A Curse For Life Pt.6: Crowns (Continued)

The Patriarch and the Tsarevitch Nikolas stayed out till it was time for dinner. They had walked throughout the entire gardens in the Palace grounds, and were still deep in conversation when they returned again. They both retreated to their rooms in the Palace to prepare for dinner. The Patriarch took longer to get ready, but Nikolas wasn't waiting long, outside his state- rooms. When the pair eventually did make it to the banquet hall they found the rest of the family waiting for them. They both stood just inside the threshold; Nikolas bowed to the Tsar- to- be, and the Patriarch inclined his head slightly.

"We are graced by the presence of our beloved Nikolas and our beloved Patriarch, at last!" taunted Alexander. Tikhon looked at his cousin, an unimpressed look upon his face; this took a lot of practice, because the will to laugh was still very strong.
"The next time you come to confession remind me to keep track of time, i may, conveniantly, be needed elsewhere half- way through." Stated Tikhon. He looked into his cousins' eyes, this made it easier for him not to laugh. At least, not straight away. Alexander's face was unreadable. He was waiting for a tell- tale sign that his cousin was joking with him. He didn't see it. Alexander looked down at his plate. He'd lost his apetite all of a sudden. Just as he was about to make a move to get out of his seat, at the head of the table, he heard a muffled sound. When Alexander looked up again he saw the Patriarch red from laughter with tears in his eyes. Alexander looked to Nikolas, who was sitting next to the Patriarch. Nikolas was also in tears of laughter. Alexander got slightly annoyed at being played.
"You i can't do anything about," he pointed to the Patriarch, who was still laughing.
"YOU, on the other hand," he turned on Nikolas, who immediately stopped laughing and hung his head.
"Have not acted in the most respectful way today. Just because His Holiness is able to make a joke of things, it does not mean you may as well. I am still your father, and more importantly, your Tsar, you will respect me! Do you understand?" It was more a statement, but Nikolas seemed inclined to correct his father.
"Tsar- to- be, you're not the Tsar yet, you'll only be Tsar when you're coronated, and that hasn't happend yet-"
"What did you say!" Interjected Alexander fiercely.
"He told you the truth, you are his father, and as his father he will respect you. Until you are coronated, Alexander, do not presume to give yourself the title of "Tsar", that blessing you don't have yet. As to the way Nikolas acted today, if you'd have had the patience to wait till after dinner, Nikolas was fully prepared to apologise to you for the disrespect he caused you. He will apologise for his actions, but you remember, Alexander, the next time you go casting the first stone, make sure you are as innocent as the one being stoned."
Alexander got out of his seat, enraged.
"You presume to much, Steph-"
"DON'T YOU DARE!" The Patriarch was in his seat still, but he spoke with warning. Slowly, Tikhon turned to stare Alexander down. Alexander turned red slightly. He'd forgotten himself.
"My sincerest apologies, i didn't mean disrespect to you Holiness...i....i forgot myself-"
"So you did," Tikhon cut in without caring.
"It seems you have it in your mind that being your cousin means you are exempt from certain practices and customs, for example, refering to me by my canonical title. Let me remind you, Alexander, in case you've forgotten. I am the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. Whilst i am your cousin, you will NOT forget what preceeds my familial duties. I am NOT an Imperial member any more, I am NOT your cousin, I am your Patriarch. You will do well to remember that!" Calmly, the Patriarch stood up and left the table, without turning back to face the Tsar- to- be. Just as he reached the threshold he turned back.
"Nikolas," he called firmly, his voice reverberating off the walls, that it magnified the intensity of his tone.
"Yes Holiness?" responded Nikolas at once, standing up.
"I will hear you apologise to your father for the way you behaved today, and you will come to my study after dinner so that i may complete your confession." Nikoas nodded then turned to face his father. Alexander looked at his son. He saw that the apology hadn't been rehearsed. Nikolas was hesitating before every sentence, to organise his thoughts. The apology simple, yet humble and concise. Alexander accepted the apology, and smiled slightly towards his son. When Alexander looked towards the entrance to the bansquet hall, the Patriarch had already dissappeared. He heaved a sigh, and sat down again.