It is early in the morning and Frederick is sitting at his desk staring at his battle plans.

Frederick: Which one do I choose?

Frederick suddenly notices the door handle moving slightly. Frederick gets up from his desk and steps over to the door and he gently opens it up. He looks down and he notices a little girl with brown hair and brown eyes who is wearing a light blue dress. Frederick smiles at the little girl.

Frederick: Fredericka nice to see you. But where is your mother?
Fredericka: Mummy is downstairs with uncle Henry.
Frederick: Come Fredericka I want to see your mother.

Frederick starts walking down the hallway. He suddenly feels a gentle tug on his pant leg and he stops and stares at Fredericka.

Fredericka: Hug.
Frederick: Alright.

Frederick gently picks Fredericka up and he holds her in his arms. Fredericka suddenly grabs Fredericks hat and puts it on and she smiles and quietly giggles.

Frederick: you're cheeky aren't you.
Fredericka: I want to be like you uncle.

Frederick smiles and he starts walking down the hallway with Fredericka still in his arms.

Fredericka: Where is Fred?
Frederick: I don't know where he is.

Frederick continues walking down the hallway. He suddenly gets to the stairs and he notices Henry who is wearing a Prussian Uniform. He also notices his sister Wilhelmine who is wearing a dark blue dress.

Wilhelmine: Frederick my dear brother how have you been?
Frederick: Fine.

Wilhelmine walks up the stairs and she stops at the top of the stairs. She stares at Frederick. She notices that Frederick seems tired.

Frederick: Something wrong sister?
Wilhelmine: Frederick I want to talk to you about something.
Frederick: Alright.

Frederick gently takes his hat off Fredericka's head and he puts it back on. He then gently puts Fredericka down. Fredericka stares at him.

Fredericka: Hat.
Wilhelmine: It seems that she likes your hat.
Frederick: Yes.
Wilhelmine: Fredericka do you want to go be with uncle Henry while I and uncle Frederick talk.
Fredericka: Alright mummy.

Fredericka carefully walks down the stairs.

Frederick: Where do you want to talk sister?
Wilhelmine: Somewhere private perhaps.
Frederick: Alright.

Frederick and Wilhelmine start walking down the hallway together.

Frederick: She's grown a lot since I last saw her.
Wilhelmine: She looks up to you.
Frederick: I can tell. She said that she wants to be like me. I didn't know what to say to that.
Wilhelmine: She doesn't realise that little girls like her can't be soldiers.
Frederick: I didn't want to tell her that. I didn't want to upset her.
Wilhelmine: Someday she will have to know the truth.
Frederick: She's too innocent.
Wilhelmine: Yes right now she is. She doesn't need to know about war Frederick.
Frederick: You know don't you.
Wilhelmine: It's been in the papers, Frederick.

They stop at the door to Fredericks room. Frederick gently opens the door and he then walks in and sits down on the bed. Wilhelmine then walks in and gently closes the door behind her.

Frederick: What do you want to talk about sister?
Wilhelmine: I could tell that you were lying to me about you being fine Frederick.
Frederick: Wilhelmine I'm sorry and your right I'm not fine.
Wilhelmine: What happened Frederick?
Frederick: The Prince...he reminded me of something.
Wilhelmine: What?
Frederick: He reminded me of what my father did to me.
Wilhelmine: Oh...
Frederick: I snapped at him. I shouldn't have...I haven't seen him since this morning he didn't talk to me over breakfast. He just gazed at me.
Wilhelmine: Frederick...did you try to apologise?
Frederick: No...I don't know how to apologise to him. I'm trying to be someone who he can see as a father. But he keeps telling me that I'm not his father. I know this but I want to be a father figure for him.
Wilhelmine: Frederick you're trying to do a good thing for him. He lost his father when he was only young no one should have to go through that.
Frederick: I regret getting angry at him...I couldn't sleep well last night. I was annoyed at myself.
Wilhelmine: Frederick...

Frederick suddenly starts tearing up. Wilhelmine walks over to him and she sits down next to him.
Wilhelmine: Frederick don't cry... it's alright.
Frederick: I don't want to end up like my father. I already broke the cane that he use to beat me with. Because I don't want to hurt the Prince. I care for him but I don't want to hurt him.
Wilhelmine: Frederick you won't hurt him. You love and care for him you're trying your best to be a father figure for him.

Wilhelmine starts trying to comfort Frederick. Wilhelmine starts quietly humming to Frederick. Frederick suddenly recognises the tune. He smiles a little and he stops crying and quickly wipes his tears.

Frederick: Forgive me for that.
Wilhelmine: Frederick... it's alright to cry sometimes.
Frederick: I just don't want to end up like my father...and harm the Prince and make him despise me. I just don't know how to discipline the boy he is violent he tried to murder this man who is my guest yesterday.
Wilhelmine: Frederick I understand that you don't want to hurt him. That's something his father wouldn't want you to do. You care for him but it is probably normal for him to be violent he has been in war.
Frederick: I'll have to try to discipline him but how. I have had to tell him so many times to put away his weapons. But he rarely listens. I don't trust him around my guests with weapons.
Wilhelmine: You will find a way, my dear Frederick. Or should I say, my dear little brother Fritz.
Frederick: You still remember that nickname.
Wilhelmine: Yes.
Frederick: You have always cared for me. You will always be my favourite sister.
Wilhelmine: Since when does Fritz have favourites?
Frederick: You always cared for me and we always had fun when we were kids. You still use that nickname for me.
Wilhelmine: I'm proud of you for being a great King for this country Fritz.
Frederick: Thank You, sister.

Frederick smiles at Wilhelmine.

Wilhelmine: There is something else that you're worried about isn't there.
Frederick: It's just Voltaire. He wants to come to the war. I have asked him many times if he's sure about going. He's always said yes.
Wilhelmine: That is understandable he is your dearest friend. You don't want him to be hurt.
Frederick: He's just a poet and he wants to come with me to war. I'm not sure if he can even use a gun let alone defend himself. I worry about his decision.
Wilhelmine: Frederick I'm sure he will be fine as long as he doesn't get into any trouble.
Frederick: And what if he does. He might get himself killed.
Wilhelmine: Frederick...
Frederick: What?
Wilhelmine: You worry too much.
Frederick: I...you're right. But he has been my only friend since I lost Katte.
Wilhelmine: You still miss Katte?
Frederick: Yes...I don't know how to say this but. I loved him.
Wilhelmine: What do you mean by that?
Frederick: I loved him as more than just a friend...
Wilhelmine: Frederick...
Frederick: Look I know this is a shock to you and most people see this as wrong that men should only be in love with a woman. But the truth is I love men and I loved Katte.
Wilhelmine: I am slightly surprised by this. But I feel like I knew this whole time.
Frederick: Anyway I have a very important question for you.
Wilhelmine: Yes Frederick?
Frederick: Why is Henry here?
Wilhelmine: Frederick have you forgotten that he's a soldier?
Frederick: No I haven't. The last time he came to me he told me that he wanted to be the King of Poland. I have told him no.
Wilhelmine: He's not here for that. He wants to join you in the war. He's bringing his regiment with him.
Frederick: I see.
Wilhelmine: Any other questions my dear Fritz.
Frederick: No...I'm just delighted that you came to see me before I go to war. I'm also happy that I got to see Fredericka.
Wilhelmine: Before I go all I say is that Voltaire will be fine. Also, you will find a way to discipline the Prince without hurting him. You're a clever man Fritz.
Frederick: You're right sister.
Wilhelmine: Also, please take care of yourself I can tell that you sometimes work too hard and that you don't get enough sleep.
Frederick: I will try...But you know that I don't sleep well due to what my father did. It haunts me.
Wilhelmine: I understand. He was quite cruel to you. But I was always there to comfort you.
Frederick: Yes and I thank you for that.
Wilhelmine: Well I must go now, Fritz. Good luck in the war.
Frederick: Thank You for visiting me, sister. I hope to see you sometime soon.
Wilhelmine: Goodbye Frederick.
Frederick: Goodbye.

Wilhelmine gets up off the bed and then walks over to the door. She gently opens it and walks out into the hallway and then gently closes the door behind her. Frederick gets up off his bed and walks over to his window and he gazes out it. A couple of minutes later he suddenly hears a soft knock on the door.

Voltaire: Frederick may I enter?
Frederick: Yes.

Voltaire opens the door and enters the room. He gently closes the door behind him. Frederick turns around and he smiles at Voltaire.

Voltaire: Frederick...The Prince taught me something yesterday.
Frederick: What did he teach you?
Voltaire: He taught me how to use my pistol properly. I know that you would want me to be able to defend myself...
Frederick: I see.
Voltaire: But...I don't think I would be able to kill anyone, Frederick.
Frederick: I understand that.
Voltaire: But I'm nervous that I might have to shoot someone...I don't think I can Frederick.
Frederick: I understand Voltaire.
Voltaire: Now I understand why you were worried about me coming with you.

Frederick walks over to Voltaire and he puts his hand on Voltaire's shoulder.

Frederick: Voltaire you have made your decision and I respect your decision.
Voltaire: thank you, Frederick...
Frederick: I know you're scared. But the truth is I'm scared too...I'm just good at hiding it.
Voltaire: I can tell.
Frederick: I suggest you get ready for the days ahead my friend.
Voltaire: Yes Frederick.

There is suddenly a knock on the door and Prince Henry enters the room.

Frederick: Voltaire I suggest you go now. My brother and I need to talk.
Voltaire: Yes Frederick.

Voltaire promptly leaves the room and closes the door behind him. Prince Henry walks over to Frederick.

Frederick: What is it, Henry?
Henry: Frederick I was wondering if you are ready for this war?
Frederick: Of course I am Henry. Are you doubting me?
Henry: No Frederick.
Frederick: I will succeed in this war.
Henry: Yes you will brother.
Frederick: I'm just concerned about Voltaire. As you know he is a very dear friend to me, Henry. He has decided to come to the war with me and I'm just concerned.
Henry: I understand brother...But I'm also concerned about you.
Frederick: Why are you concerned?
Henry: You always risk your life in battle Frederick...
Frederick: So do you Henry.
Henry: Yes but not as much as you. You always go into the battle and do some killing. I'm worried that you might get yourself killed.
Frederick: I won't Henry. I promise. I suggest you go get prepared for the war. Also, go tell your men that they need to be ready to fight.
Henry: Yes Frederick.

Henry turns around and walks over to the door he opens it and walks out into the hallway closing the door behind him. Frederick goes back to gazing out his window.

To be Continued...