After finding out I'm technically a prince of Atlantis, my life became chaotic. Fortunately only a few people knew but I noticed my lessons focus more and more on culture and law instead of the basics Arthur focused on before. Overall, I think I'm doing alright. Things started changing though, they always do, one night: We were sitting down to dinner in Atlantis, which was always an experience for me being from the surface, when Mera asked hopefully "Have you thought about moving down here full time?"

I dropped my fork in surprise, I've been thinking about that a lot lately, but I wasn't sure what they thought about it "Uh, yeah. About that," I start nervously "I was wondering how that would work with the dual identity thing." I held my hands up "I literally just thought of that when Artemis asked Kaldur how school works down here. It's just I have friends up there and a life, I'm not sure if I can leave it without people noticing." Technically true, of course they can probably tell when I'm only telling a half-truth. Down here, I'd be a prince. I'm not sure if I'm ready for that.

Arthur frowned "There's more to it, isn't there?"

I sighed, sometimes I wonder if he has the Wisdom of Solomon for how well he catches me, "Uh, yeah. I mean, as much as I'm curious about how that will work- you don't want people comparing AJ (that's what I call my little brother) to Orm- I really was asking about the secret identity thing. From what Kaldur said, school is very different here so- well, I guess I just answered my own question." It wouldn't be like moving to another country because Atlantis actually is another country.

"I'm sorry I don't follow," said Mera.

"I was gonna it'd be like moving to another country, then Atlantis actually is another country but yeah, still gonna be a change, even though I know the language."

"I hadn't thought of that," Arthur admitted. Is it weird I still think of him as Arthur not Dad? I call him Dad, even though he said it was okay if I considered CC my dad.

"I'm sure Batman can think of something but I'm also sure someone's gonna notice eventually, right?"

"Right and we'll cross that bridge when we get there."

"Right, it's not like I'm moving tomorrow." I frowned "Come to think of it. How would moving down here work?"

Mera and Arthur shared a look before she said "We would introduce you to members of our court as acting heir since AJ is too young to claim the throne."

"Wait, you're gonna name me your heir?"

"Temporarily," assured Arthur.

"Yeah but I thought AJ's ahead of me in line."

"He is," Arthur said "Once he is old enough, he will become heir but while he is still an infant, we need someone to be interim heir."

"Normally, that'd be your brother, right? If he wasn't dead set on stealing the throne?" I ask softly, remembering some of those attempts and how they hurt Arthur and Mera. I also remember how Orm's treachery led me to meet my new parents- wow, they are my parents now, aren't they? I mean, they've viewed me as their son for awhile, even back before they knew my secret, and I looked up to them like parents while Arthur was teaching me about Atlantis but man, now it's almost surreal.

Arthur bowed his head at the reminder of his brother's betrayal, the pain still fresh as always, "Yes. You will have more lessons as prince."

"Of course, I guess if it's only temporary. Batman will figure out how to move my civilian identity, right? I mean, we'll probably have to have a meeting or something. I can't just leave Fawcett City unprotected anymore than you can leave Atlantis."

"I will ask him, don't worry. We will figure something out. Like you said, you're not moving tomorrow."

"Thanks."

Arthur smiled in that way that I've come to realize he does when he's curious about something and can't resist asking, "You don't want to be king? Why?"

I chuckled and tapped my head, "Wisdom of Solomon, I know what being a king means."

"Ah, of course."

"So, do I start training as a prince after Batman moves my identity?"

"We would like to introduce you to members of our court soon."

"Okay. I guess. When do you want to do that? What should I expect? Are there rules I need to follow? How does it work?"

"Relax, son." Arthur smiled "We just want to introduce you to the court as a member of the family. You'll still have the rest of the school year to adjust, I don't want to overwhelm you. If it gets to be too much, let us now and we'll slow down."

W2YJ

Oh man, why did I agree to this? When I got back to my room, I found some Atlantean formal wear and a note detailing my meeting with the court tomorrow. I wish the note told me how to put it on because Atlantean formal wear is a little tricky, I'm not gonna lie. I spent the next couple hours fighting the clothes, trying to figure out how to get them on and off fast for tomorrow.

The next day, I arrived just in time. Keeping my head down as I rush up to the throne. When I get there, Arthur puts his hand on my shoulder before announcing "Here he is, William Ordway, my son. He has agreed to act as regent for Arthur Junior, a role my brother Orm would fill were he not a threat to the kingdom." Arthur stopped talking for a minute, giving my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. I try to mimic his confidence in front of all these powerful people, forcing myself to look up at the gathered Atlanteans. "Since William is enrolled in a surface school, arrangements will be made for him to finish the school term before moving here during the summer for a quiet transition."

I know why Arthur introduced me as William Ordway, my first name is technically William and my mother's maiden name was Ordway so it is more proper than my preferred name. Plus Batson, Bat-Son. Just the thought made me a smile a bit as I awkwardly waved to the court, who lined up for proper introductions.

One nobleman asked with a rude look "What makes William qualified beyond being your bastard?" I'll admit, that stung, especially with the murmurs of agreement that followed.

Another noble stepped forward, glaring defiantly at Arthur "Just because we let you claim the throne despite your, shall we say, mixed heritage, that does not mean we will allow this one the same luxury." The way he spoke reminded me of Doctor Sivanna with a shiver.

In addition to the murmurs, he got support from a third noble, who directed their query to Mera "In following with proper protocol, the young prince's regent should be a high ranking noble not a bastard who is less than half-Atlantean." I never thought about that but he's right, Arthur is half-human/half-Atlantean, making me three quarters human and one quarter Atlantean. God, I can't do this, who am I kidding?

Arthur picked up the trident and slammed it down on the floor like a gavel, causing me to flinch but his anger was clearly directed at the court "You will listen here and there will be order. I will not tolerate such blatant disrespect being shown to my family, any member of my family. The law allows for any elder prince to act as regent for the heir apparent. I am your King, William is my son. The same law that allows me to claim the throne as Queen Atlanta's son also allows my son to act as regent. The law that would allow a member of court to be named regent is only for emergencies."

I felt a hand on my arm and looked to see Mera, I gave her a forced smile. AJ has begun to doggy paddle, which I guess is like crawling for Atlanteans. As long as Arthur is holding the trident, he should be safe and I can tell the royal guard are keeping a close watch on him. I wonder what they'd do if he started to drift away from us. When I'm babysitting my little brother and the water around is about to get a little rough, they just yell and point to him so I can steady him.

Arthur's speech seemed to have worked in making the nobles back down a bit but they were obviously unhappy about it. One of the noblewomen swam forward, "Apologies, my king, but Prince William is still quite young, a child by surface standards, is he not?"

"He is but I have personally reviewed the laws of succession several times and William is old enough to inherit." I wonder how old you have to be to inherit the throne of Atlantis.

"I say this with the utmost respect, my king, how can we be sure Prince William is ready to handle the responsibilities that come with being heir?" Arthur and Mera both gave me a reassuring squeeze and I realized they were re-directing the question to me. Well, here goes.

Taking a deep breath, I looked at Arthur before answering with confidence I didn't really feel, "Well, I did save my baby brother from Ocean Master." At the unimpressed looks I was getting, I explained "I'm also Captain Marvel. I say the Wizard's name and magic lightning turns me into his champion with gifts from six legendary figures. I'd show you but I don't think it'd be a good idea for me to call down the lightning underwater."

They seemed to accept that, though they still weren't happy about it if their grumbling and muttering was anything to go by. Man, do I need to work on projecting confidence as Billy Batson. Arthur gave my shoulder one last squeeze before sitting back down on the throne, he twirled the trident in his hand once before relaxing his grip. Mera gently led me to the side of the dais that the throne was on where AJ was swimming around. I'll admit I was a little jealous of AJ and the fact that these same people who are treating me like dirt wouldn't dare utter a bad word about him. To them, he is the proper heir. Hopefully I'll never have to assume the throne. I realized I was getting caught up in my own world when Mera nudged my shoulder, turning my attention back to the court meeting in progress.

Most of it was boring, like I expected but I was able to keep up. I noticed Mera contributed a few times, drawing attention to us and silencing the snooty nobles with a look. Man, I really need to learn how to do that if I'm gonna have a chance as a prince. Maybe Robin can teach me how to do a Batglare, that could work too. As much as I wanted to contribute, I really didn't want to cause any more trouble than my existence already did. I took a deep breath as my anger flared, something I definitely inherited from my father. No, I am not going to lose control and give them another reason to look down on me.

Overall, I really hope I made a decent first impression. Once the nobles filtered out, Arthur said "I think that went well."

"Really?"

Mera nodded "The court wasn't going to be on your side immediately, in part because you lived on the surface for so long."

"I know but, it really went well?"

"As well as could be expected. Bringing up your superhero alter ego was the right move. Now they will see you as a member of the Justice League, a position deserving of respect."

"Okay then. Um, I have a few questions, if you guys aren't busy."

Mera smiled, "We have some free time. Do you want to go out to the field beside the palace?"

I love the wide open space near the palace, it's a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Now that I think about it, it's also great for escaping the pressures of royal life, I wonder if that's why it's there. I grab AJ and swim outside. "Uh, I was wondering what the succession laws said. You said I was old enough now."

"You can inherit once you are old enough to understand the responsibilities of being king. AJ will have to demonstrate that understanding before we can relieve you of your responsibilities as regent."

"Oh, so it's not a set age?"

Mera said "No. Atlantis remained hidden for as long as it did because our kings understood the need for it. We cannot put a number on that degree of maturity."

"Okay, I guess that makes sense. The other thing I was wondering about, um, I'm not sure how to phrase it."

"Take your time."

Arthur smiled "Is this about the noblewoman who questioned your youth?"

"Sorta. I was wondering if the Atlantean court worked like old human courts, y'know," I trailed off awkwardly. How do I ask my father if Atlantis values men above women with his wife swimming right next to us?

Mera seemed to understand "Are you asking about gender equality?" I nodded, rubbing the back of my neck. "Atlantis has it just as much as the surface world does. However, the throne is rightfully your father's, which gives him final say in most matters."

"Most matters?"

Arthur said "The court can override my decisions with a vote, however there are restrictions on what matters can be brought to a vote. A king's word has to be worth something, after all."

"Right. So noblewomen and noblemen are equals?"

Mera patiently explained "If the heir to a house is a woman then she will represent her house in court after she inherits."

"Oh, I get it. And if the heir is a man then he will represent his house in court as head of the house. They're equal as long as they're the rightful heir?"

"Precisely."

"Okay, I got it."

"Do you have any more questions?"

"Not right now. Thanks."

"No problem, Billy."