The camera cuts to showing the three sitting at their respective seats. River, the future queen, sits where her father once did. Meanwhile Stace sits to her right, and Haden to her left.

Just sitting in her father's seat makes the reality sink in.

Haden
This food looks delectable. Shall we eat?

The three agree and start digging in, rather refined might I add.

Haden
(Swallow)
Stacy, have you ever had such a meal before?

Stace
No, I ate in this very hall a few times. I don't know why you ask, though.

Haden
No reason, I was merely curious.

River looks at them both.

River
I'm so glad to see you both... Getting along so well.

She sounds rather unsure if this "trio" thing will maintain or if it'll blow up.

Haden
As am I, princess.

He smiles.

Just then, the doors fly open and a guard rushes in.

River
Huh?!

River jolts up from her seat.

Guard
(Tired)
Princess! The royal advisor! He's... Dead!

River
(Shocked)
Dead?!

Stace is shocked too. And Haden seems to be as well.

Haden
Who could have done such a thing?!

Stace
(Thoughts)
First the king, and now his trusted advisor...

River walks around the table and towards the exacerbated guard.

River
(Worry)
H-How?!

Guard
A stab wound to the gut and his throat has been cut!

River turns towards Stace and Haden, who also look shocked like she is. She then looks back towards the guard.

River
Can I go see him?! If I'm going to be queen, then I must take control!

Haden
River!

Haden stands as well.

Haden
No! If the advisor was slain, then the assassin might be in our midst!

Haden walks to River's side and the two look at one another.

Haden
For all we know, he could be the very guard informing us of this atrocity!

The guard looks upset by being accused.

Guard
(Nervous and upset)
I had no hand in this! I am merely a messenger sent by the captain of the guard!

Haden
And what if it's the captain?! Would you be willing to raise your sword against your superior to bring them to justice?!

Guard
I-! I-! Of course I'd do that!

Stace is angered by this mess.

Stace
Listen to me!

She screams, getting everyone in the room's attention. She stands up from her seat as well.

Stace
(Angered)
What good will come of blaming each other?! If there's an assassin amongst the castle's staff, soldier or not, we must drive it out! But blaming one another without evidence is not how it's done!

Haden thinks for a moment on what she's said and takes a deep breath.

Haden
(Exhale)
She is right... Haden, control yourself.

He says to himself before looking at the guard.

Haden
I apologize for blaming you. I just do not want anything to happen to dear Princess River.

He places a hand on her bare shoulder.

Guard
I understand. I must get back to my duties now. Stay on castle grounds.

He tells them before walking away and going back through the big doors, closing them both behind himself.

River steps back, taking in what's happening.

River
First father, now his advisor... Next, I could die too.

She is clearly very worried.

Haden
(Reassuring)
And that's why you will be secure. I will not leave your side a single time, princess.

Stace
I'll stay by her side too. What can we do beyond that, though?

Stace walks up to them.

Haden looks like he's thinking before coming to a conclusion.

Haden
I know you were against it before princess, but allow me to rule for a short period. At least until we discover who has done this.

River
W-Why?

Haden
Because they'll most like come after whoever is ruler. If I had to guess... Whoever is doing this is wanting power. Remember what the advisor said? The noblemen at power were vying for the throne. So maybe one of them did it.

Stace notices his pause as he seemed to be thinking.

River takes a moment to think on it, worried.

River
But I don't want you to die either.

Haden
I know...

Haden grabs River's hands and pulls her closer, gripping her hands firmly and looking down into her eyes.

Haden
I know. You're so caring. But really, I insist. And I promise, I won't be killed.

River
O-Okay. If you promise. I love you.

Haden
I love you too...

The couple kisses passionately.

Meanwhile, Stace thinks to herself in the back.

Stace
(Thoughts)
He... Was so sure in blaming others. Almost as if he was wanting to breed... Distrust.

As she thinks this, she reaches an epiphany.

Haden and River look at Stace.

Haden
We're going to go and get this leadership thing situated, informing the guards of it. Are you coming?

Stace
No. I don't think I will. I have other duties.

Haden
(Pleasant)
Very well. We'll both see you in a little while.

He smirks and the two walk away from Stace, leaving the room to go do as they plan.

Meanwhile, Stace sees her time to strike.

Camera cuts to black on a far shot overlooking the entire room, Stace walking towards the door.