"What the hell did you think you were doing?" Victoria asked once Alexander had left. "Do you want to die?""I was only trying to do what was best for you.. us," Lord Richard said, taking a few steps towards where an angry Queen Victoria sat."And what is best for us than keeping you alive?" She clenched her teeth when she thought of Lord Richard exposing her to Alexander. She had seen how crestfallen the earlier news had made him and she didn’t want to add more gasoline in the already ablaze inferno. That was the last thing she had in mind. Alexander would surely freeze her to death if he found it out as well. "We can’t hide it forever," Lord Richard said, trying to comfort her. It was him who would suffer anyways, so why did she care?"I know, but it isn’t just the right time to tell him this. So much has happened to him recently and talking about it would only serve to confuse him more," she said, knocking some sense to the drunken man. "And I also do care for your life. I don’t want you dead!""But I’m ready to to face the consequences of my mistakes. Why don’t you just tell him the truth. I’m ready to die!" He said, placing his fisted hand on his chest as if taking a vow."Don’t say that Richard. if there’s time that Valoria and Alex needs you, then it is now. You stood beside my late husband and so will you, for our child’s sake," she said, tapping and caressing her belly softly. The statement really had a great impact on Lord Richard. What good would it bring if he died today? Would that even settle his problems? Alexander needed him and yet, here he was. wallowing in self pity while Victoria, a woman, was the one encouraging him. Yes! This was not the end. He would see to it that Valoria claimed victory and glory in the upcoming war. That was the least he could do to help, for now. And when this was all over, he would confess his sins to Alexander. If Alexander would behead him on the spit, he was fine with it."It’s true my Queen. I should be helping Alexander and not seating idly in my Chambers. I have to help him out in this war. And when it’ll be over, I’ll admit to my sins and gladly accept any punishment given to me," he said, his face turning brighter now. Even one couldn’t tell he was drunk. If not for the smell of alcohol!Queen Victoria simply nodded at his statement. She knew she couldn’t hide the fact forever. And given that Alexander already had questioned her about it... She let out a sigh of relief before her head whipped towards Lord Richard. He was staring back at her, with that look in his eyes that she was so much acquainted with. "I love you Victoria," He said out if the blue, surprising both himself and Victoria. He didn’t know how but a warm feeling enveloped his being when he imagined her holding his child in her arms. But would he live to see that day? Only time would tell."And I love you too," she replied, now making Lord Richard lose track of his breathing for a while. Did she just say that or was his ears and mind playing tricks on him. He had to blink twice to believe that she indeed was the one that said those heartfelt words."But you have to stay alive, at least for our child," she added. "That’s why I want you to leave my love. You’ll only get killed if you stay here." Lord Richard knitted his brows together. Had she said that to only convince him to run away, like a coward. That was never going to happen. Valoria was and would always be his home. If he was to die, it was better in Valoria than in any other kingdom. He wouldn’t just leave when Alexander needed him the most."As I said, I’m not leaving, ever!" He stressed the last part. Victoria knew that he had already made his resolve and sealed his fate, and it would be no easy task to make him change his mind. She simply nodded at him before eminent silence followed. The two just sat in the room, each lost deep in their thoughts when a knock sounded on the door."I’ll check that," Lord Richard said, acting as the caring father he was. Victoria just watched in silence as he made his way to the door and started talking with someone before he let them in. "Greetings, You Majesty." It was a maid. She curtsied to the Queen after offering her her greetings. "I’m fine... young lady," she simply replied."You can call me Kate. That’s my name Your Majesty," she took the initiative to introduce herself."I’ve been sent by the crown Prince to light a fire for Her Majesty.""Oh, right. I had almost forgotten about it. Go ahead please," She said. signalling Care towards the hearth."I have to go as well," Lord Richard added. He sounded a bit somber now, all thanks to Queen Victoria. "I have to find Alexander and help him where I can.""Bye then," Victoria said before she smiled at him knowingly. Lord Richard simply nodded before he walked out of the room with renewed energy.He wanted to find Alexander and offer him the exclusive support that he needed right now. He had failed both as a fatherly figure and as an advisor to Alexander. It was high time he made up for his mistakes before the dreaded day would arrive.And where on earth could Alexander have gone? The last time he had seen him, he had a sour mood. Maybe it had to do with the fact that he was not prepared for the war. His room! Yes, he would check him there first.Please don’t forget to vote!