EIGHTEEN

ALANNA

        The persistent knocks on the door of Zeron's chamber awakens me from my rather peaceful slumber. Sitting up slowly, I turn to look at Zeron who is still lying beside me, asleep. I get out of bed, careful not to awaken my husband. Then, I pad across the room and swing the door open only to be greeted by the flamboyant sight of the queen mother. Before I can say anything, she's already pushing past me and making her way into the room. Zeron opens his eyes and glares at his mother, the darkness of his eyes making his glare more menacing than usual.

"Why are you here, mother?" He asks in a very manly morning voice.

"What happened to your eyes?" Tiana asks with a frown on her face.

"Long story short, I'm becoming a lunatic. What're you going to do about that?" He responds with a blank look on his face.

"You're not a lunatic and you know that, my boy"

"Oh, so