With that matter concluded, we can once again reverse the hands of time, back to the morning and return to the king's bedchamber. As promised, he is deep in the throes of the nightmare and is sweating profusely as his body tosses about the bed which is saturated with more than perspiration. So now, let us join him in his bedchamber.
Gerard sits bolt upright in his bed, screaming his lungs out. There is a banging on his door, but he can't hear it. People on the other side are begging to know what is wrong, but he does not respond so they break convention and open the door as it is not locked so it is opened wide, allowing a small contingent of guards to flood inside followed closely by the three princesses.
They all rush to the bed, where the king's daughters throw themselves upon him. They take hold of his hands and shout over his screams, trying desperately to reach him. At length, Gerard stops screaming, but his mouth remains open as he pants from the physical exertion of the ordeal he just endured. Slowly, he regains his senses as his mind wades through the torrent of questions being uttered, most of which are simply asking if he is alright.
Gerard takes a deep swallow. "I'm alright," he assures the concerned mass, gathered at and in his bed, though his words are not so convincing, since his throat is slightly hoarse from the screaming. "Just a very bad nightmare."
"Tell it to us." Erica pleads as she draws closer to her exasperated father.
"Perhaps we can tell you what it means," Cassandra adds as she strokes the king's locks.
"No, that is quite alright," Gerard insists, between huffs. "It was nothing, really. I'm not even sure why I screamed. But look at what I have done." He turns his full attention to his daughters. "I've woken my poor beleaguered children from their well deserved rest." He throws his arms wide and embraces all of the princesses at once.
"Don't concern yourself with us," Amelia purrs as she loses herself in her father's arms.
"Nonsense," Gerard addresses his daughters as one and gives them an extra squeeze. "I have done this ill deed and shall have to make recompense. But for now, carry back to your beds and I shall see you during the early meal." He waits till all but the head guard are gone and calls him to his side.
The official draws near to the foot of the bed and drops to one knee. "Sire?" he addresses his superior with bowed head.
Gerard rises from his bed and starts dressing. "Have my personal guard assembled," he commands as he slips out of his evening clothes. "There is somewhere I need to go."
"Sire," the head guard responds before setting his steps to the completion of his king's request.