A/N: Haven't proofread, please review, the usual drill. This one's a shortie, but the next makes up for it.

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Gorran tried to stay awake while the older children spoke, but it was getting difficult to do. His head kept slipping off of his hand and nearly slamming against the table only to jerk up again as he snapped awake. And so I think we're actually going to have to get a map, Lecia finished, sighing and leaning back in her chair.

Val set down his mug on the table. Well, I certainly don't know the way. It took me an extra two whole days just to find Seyruun. Mother never taught me how to navigate long-distance flights.

She didn't ever want you to leave her sight, Lecia answered with a smile.

Val grinned in response, his golden eyes twinkling above his straight nose. True, true, he muttered, then sighed at his mug. I don't know how we're going to get a map. I'm broke from paying for inns on the way up to Seyruun.

Alfred shot Lecia a triumphant smile. I believe I can help with that, he said, and pulled out a stack of gold coin. Map, inns, whatever you need, just ask.

Oh, Freddy! Lecia squealed, the reflection of the gold flickering in her eyes. That's wonderful!

Money can't buy everything, Val growled. It must be nice to have everything handed to you, when you're a prince.

Alfred raised an eyebrow. I worked for every cent, and none of it's from my parents. I even found the jobs by myself, and I've been saving for a long time.

Val scowled. My mom doesn't earn that much in a year!

Then she should move to the city. Profit and location go hand in hand.

There aren't too many communities that allow dragons to live in their midst, Val snapped. We could hide, but we don't want to. What do you care, anyway? You wouldn't know what it's like to live a lie.

Hey, Val, Lecia said quickly, but it was too late. Blue fire flashed in Alfred's eyes and he stood up abruptly from the table, startling Gorran to full wakefulness. Kerra also woke up, raising her head from the wood to stare blearily at her brother.

Oh no? Alfred said softly. At least you know what you are. With that he raised his shirt, and Val's eyes narrowed at the rocky protrusions on the prince's abdomen. The rocks were bluish and slightly shiny, small in number but no less shocking for the fact.

What the hell? Val muttered.

Princes aren't sheltered from the stares of people, either, Alfred said coldly, but his gaze was fiery.

Seyruun has accepted my father, and so have accepted me, but I must hide these wherever else I go. If I am invited to swim, I must decline. I have to be careful to be fully covered at all times. You're right, dragon. Money can't buy freedom.

Lecia murmured, putting a pale hand on his wrist.

Gorran felt bad for both Alfred and Val. He knew that Kerra had a rock on her skin, too, although it was on her ankle and very small. She had told him once that her father was looking for a way to remove it. Gorran had sworn to help her, and he would. She was his best friend, after all. He felt eyes on him and looked over at Kerra. Her face told him that she was thinking the same thing he was.
I can't believe you'd say something like that, Val! Lecia was lecturing, holding Alfred's hand. The teenager looked like a cat full of milk, almost purring beneath Lecia's touch as he smirked at Val.

Val's jaw was clenched as he looked at Lecia, his eyes narrowing as his gaze shifted to Alfred. Hey, sorry I made a big deal of everything, he said to the prince.

Lecia sighed and relaxed, removing her hand from Alfred. The boy gave her a sidelong look, then cleared his throat and studied Val for a moment. No harm done, he said, glancing at Lecia again.

She looked at them both for a moment, her head not moving as her gaze traveled around the faces gathered at the round table. Oh, look, they're tired, she said, focusing her gaze on the children. Do you two want to go to bed?

Kerra said. I'm tired.

No doubt. We've been on the road for two weeks, after all, Lecia replied. I think it's time we all turned in. Come on, kiddo, she said to Gorran, coming over and taking him by the arm.

Gorran replied, rubbing his eyes. Good night.

They left the room, Alfred picking up Kerra as they walked away. Lecia looked back over her shoulder, watching Alfred and his sister, then glanced at Val. Hey, Gorran, she said softly.


Don't ever grow up to be a boy like them, okay?

Gorran blinked. Okay, I won't.

She smiled down at him and ruffled his hair. I know. You and Dad are the only sane guys out there.

He smiled back.