Disclaimer: This chapter will include a lot of violence and you may skip this chapter if you wish.

It is now late at night and Frederick is lying in bed still slightly awake. He stares at the clock on the wall which reads 12:03 am. He slowly closes his eyes allowing sleep to take over. Frederick suddenly opens his eyes noticing that he is in a dark hallway that is still in his palace.

Frederick: Where am I?

Frederick notices the door to his room behind him. He tries to open it but it's locked.
Frederick: What is going on?

Frederick suddenly hears footsteps echoing through the hallway.
Frederick: Who's there?

Frederick suddenly notices his father walking towards him. Frederick starts trying to kick the door open out of panic.

Frederick: No please let me in!

Frederick stops kicking the door and he quickly runs over to the door of Voltaire's room. He starts knocking on it hard out of panic.

Frederick: Voltaire let me in, please!

The door suddenly opens and Frederick notices that it's not Voltaire but his old friend Katte.
Katte: Frederick what's going on?
Frederick: Katte...I need help. I also need to tell you something...
Katte: What do you need to tell me?

Frederick suddenly grabs Kattes hand and he pulls him into the hallway. He stares into Kattes eyes.
Frederick: Katte...I don't know how to say this but...
Katte: But what Frederick?
Frederick: I...love you as more than just my friend Katte...
Katte: Frederick...
Frederick: I'm not lying and this is not a joke Katte. I love you.
Katte: Frederick I love you too...

Katte suddenly kisses Frederick on the lips.

Frederick: I suggest you leave Katte...I promise that I will come back and find you.
Katte: Frederick why do you want me to leave I can stay.
Frederick: He wants to kill you Katte you need to leave now.

Katte turns around and stares at Fredericks father. Katte draws his sabre.
Katte: Frederick run...
Frederick: No I'm not leaving not without you...
Katte: Stop being stubborn Frederick and get out of here!
Frederick: No I love you and I'm not leaving you!
Katte: Fine but if I die promise me that you won't be upset all the time. But be happy and remember all the good things.
Frederick: Katte...

Frederick's father draws his sabre. Katte quickly approaches him and he starts duelling him. Sounds of swords clashing against each other fill the hallway. Frederick keeps his hand on his hilt preparing to draw his sabre. Kattes sword suddenly gets knocked out of his hand. Frederick's father then thrusts his sword into Kattes chest killing him instantly.

Frederick: No...no...no!
King Frederick William: I doubt that he loved you. You're such a disgrace to your family. Loving a man instead of a woman.
Frederick: He did love me! I just don't feel any feelings of attraction around a woman! You can't force me to love my wife!

King Frederick William starts quickly approaching Frederick.

Frederick: I can love who I want! I have already told my sister that I love men and that I feel more attraction towards them than women. She accepted that!
King Frederick William: I should have made you stay at the palace longer so then you wouldn't be such a disgrace! You pathetic disgraceful godless child!
Frederick: I know that God is not on my side...But I will win this war and protect my kingdom.

Frederick William suddenly shoves Frederick up against the wall and he starts beating him with his cane.

King Frederick William: It will be your fault if the kingdom falls!
Frederick: stop...please...
King Frederick William: You should have never been King! It should have been Augustus...not you.
Frederick: please stop it...
King Frederick William: You're a weak King! You're a disgrace!
Frederick: stop it!
King Frederick William: Stop pleading only weak people plead!
Frederick: I'm not weak...
King Frederick William: Why did you try to run away then only the weak runaway.
Frederick: I...
King Frederick William: Your just a weak and pathetic child...

Frederick William stops beating Frederick and Frederick falls to the floor. He has many bruises on his face and some are bleeding. He also has missing or broken teeth. Frederick starts crying a little bit.
King Frederick William: I should have just killed you! Along with that stupid boy Katte!
Frederick: He wasn't stupid...
King Frederick William: He was just like you a weak and pathetic boy...

King Frederick William suddenly kicks Frederick.
King Frederick William: Jesus Christ stop crying you, weak boy!
Frederick: I'm sorry...
King Frederick William: Sorry your sorry! There is no saying sorry for what you have done!
Frederick: Please forgive me...
King Frederick William: No I won't forgive you...you useless boy!

Frederick William suddenly kicks Frederick again.
King Frederick William: Maybe I should just finish you myself...

King Frederick William suddenly smashes the window above Frederick with his cane. He then picks up Frederick and drops him out the window. Frederick suddenly wakes up in an absolute panic. He starts crying a lot. He stares at the clock and he notices that it's only 2:30 am. Frederick continues sobbing a lot out of fear and sadness.

Frederick: Katte...

Frederick gets out of bed and he grabs his black robe off the wooden hanger and puts it on. He quietly walks over to the door and quietly opens it. He stares into the moonlit hallway still crying and feeling slightly terrified. He quietly walks into the hallway and quietly closes the door behind him. He starts quietly walking down the hallway trying to calm down. He suddenly hears footsteps coming towards him. Frederick freezes in place out of fear. Prince Henry turns the corner and he stops and stares at Frederick.

Prince Henry: Frederick?
Frederick: I...
Prince Henry: Are you alright you are not normally awake this early.
Frederick: No I'm not alright...
Prince Henry: What's wrong?
Frederick: I...just had a dream...
Prince Henry: Want to go have a walk?
Frederick: Yes...

Frederick quickly walks over to Prince Henry and they start walking down the hallway together. Prince Henry notices that Frederick is still crying a lot.

Prince Henry: What happened Frederick?
Frederick: He...hurt me.
Prince Henry: Who?
Frederick: Our father...he hurt me...he killed Katte...
Prince Henry: Frederick...he's dead you know that. He can't hurt you...

Frederick suddenly hugs Prince Henry and he starts sobbing. Prince Henry starts trying to comfort him.

Prince Henry: It's alright...He won't hurt you again...
Frederick: Why must he hurt me...
Prince Henry: Frederick...you know the answer to that.
Frederick: I should have stayed with my mother...
Prince Henry: Frederick...even though he hurt you. He probably taught you something.
Frederick: How does beating your child teach them something.
Prince Henry: He taught you not to be a foolish boy. Because stupid foolish boys get themselves in trouble.
Frederick: I won't hurt Fred...
Prince Henry: I know you won't...
Frederick: Henry...
Prince Henry: Yes Frederick?
Frederick: I want to sleep but I can't I'm terrified, Henry.
Prince Henry: His Majesty needs sleep. Besides that Englishman is visiting tomorrow. This Duke of Wellington. I've heard a lot about him. His victories in Spain. He seems to have a good reputation.
Frederick: You're right Henry I should get some sleep I don't want to miss the meeting.
Prince Henry: I heard that Fred apologised to you.
Frederick: Yes he did. But it seems that has made Voltaire a bit anxious about if I should trust him. Especially after what Fred did to me.
Prince Henry: That is understandable. I'm also worried about Fred but I'm just good at hiding it. I also hope he doesn't mind this Duke being here. He didn't react well to Lieutenant Sundermann being here.
Frederick: It's not his fault...Fred's father was killed in battle by a Russian...and that jacket Lieutenant Sundermann wears reminds him of the man that killed his father.
Prince Henry: I miss Augustus too. But he needs to stop trying to hurt people.
Frederick: Indeed. Now I must go back to bed and I suggest you do as well.
Prince Henry: Yes goodnight Frederick. Don't worry father won't hurt you he's dead...get some rest.

Prince Henry opens the nearby door and walks inside the room and he closes the door. Frederick turns around and starts walking down the hallway. He opens the door to his room and he walks inside quietly closing the door behind him. He takes his robe off and puts it on the hanger. He then gets into bed and lies there staring at the ceiling.

Frederick: Why...I always have been trying to be a good father for Fred...But he's still got that burning flame of violence in him...

Frederick slowly closes his eyes and goes to sleep.

A few hours later in a carriage on the road between Potsdam and Berlin.

Wellington gazes out the carriage window while awkwardly holding a letter in his hand. Lord Uxbridge stares at Wellington.

Lord Uxbridge: Sir?
Wellington: Yes Uxbridge?
Lord Uxbridge: Who's the letter for?

Wellington stares at the letter and then at Lord Uxbridge.

Lord Uxbridge: Is it for me sir?
Wellington: No...But I need to tell you something very important.
Lord Uxbridge: Alright sir.
Wellington: Uxbridge...If I die. Will you give this letter to my wife?
Lord Uxbridge: Sir...
Wellington: You're the only one I can trust with this message.
Lord Uxbridge: Fine I will do it, sir.
Wellington: Thank you Uxbridge.

Wellington hands the letter to Lord Uxbridge. Lord Uxbridge then puts it in his pocket.

Lord Uxbridge: Why do you think that you're going to die, sir?
Wellington: I...just feel like with all these past victories I have always gotten away with my life.
Lord Uxbridge: Sir you won't die. Besides after this battle, you will be able to return to your family.
Wellington: Yes besides after the war is over I promised Kitty that I would spend more time with her and my boys.
Lord Uxbridge: How are the young ones?
Wellington: They have grown up a lot since you last saw them Uxbridge. Both are at school.
Lord Uxbridge: Are they still mischievous?
Wellington: They do enjoy trying to wear my hat.
Lord Uxbridge: Do you think they will be soldiers one day?
Wellington: Maybe...But you know me I would be trying to make sure that they don't get themselves killed.
Lord Uxbridge: Don't worry they won't. They are both smart just like their father. They would make great commanders.
Wellington: Indeed they would.
Lord Uxbridge: Not long until we get to Potsdam sir.
Wellington: Jesus I'm nervous for some reason Uxbridge...
Lord Uxbridge: I'm not that nervous sir. What are you nervous about?
Wellington: I've heard that the Prussian King is quite a serious person. Much more serious than our King.
Lord Uxbridge: I'm sure it will be fine...
Wellington: You're right Uxbridge.
Lord Uxbridge: just relax...

Meanwhile at the Palace Voltaire is staring at the mirror in his room.

Voltaire: What does one wear to a meeting with a British General?

Voltaire quietly sighs to himself.

Voltaire: I'm just a French poet who has never been around an Englishman. I don't want to wear a suit and tie because I would look stupid!

Voltaire suddenly feels something touch his shoulder. He stares in the mirror and he notices that it's Prince Frederick. Voltaire let's out a high pitched scream and he stumbles onto his bed.

Prince Frederick: Jesus Christ Voltaire...you didn't need to do that.
Voltaire: You hurt him! I don't trust you! Get away from me, you bastard!
Prince Frederick: I'm not going to hurt you, Voltaire...

Voltaire quickly gets up off his bed and sprints out the door of his room and he continues sprinting down the hallway. He suddenly gets to Prince Henry's room and he starts banging on the door. Prince Henry opens the door and he stares at Voltaire in confusion.

Prince Henry: Voltaire?
Voltaire: The Prince entered my room and he scared me and he didn't leave when I told him to. Prince Henry can I come in, please im honestly scared for my life and my safety...I don't want to be around him.
Prince Henry: Alright...Come in.

Voltaire enters Prince Henry's room and he sits down on Prince Henry's bed trying to catch his breath.

Prince Henry: Relax...I won't let him in if he wants in.
Voltaire: I should have brought my gun with me...I don't want to go back to my room.
Prince Henry: I will protect you. Should I tell Frederick?
Voltaire: No...no I will.

Prince Henry sits down next to Voltaire and he starts comforting him.

Prince Henry: He wouldn't dare to hurt you without being punished by Frederick...
Voltaire: I'm scared for my life...I don't feel safe around him and now he's sneaking into my room and scaring me. He better not do anything with my poetry I work hard on that and it makes me happy...
Prince Henry: I can tell you work hard on the poems you spend hours on them.

Tears start streaming down Voltaire's face. Prince Henry gently wipes the tears away.

Prince Henry: It's alright...
Voltaire: Do you know if the Prince will be at the meeting?
Prince Henry: I don't know.
Voltaire: May I stay here until the meeting? I'm just frightened...
Prince Henry: Alright I'll let you stay here. Let you relax.
Voltaire: Thank You, Prince Henry.
Prince Henry: Are you sure I shouldn't tell Frederick?
Voltaire: No I can tell him.
Prince Henry: Alright.

A couple of hours later Wellington and Lord Uxbridge arrive at the Palace.

Wellington: It's already noon isn't it Uxbridge.
Lord Uxbridge: Yes. Now let's go see the King, shall we?
Wellington: Yes Uxbridge.

Wellington and Lord Uxbridge get out of the carriage and they both stare at the Palace.

Wellington: For once I'm fully prepared but I'm still nervous.
Lord Uxbridge: Don't worry sir it will be fine.

Wellington and Lord Uxbridge promptly start walking towards the palace.

Lord Uxbridge: Relax sir. Everything will be fine. Does it help if I tell you that I'm nervous as well.
Wellington: Stop telling me to relax it's not helping!
Lord Uxbridge: Sorry sir...

Meanwhile in the Palace Prince Frederick is staring out the window. He suddenly notices Wellington and Lord Uxbridge walking towards the palace. He silently glares at them both.

Prince Frederick: Who in the devil are they?
Prince Frederick: They don't seem to be Russian but I still don't trust them...
Prince Frederick: Why did Voltaire also run away from me...I wasn't going to hurt him...I just wanted to speak to him...He seemed quite annoyed and terrified about me being in his room. Now he's in Prince Henry's room and Prince Henry is not letting me speak to Voltaire.

Prince Frederick suddenly hears the doors to the palace open. He also hears unfamiliar voices.
Wellington: Let's go see the King shall we.
Lord Uxbridge: Yes sir.

Prince Frederick starts quietly talking to himself and he keeps his hand on his pistol.
Prince Frederick: They both sound like that Lieutenant Sundermann...Although one of them has a different accent. That seems oddly suspicious. They are also here to see the King but why are they here to see him...

Prince Frederick suddenly hears footsteps coming up the stairs. He quickly turns around and grabs his gun off his belt. Wellington and Lord Uxbridge get to the top of the stairs. Prince Frederick prepares to fire his pistol.

Prince Frederick: Why are you here!?

Wellington and Lord Uxbridge turn around and stare at the Prince in confusion.

Wellington: We are here to see the King. I suggest you lower your weapon.
Prince Frederick: I don't take orders from you...I am the Prince of Prussia and heir to the throne of this kingdom. I do not take orders from you, sir.
Wellington: Sorry your Highness...
Prince Frederick: Explain yourselves immediately.
Wellington: We are here to see the King. We are here for business.
Prince Frederick: And your friend...
Lord Uxbridge: I'm also here on the same business...Im also his bodyguard I guess...

Wellington awkwardly stares at Lord Uxbridge.
Prince Frederick: You two seem oddly suspicious...
Wellington: No your Highness the King is expecting us he knows that we are meeting him.
Prince Frederick: Well he wasn't expecting another one of your friends that came here three days ago. I almost killed him...
Wellington: You did what your Highness.
Prince Frederick: Yes I almost killed your friend Lieutenant Sundermann...he wears the colours of the man who killed my father...
Wellington: I'm sorry about what happened to your father your Highness.
Prince Frederick: That Russian bastard...Give me a good reason why I shouldn't harm you as well...
Wellington: I'm the commander of the British Army sir.
Prince Frederick: The British Army didn't help save my father.

Wellington puts his hand on his pistol and Lord Uxbridge nervously looks at Wellington.
Wellington: Look I wasn't commander at that time and besides if I was I would have been fighting the French in Spain. Trust me I have been through a lot more than you...Im not afraid of fighting in a battle myself.
Prince Frederick: The British have never cared about Prussia and now you need my uncle's help. Honestly, it's pathetic for once such a powerful army such as the British are pleading for help from a kingdom they never cared about.

Wellington grabs his pistol and he aims it at the Prince. Prince Frederick suddenly fires his pistol. The bullet sends Wellingtons hat flying off.
Prince Frederick: How dare you aim your weapon at me, sir!
Wellington: I'm not going to hurt you if you don't hurt me...But if you hurt me im not afraid to hurt you.
Lord Uxbridge: He's right your Highness...
Prince Frederick: Don't threaten me, sir...

Prince Frederick quickly reloads his pistol and he starts slowly approaching them. Wellington starts slowly backing off. Lord Uxbridge quickly grabs his pistol and he starts backing off alongside Wellington.
Wellington: Look I don't want to hurt you, Your Highness. Just don't shoot.

Lord Uxbridge nervously stares at Wellington. Wellington stares at Lord Uxbridge with confidence. Prince Frederick accidentally fires his pistol out of anger and slight fear. The bullet hits Wellington in the right shoulder causing him to flinch and accidentally fire his pistol. The bullet sends the Prince's hat flying off.
Wellington: Shit...
Lord Uxbridge: You alright sir?
Wellington: Im fine it's not that bad.

Wellington slowly approaches the Prince who has just reloaded his pistol.

Wellington: Please I don't want to hurt you, Your Highness.

Lord Uxbridge keeps his gun aimed at the Prince. Prince Frederick suddenly fires his pistol again causing the bullet to hit Wellingtons left knee. Wellington falls onto one knee. Suddenly Prince Henry runs up the stairs and he stops and glares at Prince Frederick.

Prince Henry: Fred what the hell did you do!?
Prince Frederick: Scheiße. (Shit)
Prince Henry: Everyone lower your weapons!

Lord Uxbridge puts his pistol back on his belt and Wellington does the same. Prince Henry promptly walks over to Prince Frederick and he grabs the pistol out of his hand and puts it on his belt. Prince Henry quickly walks over to Wellington and he kneels next to him.

Prince Henry: sir.

Wellington stares at Prince Henry.

Prince Henry: Can you stand?

Wellington slowly stands up and Prince Henry helps him stay standing up.
Prince Henry: Easy. Don't hurt yourself. I'll help take you to the doctor so we can get those bullets removed.
Wellington: alright...

Wellington starts slowly limping down the hallway with Prince Henry helping him.

A few minutes later Prince Henry and Wellington arrive at the doctor's office.

Prince Henry knocks on the door.
Prince Henry: Doctor Reinhart we need your help.

Doctor Reinhart opens the door and he stares at Wellington who looks like he is trying to hide his pain.

Doctor Reinhart: What happened your Highness?
Prince Henry: Prince Frederick shot him twice.
Doctor Reinhart: Jesus bring him in.

Prince Henry carefully walks Wellington inside and he helps him sit down on a bed. Doctor Reinhart starts getting his tools ready. Wellington slowly lies down on the bed. Doctor Reinhart walks over with tweezers in his right hand.

Doctor Reinhart: This might hurt alright sir. It's alright to cry if you need to. Because this is quite a painful thing for me to do.
Wellington: Just don't tell my friend, Lord Uxbridge, that I cried.
Doctor Reinhart: Alright. I won't tell them that you cried.
Prince Henry: Does your friend need any help as well?
Wellington: No the Prussian Prince only shot me.
Prince Henry: He broke the King's promise I better go tell his Majesty.

Prince Henry promptly leaves the room. Doctor Reinhart starts carefully trying to take the bullet out of Wellingtons left knee.

Doctor Reinhart: You should be glad that it didn't hit an artery...
Wellington: Fuck...that boy got me good.

Doctor Reinhart takes out the bullet and puts it down on the nearby bedside table. He then starts trying to take the bullet out of Wellington's right shoulder.

Doctor Reinhart: You seem calm for something as painful as getting two bullets taken out of you.
Wellington: I've had worse sir.
Doctor Reinhart: You're a soldier aren't you.
Wellington: Yes. I'm the commander of the British Army sir.
Doctor Reinhart: You must be here to see his Majesty.
Wellington: Yes.

Doctor Reinhart takes the other bullet out and places it on the nearby bedside table.

Doctor Reinhart: Get some rest, sir.
Wellington: But I was meant to see his Majesty today.
Doctor Reinhart: You need rest you may speak to him later and you can have your meeting tomorrow.
Wellington: Do you know if a certain Lieutenant Sundermann is here?
Doctor Reinhart: Yes sir I think he is busy getting some practice with his rifle. He will be free in a couple of hours if you wish to see him.
Wellington: Tell him that I wish to see him at two o'clock.
Doctor Reinhart: As you wish. Should I also tell your friend that you are alright and that he can come to see you?
Wellington: Yes.
Doctor Reinhart: Alright get some rest now.

Doctor Reinhart promptly leaves the room. Wellington slowly closes his eyes and goes to sleep.

A couple of hours later it is now 2:00 pm.

Lieutenant Sundermann knocks on the door to the room that Wellington is resting in.

Lawrence: Sir you wished to see me?
Wellington: Come in Lieutenant Sundermann.

Lawrence opens the door and he enters the room and closes the door behind him. He walks over and stands near the bed. He notices the two bullet wounds

Lawrence: Shit who shot you, sir.
Wellington: That Prussian Prince with a fancy hat shot me.
Lawrence: I see...
Wellington: Now why are you at the Kings Palace Lieutenant?
Lawrence: I plan to travel with the Prussian army sir.
Wellington: Who allowed you to do this?
Lawrence: I got permission from His Majesty sir.
Wellington: I see. Fine I will allow it just make sure to tell Colonel Fraser.
Lawrence: Yes sir.
Wellington: You may leave now that's all I wanted to talk to you about for now.

Lawrence promptly leaves the room.

A couple of minutes later Lord Uxbridge knocks on the door.

Wellington: Who is it?
Lord Uxbridge: Your awake sir. May I come in? I just want to see if you're alright. I tried to see you an hour ago but you were sleeping.
Wellington: You may enter Uxbridge.

Lord Uxbridge enters the room. And he stares at Wellington.

Wellington: Look I'm fine Uxbridge...I'm not dead, am I?
Lord Uxbridge: Im just concerned about that Prince. What if he hurts you again.
Wellington: He won't besides I think the King is probably going to punish him anyway.
Lord Uxbridge: Im still concerned about your safety sir.
Wellington: If he kills me...He would possibly get a serious punishment and Prussia would lose its greatest ally.
Lord Uxbridge: Your right sir.
Wellington: God damn me I should have listened to Nelson. I shouldn't have raised my gun upon a Prince.
Lord Uxbridge: He was about to kill you sir it was self-defence. Besides he shot first and he could have killed you. You were defending yourself.
Wellington: Your right.
Lord Uxbridge: Well it seems we might be staying here for the night. I'll ask where the spare rooms are and get our stuff set up sir.
Wellington: Alright I'll talk to you later.
Lord Uxbridge: Rest and be careful if your planning to walk around the Palace. Don't get into any fights with that Prince.
Wellington: I won't...
Lord Uxbridge: Talk to you later sir.
Wellington: Yes Uxbridge.

Lord Uxbridge exits the room. Wellington stares at the ceiling in silence.

To be Continued...