Hug her, of course.

Ephraim stood straight, slowly approaching and giving her an awkward side hug.

They were both tall, but he was taller by an inch and a half.

"A real one, my boy," she snorted, wrapping her arms around him and placing her head on his shoulder.

Oh gods. He turned his hips and she pressed her entire body against his. Not good, he was sprouting an oak in his trousers.

Please don't notice that, please don't notice that, I don't think I can take you yelling at me, he thought as they held each other for a long moment.

Thankfully, Esmeralda seemed to ignore it, finally pulling away as she said, "I'll bet you're wondering why I called you here."

Ephraim nodded, swallowing hard as she returned to her seat. "Well, yes, mother," he muttered.

Esmeralda sighed, looking him in the eye as she said, "Your father died last night."

He blinked and **** himself to not show his joy at this. "He's... Dead?" he said in a voice that passed as mournful.

She pursed her lips and nodded. "His heart gave out in his sleep. His dying wish was that you would take up the Crown."

Gods. All joy was gone, replaced by a crippling anxiety.

He swallowed and asked, his voice more high pitched than usual, "Uh, pardon me, mother?"

"You heard me," Esmeralda smiled. "You are now the Crown Prince of Eros." She then tilted her head and muttered, "Well, technically, we do need to wait for your brother to return to transfer the title over to you."

"Uh, yes," Ephraim muttered. "What exactly... Is Alexander doing?"

"Last I heard, he was seeking adventure in the Northern Wastes," the queen shrugged. "We just sent a messenger out with word."

"At least he'll be happy," he sighed, shaking his head. "How long until the Coronation?"

"According to Jasper," she said, referring to the Treasurer, "It will take at least half a year to prepare. And that is after the title is transferred."

Oh, good. He had some time. Still...

"Don't you think Cassandra would be a better fit for the throne?" Ephraim asked, quietly.

Esmeralda pursed her lips and answered, "It doesn't matter what we think, only that your father named you Crown Prince before he died."

Fantastic. He could feel the blood leaving his face.

"I know it's a little overwhelming," the Queen continued, "But do not despair. I have instructed your tutor to begin teaching you all you shall need to know."

"In just half a year?" he asked, unable to stop the words from escaping his lips.

"I'll have you know I had less time to prepare," she nodded. "Now run along, I won't be the reason you're late for your fencing lesson."

Ephraim nodded, bowing quickly to her before walking out.

Even in ****, his father knew exactly how to make his life miserable.