Disclaimer: This chapter will include a lot of violence. You may skip this chapter if you are sensitive to this.

It is now 1:00 pm and Prince Henry is hastily walking down the hallway. He suddenly stops and stares at the shattered window and the many shards of glass on the ground with concern. He starts feeling his pulse quickening and his muscles tensing up along with his mouth becoming dry. He suddenly begins walking down the hallway again towards Fredericks room. He knocks on the door.

Prince Henry: Frederick?
Frederick: Yes Henry?
Prince Henry: May I come in I need to talk to you.
Frederick: Yes Henry you may enter.

Prince Henry gently opens the door and he enters the room gently closing the door behind him. He notices Frederick staring out of the window. Frederick seems calm his posture is relaxed and his arms are loosely by his side. Prince Henry walks closer to Frederick he stops and stares at Frederick keeping strong eye contact. Frederick suddenly turns around and he notices that Prince Henry is staring at him. Frederick starts speaking with a warm tone in his voice.

Frederick: What is it, Henry?
Prince Henry: I...
Frederick: Yes?
Prince Henry: I'm concerned about your safety Frederick...
Frederick: I know I can tell.
Prince Henry: Frederick why didn't you at least try to defend yourself?
Frederick: Henry you know that I don't want to hurt him.
Prince Henry: I'm just...

Prince Henry sighs but continues staring at Frederick.

Frederick: I understand that you are concerned for me. But I didn't want to hurt Fred that's why I didn't defend myself.
Prince Henry: You could have gotten yourself killed.
Frederick: I'm use to that.

Prince Henry approaches Frederick and he stops and places his hand on Fredericks shoulder. He stares into Fredericks sky blue eyes.

Prince Henry: Your safety is important to me and this kingdom.
Frederick: I understand that.
Prince Henry: I'm...concerned that Fred wanted to possibly kill you.
Frederick: I don't think he would be able to bring himself to kill me. He ran off after doing what he did.
Prince Henry: How are your hands?
Frederick: They are fine. It doesn't hurt.
Prince Henry: Should I do something about Fred?
Frederick: No let him calm down for a while.
Prince Henry: I understand...
Frederick: I know that you are concerned and I thank you for expressing your concerns, Prince Henry.
Prince Henry: Thank You for listening to my concerns Frederick.
Frederick: You may leave now Henry. Try to calm yourself down a bit. I can tell that you are very concerned.
Prince Henry: Thank you Frederick and I will try to calm myself.

Prince Henry takes his hand off Fredericks shoulder. He steps backwards away from Frederick.

Frederick: Henry I'll be alright.
Prince Henry: I...I understand.
Frederick: Just go relax Henry.
Prince Henry: Yes Frederick.

Prince Henry walks over to the door and he gently opens it. He walks out into the hallway gently closing the door behind him. He starts rapidly walking down the hallway. He suddenly stops in front of the shattered window again. He quietly sighs to himself and then starts walking down the hallway again.

Meanwhile in Voltaire's room. Voltaire is sitting in a corner of his room. He is curled up in a small ball and is shaking. He feels his heart beating really fast along with his adrenaline spiking. His legs and knees feel extremely weak. He suddenly starts whispering to himself.

Voltaire: I'm such an idiot...
Voltaire: Why did I do that?

Voltaire starts crying and whimpering.

Voltaire: He almost killed Frederick...
Voltaire: The one I love...But he doesn't know it.

Voltaire starts crying even more.

Voltaire: I wanted to kill the Prince but I couldn't...
Voltaire: I'm not a soldier I'm just a poet...I can't kill.

Voltaire suddenly hears knocking at his door. He stays quiet out of fear holding his breath trying to keep quiet.

Prince Frederick: Voltaire let me in!
Voltaire: No...
Prince Frederick: Fine since your not answering I will let myself in!

Prince Frederick violently swings the door open and he slowly enters the room slamming the door behind him. He glares at Voltaire who is still curled up in the corner crying and whimpering.

Prince Frederick: Get up Voltaire!
Voltaire: Leave Your Highness...Please.
Prince Frederick: Just get up!

Voltaire slowly gets up trying to not lose his balance and he nervously stares at Prince Frederick. Prince Frederick starts slowly approaching Voltaire. He suddenly stops in front of Voltaire and glares into his eyes. He suddenly shoves Voltaire up against the wall and Voltaire starts squirming trying to get away.

Prince Frederick: You thought you could kill me!?
Voltaire: You tried to kill Frederick...
Prince Frederick: Do you realise what would have happened if you shot me!?
Voltaire: Let me go, please...Your Highness.
Prince Frederick: No I'm not letting you go, Voltaire.
Voltaire: Please let me go...
Prince Frederick: No you bastard!
Voltaire: Please...
Prince Frederick: No!

Voltaire's fear slowly turns into terror as he continues trying to run away. Prince Frederick continues trying to keep Voltaire still.

Prince Frederick: Stop trying to run.
Voltaire: I will tell Frederick about this!
Prince Frederick: No you won't!
Voltaire: Let me go!

Voltaire hears the sound of his heartbeat thrashing in his ears. He suddenly starts to become claustrophobic and continues trying to escape.

Voltaire: Your Highness let me go!
Prince Frederick: No you will pay for what you tried to do to me!

Voltaire unexpectedly kicks Prince Frederick in the stomach. Causing Prince Frederick to let go of Voltaire and stumble backwards.

Prince Frederick: What the hell!
Voltaire: Just leave me alone your Highness!

Prince Frederick walks up to Voltaire and he slaps him hard across the cheek. Voltaire ignores the pain due to having a lot of adrenaline flowing through him.

Prince Frederick: You dare hurt me the heir to the throne!?
Voltaire: I just want you to leave me alone!

Voltaire suddenly punches Prince Frederick in the face causing his nose to bleed. Prince Frederick stumbles backwards slightly and quickly wipes the blood away.

Prince Frederick: Enough!
Voltaire: Leave my room, Your Highness!

Prince Frederick suddenly kicks Voltaire in the stomach. Voltaire quietly winces.

Prince Frederick: Give up Voltaire you know that you can't win this fight.
Voltaire: Please leave my room!

Voltaire suddenly kicks Prince Frederick as hard as he can in the stomach. Prince Frederick falls onto the ground. Voltaire quickly runs over to the door and opens it. He runs out into the hallway and closes the door behind him. Voltaire starts sprinting down the hallway he gets to the stairs and he starts carefully running down them. He suddenly accidentally trips and stumbles down the rest of the stairs. He curls up at the bottom of the stairs and feels the pain suddenly rush through him.

Voltaire: Why me...

Voltaire slowly closes his eyes and passes out from the pain.

A few hours later.

Voltaire starts slowly waking up as he hears a soft and warm voice talking to him.

Frederick: You're going to be alright Voltaire...

Voltaire slowly opens his eyes and he stares into Fredericks sky blue eyes. Voltaire's eyes suddenly start becoming watery and tears start streaming slowly down his cheeks.

Frederick: I know that it hurts doesn't it. But you're safe now.

Voltaire slowly sits up and looks around and he notices that he is in Fredericks room. He looks at his left wrist which is wrapped in a bandage. He then looks back into Frederick's eyes.

Frederick: Do you want to tell me what happened?
Voltaire: No...
Frederick: You're scared I can tell but it's alright your safe here.
Voltaire: Can I sleep here tonight I'm scared...I don't want to sleep alone Frederick.
Frederick: Yes Voltaire you may. Do you need anything?
Voltaire: No I'm fine I just want to rest...I'm just tired, Frederick.
Frederick: I understand. Rest mon ami. (my friend)

Voltaire slowly closes his eyes and goes to sleep. Frederick walks over to his desk and sits down. He stares at his unfinished work he picks up his quill and starts fidgeting with it by twirling it in his fingers. Frederick suddenly feels a lot of pain and emptiness in his stomach. He also feels slightly nauseous. His stomach suddenly gurgles loudly. Frederick tries to ignore it but he can't.

Frederick: I need to finish this...But I'm so distracted and worried about Voltaire.

Frederick continues gazing at his unfinished work. He suddenly hears a knock on the door. Frederick looks up from his work.

Prince Henry: Frederick may I enter?
Frederick: Yes Henry you may enter.

Prince Henry enters the room and gently closes the door behind him. Henry's posture seems strong showing confidence. He confidently walks over to Frederick and stops in front of his desk and he stares at Frederick with a playful grin on his face. Frederick awkwardly stares at Prince Henry.

Frederick: Why are you smiling like that?
Prince Henry: No reason Fritz. Just making sure you're alright. You seem distracted by something. I have also noticed that Voltaire is in here why is that?
Frederick: Did you just call me by my nickname...
Prince Henry: Yes Fritz.
Frederick: You're just trying to make me feel better by using my nickname...
Prince Henry: I can tell that you're avoiding my question.
Frederick: I...
Prince Henry: Something is bothering you I can tell Fritz.
Frederick: Stop calling me that...
Prince Henry: Fine Frederick...
Frederick: Sorry...
Prince Henry: Frederick just tell me what is going on. If you can.
Frederick: I...

Frederick slowly gets up from his seat and he almost trips over his own feet but he quickly stops himself. He slowly walks over to the window and he stares out it.

Prince Henry: I understand if you don't want to tell me.
Frederick: I just...
Prince Henry: Just what Frederick?
Frederick: I just don't know Henry.
Prince Henry: So you don't know what happened to Voltaire?
Frederick: I just found him like this...
Prince Henry: Where did you find him?
Frederick: At the bottom of the stairs...I don't know why or how he ended up like this...
Prince Henry: Did he tell you anything about what happened to him?
Frederick: No...he didn't. He was possibly too scared to tell me.
Prince Henry: I understand...
Frederick: Why...
Prince Henry: Why what?
Frederick: Why...did you want to know this information?
Prince Henry: Well you just seemed extremely distracted at dinner and lunch. You didn't even eat anything I know that sometimes you don't eat much. But you do at least eat something.
Frederick: Henry...
Prince Henry: Yes?
Frederick: I don't know what to do...I am so distracted by what happened to Voltaire that I can't work.
Prince Henry: It possibly also doesn't help that you haven't eaten in a while.
Frederick: My mind is just distracted by so many things...I can't find the information I need to write down in my plans...I just end up staring at my work trying to form something in my mind...But nothing comes except distractions.
Prince Henry: Frederick just stop doing your plans and try to relax and also please eat something before you go to sleep.
Frederick: How will that help...
Prince Henry: Relaxing your mind will help get rid of the distractions.
Frederick: I just want to know what happened to him...His safety is important to me he is my only friend I don't want to be alone Henry.
Prince Henry: I know Frederick.

Frederick's eyes start filling with tears causing his vision to blur. The tears start slowly streaming down his face. Frederick starts wiping them away but more tears keep coming.

Prince Henry: Frederick?
Frederick: I...I don't want to lose him.

Prince Henry notices the sadness in Frederick's voice. Frederick gradually slumps down onto the floor and starts crying and sobbing to himself.

Frederick: I don't want to lose him like I lost Katte...

Prince Henry slowly walks over to Frederick and he carefully sits down next to Frederick. He gently puts his hand on Fredericks back and he starts gently rubbing it trying to soothe Frederick. Prince Henry starts speaking to Frederick in a soft and soothing voice.

Prince Henry: He won't end up like Katte...

Frederick doesn't respond he continues crying and hyperventilating.

Prince Henry: Frederick deep breaths. Relax.

Frederick unexpectedly grabs onto Prince Henry's uniform and he starts crying on Henry. Prince Henry starts gently massaging Frederick's hair trying to soothe him.

Prince Henry: Frederick relax he won't end up like Katte.
Frederick: I don't want him to get himself killed.
Prince Henry: Frederick...He won't get himself killed. He is very unlikely to end up near the battlefield.
Frederick: But what if I get hurt and he decides to run out onto the battlefield to save me...He could get himself killed...
Prince Henry: Voltaire won't risk his life like that.

Frederick suddenly looks into Prince Henry's eyes. Prince Henry notices the tears still swelling in Frederick's eyes.

Prince Henry: He will be alright Frederick...Now please get something to eat. Then get some rest. You can do your work tomorrow.
Frederick: Fine...

Frederick gently lets go of Prince Henry's uniform. Prince Henry carefully gets up and calmly walks over to the door and gently opens it to not disturb Voltaire. He exits the room quietly closing the door behind him.

A few hours later it is now midnight.

Frederick is lying in bed next to Voltaire who is peacefully sleeping. Frederick tries to go to sleep. But he can't even though he is exhausted from crying a few hours ago. Frederick squeezes his eyes shut trying to go to sleep. But sleep doesn't come. Frederick quietly sighs to himself. He stares at the clock trying to focus on reading it but his vision is slowly starting to blur. His eyelids feel heavy and he slowly closes his eyes allowing sleep to take over as he enters his fantasies. He slowly opens his eyes and he notices that he is in a familiar room. He suddenly hears a familiar voice that he doesn't like hearing.

King Frederick William: Get up you bastard boy!
Frederick: Yes father...

Frederick notices that his voice sounds different. As if he is much younger. Frederick slowly gets out of bed and walks over to the mirror. He stares at himself in shock noticing how young he is. Frederick walks over to the window and he notices that it's frosty and slightly misty outside. He also notices a man he doesn't recognise trying to calm down a large chestnut-brown horse in the nearby paddock.

King Frederick William: Hurry up get dressed! Jesus Christ.
Frederick: Yes father...

Frederick walks over to his dark wooden closet and he carefully opens it. He carefully grabs his jet black coat and puts it on and starts hastily buttoning it up. He then walks over to his dark wooden draws and opens the top one and grabs a pair of black pants he promptly puts them on. He then grabs his recently polished black boots and walks over to his bed and sits down and starts putting them on. He starts fumbling around with the laces struggling to tie them in a knot.

Frederick: Merde. (Shit)

He eventually successfully ties his boots. He gets up off his bed and walks over to his dresser and grabs his raven black gloves and puts them on. He awkwardly stares at himself in the mirror. His cheeks go slightly pink out of embarrassment. He quietly whispers to himself.

Frederick: Why is my voice so pitchy it's annoying.

There are suddenly loud bangs on Fredericks door. Frederick flinches out of surprise and slight shock.

King Frederick William: Hurry up you bastard!
Frederick: Coming father...

Frederick walks over to the door and he slowly opens it. He walks out into the hallway gently closing the door behind him. He suddenly feels something hard and wooden hit him in the back causing him to almost stumble over.

King Frederick William: You foolish boy you need to learn to be on time!
Frederick: Sorry father...

King Frederick William violently whacks Frederick in the back again with his cane. Frederick almost stumbles over again due to the violent force of the cane hitting him.

King Frederick William: Don't apologise you, stupid boy!
Frederick: Yes father...
King Frederick William: Get going you, stupid boy you have a lot to do.
Frederick: Yes father.

Frederick nervously walks down the hallway with his father following along beside him. Frederick feels his hands becoming sticky due to the increased amount of sweat even though it's cold. His fingers also feel slightly tingly due to nervousness. He also feels a weird fluttery feeling in his stomach along with his muscles becoming twitchy. Frederick carefully walks down the stairs and he awkwardly looks at his father.

King Frederick William: What?

Frederick awkwardly looks away.

King Frederick William: Frederick.

Frederick looks at his father realising that for once he called him by his name instead of something else.

King Frederick William: What is it?
Frederick: Nothing father.

King Frederick William suddenly whacks Frederick on the back with his cane again. This causes Frederick to stumble down the rest of the stairs.

King Frederick William: Don't lie! Now get up you useless boy!

Frederick slowly gets up off the polished and cold marble tiles. He awkwardly looks at his father with tears in his eyes.

King Frederick William: Weak useless pathetic boy!

They continue walking down the hallway with Frederick wiping his tears away from his eyes. Trying to show his father that he isn't weak.

King Frederick William: Stop crying you will be a soldier in three years and soldiers don't cry.
Frederick: Yes father...
King Frederick William: You will also be the future King of Prussia and Kings don't cry they must show that they are strong.
Frederick: I understand father.

King Frederick William opens the door that leads outside. Frederick slowly walks outside feeling the frigid air blowing onto his face. King Frederick William notices the gloves on Frederick's hands.

King Frederick William: Take those off you don't need them.
Frederick: But father it's cold.
King Frederick William: You will have to get use to the cold you will be a soldier. Now take them off!
Frederick: No.

King Frederick William violently whacks Frederick with his cane causing Frederick to almost stumble over. King Frederick William suddenly roughly grabs Frederick by his right arm. He roughly takes Fredericks gloves off and throws them onto the grass. Frederick's eyes start swelling up with tears but he holds back his tears. King Frederick William lets go of Frederick shoving him forward slightly. Frederick walks towards the fenced-in paddock where the man is still trying to calm the horse. Frederick climbs over the fence. King Frederick William opens the wooden gate and walks into the paddock gently closing the gate behind him.

King Frederick William: You're going to ride a horse today Frederick.
Frederick: Yes father.
???: Are you sure this horse isn't a bit too wild for the Prince he is only a boy Your Majesty and I don't want him to get hurt. Wouldn't it be better if he were to ride a tamer horse?
King Frederick William: He will be fine. Go on Frederick.
Frederick: Yes father.

Frederick nervously approaches the horse that the man is still trying to soothe. The man carefully helps Frederick into the saddle on the horse. Frederick nervously grabs onto the reigns.

???: You sure you will be alright Your Highness?
Frederick: Yes sir...
???: Just be careful he is a wild one.
Frederick: I will sir.

The horse suddenly starts galloping off. Frederick tightly grips the reigns trying not to fall off.

Frederick: Calm down boy...please

The horse suddenly notices the fence and it rears up throwing Frederick off its back. Causing Frederick to fall onto the frosty soft grass. Frederick gradually gets up and he notices his father marching towards him. Frederick quickly sprints over to the fence and climbs over it. He then runs into the nearby forest.

King Frederick William: Get back here you bastard!

Frederick continues running through the forest listening to the birds chirping in the distance along with the sound of rushing water from a nearby creek. Frederick quickly climbs over a fallen log and continues running. He suddenly gets to a large hill and he falls to his knees trying to catch his breath back. He stares up at the large hill.

Frederick: Why did I run...He's going to punish me even more now.

Frederick slowly gets up and he starts walking up the hill even though he is exhausted.

Frederick: He probably doesn't care that I ran off...Besides he hates me.

Frederick suddenly gets to the top of the hill and he collapses out of exhaustion.

Frederick: I don't care if I die out here...I just don't want to be punished anymore.

Frederick slowly closes his eyes out of exhaustion.

Frederick suddenly wakes up and he hears the sound of his heartbeat pounding loudly in his ears. He starts taking deep quiet breaths trying to calm himself. Frederick slowly and quietly gets out of bed and grabs his black robe and puts it on. He stares at the clock which reads 3:30 am. He quietly walks over to the door and gently opens it trying to not disturb Voltaire. Frederick quietly walks out into the dim moonlit hallway he also feels a slightly chilly breeze blowing in from the broken window. He gently closes the door behind him and he starts quietly whispering to himself.

Frederick: Why...why must he hurt me.

Frederick quietly walks down the hallway and stops in front of a window and slumps down under it. Frederick's eyes start swelling up with tears causing his vision to blur. He starts quietly whimpering to himself. He suddenly hears footsteps nearby along with a soft but tired voice.

Prince Henry: Frederick are you alright why are you out here?
Frederick: He...hurt me.

Prince Henry walks over to Frederick and he slowly sits down next to Frederick. Frederick leans his head onto Prince Henry's shoulder. Prince Henry starts gently strokes Frederick's hair trying to soothe him.

Prince Henry: Frederick...what happened?
Frederick: Why are you awake?
Prince Henry: Thirsty...But you're avoiding my question.
Frederick: He hurt me...
Prince Henry: Who hurt you?
Frederick: Our father...
Prince Henry: Frederick he's dead...It was just a dream.
Frederick: Henry I can't sleep...I don't want to see him again...
Prince Henry: Frederick I know but you need rest...
Frederick: I don't want to sleep...
Prince Henry: Frederick you need sleep.
Frederick: I'm frightened, Henry you don't understand what it's like...Just having nightmares almost every night. Due to having been constantly tormented...
Prince Henry: I know that I don't understand. But you are my brother and I care about you. You need sleep and to take care of yourself.

Frederick slowly stops crying and Prince Henry gently wipes the rest of the tears away. Frederick grins a little bit. Prince Henry suddenly starts talking in a joking tone.

Prince Henry: Smile Fritz.
Frederick: Stop it...
Prince Henry: I know that you want to smile...
Frederick: Henry.
Prince Henry: Just smile Fritz.

Prince Henry suddenly starts trying to tickle Frederick. Frederick quickly tries to squirm away.

Frederick: Henry stop it!
Prince Henry: I will tickle you!
Frederick: Henry it's three in the morning I don't want to be tickled!
Prince Henry: Fine...
Frederick: Jesus Christ...
Prince Henry: I'll go back to sleep and you should too Frederick.
Frederick: Yes...I will.
Prince Henry: I shall bid you goodnight Frederick...Or is it good morning.
Frederick: I will see you in a few hours Henry. Just go back to bed.

Prince Henry slowly gets up and quietly walks down the hallway back to his room. Frederick gets up and starts walking quietly back to his room. He quietly opens the door and he notices that Voltaire is still peacefully sleeping. Frederick quietly enters the room gently closing the door behind him. He walks over to his bed and slowly takes his jet black robe off and places it on the nearby hanger. He then gets back into bed and slowly closes his eyes allowing sleep to take over once again.

To be Continued...