Chapter 23: Consequence

"We all need to get the balance between action and reflection. With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock."

-Queen Elizabeth II

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The carriage slowly disappeared from afar. Hinrik took a deep breath before turning to the palace guard and brandishing a slight smile. 

"All is fair in love and monarchy, isn't that quite a saying?" the prince chuckled, hoisting himself up on his horse. 

The palace guard did the same, settling on a second horse. 

"I beg your pardon, your highness, but I don't think that's how it goes."

"Oh?" Prince Hinrik's lips twitch in a smirk.

"Aren't you a married man, though?" 

The palace guard nodded, waiting for the prince's signal to get moving. 

"I have three children, your highness. My eldest would turn sixteen soon and be eligible to train in the palace and swear loyalty to the crown."