Maximus, with a curious look on his face, turned to his mother and asked, "Mother, was there someone born before me? Do I have any siblings?" His questions were sudden and unexpected, especially at such a late hour when the sun was about to rise.
The empress was taken aback by his questions. "Maximus, why are you asking this all of a sudden?" she asked. But Maximus was persistent. He wanted answers, and he disregarded the royal protocols to get them. "Mother, you're not answering my question," he said.
The empress was alarmed by his disregard for the royal protocols. "Maximus! You're forgetting your royal protocols. Before being your mother, I am your empress," she reminded him sternly. But Maximus was unfazed. If his mother was not willing to answer his questions, he was ready to leave.
