I've finally completed the next chapter of Porcelain Rubies. Thank you SO much to everyone who reviewed, alerted, and favorite my story. It really means a lot. Enjoy the chapter.

The queen gasped, rushing to her window to look out upon the courtyard. Logan was there, washing the steps in the rags he'd worn since he was 15. She glared and him, muttering to herself, "No one is fairer than I. We shall see what will become of our, Logan." Returning to her mirror she spoke, "He will not be the fairest for long, for I have a plan to make sure he is gone."

While his step-mother fumed upstairs, Logan continued to wash the steps, his rags already soaked. Sighing to himself, he paused, noting the brick wall that surrounded to courtyard. When Logan had been younger, he would spend hours looking off into the large forest that expanded spread out to the kingdom borders. Not many people knew what lay inside, for many rumors, mostly spread but the servants of the castle, of untold evils that were told to reside within. Logan imagined himself laying in the meadows that he was sure were there. After all, not all of the forest could possibly be filled with dark trees.

Wondering over to the wall, Logan hoisted himself up and setting onto the cold brick. The sun was high in the sky now, but after years of outdoor chores, he hardly noticed now. A small smile found its way onto Logan's face. "Will anyone ever come and find me here?" Logan wondered aloud.

A pair of doves had flown down beside him, cooing and facing Logan. "You must enjoy it, being able spend the rest of your lives together. I might very well live here my entire life with no one to love me. Granted, I'm grateful to my step-mother for allowing me to stay in the castle. I mean, she could've easily thrown my out onto the streets, so that might mean really deep down she loves me. I just want someone to come along, sweep me off my feet, and carry me off through the-"

"Pardon me, sir, but might I ask who you are talking to?"

Logan jumped at the sound of the voice that he toppled over onto the ground. A tall boy with dark brown hair and hazel eyes stood above him, looking to be around the same age as Logan. His clothes consisting of a simple shirt and trousers seemed to have an expensive glow.

"I'm sorry," the boy spoke. "I didn't mean to frighten you."

Logan, speechless, scrambled upwards, making a dash for the door.

"Wait! I really am sorry. I just wanted to know who you were talking to."

Logan had reached the large wooden doors, turning back to see the brunette once more. The boy had put a smile on, trying to ease the discomfort of the retreating Logan. Logan gave him an awkward half wave before rushing into the doors, banging them shut behind him.

Logan's mind was whirling as he leaned against the doors. A boy, a PRINCE by the looks of his clothing, had talked to him, and a handsome one as well. Color was creeping into Logan's cheeks as he thought about how cute the boy had been when he'd tried to apologize. Smiling to himself, Logan thought, "Maybe he could be the boy from my dreams. I hope he returns soon." With a last touch of the doors, Logan hurried off to finish the rest of his chores.

Ok, how was it? Please review. I really enjoy getting feedback from all of you. It helps me write future chapters. Thank you!

~BabyBlue Collins