16

Malcolm walked leisurely to his mother's chambers. His guard was closely behind him and they moved in silence. Why would his mother call for him at that time?

When he reaches the door, the court lady announced, "Prince Malcolm is here!" and she bowed.

"Let him in," Indira's voice came from inside.

The doors were opened and Malcolm entered. Indira was seated at a table with a cup of tea in front of her. There was another one where Malcolm was supposed to seat and some sugar. She looked serious. Malcolm knew his mother always had a serious face on but this was different.

"Mother," he called softly so as not to press the wrong button.

"Sit, Malcolm," she replied after taking a sip of her tea.

He lifted the cup to his nose and sniffed it.

"Black tea," his lips curved up in a smile.

The black tea was extremely bitter but his mother enjoyed it. No amount of sugar could make it sweet but it would reduce the bitterness.

He added two spoons of sugar quickly and took a sip.