Second fiddle. Second son. Second place. Second king.
It seems like all my life has amounted to is 'second' helpings of practically everything. I am not Peter. I am me, but, apparently, 'me' just isn't good enough for everyone.
I've done absolutely anything and everything I could to assist my brother in his daily tasks as High King and still, I'm overlooked because I'm not him. Sorry to disappoint, but I will never be my brother. At least, not if I can help it.
It's no secret to anyone that I am, truly, a better fighter than Peter. I have form, and he just follows the fold. But am I ever thanked for the work I do, for the effort I give, and for just being there? No, because I'm only me.
I've tried to be strong, tried to give myself a reason to continue on, to be the best king I possibly could be, but none of it matters. What I do will never suffice.
Peter doesn't help matters by constantly scolding me like I'm still a toddler. I am not a child, and I know I haven't done anything to deserve to be treated like that!
Susan has always been like a second mother to me—which really irks me—and Lucy quietly hangs back in the shadows, letting them go about their business. Oftentimes she will thank me personally for something she wasn't even a part of, and I admire her a little more each time she does it—but I would never tell her that.
Strength and honor are two things I hold dear and I know I'm not perfect—in fact, I'm far from it—but even a traitor may mend. I've known one that did.
There are so many days I just want to leap off a cliff or 'lose' a winning battle just to get away from it all, but then I remember the quiet, grateful baby sister and I hold on to her words, clinging to life as though it's all I have—it actually is.
If it weren't for Lucy…I would probably be dead. My only hope is that, one day, they'll finally see my true worth and thank me for my years of service, and tell me they love me like the brother I am to them.
I think sometimes it's best to forget how we feel and remember what we deserve. Don't you?
A/N: That was so spontaneous, but I just HAD to get it down! Hope you enjoyed.