WILM
Hatov, hey, Hatov.
HATOV
(groans)
Mama? Just five more minutes? We can move lessons
WILM
(stifling laughter)
I’m sorry to disappoint
HATOV
(groggily)
Wilm? What are you doing here? (beat) What time is it?
WILM
Early come on.
HATOV
(confused)
What?
WILM
Get dressed, there isn’t much time.
HATOV
We’re not supposed to leave.
WILM
We’re not supposed to sneak midnight snacks either apparently you keep going for the honeyed milk.
HATOV
(beat)
How do you know about that?
WILM
The maids talk.
(pause)
Don’t worry, it’s only because they’re trying to get close to me. I’m the heir apparent, so (beat) apparently that makes me valuable (beat, laughing at bad joke) you see what I did there?
HATOV
It’s too early for this
WILM
It’s just the time for this. When everyone is asleep we are no longer princes, we get to be whoever we want to be. Not that cloak Hatov, wear the grey.
HATOV
Except, apparently, a prince sleeping in bed.
WILM
Come on, stop being so negative. You get that from father, you know?
HATOV
I wouldn’t I haven’t seen the man for more than ten minutes in my entire life.
WILM
(beat) Well, you’re not missing out. He’s very serious, brave, full to the brim with valor. Save yourself the effort and read a book. He’s every protagonist ever with none of the flaws.
HATOV
(Pause, in disbelief)
You don’t like him.
WILM
Well (pause) it’s not (beat) it’s complicated. He’s our father Hatov, but he’s also the emperor and he does a very poor job at being both. He feels very far away.
HATOV
Even to you?
WILM
I spend almost every day by his side, and I can’t even tell you his favorite food.
HATOV
(curious)
Have you tried asking?
WILM
(long pause, unwillingly)
It (beat) it doesn’t work that way. Uhm (beat) you’ll see (beat) maybe.
HATOV
I doubt it, Mama was a maid.
WILM
Come on
HATOV
Through the window?
WILM
Do you think I’m telling you to phase through the wall?
HATOV
(huffs)
Why?
WILM
The bakery opens soon
HATOV
(In disbelief)
Really?
WILM
We can pay and be regular customers. People will get to look you in the eyes.
HATOV
What about you?
WILM
They can’t. The moment they see them, they’ll know what I am and well (beat) everyone’s gaze just skitters away now. (beat) it’s lonely.
