone. Why is that? Is… is there something about him that I don't know? Some dark inner secret? If that's so… I don't think I could endure another ill-matched suitor. In fact… this whole scenario reminds me of—god, I hate to say it—Hans. Courting with an agenda. Well, in Hans' case, proposing with an agen—ugh. Whatever.

Hans! I bet that's why I'm so lost over all of this. Just seeing him again is making me think the worst in Oscar! He's making me second guess everything, just out of fear of me screwing things up again and having to deal with another round of consequences. Focus, Anna, focus. Other than being rather forward… perhaps a bit pushy, Oscar hasn't done anything wrong. I suppose it's only natural on his part to chase after a potential bride if she's in a prime position. If he isn't proactive, then he'll just miss his chance. N-not just about me, but in life. Like when there's a limited supply of chocolate Danish at the bakery and I oversleep. By the time I get there, they're all sold out.

Right, Anna. Only you would compare life lessons to chocolate. Yeesh…

Another strong breeze came through and she rubbed her arms. The temperature was dropping, and now the cool air was beginning to bother her. "Why… why don't we go back inside. It's getting chilly out here." She didn't give Oscar much chance to reply when she pushed away from the balcony and returned to the ballroom. Oscar followed after her, and when she paused, he leaned over to whisper to her.

"Champagne?"

"Sure," She smiled softly and watched him cross the edge of the ballroom to the refreshments table. She managed to evade the burning question. This time. It was only a matter of time before she had to give him an answer. She just hoped she would give him the right one.

While she waited for him to come back, she scanned the room. Most of the guests were waltzing. However, Queen Charlotte was standing off near the marble columns. What a perfect opportunity to finally socialize! She started to cross the room but stopped in her tracks. The Queen was approached by a few gentlemen in military uniforms, and before long, they were engaged in conversation. Anna frowned. With everything ending, finding time to talk to her old neighbor was getting harder. Especially getting her alone, without Hans in tow. Perhaps she could catch the woman at the end of the party and arrange a lunch before they part ways. They've had so little opportunities to catch up.

"Ah, there you are." Oscar approached and handed Anna her champagne flute. When she didn't take it right away, he glanced over at her. "Hey, are you alright?"

"I-I'm fine." She finally responded and took the glass. "Just thinking."

His mouth twisted more into a frown, "If it's about what I said before—"

Anna immediately shook her head. "No, it's okay." She took a few sips and passed the empty glass off to a passing footman. "How about we just enjoy the rest of the party."

At the end of the waltz, everyone split off and moved to the sides of the ballroom as King Wilhelm stood up from his throne and made the way to the center of the room.

"Kings, queens, lords and ladies. My dearest friends," the monarch smiled warmly and opened his arms as if embracing everyone. "It has been my deepest pleasure to have you all here tonight. Everyone in this household will tell you this ball is for me, but I disagree. Tonight, I want to celebrate the success of our wonderful festival. As some of you may recall…."

Anna smiled as she listened to King Wilhelm address the room, and laughed along with the rest of the crowd, when the king tried—and failed—to throw in a bit of lame humor. But something sounded odd. There was a strange, faint noise. She glanced around curiously, trying to locate the source.

Oscar took notice to her behavior and leaned over, "Are you alright, Anna?"

"I heard something just now." She responded quietly. "Did you?"

"No. What was it?"

"I'm not sure," she shrugged. Maybe it was just my imagination. After listening intently for any sort of background noise and hearing nothing for several minutes, she redirected her attention back to the king.

Then she heard it again. But this time, it seemed Oscar did, too. Now he was glancing about as well.

"I think it came from outside?" She finally whispered back and nudged his arm. The two of them were towards the back of the crowd near the balconies, and if they were to slip away, it wouldn't be noticed by too many people.

Oscar turned his head toward the outer doors and listened closely. "Firecrackers perhaps. After all, tonight is one for celebrations."

Anna was satisfied with that answer and decided not to dwell on it further.

"…of course, credit tonight cannot go to me alone." King Wilhelm continued, "As usual, the mastermind behind Rheland's spectacular galas is my wife, our beloved queen," He smiled and guested towards where Queen Helene was standing in the crowd. "And I must say, each event of hers always seems to exceed the last." He stopped long enough for the audience to give a healthy applause. Helene's cheeks turned as pink as her ballgown, and she stepped forward to embrace her husband for his kind dedication.

When the applause died down, Wilhelm smiled and clasped his hands together. But, there is one final bit of praise I must hand out this night before we return to merry drink and dancing, and eventually retire."

"The Harvest festival is one of our kingdom's most cherished traditions, and it has been left behind for far too many years as our land mottled through some more troublesome times. And now, with a new era of peace and prosperity, it was only right to give this beloved event a revival of sorts. A new age calls for newer, fresher ideas, and who better to deliver them than the very future of our kingdom. Our crowned prince has been instrumental in ensuring the success of the festival, not just here in Oskberg, but in many of the surrounding villages across the land. Now, this festival was only the beginning, as he takes on more duties and comes into his own and prepares for the ultimate day that he follows in my footsteps. Therefore everyone, if you would all give a round of applause to my son and heir, Oscar."

Anna clapped her hands excitedly and with a huge smile on her face, turned to look at Prince Oscar. His cheeks had pinkened significantly as he waved to the crowd. He must not have been expecting the king to give him such public praise. After the initial shock wore off, he didn't seem too bothered or embarrassed by the sudden attention. She was incredibly happy for her friend, to have so much of his hard work acknowledged and appreciated. Now she also understood why he enjoyed talking to her so extensively about the festival. So much of himself went into the organization and the planning. How could he not want to show it off and boast about his achievement.

It took a few seconds for the cheering to fade out. As the mass crowd silenced, there was still one person in the room still clapping. But it wasn't quick, energetic applause. It was slow, as if in a sarcastic or mocking manner.

Anna, as well as the majority of the crowd, glanced around to find the source of the claps. Her eyes soon landed on a trio of men standing inside the ballroom doorway. She couldn't get a good look at the two standing in the back, but the man in front was walking forward towards the center of the room.

Right for King Wilhelm and Queen Helene.

Anna wondered who this man was, since it was obvious that he and his companions just arrived. All of them still wore their long, black greatcoats. Most of the glimpses she could get of him were through the gaps in between people until she eventually moved towards an open spot near the front of the crowd. The stranger appeared to be in his thirties, and while he wasn't as tall as Oscar and some of the other gentlemen in the room, he was broad. His light brown hair was neatly combed to one side. As he moved past her, she could see a red and grey insignia banded on his left sleeve. It wasn't a kingdom she recognized.

Movement across the ballroom caught her attention. It was Queen Charlotte—the light from the chandelier was reflecting off of her tiara. It didn't escape Anna's notice that the woman had a nervous, perhaps fearful expression growing on her face. And when she followed Charlotte's own gaze towards the ballroom entrance, a similar sinking feeling formed in her own stomach. The two other men that had arrived were now flanking the door, and several more men had entered the ballroom, closing the double doors behind them.

Anna's mind began racing. Who did this man think he was, barging in on a royal ball uninvited? She thought back to all of the kingdoms invited to the festival. There was only one that never made any appearances throughout the entire month.

The one country everyone was worried about in the backs of their minds.

Alvania.

That would mean…

"Bravo… how incredibly moving." The man replied, interrupting Anna's thoughts. His vocal tone was smooth, rich and had a commanding air to it. He was certainly someone who had no trouble being heard. Or respected.

He stopped walking, and now Anna had a good view of his face and she stared at it for a long time. There was something about it that seemed... familiar. But that didn't make any sense. She had never seen this man before now.

King Wilhelm looked the man over, recognizing the emblem on the man's sleeve. "Ah! Viktor Beker, I presume?" At the man's barely-there nod, Wilhelm smiled. "Welcome!"

"It's a pleasure to have you here." Queen Helene added, far softer spoken than her husband. "This is a pleasant surprise. I thought we weren't to expect you."

Viktor Beker looked down at the hand stretched out before him and hesitated until it was borderline awkward for the king to be offering it for so long. Only then did he grasp it with his black-gloved hand for a shake. There was no respectful bow to either the king or the queen. When he released Wilhelm's hand, he did turn his head to address Helene, "Yes, well. Plans do change." He glanced around the room, "though, it may seem I've missed the most of your party."

"Nonsense!" Wilhelm bellowed. "There's still plenty of time for merriment. The night is young. Come. I'll have someone take your coat." He started to wave a servant over.

"-No." Beker said suddenly, cutting off the king. "No, thank you. I'd rather leave it on. You see… this meeting of ours won't last long."

"But… you've traveled such a long way," Helene said, and now noticed the group of Alvanian men blocking the doorway. "You and your … companions. Don't you wish to relax?"

"There'll be plenty of time for that later, I assure you." Beker replied and clasped his hands behind his back and turned his attentions back to Wilhelm. "Though, I will say, I'm glad I arrived when I did. I didn't miss a single word of your speech… Your Majesty."

Beker's tone didn't go unnoticed from the monarch. Between that and the unusual amount of men he brought with him, he, too, was starting to feel uneasy. He turned to his wife and gently put his hand out, ushering her back into the crowd. Whatever Beker wanted to say, it didn't have to involve his queen. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Helene retreat back until she was standing beside Princess Josephine.

"You must be very proud, to uphold some of your oldest traditions after all this time." Beker said.

"Yes, we are." Wilhelm replied, never taking his eyes off the Alvanian. Not even when Beker broke his stance and began circling the monarch.

"In Alvania, we too were working to a similar goal. A lot of our customs have been lost over the years. However, we have made great strides. And now? Alvania is stronger than ever." He could hear the murmurs of the crowd all around them. He was glad that the monarch dismissed his wife. What he had to say to Wilhelm was meant for the king's ears only. Now standing in front again, facing him, he stepped forward to close off a lot of the distance between them. "But there was one part of your speech that does not hold true. Your misguided talks about the importance of relationships. Of allies. Of Family…"

"Can you hear what he's saying?" Oscar asked, his sudden appearance beside Anna making her jump. "Sorry."

Anna pressed her hands to her chest and shook her head. "No." She replied and glanced to Oscar. Looking up his face suddenly make her gasp. Now she knew why Beker looked familiar to her. His hair is different… his eyes are different… but…. "Hey…" Anna said softly, "have you seen that man before?"

"Viktor Beker? No. Never. When Alvania became independent those years ago, Father traveled to Warwick Castle to sign the formal secession papers."

Anna frowned. She couldn't be the only one to notice the similarities between the two men. She glanced to Queen Helene. She was just standing close to Beker minutes before. Surely, she would notice how the Alvanian chancellor somewhat resembled her own son, and by extension, the king himself. But Helene wasn't looking at Beker, or her husband. At the moment, her eyes were locked on the Alvanians in the back of the room. With every passing moment they appeared more menacing. And as Anna's eyes scanned the room again, she noticed that none of the Rheland-uniformed guards were present anymore.

"…you and I both know my invitation was surely to improve your image to the realm." Beker spoke barely above a whisper. "You've always been one to show off. Of being a generous, charitable leader like that of your predecessors. Where was that charity when my people were suffering at the hands of your biased policies? Where was your support when you made those many tours throughout your territorial lands? Each and every time we have called out for help, you have snubbed us. You may not remember, but we do. We Alvanians remember everything. So please—don't stand before me with an air of camaraderie. The time for amends has long, long passed."

Wilhelm's eyes narrowed and he responded just as quiet, "If you're not here to celebrate with us, Viktor Beker, then why are you here?"

"I'm here for her."

"Her who?"

"Katerina." The instant look of recognition on the king's face gave Beker such an adrenaline rush and his left hand slipped unseen deep into his coat pocket. "You remember her, don't you, old man? I know you do. The young Alvanian woman who gave you everything all those years ago? The one you betrayed? I know you can see her. Her eyes are my own eyes. They bear so much anger and resentment, hers and my own. You have wronged her just as your kingdom have wronged my people. But most importantly, your talks of how proud you are of your family have wronged me. For I was the one you cast out into the dark. Discarded, like trash. Just like her." Beker spat and kept his head held high, his voice slowly becoming louder with each new statement. "It was she who fashioned me into the man I am today. A man to rise above my circumstance. To prove my worth. To challenge the institution. To be the spark that ignites the flame of change. Your queen stands where she should have. Your heir where I should have. But the past cannot change. Only the future. And it's a future without you."

"W-Wilhelm?" Queen Helene's voice broke the silence from the audience as she nervously took a step forward. But it was all too late.

For everyone in the room, what happened next seemed to appear as if it were occurring in slow-motion, without anyone being able to put a stop to it.

Viktor Beker took a step back and let out a dark chuckle. "This entire ball was in your honor. To praise you for your hard work over the years. Well, here's your praise." His left hand whipped out of his pocket, a pistol tight in his grip, and in one swift arch it went up to stop before Wilhelm's chest. "Long live the king."

A deafening shot was heard.

King Wilhelm was dead.