Author's Note: Yeah, that was a quick update, but after seeing the hits reach 65 last night I decided to finish up chapter two as fast as possible. Last night I'd already written part of two and decided to finish it up since it was a half-day at school. Its kind of short since my well of ideas ran dry at the end, but I promise longer chapters if I get a good response. This one is to get you all a little more into exactly what is going on if you have yet to figure it out. If you were confused by the last chapter, don't feel bad, I made it that way. That is the only chapter to be written in first person so maybe now things will be more clear. For those of you who like a sense of when this story takes place, chapter one was in approximately 439, this chapter is in 446.

Disclaimer: Once again, I do not own any of the characters, settings, or names, they are all property of Tamora Pierce. I do infact own the little prince, Ader of Galron, and Bryan of Talin, try and take them and you will be attacked by many large creatures.

The boy leaned lightly on one of the wooden doors, leading into the room in which the court discussions were held. It was a fairly thick door but one of the servants had left it slightly ajar, allowing sound from inside to slip through into the servant hall. The room beyond the door was one of the finest rooms in the castle; mahogany wood covered each of the four walls. Every panel had a different design etched into it. As usual, most of the topics were boring. They were all about re-building old walls and repairing bridges. He was just about to leave during a lapse in conversation when one of the noblemen began to speak.

"As I was attempting to inquire last time before we were so rudely interrupted," Ader of Galron began but paused as a groan from each of the courtiers filled the room. He was not a favorite among the court, often bringing up topics, which did not need to be discussed any further, yet at times of crisis he always came through.

With flick of the king's hand the table silenced, "Ader, you very well know the answer to your question". It was perfectly obvious how irritated King Jonathan was at being repeatedly asked the same question. With a sigh he put his chin in one hand "Continue."

"Thank you your majesty" Ader smiled "I was recently confronted again about a pressing issue and I would like to be refreshed as to its…solution."

"And what exactly is this issue?" Asked Bryan of Talin, one of the most respected members of the court. His family had always occupied a high place in the court, and not simply because they were, if not immediately, related to the ruling family.

"Don't play ignorant Talin," Ader snapped "the whole kingdom wants to know why the bastard son of the king was given the title of crown prince when there is more than one legitimate heir."

The boy at the door flinched.

King Jonathan fumed beneath his calm appearance, his voice held steady as he replied to the nobleman "The crown prince is rightful heir to the throne. /That/ was decided at his birth. It was a sign, for him to be born on our most sacred day, the day of the gifts from the gods."

"A coincidence your highness. The only way for him to be rightful heir was if he was the son of both the king /and/ queen, not the mistake of you and your champion"

The door suddenly swung open, causing the boy whom had been hiding to tumble into the room. Instead of the whole room turning to look at the eavesdropper, all eyes focused in a glare on Ader of Galron who sat stock-still. The king's sapphire gaze left his loose-mouthed courtier to fix on the boy who was pushing himself up off the cold floor. Much to his displeasure, the boy did not look up but simply stood and turned to leave.

"You have not been dismissed" King Jonathan's bass voice wrapped around the boy like a rope, holding him until he turned around. After a beckoning hand gesture from his majesty he approached.

"I take it you heard everything?" He continued, holding the boy's gaze.

He nodded.

The king sighed, leaning back in his chair, which felt very hard against back. Cold weather robes were what allowed him to sit comfortably in the wooden chairs of the meeting room but due to the heat of late summer, his cotton tunic provided no cushion. Reaching out a hand he rested it on the boy's shoulder. "There is no excuse for your eavesdropping, but neither is their any justification in speaking disrespectfully of a prince of the crown" He turned to Ader, eyes sparkling with controlled rage.

"Am I free to go?" The boy asked in a soft voice to which the king nodded. As if walking away from a bear, he turned slowly and quietly left the room through the servant door.

Once it was firmly shut he set off down the halls, only wide enough for two people to walk abreast. It was dimly lit, with candles on the walls every ten or so feet. It was no surprise when a panicking servant girl crashed directly into him. In a frenzy she gathered all of the fresh vegetables into the woven basket she had been carrying before the boy could even offer any help. She curtsied low to the ground and bowed her head, looking as if she were about to lose her balance "My deepest apologies your highness."

The boy opened his mouth to reply when a booming voice echoed down the hall "Prince Jonathan! Your are late again!"

Jon the younger flashed the servant girl a bright smile before bounding off down the hall, hair black as pitch bouncing about his ears.

Remember to please review the story! I can never get better if I don't have your feedback on my writing and the story! Oh, and thank you Alex Rose for reviewing chapter one, you are awesome.

Much love,

Stellan