Voltaire slowly opens his eyes and he glances over at Frederick's bed noticing that Frederick isn't in bed. Voltaire slowly sits up and he gets his shiny golden pocket watch out. Gently opening the pocket watch Voltaire listens to the quiet ticking noise. He notices that the time is 6:45 am.

Voltaire: I guess he is busy...

Voltaire gets out of bed and walks over to his light brown wooden trunk. He kneels in front of it and carefully opens it. Carefully searching through his clothing he eventually finds his white robe. Gently grabbing his robe he stands up and puts it on. He then shuts his wooden trunk.

Voltaire exits the tent and he notices that the air is slightly frigid. Glancing over at a burnt out campfire he notices Lawrence and another man who he doesn't recognise sitting on some logs near the campfire. Voltaire walks over and sits down the other man awkwardly stares at him.

Lukas Buchman: Who are you, sir?
Voltaire: I was going to ask you the same question.
Lukas Buchman: Your a Frenchman I can tell by your accent.
Voltaire: Well yes...
Lukas Buchman: So who are you?
Voltaire: I'm Voltaire and I'm a poet and a friend of the King.
Lukas Buchman: I'm Lukas Buchman and I'm a Major General in His Majesty's Army. So if you are a poet why are you carrying a pistol with you?
Voltaire: The King recommended that I carry this with me for protection. I just heard that the British soldiers don't take too kindly to French civilians.
Lukas Buchman: Don't worry I'm sure that they won't harm you in any way.
Voltaire: Speaking of the King do you know where he is?
Lukas Buchman: Well the last time I saw him which was only a couple of minutes ago he was heading to the lake.
Voltaire: Alright...
Lukas Buchman: It's just through the forest.
Lawrence: I will help him get there sir.
Voltaire: Thank you, Lawrence.

Lawrence stands up and begins walking towards the forest. Voltaire hastily gets up and begins following Lawrence. Voltaire starts talking in a cheerful and slightly sleepy tone.

Voltaire: Why does everyone wake up so early Lawrence?
Lawrence: It's just a normal thing us soldiers have to do when we are at war.
Voltaire: Well I hope Frederick is getting enough sleep you know that I care about him.
Lawrence: I'm sure he is. Don't worry too much Voltaire.
Voltaire: So how long will we be staying at this place do you know Lawrence?
Lawrence: I don't know Voltaire. You could ask His Majesty.
Voltaire: That's true...

A few minutes later they get to a clearing. Where Voltaire notices Frederick staring at the clear glistening lake.

Lawrence: Go talk to him I can tell you want to.
Voltaire: Thank you for leading me here Lawrence.
Lawrence: Your welcome Voltaire.

Lawrence calmly strolls off back to the camp. While Voltaire calmly wanders along the stony beach towards Frederick. He eventually stops and stands beside Frederick gently putting his hand on Frederick's shoulder. Frederick notices this and he smiles at Voltaire and starts speaking in a warm and cheerful voice.

Frederick: Good Morning Voltaire.
Voltaire: Morning Frederick.
Frederick: How is my good friend this morning?
Voltaire: I am well. Just slightly tired.
Frederick: I understand that. The journey yesterday was probably quite tiring for you. Are you feeling better?
Voltaire: It seems that the pain went away...I just haven't travelled that far since I fled my homeland...I don't remember much about that day except that I was exhausted, hungry and thirsty.
Frederick: You overexerted yourself...But I helped take care of you.
Voltaire: I thought I was going to die that day...But I didn't. Although at first, I thought that no one would care about me that day. I was just a Frenchman who fled his homeland. But you cared about me Frederick and you still do.
Frederick: Of course, I do Voltaire you are my dearest friend.

Voltaire suddenly gently hugs Frederick and he starts speaking in a cheerful tone.

Voltaire: I thank you for being so kind to me Frederick.
Frederick: I also thank you for being kind to me Voltaire.
Voltaire: I...love you as a friend.
Frederick: I do as well Voltaire.
Voltaire: I will be forever grateful to you for saving my life on that day.
Frederick: And I will always care for you, Voltaire.

Frederick starts gently stroking Voltaire's hair.

Voltaire: Frederick I want to ask you something important.
Frederick: Yes Voltaire?
Voltaire: How long are we staying at this place?
Frederick: Until the British arrive. They shouldn't be too long I hope.
Voltaire: Alright...
Frederick: I hope everyone is treating you well Voltaire. I know that you are just a poet and not a soldier. You don't want to fight or kill anyone.
Voltaire: I met Major General Lukas Buchman. It seems he doesn't mind me being here and he was nice to me.
Frederick: That's good.
Voltaire: I'm not feeling as nervous as I was yesterday. But I'm still slightly nervous about what the British soldiers might do to me...
Frederick: They won't hurt you if you stay in our camp, Voltaire.
Voltaire: But I don't want to be stuck in the camp forever Frederick...I want to be able to do things.
Frederick: I understand...Now I need to head back to the camp you may come with me if you wish Voltaire.
Voltaire: Alright Frederick.

Voltaire and Frederick start walking back to the camp together through the forest. They listen to the wind rustling the leaves along with the many different types of birds singing in the trees. Frederick starts speaking in a calm and pleasant tone.

Frederick: It's beautiful out here and much calmer than in the city. There is always some sort of trouble happening in the city...
Voltaire: I know what that kind of trouble is like...I had to deal with it before I stayed with you.

Frederick suddenly stops and Voltaire does the same. Frederick turns around and stares at Voltaire with slight concern. He starts speaking in a troubled tone.

Frederick: What do you mean by that Voltaire?
Voltaire: I shouldn't have told you that...
Frederick: Why?
Voltaire: Fine I will explain it...
Frederick: No...no Voltaire you don't need to explain things that you aren't comfortable explaining.
Voltaire: No I will explain it. Because I should have told you this earlier.
Frederick: Fine...
Voltaire: I know how it feels to have to deal with the trouble on the streets...I have been in fights before but I just can't defend myself...I don't want to hurt anyone. I was almost sent to prison indefinitely for causing a duel.
Frederick: Voltaire...You didn't have to tell me that.
Voltaire: I should have told you this sooner, Frederick...You have told me things about your past but I didn't really tell you much about mine...
Frederick: But Voltaire I can tell that this is a subject you prefer not to talk about. You didn't have to tell me about it.

Voltaire quietly sighs and he starts speaking in a calm tone.

Voltaire: It just didn't feel right that I was keeping my past a secret from you.
Frederick: I understand...But you didn't have to tell me that if you weren't comfortable.
Voltaire: Alright...
Frederick: Let's head back.
Voltaire: Yes...

Voltaire and Frederick start walking through the forest again until they reach the camp. After a few minutes of walking through the camp, they reach their tent and they both go inside. Frederick sits down at his desk and stares at his papers while Voltaire sits down on his bed.

*Voltaire in thought*

Do I try to tell him now?
He seems busy though and that conversation we had was really awkward. I should just try to ask him if I could tell him something important.

Voltaire: Frederick?
Frederick: Yes Voltaire?
Voltaire: I...need to tell you something...

Prince Henry suddenly enters the tent and he starts speaking in a serious but calm tone.

Prince Henry: Frederick can we talk?
Frederick: Yes Henry...
Prince Henry: Somewhere private perhaps.
Frederick: Alright.

Frederick gently puts his quill down beside his papers and he gets out of his seat. Prince Henry walks out of the tent and Frederick goes to follow him. But he stops and looks back at Voltaire who is blushing a little bit. He starts speaking in a calm but pleasant tone.

Frederick: We will talk later Voltaire.
Voltaire: Alright...I understand that you are busy.
Frederick: I promise that we will talk alright.
Voltaire: Yes...

Frederick exits the tent and Voltaire lies down on his bed. He feels his heart thumping hard in his chest and the funny fluttering feeling in his stomach. Along with his cheeks starting to feel warm due to him blushing a lot.

*Voltaire in thought*
Why couldn't I say it!?

I guess if I did say it then the situation would have been extremely awkward. Because Prince Henry would have heard it! I don't want to embarrass myself.

But why do I feel like this right now? I need to control myself but I can't.

Calm yourself, Voltaire.

Voltaire: I guess I should go on a walk...

Voltaire gets up off his bed and exits the tent. He starts strolling to the forest once he enters the forest. He listens to the calming sounds of birds chirping and the leaves rustling. Eventually getting to the lake he starts walking around the edge of the lake.

*Voltaire in thought*
Why is it so difficult for me to tell Frederick that I love him?

I'm so worried about him...Fred upset him and has caused him to feel broken.

His pain is hurting me as well...But I don't know what to do...

Voltaire's eyes suddenly start filling up with tears causing his vision to blur. He starts trying to wipe his tears away but they keep coming. Suddenly he accidentally stumbles over something and falls onto the rocky beach. He starts crying even more due to the pain. Slowly and carefully getting himself up he sits and stares at the lake.

*Voltaire in thought*
Why am I like this? Why am I being a clumsy fool!?

A few minutes later Voltaire is still trying to calm himself. But he suddenly hears horses coming towards him along with a serious but calm voice.

Ferdinand May: Are you alright sir?

Voltaire awkwardly stares at the man and he gradually gets up. Feeling a small amount of pain in his right ankle he slowly limps over to the man. Ferdinand May carefully gets off his horse and walks over to Voltaire.

Ferdinand May: Do you need help, sir?
Voltaire: I...

Ferdinand May notices that Voltaire has been crying and that some tears are still streaming down his face.

Ferdinand May: Calm down you will be alright. Do you need the doctor, sir?
Voltaire: I...Yes.
Ferdinand May: Alright, I will take you to him.

Ferdinand May gets back on his horse and he notices Voltaire who is awkwardly standing there.

Ferdinand May: Can you walk or is it too painful for you?
Voltaire: It's too painful for me to walk sir...
Ferdinand May: Alright I will help you there then.

Voltaire awkwardly walks over to Ferdinand May who holds his hand out for Voltaire. Voltaire gently grabs Ferdinand May's hand and carefully gets on the horse. Voltaire gently holds onto Ferdinand May as they start trotting back to the camp with a small group of five other cavalrymen following them.

*Voltaire in thought*
I wonder who this man is? He is being so kind to me. But yet he is still being serious at the same time.

Ferdinand May: So who are you sir and why were you out here alone?
Voltaire: I'm Voltaire and I'm just a poet, not a soldier. I'm a friend of the King.
Ferdinand May: So you carry a pistol with you even though your just a poet.
Voltaire: It's what the King recommended me to bring with me. I have heard that some British soldiers are not too kind to French civilians like me...
Ferdinand May: I knew that you definitely don't sound like a Prussian...But I don't mind you being here and I have had an interest in poetry myself.
Voltaire: I see...
Ferdinand May: I am Major General Ferdinand May. I have been serving in the cavalry for a while. My father use to be the one I served under until he got himself killed fighting the French. I didn't mind serving under him he was a good man.
Voltaire: I know what it feels like to lose people...I had to flee my homeland and I lost connection to my friends and possibly now my sister.
Ferdinand May: I'm sorry that you had to go through that.

A couple of minutes later they eventually reach the medical tent and Ferdinand May carefully gets off his horse. Voltaire carefully gets off as well trying to not hurt himself even more. Ferdinand May enters the tent and Voltaire follows him.

Ferdinand May: Doctor Reinhart.
Doctor Reinhart: Yes sir?
Ferdinand May: This man needs help sir he has injured himself.
Doctor Reinhart: Alright and is there anything you need help with?
Ferdinand May: No sir I'm well.
Doctor Reinhart: Good. Now I shall help this man. You may go.
Ferdinand May: Thank you, sir.

Ferdinand May exits the tent and Voltaire awkwardly stares at Doctor Reinhart.

Doctor Reinhart: What happened this time Voltaire?
Voltaire: Can I just sit down and explain it...It hurts for me to stand up.
Doctor Reinhart: Alright sit.

Voltaire sits down at the nearest seat and Doctor Reinhart walks over to him.

Doctor Reinhart: So what happened?
Voltaire: I...just fell and I think I have hurt my right ankle...
Doctor Reinhart: You think you hurt it or have you actually hurt it?
Voltaire: I have hurt it, sir...
Doctor Reinhart: Alright. I will check it.

Doctor Reinhart kneels down and gently grabs Voltaire's right shoe and carefully takes it off. He notices that there is only a small amount of swelling and bruising. He starts speaking in a calm and pleasant tone.

Doctor Reinhart: Well the good news is that the injury is not severe. It's only a minor injury.
Voltaire: How long will it take to heal?
Doctor Reinhart: 2 to 3 weeks. But you should be able to walk on it properly in 2 weeks. You will just have to be careful.
Voltaire: Yes...
Doctor Reinhart: I shall dress your injury to help reduce the swelling.
Voltaire: Thank you, doctor.

Doctor Reinhart grabs some bandages and he starts carefully wrapping them around Voltaire's foot.

*Voltaire in thought*
What will Frederick say to me when he finds out that I injured myself?

He will probably worry even more about me which I don't want him to do. I don't want him to worry too much. He already has too much to worry about already.

A couple of minutes later Doctor Reinhart finishes wrapping Voltaire's foot in bandages. He then gives Voltaire some wooden crutches.

Doctor Reinhart: You can walk with these until you can put weight on your foot again.
Voltaire: How long would that be?
Doctor Reinhart: 3 days to a week.
Voltaire: Alright...
Doctor Reinhart: Get some rest alright. Perhaps use a spare pillow or something like that to prop it up on.
Voltaire: Alright...

Voltaire carefully stands up using the crutches.

Voltaire: Thank you, doctor.
Doctor Reinhart: Your welcome Voltaire. Take care.
Voltaire: Yes doctor.

Voltaire carefully walks back to the tent using his crutches. Once he gets back to the tent he uses his crutch to push the entrance to the tent open. Carefully walking inside he gently kneels down in front of his trunk. Gently opening the trunk he carefully searches through his thing. He eventually finds a spare pillow and he grabs it and gently closes the trunk.

Carefully getting back to his feet he walks over to his bed and lies down. He uses the pillow to prop his foot up.

*Voltaire in thought*
Frederick will notice that I'm hurt...But I don't want him to worry too much.

The injury is not as bad as the doctor said...It's only minor. But Frederick will still worry because he cares about me so much.

Merde (Shit) he will be asking what I wanted to talk to him about. I can't tell him that I love him yet...It's not the right moment.

Voltaire suddenly hears someone walking towards the tent. Lawrence suddenly enters the tent and he notices the crutches and Voltaire's foot which is wrapped in bandages. He starts speaking in a concerned tone.

Lawrence: Voltaire...what happened to you?
Voltaire: I hurt myself while I was on a walk but the doctor said that the injury is only minor.
Lawrence: I see...I'm guessing that the King doesn't know that your hurt.
Voltaire: Not yet but I don't want him worrying too much about me...He has enough on his mind.
Lawrence: I understand that...
Voltaire: I need to rest...
Lawrence: Alright I will let you rest.

Lawrence exits the tent and Voltaire slowly closes his eyes entering his fantasies. Voltaire slowly opens his eyes and he notices that he is lying in a soft and comfortable bed. Looking around the room he notices that the walls are off white and the floors are wooden and dark. He notices a dark wooden dresser to the left side of the room and a window on the right side of the room with light grey curtains.

Staring out the window he notices some trees and bushes. He also notices that it's raining a lot and he quietly sighs to himself. He stares at the clock on the wall and he notices that it reads 12:30 pm.

Voltaire: Where am I? What is this place?

A woman who has short blonde curly hair and brown eyes. Who is wearing a dark blue dress enters the room. She stares at Voltaire with a small smile on her face and she starts speaking in a cheerful tone.

???: How are you feeling?
Voltaire: Fine...
???: I can tell that you are not use to the climate of this country and that it's not making you feel well.
Voltaire: Where am I?
???: England...
Voltaire: What part of England?
???: Wandsworth.
Voltaire: Am I near London?
???: Yes London is almost 5 miles from here.
Voltaire: Who are you?
???: I'm Aubrey...Aubrey Brooks.
Voltaire: I'm assuming that you know who I am Aubrey?
Aubrey: Yes your Voltaire...

Voltaire slowly gets out of bed but as soon as he tries to stand up he feels dizzy and almost collapses. Aubrey quickly rushes over and helps him sit back down on the bed. She starts speaking in a concerned tone.

Aubrey: Take it easy...You have had to be bedridden for a while due to this illness you have had. It seems that you are still recovering from it.
Voltaire: I don't think I will ever get use to this place...Well, my body won't but I guess I will.
Aubrey: Where did you come from? I can tell that you are not from here.
Voltaire: France...I lived in Paris with my sister...But I decided to duel someone and they were going to send me to prison indefinitely...But I decided that I should be exiled here as an alternative punishment.
Aubrey: Why did you start a duel?
Voltaire: It was over a very awful reason...
Aubrey: I'm guessing that you don't want to talk about it?
Voltaire: No...
Aubrey: So how long will you be staying here?
Voltaire: I don't know Aubrey...

Voltaire quietly sighs and awkwardly stares at the floor and he starts speaking in a quiet and sad voice.

Voltaire: I miss my sister...
Aubrey: You will see her again I promise.
Voltaire: I regret my actions I was a fool...
Aubrey: Look everyone makes mistakes...But we learn from them. Now I suggest you rest you need to recover.
Voltaire: Alright...

Voltaire carefully gets back into bed and tucks himself in. Aubrey gets up and exits the room. Voltaire slowly wakes up and slowly opens his eyes allowing his vision to adjust. He looks around the tent noticing that Frederick is back yet. Voltaire carefully grabs his golden pocket watch out of his pocket and he opens it. He notices that it is 1:00 pm.

*Voltaire in thought*
Where are you, Frederick I thought he would be finished with his business by now.

I guess I should go have some lunch and then wait for him to return.

Voltaire carefully sits up and grabs his crutches and carefully gets to his feet. Voltaire carefully walks out of the tent to go get some lunch.

A couple of hours later Voltaire is sitting under a tree writing some poetry. He suddenly hears someone on a horse coming towards him so he looks up and notices that Prince Frederick is coldly glaring at him. Prince Frederick then quickly trots off. Suddenly Lukas Buchman approaches Voltaire and sits down next to him.

Lukas Buchman: You on the Prince's bad side or something?
Voltaire: He's more annoyed at the King than me...But yes I guess I am. But it was because I did something good.
Lukas Buchman: What happened to your foot?
Voltaire: Sprained it while I was on a walk...
Lukas Buchman: How bad is it?
Voltaire: Not too bad it's only minor that's what the doctor said.
Lukas Buchman: Well try to be careful then...
Voltaire: I will sir.
Lukas Buchman: I shall leave you to write your poetry. I can tell that you don't want to be disturbed.
Voltaire: Thank you, sir.

Lukas Buchman gets up and walks off. Voltaire continues writing his poetry.

*Voltaire in thought*
Why is the Prince being so cold towards me?
I did something right I saved Frederick's life! The Prince was about to kill him and I saved him...

I can't believe that the Prince would want to kill Frederick...

I need to stop worrying so much and focus on the things I enjoy...

A few hours later it is now 10:00 pm and Voltaire is lying in his bed with his foot propped up on the spare pillow. Frederick suddenly enters the tent and Voltaire notices that Frederick looks extremely exhausted. Frederick takes off his coat and hangs it on the back of his chair. Sitting down on the seat Frederick starts untying his boots and taking them off. He then notices the wooden crutches on the floor and then he looks over at Voltaire with concern.

Frederick: Mon ami? (my friend)
Voltaire: Yes...Frederick?
Frederick: What happened?
Voltaire: I went on a walk and I might have stumbled...
Frederick: How bad is it?
Voltaire: It's minor...
Frederick: You should be more careful...
Voltaire: I will try...

Frederick gets up off the seat and walks over to his bed and lies down. Gently tucking himself in he looks over at Voltaire still with a concerned look on his face.

Frederick: You are my friend Voltaire and I don't want you to get badly hurt...
Voltaire: Frederick I also don't want you to get badly hurt...I care about you as much as you care about me.
Frederick: Sorry that we couldn't talk today I was just really busy...
Voltaire: I understand...But I feel like that your men don't mind me being around. Two of them were quite nice to me today. Even though I am just a poet and not a soldier.

Frederick smiles a little bit.

Frederick: I'm glad that they are being kind to you Voltaire.
Voltaire: But I'm still nervous about the British soldiers hurting me...
Frederick: Voltaire they won't hurt you...Don't worry so much alright.
Voltaire: Alright...
Frederick: Now I'm going to sleep I'm exhausted and I need some sleep. I suggest you rest as well Voltaire you need it.
Voltaire: Do you promise to talk to me tomorrow?
Frederick: I will try Voltaire...But you know that I'm the King and I have duties to attend to.
Voltaire: Alright I understand...
Frederick: Bonne nuit (good night) Voltaire.
Voltaire: Bonne nuit (good night) Frederick.

Voltaire and Frederick both close their eyes and enter deep and peaceful sleep.

To be Continued...