Everything seemed to be a beautiful darkness, perhaps this was the eternal sleep for the young Prince? Unfortunately, it appeared he would live for another day. Alexander awoke to a coughing fit, he felt warm yet, as the maid who came to ensure he was alright said, "You feel so cold, my lord." She gently helped him to sit up before he raised a hand in protest, insisting "I'm... I'm fine... Just give me a moment..." the brief pause in between words was due to the heavy breathing he needed in order to  recover from his coughing. This was normality for the Prince for the past three years. It all began when he returned from a campaign, something he did very little of these days.<br/><br/>"Would you like some help to get up, my lord?" The maid said quietly, the staff were constantly asking if he needed assistance, and it truly irritated him. Alexander felt as if he lost more and more independence every day he lived. "No, I can do it. Just prepare my bath." Slowly, his feet made contact with the cold floor as he began to put weight on his feet. There was still some muscle left on his body, and he made full use of it. Getting out of bed was difficult, but he could still do it on his own. But for how much longer? That was something he didn't like to think about. Once he was finally up, he found the simple wooden cane he'd taken to, it helped him conserve his strength for when he would need to be in the public eye, and today would arguably be an important day to look normal. Today he was to meet his future wife, a woman he'd never met, but was assured was the most beautiful woman he would lay eyes on. Of course, he nothing else about this woman besides that, so he was more then a bit worried. More importantly was how she would deal with his "condtion".<br/><br/>It's all he worried about. He was no longer the strong, brave Prince that the whole Kingdom looked up to. He no longer commanded troops nor lifted his sword in victory. He was just a sick, frail man who spent most of his day simply trying to stay awake and not cough up blood in front of others. A sigh passed his lips as he entered the bathing chamber, the maid bowed and left the room as the Prince undressed and looked at his face in the mirror. "So pale..." he mutters, his skin had very little color left. Perhaps he should consider make up? No, he shouldn't lie about how he looked to a woman who would learn the true anyway. He could only attempt to look strong for her.<br/><br/>He took some time to bathe, as it was only of the only times he could simply relax, not have to worry about what the future would hold. He expected it would include his own death, but he would try to prolong his life as long as possible. After he finished bathing, Alexander left the bathing chamber, a towel carefully wrapped around his waste as he made his way back to his bedroom. The maid had already laid out his outfit, of course it was the finest on he had. This meant the Princess would be at the castle very soon, and he wanted to meet her when he looked his strongest. He began to dress, carefully not to fall over, as he would have great difficulty actually getting back up. His hand passed through his short, dark hair as he ensured he looked proper and as handsome as possible in his condition.<br/><br/>A Royal Guard was soon knocking on his door, his armored hand making contact with the wood, his words only seeking to make the Prince even more nervous. "My lord, the Princess will be here within the hour. Are you ready to meet her?" With a silent sigh, he responded "Yes, I'm ready." Before opening the door and making his way into the hallway, escorted by four of his guards. They made there way into the throne room, where the King sat in his throne. The throne of the Queen had been empty for nearly seven years, never to be filled until the King died. "Father." Alexander said in acknowledgment, before standing at his side, a hand carefully placed on the throne in order to aid in the Princes balance. At least it wouldn't look like he was having trouble standing. The King offered a soft nod, before turning his eyes to the door as it opened. This was it, she was here.<br/><br/>And it was true, she was the most beautiful woman Alexander had ever laid eyes on. "Her Royal Majesty, Princess Scarlet Harveir." The Guard spoke, the lesser nobles bowed while the other two royals remained as they were. "My lady." The King began "It is an honor to have you here."<br/><br/><a class="username" data-user-id="48" data-username="@Elle" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/48/">@Elle</a>