(Austria)
James was growing suspicious of the empress' affections for her champion that he decided to advance upon her one night. She was enjoying a cup of tea with Will when he demanded to make love to his future bride. She was obviously not interested, but James insisted that she must perform her duties.
"Future bride?" asked the empress.
"Oh like you would marry anyone else. We have been courted. It's only a matter of procuring enough taxes to fasten the most beautiful ring," replied James.
"What stone will you use?" asked Will.
"You dare address me, the future Emperor, captain?"
"What stone will you use?" repeated the empress.
"Diamond of course! The finest man has ever seen!" boasted James.
But Will shook his head and said one word. "Moonstone."
"What?" asked the empress and James in unison, but for different reasons? The empress was intrigued while James was rather annoyed that he would suggest such a cheap stone.
"It's my empress' favorite stone." And the empress choked back a tear. If only Will knew how much she loved him for saying that, he would have kissed her.
"Well, thank you for your opinion. Come, my bride to be. Let us be off."
"No. I don't want to go. I want to finish my tea and then retire to my own chambers."
And with that he slapped her. "How dare you disobey your future husband?!"
Had the empress' hand not came up as Will was preparing to stand up and kill, James would never have moved again. Instead, he saw his command and stayed put. Rather, the empress apologized and said she would go.
Boastingly, James looked at Will and declared, "As if anyone else would ever love you as I do. You're much too odd for any of the other princes. But I understand you, my love."
Will looked to her and hoped she would meet his eyes and realize he loved her far more than this swine could ever, but she did not. Instead she got up and avoided Will's gaze and accompanied James down the hall.
Will called to her and she turned around. "Valentina, I love you." But she just turned away and continued to walk. Then she stopped and said, "It's your majesty, Captain."
Will began to cry and ran away. He ran. Just as he had before. But he didn't expect the next thing to happen. He tripped, and he gashed his head on the furniture. A loud crash and pain echoed throughout the castle. Blood was protruding from his right cheek and Will prayed for death to meet him, although he knew Michael wouldn't let him get away so easily. Where was that guy? Can't he see my suffering? But as Will lay there, heartbroken, he simply prayed for Michael not to come. But he was awoken by an angel soon enough.