The kingdom of Ashton was almost invisible due to snow storm, the castle was the only thing in sight . It had snowed for a month since the departure of their great king ,Amos Humphrey II for war.

Your Majesty the supplies for the winter season is almost finished I suggest we send scouts to the neighboring kingdoms and seek help, our people will die from the cold and hunger if we don't act fast. Has the messager returned from Daven ? No, majesty. Then inform me when he returns, in meantime lets go elder Stephen's suggestion and send scouts out. Our people must survive without the presence of the king . The court is dismissed.

But your majesty! We are yet to discuss how how the noble men will be separated for the poor.

There won't be any!

But my queen we can't possibly eat from the same table as those people, please do something about it.

Okay, I'll do something about it .

But first tell me, where does your luxury come from ?

And what's the first rule of being a leader ?

Mm…my Queen I …

I'm listening elder Ken , tell me.

Your Highness, my luxury comes from the people and the first rule of being leader is putting the needs of the people first.

Good , then that's the answer to your question.

The court is dismissed

[ I know the most of the elders will not like my decision of letting them share everything with the people but I don't have a choice, after all we're in a crisis and there's not enough space and food to go around. ]

Outside the Royal court

Elder Aaron any message from Prince Ferdinand, No Elder Stephen, How long does it take to kill someone ? Tell him to hurry. In meantime we must deal with the queen, but she's pregnant and will give birth soon. I don't care Aaron , we strike immediately the king dies .

The Queen's Chamber

Let me help you out of the dress your Highness.

Please do Amber I can't breathe

As she took my heavy clothes off I felt like a bit the weight had been taken off me but then I suddenly felt a sharp pain in abdomen.

Your Majesty are you okay ?

Mmm

No , I can't go into labor now.

But my water broke and I knew it was time .

Don't my Queen I'll fetch the physician.

Veronica let a loud cry from pain she was going through, this was her seventh time in labour and the pain was unimaginable.