Lawrence exits his room and he notices Prince Henry walking towards him.
Henry: You must be the Kings guest?
Lawrence: I am sir.
Henry: I shall introduce myself. I am Prince Henry of Prussia and I am also a general in King Fredericks army. I lead the 35th regiment in King Fredericks army. And you are?
Lawrence: I am Lawrence Sundermann. Lieutenant in the 95th rifles.
Henry: Your name sounds familiar.
Lawrence: My uncle Peter Sundermann served as a Royal Guard in King Fredericks army.
Henry: I see. What are you planning to do Lieutenant Sundermann?
Lawrence: I'm planning to go practice with my rifle your Highness.
Henry: I shall come with you I want to get some practice in with my pistols. Frederick told me to get prepared and well I will since that's what he wants.

Lawrence and Prince Henry walk down the hallway together. They suddenly hear footsteps behind them. They stop and turn around and notice Voltaire walking towards them with his pistol on his belt.
Henry: Voltaire?
Voltaire: Yes what is it, your Highness?
Henry: Since when do you carry a pistol on you?
Voltaire: I am going to practice. I don't always carry it on me I'm not a soldier your Highness. I'm just a poet.
Henry: Alright you may come with us, Voltaire.

They all start walking down the hallway together.

Henry: Lieutenant Sundermann I heard what Prince Frederick did to you yesterday.
Lawrence: Yes he called me a Russian bastard and tried to kill me, sir.
Voltaire: Frederick got angry at the Prince and it seems that the Prince has been in a bit of a mood ever since.
Henry: Frederick doesn't snap at people often. I wonder what happened.
Lawrence: I was there before the king dismissed me. The Prince was told off for his act of violence against me. Because he was about to kill me, sir. He then said to the King "At least I'm not like your father who use to beat people with his cane." That's when the King dismissed me, sir...
Henry: Jesus Christ...No wonder Frederick snapped at him...
Voltaire: I heard what happened but I didn't hear the conversation I just heard yelling and someone slamming the door.
Henry: I hope Frederick is alright. Our father was indeed cruel to Frederick. Frederick did keep our father's cane probably to remember him. But I noticed that he must have snapped it possibly after getting angry at the Prince.
Voltaire: He said that he had another friend other than me a man named Katte. What happened to this Katte?
Henry: Executed...our father executed Katte. He made Frederick watch.
Voltaire: merde. (Shit)
Henry: Yes Scheiße (Shit) indeed.
Lawrence: Do you know why he was executed?
Henry: Frederick and Katte tried to run away together they wanted to go to England. But they were caught and Katte was executed for desertion.
Lawrence: He was a soldier?
Henry: Yes.
Voltaire: I wouldn't be able to watch an execution...I feel bad that Frederick had to watch such a thing.
Lawrence: Now I understand why he cares about you, Voltaire. He doesn't want to lose you as he did with Katte.
Voltaire: Yes.

They suddenly get to the stairs and they start walking down them. Then they start walking down the hallway that leads to the back garden.

Henry: time for some good shooting boys. I already asked for someone to set up the targets.
Voltaire: I'm surprised that the Prince isn't out here.
Henry: By God, if I see him. That bastard.
Voltaire: You wouldn't do what I think you would do?
Henry: What?
Voltaire: Kill the Prince.
Henry: No but I would punish him for reminding my brother of what my father did to him.
Voltaire: You know that Frederick would punish you as well if you harm the Prince.
Henry: I know that but the Prince deserves to be punished.

Henry stops and opens the door. They all walk outside. Henry stops and stares at the dark cloudy sky.

Henry: Storms coming. Right, let's get at least five shots fired before this storm comes. Can't fire a gun with wet gunpowder. Lieutenant Sundermann, I'm sure that you can fire five rounds a minute.
Lawrence: I can fire four but not five your Highness. There are only two people I know in the 95th rifles that can fire five rounds a minute. Lieutenant Colonel Lennox Fraser and his cousin Colonel Benedict Fraser.
Henry: Well there is still room for improvement Lieutenant Sundermann. Go on I'll time you.

Lawrence walks in front of the target and grabs his rifle off his back and starts loading it. He then aims it at the target and prepares to fire. Prince Henry walks over and stands next to Lawrence and he takes out his pocket watch. He opens it and stares at it.

Henry: Fire when you're ready.

Voltaire cautiously walks over and stands beside Prince Henry. Henry notices that Voltaire is nervous.

Henry: What's wrong Voltaire?
Voltaire: I'm just nervous that I might have to kill someone.
Henry: I understand.

Lawrence suddenly fires his rifle and he starts quickly reloading.

Henry: Four more rounds to go.
Voltaire: Why must soldiers have to fire so quickly?
Henry: Well if you can fire quicker than the enemy you are less likely to get yourself killed.
Voltaire: I see.

Lawrence suddenly fires his second shot and then he starts quickly reloading.

Henry: You're worried about my brother aren't you.
Voltaire: He's a brave man and I'm worried that he would get himself killed.
Henry: Three shots to go Lawrence. I know you worry about him Voltaire but he also worries about you.

Lawrence suddenly fires his third shot and then he starts quickly reloading.

Voltaire: I know he worries about me he cares about me.
Henry: Two shots to go Lawrence your doing well. Voltaire, he's mostly worried about your decision of coming with him to the battle.
Voltaire: Your Highness I'm not changing my mind I'm going with Frederick.

Lawrence suddenly fires his fourth shot and he starts quickly reloading.

Henry: I understand that Voltaire.
Voltaire: I will not stay at this palace alone while Frederick is at war while I'm hoping that he doesn't die.
Henry: Alright Voltaire I understand.

Lawrence suddenly fires his final shot and he puts his rifle back on his back.

Henry: Well done Lawrence you fired five shots in one minute with 10 seconds to spare.
Lawrence: Jesus.
Henry: You did well Lieutenant Sundermann.
Lawrence: Thank you, Your Highness.
Prince Frederick: Nice shooting Lieutenant!

They all turn around and stare at Prince Frederick who is watching them from a distance.

Henry: I heard what you said to His Majesty, Your Highness. You bastard!
Prince Frederick: Who told you!?
Lawrence: I did Your Highness I told him!
Prince Frederick: Russian bastard!
Henry: For Christ's sake Prince Frederick he is not a Russian and nor is he a bastard!
Prince Frederick: Nor am I!
Henry: You know to never say that kind of thing around His Majesty!

Prince Frederick promptly walks over. He stops and stands a metre away. He then draws his sabre.

Prince Frederick: I am the heir to the throne of this country and you are not. You do not disrespect me.
Henry: And you do not disrespect His Majesty.

Henry draws his sabre and he walks over to Prince Frederick.

Henry: Let's have a fair duel then. I win and I tell the rest of my brothers and sisters what you said to Frederick. I lose you may tell Frederick that I did this duel with you and he will punish me.
Prince Frederick: Fine...
Henry: Lieutenant Sundermann may you fire your rifle on three.
Lawrence: Yes your Highness.
Henry: One...

Lawrence starts quickly reloading his rifle.
Henry: Two...

Lawrence aims his rifle up at the sky.
Henry: Three!

Lawrence fires his rifle and the duel begins.
Voltaire: If Frederick finds out they will both get punished...
Lawrence: I'm sure they realise that Voltaire.
Voltaire: At least they won't kill each other...
Lawrence: You sure about that?

Lawrence puts his rifle on his back.

Voltaire: They wouldn't!
Lawrence: I was joking Voltaire, of course, they wouldn't kill each other. Because then they would receive worse punishment from Frederick.

Meanwhile, inside the palace, Frederick is promptly walking through the hallway. He suddenly gets to the hallway leading to the back garden. He hears the sound of swords clashing against each other. He stops and stares out one of the windows in the hallway and he notices Prince Frederick and Prince Henry duelling with each other. He promptly walks to the open door and he walks outside. Frederick grabs his pistol out of his holster and aims it at the sky and he fires it. Prince Frederick and Prince Henry stop duelling and they stare at Frederick.

Frederick: Henry what do you think you're doing!
Henry: This bastard upset you, Frederick I was going to punish him.

Frederick puts his pistol away and he walks over to both of them.

Frederick: Lower your swords...
Henry: I want him to put his sword away first I don't trust this bastard.
Frederick: Fred lower your sword and put it away.

Prince Frederick slowly lowers his sabre and puts it back in his sheath.
Frederick: Henry you do the same.

Prince Henry slowly lowers his sabre and puts it back in his sheath.

Frederick: Now explain yourselves immediately.
Prince Frederick: This bastard started disrespecting me. Along with that Russian bastard.
Prince Henry: I was going to punish him. He was disrespecting me and Lieutenant Sundermann. We decided to have a fair duel and if I won the duel I would tell our brothers and sisters what he said to you Frederick. If he won the duel he would be allowed to tell you that I decided to duel him and that you would punish me.
Frederick: Fred stop with that language. Also, stop disrespecting Prince Henry. You have to learn to be an adequate Prince which means no foul language and disrespecting people.
Prince Frederick: You don't want me to be like your father do you...

Frederick promptly walks over to Prince Frederick and he suddenly grabs the collar of his tunic and he glares into Prince Fredericks eyes.

Frederick: You do not speak to me about that. We do not mention that subject do you hear me.
Henry: Frederick stop.
Prince Frederick: You wouldn't hurt me would you...
Frederick: No...but I will think of a punishment for you for disrespecting me and Prince Henry and for trying to harm my guest.
Prince Frederick: What the Russian bastard.
Frederick: Enough!

Prince Frederick suddenly grabs his dagger off his belt and he holds it up.

Frederick: Fred put it down.
Prince Frederick: No. Not until you take your hands off me.
Frederick: No I want you to listen. He is not a Russian he is an Englishman. He is also my guest so show him some respect.
Prince Frederick: Not until he respects me.
Frederick: He will respect you once you respect him.
Prince Frederick: Unhand me...
Frederick: No I'm not finished.

Prince Frederick suddenly stabs Fredericks left hand with the dagger. Frederick quickly let go of the Prince. Prince Henry suddenly tackles Prince Frederick to the ground. Frederick stares at the deep gash in his hand from the dagger it wasn't deep enough to get to the bone. But it was still deep enough to require stitches. Voltaire quickly runs over.

Prince Frederick: Get off me, you bastard!
Prince Henry: You dare hurt the King by God I'll kill you for that!
Voltaire: Frederick...Are you alright?
Frederick: Voltaire...
Voltaire: Yes Frederick?
Frederick: He hurt me...
Voltaire: Do you want me to take you to your room?

Lawrence promptly walks over and he stares at the gash.
Frederick: Get the doctor...And Henry don't kill him!
Prince Henry: He could have killed you, Frederick!
Frederick: No he wouldn't kill me now stop trying to kill him and take him to his room. Take away his weapons and lock him in his room.
Prince Henry: Fine...

Prince Henry gets up off Prince Frederick. Prince Frederick gets up and Prince Henry quickly snatches all his weapons and puts them on his belt. He grabs Prince Fredericks hand and starts marching him to his room.

Frederick: Merde. (Shit)
Lawrence: You alright Your Majesty?
Frederick: No...he stabbed me! He stabbed me, Goddammit!
Lawrence: Relax...we will get you some help.

Frederick starts calming down.

Voltaire: Frederick...you need some help. Your hurt...
Frederick: I know. Let's go inside it's about to rain...

They all head inside.

Frederick: Lawrence get the doctor...
Lawrence: Yes Your Majesty.
Voltaire: I...I'm worried Frederick.
Frederick: I know...

Lawrence walks off to find the doctor.

Voltaire: What are you going to do Frederick?
Frederick: I'll probably lock my room tonight and probably only let in servants, messengers, You, Prince Henry, Lawrence and the doctor. I can't believe he did that.
Voltaire: I understand that...I would do the same.

Frederick and Voltaire walk up the stairs and start walking down the hallway leading to Fredericks room.

Voltaire: Frederick...You're in pain I can tell.
Frederick: No I'm fine...I'm use to being hurt...
Voltaire: You're going to be alright Frederick...

They suddenly get to Fredericks room and Voltaire opens the door and Frederick walks inside. Voltaire then walks in and closes the door behind him. Frederick sits down at the end of his bed. Voltaire sits down next to him and he puts his hand on his shoulder.

Frederick: I can't believe he did that to me...My nephew hurt me...

Suddenly there is a knock at the door.

Frederick: Who's there?
Lawrence: It's Lawrence Your Majesty and I have bought the doctor.
Frederick: You may enter.

Lawrence and Doctor Christopher Rienhart enter the room and Lawrence closes the door behind him.

Doctor Rienhart: What happened Your Majesty?
Frederick: I was stabbed in the hand...
Doctor Rienhart: By whom?
Frederick: None of your business doctor...

Doctor Rienhart walks over and he looks at Fredericks hand.

Doctor Rienhart: You will need a couple of stitches, Your Majesty.
Frederick: I understand...Lawrence and Voltaire you both may head back to your rooms.
Lawrence: Yes Your Majesty.
Voltaire: Yes Frederick...

Lawrence and Voltaire walk over to the door and Lawrence opens the door and Voltaire walks out into the hallway. Lawrence then walks out into the hallway and closes the door behind him. Lawrence continues walking down the hallway. Voltaire walks over to the door of his room he opens it and he walks inside and closes it behind him.

A Few Hours Later the sun is setting.

Voltaire exits his room and walks over to the door of Fredericks room. He gently knocks on the door.

Voltaire: Frederick?
Frederick: Yes Voltaire...
Voltaire: May I enter?
Frederick: Yes just a minute.

Frederick suddenly unlocks the door and he opens it and lets Voltaire in. Voltaire walks in and closes the door behind him.

Frederick: What's wrong Voltaire?
Voltaire: I just can't sleep...
Frederick: Why?
Voltaire: I thought the Prince was going to kill you...
Frederick: Voltaire...he wouldn't kill me.
Voltaire: I know...But he stabbed you.
Frederick: I'm alright Voltaire the doctor stitched it up.
Voltaire: I...I don't know what I would do if he killed you...
Frederick: Voltaire, please get some sleep. You're going to need it since your coming to battle with me...
Voltaire: Fine...Goodnight Frederick.
Frederick: Goodnight Voltaire.

Voltaire opens the door he walks out into the hallway and closes the door behind him. He walks over to the door of his room. He gently opens it and walks inside gently closing the door behind him.

To be Continued...