Current day, Aston's POV

"Aston," the smell of fresh pastries and fruit filled the halls of the musty marble hallway. I turn the corner to see my father holding a large basket. "Lend a man a hand?"
"Father!" I run over and place the basket on the stone floor before giving him a hug.
"Hello, son. I've brought the Queen's favorite. Cherry with sugar glaze," he motions to a pastry wrapped in cloth. "I figure if she's got some sweets in her she may give you the day off?"
I look at him confused. "What is it?"
He looks back at me seriously. "It's your mother. Her condition is getting worse. I was hoping we could go see her? Have you back in the castle by nightfall?"
I notice the sadness in his eyes framed by the large tired bags surrounding them. Among the gray hairs on his head I can barely find any brown anymore. Mother's sickness is aging him more than it is her. "I actually have some news..."
"She's sending you away again?"
Looking down I reply, "only for a few days. I'm to meet with the Princess of Dalgonia to renegotiate relations since her father's death."
He sighs, looking defeated. "And knowing her majesty she wants you to leave soon?"
"I've just finished packing."
"Son," he looks down at me, "come see her. I fear it'll only be a few days more that you can."
I hear a pair of shoes clicking down the stone floor, spotting her royal majesty in a day gown behind my father. Her pale skin was complimented by the deep purple of the dress, accented by the wiffs of grey in her hair. "Hello, Carter."
My father turns around, instinctively getting down on his knees. "Your majesty." He takes her hand and kisses it gently. She smiles softly and motions for him to stand.
"Has your son told you of his news?" She asks.
My father picks up the basket and hands it off to one of the Queen's men, who scurries away to the kitchen.
"Is that cherry I smell?" She teases.
"Queen Nefite, I have a favor to ask of you."
She tilts her head inquisitively, waiting for my father.
He stands up just a little taller and speaks just a little more clear, "Martha has fallen ill. I fear she has little time left."
She smiles sincerely, "I'm sorry. I know how hard that must be for you."
"However hard it is for me, it's harder on my son. Please, I ask on his behalf permission to pause his Royal duties to visit his mother."
A long awkward moment passes between them. I don't know if it's the way my father stares her down or the empty corridor that is more nerve racking.
She breaths in deeply. "He may visit her upon his return from Dalgonia."
"His return? Your majesty, it may be too late..."
"Aston has his duties to fulfill. Once he has done so he is free to visit his mother." Nefite states firmly. I see rage well up in my fathers eyes.
"Aston could you give us a moment?"
"Yes father..." I turn away, feeling the tension building up between the two. Part of me fears what he will say- one wrong word could be labeled treasonous. Luckily the Queen favors him, however short tempered she may be.
As I continue down the hall I hear muffled voices, slowly getting louder and louder as the two argue. I increase my pace to escape the sound. Before I know it I am back to my room, staring at the bags I've just packed. Im ready to visit Dalgonia, but I'm not ready to visit my mother one last time.