It is now 6:00 pm and Frederick and Prince Henry are in Fredericks private study. Frederick is staring at the large map of Europe that is laid out in front of him on a large table. Prince Henry walks over and he also starts staring at the map.

Frederick: You wanted to speak to me and you're just being extremely quiet. Henry just speak to me if you are too scared to speak just write it down.
Prince Henry: Frederick...
Frederick: What?

Prince Henry stares at the silver dagger that Frederick is holding.

Frederick: It's blunt I just use it for pointing at things on the map now. But I know you're not here to talk about swords and daggers Henry. Just tell me what you need to say.

Prince Henry stares at the bottle of wine and glass that is half-filled with red wine.

Frederick: I haven't drunk much. But again I know you're not here for the wine. Besides, I know that you prefer white wine. Henry, please just tell me what you need to say.
Prince Henry: The Duke of Wellington is here but something happened...
Frederick: Be specific Henry. What happened?
Prince Henry: Fred did something...
Frederick: Henry be specific. I need to know what that something is.
Prince Henry: I didn't see any of it. But Wellington told me that Prince Frederick shot him. And well he was indeed correct. Because when I came to the scene Fred was still holding his gun and aiming it at Wellington. Possibly preparing to kill him.
Frederick: merde! (Shit)

Frederick suddenly thrusts the dagger into the wooden table causing it to get stuck.

Prince Henry: Frederick...don't go punish Fred...Your drunk.
Frederick: I'm not Henry...

Frederick stares at Prince Henry and Henry notices the coldness in Fredericks eyes. Frederick promptly walks past Prince Henry and he opens the door to his study. He promptly walks out into the hallway and then slams the door out of his growing rage. Frederick starts hastily walking down the hallway. He feels himself clenching his fists tightly causing his fingernails to dig into his palms.

Frederick: He broke my promise. That bastard.

Frederick promptly walks up the stairs and he notices Prince Frederick staring out the window.

Frederick: Fred!
Prince Frederick: I...

Frederick promptly walks over to Prince Frederick and he shoves him up against the wall.

Frederick: You broke my promise! You tried to kill Wellington do you know how that would affect our relationship with England!
Prince Frederick: The British couldn't save my father they don't care about Prussia!
Frederick: They are our allies! We help them if they ask for our help!
Prince Frederick: Since when does a strong country such as Britain plead for help from a small country such as Prussia!?
Frederick: Even though we are a small country we still have an army of 200,000 men. If you're going to be like this you will not be going to the battle you will be stuck here in the palace.
Prince Frederick: You can't do that!
Frederick: I can I'm your King!

Frederick clenches his fists even more.

Prince Frederick: Go ahead hit me. Punish me. Do what your father did to you.

Frederick unclenches his fists and he puts his hands behind his back.

Frederick: Go to your room Fred and do not come to the meeting tomorrow I will talk to you after the meeting...

Prince Frederick walks off in silence and Frederick stares out the window trying to calm himself. He starts walking down the hallway he opens the door to his room. He walks inside and he slams the door. He walks over to his bed and he sits down at the end of it. He stares at his hands which are trembling slightly.

Frederick: He wanted me to hurt him...Why...

Voltaire suddenly gently knocks on the door.

Voltaire: Frederick...are you alright can I come in?
Frederick: No Voltaire I am not alright...
Voltaire: Can I come in? I might be able to calm you down...
Frederick: Voltaire...
Voltaire: Please?
Frederick: Alright fine Voltaire...come in.

Voltaire gently opens the door and he walks into the room gently closing the door behind him. He notices Fredericks trembling hands. Voltaire walks over to the bed and he sits next to Frederick.

Voltaire: What happened?
Frederick: The Prince wanted me to hurt him...I don't want to hurt him, Voltaire...
Voltaire: I understand Frederick.
Frederick: I was angry and...He broke my promise.
Voltaire: Frederick...

Frederick suddenly gently grabs one of Voltaire's hands. Voltaire notices how delicate but strong Fredericks hand is. Voltaire stares awkwardly at Frederick.

Frederick: Sorry Voltaire...I didn't mean to do that...

Frederick let's go of Voltaire's hand. Voltaire smiles at Frederick.

Voltaire: I just wasn't expecting you to do that...
Frederick: It's fine...
Voltaire: What are you going to do now Frederick?
Frederick: I guess I should go see Wellington since I'm a bit calmer now.
Voltaire: Are you not going to have dinner Frederick?
Frederick: I'm not hungry at the moment...
Voltaire: Alright...

Frederick gets up off his bed and walks over to the door and opens it. Frederick looks at Voltaire.

Frederick: Look I know that you're worried, Voltaire. I know you're worried that I don't take care of myself enough sometimes. But that's one of the problems with being King. You need to work a lot...
Voltaire: Please at least have dinner Frederick...
Frederick: I will...Don't worry.

Frederick walks out into the hallway and closes the door behind him. Frederick starts promptly walking down the hallway.

Frederick: Where would he be?...

Frederick stops and stares out a window. He suddenly feels a hand on his shoulder.

Prince Henry: Frederick...
Frederick: Do you know where Wellington is I want to speak to him.
Prince Henry: Follow me.

Prince Henry starts walking down the hallway and Frederick quickly follows him.

Frederick: I can't believe that Fred broke my promise...He also wanted me to hurt him...
Prince Henry: Why would he want you to hurt him?
Frederick: I don't know...
Prince Henry: He probably wanted you to be like our father...
Frederick: I refuse to act like my father...He was a violent cruel man...I will not harm Fred and be like my father. I want to be a good father for him even though he is not my son. Augustus said to me if anything bad were to happen to him that I would take care of Fred. He made me Fred's godfather.
Prince Henry: I understand Frederick. You are trying your best to be a father for him.
Frederick: I feel like I'm not doing good enough for him...He hates me, doesn't he.
Prince Henry: Frederick...
Frederick: I'm a bad father aren't I...
Prince Henry: No Frederick you are not a bad father. You're just not use to having to take care of a child. Even though Fred is a man but still he's young and got a lot to learn before he becomes the next King.
Frederick: Henry...What do I do?
Prince Henry: I don't know we can talk about this tomorrow maybe. For now, you need to speak to Wellington.

Both of them stop walking and Prince Henry stares at the door that's in front of them.

Prince Henry: I will leave you to talk to him.

Prince Henry walks off and Frederick knocks on the door.

Wellington: Come in.

Frederick opens the door and he enters the room closing the door behind him. He notices Wellington lying on the bed reading a British newspaper.

Frederick: You must be the Duke of Wellington correct?
Wellington: Correct Your Majesty.
Frederick: I apologise for what my nephew did to you...He's a troublesome boy.

Wellington puts his newspaper down and he smiles at Frederick.

Wellington: I've had worse than a couple of bullet wounds. I'm also use to troublesome boys my army is full of them. But we know how to discipline them.
Frederick: I need to tell you something important.
Wellington: What is it, your Majesty?
Frederick: I will help you in this war. The Prussian Army will fight alongside the British Army. You will have my help.
Wellington: I thank you...Your Majesty.
Frederick: We will have our meeting tomorrow. I suggest you get some rest.
Wellington: Yes Your Majesty.
Frederick: I will see you tomorrow. I will send someone to tell you when the meeting is.
Wellington: Alright Your Majesty.

Frederick opens the door and walks out into the hallway. He then closes the door behind him. Frederick feels a slight feeling of emptiness in his stomach. Frederick walks over to the window and stares at the view of the city of Potsdam.

Frederick: Voltaire is right I do need to take care of myself. I guess I should have dinner I am hungry.

Frederick stops staring out the window and he starts walking down the hallway. Meanwhile, Voltaire is in his room sitting on his bed staring at his left hand.

Voltaire: He held my hand...He has such strong but delicate hands. I wasn't expecting him to do that. He's making me love him even more. I wonder if he loves me. Why would he hold my hand like that if he doesn't love me? I can't tell him now... it's too soon.

A few hours later Frederick is lying in bed staring at the ceiling.

Frederick: He wanted me to hurt him...Why Fred why would you want me to hurt you. I'm just trying to be a good father for him...Even though im, not his father. I should rest it's late and I'm talking to myself.

Frederick slowly closes his eyes and goes to sleep. Frederick suddenly opens his eyes and he notices that he is standing in a dark room.

Frederick: No...not again, please.

Suddenly a curtain is opened lighting up the room. Frederick looks around and he notices that the room is white and gold. Frederick notices a man with a long brown curly wig and blue eyes who is wearing a red royal robe sitting in a wooden chair staring at him.

???: Remember me?
Frederick: No...I don't remember you.
???: You were only a boy when I saw you so I guess it makes sense why you don't remember me.
Frederick: I still don't know who you are.
???: I'm the first King of Prussia. Your grandfather. And funny enough we share the same first name.
Frederick: Why am I here?
King Frederick I: You seemed scared when you came into this room. Why is that?
Frederick: I thought you were someone else...
King Frederick I: Who?
Frederick: My father...
King Frederick I: Why are you scared of him?
Frederick: He use to hurt me...as a child. He use to hurt me over the smallest things like wearing gloves in the winter.
King Frederick I: I tried to stop him from being so violent towards you. But he didn't listen to me. I didn't like seeing you hurt.
Frederick: You tried to stop him?
King Frederick I: I thought I would be able to reason with him. Make him love you again.
Frederick: He use to love me?...
King Frederick I: Yes when you were very young he loved you. As most parents do with their children they always love them.
Frederick: He didn't love me that much as I got older because I started learning French and how to play the flute. He saw it as unmanly. He wanted me to be a soldier. He wanted me to be a man. If you know what I mean.
King Frederick I: I understand what you mean.
Frederick: He wanted me to be a King who wages war...I didn't want that. Unfortunately, I'm now doing that...
King Frederick I: War is a hard thing. It can break a man...I understand why you don't want to wage war. But sometimes it's your only option.
Frederick: Then there's my nephew. Fred. He's violent and troublesome. He's also now the heir to the throne. He's young and I'm trying to be a good father to him because he lost his father at a young age.
King Frederick I: You're having a hard time with this aren't you.
Frederick: I honestly feel like a bad father...He hates me he hurt me. I'm a failure.
King Frederick I: You're not a failure...It's hard to take care of a child who is violent and has just lost their father. You're trying your best for him.
Frederick: I'm not good enough for him...

Frederick starts tearing up.

King Frederick I: You're trying your best. Don't give up.
Frederick: My father was right I'm a useless boy...
King Frederick I: No you're not useless. Dry your tears. Listen to me.

Frederick wipes his tears away.

Frederick: How am I not useless?
King Frederick I: You're trying your best. You're not giving up on him. You love him like a son that you never had. Don't give up now Fritz.
Frederick: He tried to kill two of my guests and he possibly wanted to kill me...He wanted me to hurt him...He wanted me to act like my father. I will not hurt him.
King Frederick I: He's probably use to being in a fight. He's use to violence.
Frederick: He is a soldier like his father was...
King Frederick I: He's use to the harsh punishments of being a soldier.
Frederick: I will not unleash my fury upon him. I have that same fiery anger as my father.
King Frederick I: You control that burning flame don't you. Unlike your father.
Frederick: Sometimes...depends if I'm drunk.
King Frederick I: Being angry when your drunk is normal.
Frederick: I guess it is...
King Frederick I: Don't worry I'm sure Fred will love you. And remember you are trying your best to be a good father to him.
Frederick: It's just hard I guess to take care of someone and teach them how to be the next King. When they don't see you as their father and are a violent man.
King Frederick I: It is but you just have to try your best and not give up. I didn't give up on your father and he was a handful. And your father didn't give up on you even though he didn't show you that much love. But you aren't your father you love Fred even though he probably doesn't love you as much as you would like.
Frederick: Your right...I can't give up.
King Frederick I: Good...But now you need to wake up.
Frederick: Huh? But I'm already awake.
King Frederick I: Wake up Frederick.

Frederick starts slowly waking up. As he feels the warm sunshine on his face along with a familiar voice telling him to wake up.

Voltaire: Frederick wake up its 9:00 am!

Frederick slowly opens his eyes allowing them to adjust to the light. He notices Voltaire staring at him. He also feels an empty feeling in his stomach telling him that he needs to eat.

Voltaire: Frederick...you slept well.
Frederick: Time?

Voltaire stares at the clock on the wall.

Voltaire: 9:15 am
Frederick: How long have you been trying to wake me up...
Voltaire: Not long I did want to let you rest. You are quite peaceful when your sleeping and I didn't want to disturb you.
Frederick: I understand. But I need to get prepared for today's meeting. I suggest you do the same, Voltaire.
Voltaire: Yes Frederick...

Voltaire leaves the room. He starts walking down the hallway. He suddenly stops and notices that the door to his room. He stares with slight confusion. He slowly approaches the doorway and he stares in alarm at all his poetry that has been tossed on the floor.

Voltaire: What...Who...Who in the hell did this!?

Voltaire quickly walks into his room and he notices a small note written in very neat cursive in Prussian lying on his desk. Voltaire gently picks up the note and he stares at it. The note reads "Du verdammter Schnatz" (You fucking snitch.)

Voltaire: I didn't snitch...

Voltaire glances at the poetry that use to be in neat piles are now scattered across the floor in an unorganised mess.

Voltaire: Why me...

Voltaire suddenly hears footsteps coming towards him. Lieutenant Sundermann stops and stares at Voltaire.

Lawrence: Are you alright.
Voltaire: No I'm not alright some petty despicable bastard decided to throw all my poetry on the floor.

Lawrence walks in and stares at all the poetry on the floor.

Lawrence: Jesus Christ...Do you want me to help you clean it up?
Voltaire: No I don't need help. Besides I'm the only one who knows how they were organised.
Lawrence: Look I know you're upset but let me help you, Voltaire...
Voltaire: No.

Lawrence notices the note in Voltaire's hand.

Lawrence: Voltaire let me see the note.
Voltaire: Fine...

Voltaire hands Lawrence the note and Lawrence stares at it with concern.

Lawrence: You're assuming it was me. That's why you don't want me to help you.
Voltaire: Just go...get out. Tell Frederick I won't be at the meeting.
Lawrence: Voltaire it wasn't me. Let me help you...
Voltaire: Please get out of my room...
Lawrence: Fine.

Lawrence promptly leaves Voltaire's room and he closes the door behind him. Lawrence stares at the note still in his hand. Lawrence promptly walks down the hallway until he gets to Prince Henry's room. He knocks on the door.

Prince Henry: What is it?
Lawrence: Your Highness I need to show you something.

Prince Henry opens the door and Lawrence shows him the note. Prince Henry stares at it with concern.

Lawrence: This was found in Voltaire's room. Someone threw his poetry on the floor along with leaving this note behind.
Prince Henry: I see...
Lawrence: Do you recognise the handwriting?
Prince Henry: Well it's not mine. My handwriting it's slightly messier and my brother always complains because he can't read it. So he keeps telling me to write in italics and I always tell him no because I prefer to connect my letters. But this handwriting is Prince Fredericks I can tell. Because I remember my brother teaching him cursive.
Lawrence: That bloody wanker.
Prince Henry: A what?
Lawrence: It's a common British insult.
Prince Henry: I see. Now I need to get ready for the meeting.
Lawrence: See you later Your Highness.

Prince Henry closes the door and Lawrence promptly walks down the hallway. He then starts walking down the stairs.

Lawrence: How dare he do that to Voltaire...

Lawrence suddenly notices Prince Frederick gazing out a window at the Palace gardens.

Lawrence: I know what you did your Highness you upset Voltaire! You wanker!
Prince Frederick: It was just poetry thrown on the floor and it's true he snitched on me to Prince Henry.
Lawrence: Still he was hurt by it, you bastard!

Lawrence starts approaching Prince Frederick and he shoved him up against the wall. Lawrence glared into Prince Fredericks eyes.

Prince Frederick: He is just a poet. Why are you defending him?
Lawrence: You taught him how to use a gun and now you have turned on him because he snitched on you! You also hurt the Duke of Wellington my commander!
Prince Frederick: So what...
Lawrence: Do you want to risk the Kings friendship with England my home country! If the Duke was killed by your hand war between Britain and Prussia would begin and you would be killed just like your father!
Prince Frederick: I don't care if I die. As long as I'm remembered as a hero.
Lawrence: I doubt that killing Wellington would make you a hero Your Highness...I bet even your countrymen would hate you for causing the war between Britain and Prussia...I bet his Majesty would also be upset at you.
Prince Frederick: The reason why I left the note for Voltaire is that he insulted me and snitched on me to Prince Henry. And now it seems im not allowed near him.
Lawrence: That is understandable because you hurt His Majesty. I suggest you stay away from Voltaire or I will tell the King what you did you bastard.

Lawrence backs off and starts walking down the hallway again. Prince Frederick starts staring at the gardens again. Meanwhile upstairs in one of the spare rooms, Wellington is reading a British newspaper.

Lord Uxbridge: Anything interesting sir?
Wellington: No other than everyone knowing that we are at war.
Lord Uxbridge: And expecting Britains hero and glorious commander to return home victorious.
Wellington: Don't call me that...
Lord Uxbridge: But it's true sir you are a hero.
Wellington: No I'm not a hero Uxbridge...so please stop calling me that.

There is suddenly a knock on the door.

Wellington: Come in if you please.

A man who has short blonde hair and green eyes who is wearing a Prussian Army uniform opens the door.

Wellington: And you are?
Felix Hoenigsberg: I'm Felix Hoenigsberg. I'm just a messenger sir.
Wellington: I see. Well, what do you need to tell me?
Felix: Your meeting with His Majesty will be in an hour, sir.
Wellington: Thank You for telling me I shall get prepared.

Felix closes the door and he walks down the hallway and knocks on Voltaire's door.

Felix: Voltaire?

Felix gets no response but he hears some quiet sobbing.

Felix: Voltaire are you alright?
Voltaire: What do you want?
Felix: I need to tell you something may I open the door?
Voltaire: Fine...

Felix opens the door and he notices Voltaire sitting on his bed wiping his tears away. He also notices all the poetry scattered on the floor.

Felix: Voltaire...
Voltaire: What?...
Felix: The meeting is in an hour...
Voltaire: Tell Frederick I'm not going...I need time to myself. I have been hurt and terrified for my life. The Prince has done this to me...
Felix: Alright I'll tell his Majesty.

Felix gently closes the door and he starts walking down the hallway again. He gets to Fredericks room and he knocks on the door.

Felix: Your Majesty.
Frederick: Yes what is it?
Felix: I need to tell you something important...
Frederick: Alright.

Felix opens the door and enters Fredericks room. He notices that Frederick is staring out the window.

Felix: Your Majesty Voltaire told me to tell you that he won't be going to the meeting.
Frederick: Why is that?
Felix: Something happened and he is upset. He wants time to himself.
Frederick: What happened?
Felix: Someone threw his poetry on the floor. Also apparently Prince Frederick scared him...
Frederick: Fred probably also threw the poetry on the floor. I don't understand why he would do that though. Did Voltaire tell you why his poetry was thrown on the floor?
Felix: No he seemed too upset to tell me.
Frederick: I'll see him after the meeting he needs time to collect himself. But thank you for telling me this I will also have a word to Fred about what he's done. You may leave now.
Felix: Yes Your Majesty.

Felix walks out of the room and into the hallway closing the door behind him. Felix continues walking down the hallway. Frederick suddenly comes out of his room and he promptly walks over to the door of Voltaire's room. He hears some quiet sobbing.

Frederick: Voltaire...can I come in?
Voltaire: Look I don't want to come to the meeting Frederick...
Frederick: I know the messenger told me that. But may I come in Voltaire?
Voltaire: No...talk to me later please Frederick...
Frederick: I understand mon ami. (my friend)

Frederick promptly walks off down the hallway. He feels worried and slightly upset about what Prince Frederick did along with his worries about Voltaire causes him to feel slightly troubled. He stops and stares out the window at the city. He takes out his golden pocket watch and he opens it and looks at it. The time reads 9:30 am. 30 minutes until the meeting. He suddenly feels someone lay their hand on his shoulder.

Frederick: Henry...
Prince Henry: How did you know it was me?
Frederick: You always do this. You just act awkward before you talk to me. I knew I was being watched and you were awkwardly standing behind me. Henry, I know I'm the King but you're my brother so no need for the awkwardness of me needing to say something first.
Prince Henry: Alright I'll try to act less awkward. But I was wondering why you are just standing here awkwardly staring out the window.
Frederick: Are you saying that I'm the awkward one?
Prince Henry: No Frederick. I was just wondering...
Frederick: Voltaire is still upset...Fred must have thrown his poetry on the floor...
Prince Henry: Don't let that distract you, Frederick you need to prepare for the meeting.
Frederick: I...understand.
Prince Henry: I will see you at the meeting Frederick.
Frederick: See you soon Henry...

Prince Henry walks off down the hallway.

30 minutes later in Fredericks private study.

Wellington: The French Army are preparing to attack Brussels.
Frederick: How many French soldiers are there going to be attacking Brussels?
Wellington: We estimate at least 200,000 French soldiers.
Frederick: How many soldiers does the British Army have?
Wellington: About 110,000.
Frederick: I'll send 110,00 of my soldiers to help the British Army.
Prince Henry: But that's over half our force, Your Majesty...
Frederick: We have no choice, Prince Henry. We need to stop the French Emperor from taking over Europe.
Prince Henry: I understand Your Majesty.
Frederick: Where are we going to stop the French Army?
Wellington: A town near Brussels Your Majesty. Do you have a map of Belgium, Your Majesty?
Frederick: Prince Henry may you please find the map of Belgium.
Prince Henry: Yes Your Majesty.

Prince Henry walks over to the shelf that is full of maps. He starts searching through the maps until he finds the map of Belgium. He walks over to the large table and unravels the map.

Frederick: So where are we going to stop the French Army?

Wellington stares at the map for a few minutes studying the places. Wellington points at a particular crossroad near Brussels.

Wellington: We will stop him there.
Frederick: Alright.
Wellington: My men should be at Copenhagen by tomorrow. This means I will be leaving Potsdam tomorrow to be with my Army.
Frederick: I understand. Well, I guess that concludes the meeting gentlemen.
Wellington: Yes.

Wellington and Lord Uxbridge leave the room. Prince Henry stares at Frederick who still seems troubled.

Prince Henry: Frederick let's go have breakfast, shall we?
Frederick: Fine...

Prince Henry and Frederick leave the room to go to have breakfast.

To be Continued...