A/N: Well, this is the huge chunk I was struggling with… And I wrote a bunch of it, was going to post it, got frustrated and left it alone fore a few days. Then I revised it a few days later, but I had to leave the next morning to go home for Turkey Day, and I had not time to post it. AH! I know I promised it a long time ago, but here it is… finally…

Review Responses

Lilleehunee: thanks! I saw drugs mentioned in one other fic, I think, maybe, but you're kind of right… you picked up on stuff I haven't even said yet! Let's just say that you'll find out just who is and isn't on drugs later, eh?

Keita: * runs away from flying frying pan * aahh don't hurt me, I didn't want it to be bad! I promise I'll update more from now on!

Ditzy Spacecadets: Thanks, I love getting any feed back… and there's plenty more on the way!

Prince Lewen of Conte turned his head towards the window, and watched the busy, brightly colored ants below. Another group of nobles arriving, looking for his hand in marriage, or any of his siblings'. This was what he hated most about being Crown Prince, no, King Roald's oldest son. This fakery, this pushing towards something he didn't want. He was ready to be King, no doubt about that, he had been coached since he could first understand the words his tutors spoke. But inside, he wanted to move away from it all. He wanted to escape from this prison that hemmed him in. He wanted to shout to the world that he hated ruling, that he wanted nothing to do with the power. And yet, he knew many who would die for the power he had. Many who had died. And he felt all the more guilty. It was not fair, he knew, but he resented his father and mother, his grandfather, his people, for putting him in this position. He resented them all. He sighed, knowing that there was no way to escape this cycle. No way to run away. No way to even retreat from it. No way, save one. As he prepared to meet yet another falsely bright and happy lady, he tucked a small, velvet bag into a pocket in his doublet… Just in case…

* * *

Kendi awoke fully two days later, and was back to training within the week. However, things were not alright…

Kendi rubbed absently at her throat. Recently a dull ache had begun in her throat and she had a constant coldness in the base of her stomach. Her eyes were always sore, and her ears ached and were sensitive to any noise. Her joints were stiff and her lungs could never take in quite enough air. But Kendi was a perfect actress, and she easily hid these imperfections, so that even Sinta didn't notice the difference. She made it through the day in a clouded, detached haze.

* * *

Jasson floated around the room, not really aware of what was going on around him. Kendi had become more and more distant, pushing him further away by the day. He knew something was wrong, but he couldn't put his finger on it. He felt someone in front of him, and he looked up and straight into a pair of eyes the color of the darkest brown. They were kind eyes, not remarkable, but with a kind spark. The face was a light dusky color with a small, shapely nose, thick, full lashes and eyebrows and full rose-colored lips. Her hair fell in long, dark waves around her face. She was on the short side, but she didn't seem to be. The folds of a fine, but practical and light gown fluttered around her. Simple but fine golden jewelry decked her neck, ears and wrists. She curtsied to him and smiled up into his eyes.

"Princess Asela of Sarain, Your Highness."

"Prince Jasson of Tortall, Your Majesty."

He took her hand and led her out to the dance floor where they danced for hours. Jasson led her back to her rooms, laughing at a private joke. He had found her to be a capable and fun young royal, and although she was not the most beautiful woman at court, her personality more than made up for it. He knew that Sarain would be lucky to have her as its sovereign. As horrible of a leader as her father was, he had only one child, Asela, and she was ready for the responsibility. And if anyone could bring Sarain back to its old glory, it was Asela. There would be discomfort over her gender, but he knew she would squash any qualms her people might have.

* * *

A/N: Wow, that really doesn't seem like much, but I looked, and I'm almost halfway through what I have right now with this chapter, and while it's nowhere near finished, this is getting sucked up pretty fast! Anyway, interesting little chapter… Asela is based on one of my good friends * waves at said good friend * Althier is a combo between a waiter I met once, the real version of Nautikaa's boyfriend, and a good guy friend. Zara, from the next chapter, is based on my best bud and roommate, and Nautikaa is based on a good friend, and I'll have to add in a few more of my buds later. They don't ask for it, but they're easy to observe, so I use part of them in a lot of my characters…

Next Chapter: Lesse… You meet Zara… yup… and Lily's basically the only one of the sisters in it… it's very short, but very important, and it didn't seem right to put in the next part… it gave too much away too quickly, I thought…