ROME

The king couldn't take the discomfort the royal family dinner offered any longer. He made his way out of the room straight to his favorite place in the Castle. The Red River. It was the most private place, apart from his chambers, and it held dear and fond memories of his mother. He could visit there and converse with her, informing her of what was happening. He was sure he was going to be engulfed in her peace.

As he approached the river, he kicked pebbles around like a youngling. He had played the pebble game with his mother when she was healthy enough to. He threw one into...