Warning: AU, Fantasy, PG-13, Ran/Ken (later).

Author's Note: More and more Ran OOCness, but hopefully I adequately explain why. And this is where the fluffiness starts, well...its not SO fluffy. Not compared to other fics. I apologize in advance! Please enjoy!

Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.

First Born of the Thirteenth House

Part Three: Ran and Ken ( e )

Ran awoke early the next morning. He rose, bathed, and dressed quickly. After his talk with Aya the night before he'd decided in order to have enough peace to talk to Ken he'd need to be alone with him, and he cursed himself for not taking advantage of their long coach ride the day before. A quiet breakfast together in Ken's room would work best, and it probably wouldn't be a bad thing for the former wood boy either. The last few days had been hard on the younger man and he was beginning to show signs of the strain.

Ran left his rooms as quietly as possible and made his way out of the royal apartments. Later, when his sister awoke, he could explain his absence and request that she make apologies for him.

On his way he ran into Bertrand. The elderly butler never seemed to retire and Aya harbored the idea that he was actually mechanical like a clock. He and Ursula, the head house keeper, were on top of everything that went on in the First House despite its size and the number of people living and working within it. Shaking the idea out of his head Ran explained his departure to the servant, and requested that some breakfast be ordered and sent to Ken's room. Bertrand merely nodded and saw him out of the apartment.

Snuggled deep in the bed clothes Ken awoke suddenly. He was warm and comfortable, but he felt alone and confused. Struggling to sit up he looked around blearily at the room trying to remember where he was. At a sound from the doorway he stiffened in apprehension and expectation.

"Sorry. Did I wake you?"

The voice was deep and soothing. It was Ran. He was at the First House. Ken sagged in relief and shook his head as the red-haired Lord entered his room.

"No. For a second I couldn't remember where I was," Ken muttered in apology.

The tall Lord moved gracefully to the fireplace where he stoked the flames back to life.

"How are you feeling today?" he asked over his shoulder.

"I'm fine," Ken answered without enthusiasm. "You don't have to do that."

Ran stopped what he was doing so suddenly he almost dropped the poker. Instead he rose and carefully placed it back among the other fireside tools. He realized his initial reaction upon entering the room had been that it was chilly and he didn't want Ken to be cold. Without conscious thought he'd simply acted rather than summoning a servant. He shook his head and moved toward the windows.

"I've ordered some breakfast to be sent here for us," he said, pushing the thoughts of his behavior aside. "I thought perhaps a quiet meal would be best. Allow you to rest more before your trial."

"Sounds good," Ken said, watching as the red-head crossed the room and pulled open the heavy drapes.

Dawn was quickly approaching. A yellow glow was shining behind the mountains in the distance and spreading out onto the plains below them.

Ken cast off the bedclothes and joined Ran at the window. The view was magnificent as the sun slowly rose from behind the mountains. They watched together in silence as it began its climb into the sky.

"You weren't fine yesterday," Ran said, glancing sideways at the younger man.

Ken sighed and stared down at his feet.

"I was just tired," he murmured quietly.

"No," Ran said, "its more than that. You've been through a lot. You need time to rest and recover."

"Are you still worried about me?" Ken asked with a small smile.

"Yes," Ran answered earnestly.

Ken's large brown eyes widened as they met serious violet.

"Why?" Ken asked.

Ran opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted by a sharp knock at the door.

"Come in," Ken called, turning from the red-head to face the door.

A servant silently entered bearing a tray and Ran directed her to the circular table near the door that still held Ken's bag. Behind her came a small boy bearing a carrier full of wood. He bowed to them and then set about feeding the fire and filling the empty bin.

Ken watched, transfixed. Was that how he had looked? A small nobody preforming a thankless task. He moved over to stand beside the fireplace. The child blinked up at him, then flushed red and hurriedly finished his duties. When he rose and bowed Ken returned it.

"Thank you," he said softly.

The boy, clearly startled, bowed again and scampered away. Ken watched his flight then turned his eyes on the fire.

"Shall I stay and serve, my Lord?" the young woman who'd brought the tray asked Ran.

Reluctantly he pulled his eyes from the exchange between Ken and the wood boy.

"No, thank you. That'll be fine," he said.

"Very well, my Lord," she replied then curtsied and left.

Once she was gone Ken joined Ran at the table.

"So, tell me about this trial thing," Ken said, sounding a bit more energized and more himself than he had the day before.

"It's a test. All magic users, or possible magic users such as seers, have to go through before their training can start," Ran explained. "Basically it's a way of measuring your potential. And determining the best uses for it."

"What's it like?" Ken asked.

"Three professors will use their own gifts to test your's. Rather like Yohji did that first night," Ran said.

"Hunh?" Ken asked his brow darkening.

"Never mind. Its painless," Ran stated.

"Where is it?"

"The oldest part of the Palace is carved out of the mountain it sits on. Those floors are used as a sort of school for magic users. There's class rooms and exercise halls. The stone is naturally resistant to the magic, and defuses its power. I suspect the underground chambers of the Thirteenth House were similar," Ran said as he ate.

"So, how long did it take you to learn?" Ken asked almost hesitantly.

Ran noted the worried look in his companion's large eyes and resisted a smile.

"Years," the red-head answered archly, giving into his urge to tease.

"Y-years?" Ken repeated, gulping audibly.

"Don't worry," Ran said, again unable to resist smiling at the younger man's expression. "I'll be here to help you. Also, you're far more powerful than I am. Most of my struggle was due to my weak potential."

Ken blinked at the smiling Lord and felt himself compelled to offer a small smile in return. His nervous apprehension faded away at Ran's calm and reassuring words. The feeling of safety and contentment he'd experienced at the start of the week returned.

"You're going to help me?" he asked, pleased. "Thanks, but...well...why?"

Ran hesitated, then cleared his throat.

"Because..."

Once again a sharp knock at the door interrupted him. This time he silently cursed whoever it was and glared daggers at the door.

"Come in," he growled.

A footman entered and bowed.

"Forgive my intrusion, my Lord, but I bring word from the professors assigned to Master Hidaka," he stated. "They are anxious to begin and request his presence as soon as he is ready."

Ran pressed his lips together to resist sighing in exasperation. Another perfect opportunity missed. The Gods must be against him.

"Very well," he said. "We'll be there within the hour."

The footman bowed again and backed out of the room.

"Have you eaten your fill?" he asked Ken, who nodded in response. "Then you should wash and get changed."

Ken nodded again, stood up, and disappeared behind the dressing screen with his small bag. The sound of sloshing water could be heard as Ran summoned a servant to remove the tray of food.

"So, how long will this trial take?" Ken's voice asked from behind the screen.

"Not too long. An hour perhaps. Maybe less," Ran answered, moving to gaze out the window once more.

"So, afterward would you...would you show me around?"

"It would be my pleasure," Ran replied, smiling slightly.

"You don't have to, ya know," Ken said. "I mean, if you're busy and have other things to do."

"I'm not busy."

"Ran?"

Ran turned as Ken emerged from behind the screen still buttoning his leggings with his coats tucked under one arm. It was the fastest wash in history, and Ran felt himself frowning.

"You're done?" he asked skeptically.

"I washed yesterday," Ken explained.

"Well do it again. Now," Ran commanded, "or I'll do it for you."

Ken pouted.

"Yeah, you're mister nice guy one minute and then look out," he scowled, disappearing back behind the screen.

"What were you about to say?" Ran asked, stepping closer so he could hear what was happening in the tub area.

"Nuthin," Ken muttered.

"Ken," Ran said softly, "do you know what it means to be paired?"

"What?" the younger man called over the sounds of sloshing water.

"Paired," Ran said louder. "Do you know what it means?"

"No."

"Well..."

A slight knocking interrupted him this time, and he did sigh, loudly.

Ran went to answer the door, intent on lecturing whoever was on the other side, only to find Omi standing there. The youth was standing unmoving with one hand raised as if to knock, his large blue eyes staring blankly straight into Ran's chest.

"Omi?" Ran asked gently shaking the young seer's shoulder.

He started and blinked up at the red-haired Lord.

"Oh, good morning, my Lord," he stammered, trying to sound cheery. "Is Ken up?"

Ran's brow furrowed in concern, marking the youth's pale complexion and nervous glances past him and into the room.

"He's in the tub," Ran stated.

"Oh. I thought I'd come check on him before breakfast and see if he's ready to come upstairs," Omi said. "The Queen issued an invitation to the two of us last night."

"We've eaten," Ran said.

"Oh?" Omi asked.

"Yes. Ken has been summoned to his trial. We're leaving as soon as he's ready," Ran replied, watching the younger man carefully.

"Oh," he squeaked, his eyes getting very big.

Ran stared at him with narrowed eyes.

"What is it, Omi?" he asked.

The young seer's arm shot out and his hand caught Ran's sleeve in a vicelike grip. Serious blue eyes met surprised violet.

"You will have a choice," Omi whispered. "For your own sake do not fail him."

Ran blinked down at the younger man. After several tense seconds Omi released his arm and stepped away.

"I shall see you later then," he chirped cheerily and sauntered off down the hall.

Ran stared after him for a moment and then slowly shut the door.

"Who was that?" Ken asked, peeking from behind the screen.

This time his hair was wet and dripping, and he was rubbing himself off with a towel.

"It was Omi," Ran replied absently, replaying the conversation over again in his head.

"What'd he want?"

"To accompany you to breakfast," Ran answered. "Are you ready?"

"Just have to get dressed," Ken smiled and disappeared behind the screen again.

Moments later he was dressed and they were on their way.

-

Ran sat on the bench in the hallway outside the examination room. He was a little put out that he couldn't be present during Ken's trial, but then again no one had been present for his. It was something every magic user had to face on their own, but he was still bothered by it. He still didn't like to have Ken out of his sight although he was at a loss as to why. They were in the First House now, and both perfectly safe after all. Weren't they?

Ken hadn't seemed nervous when he'd been led into the large room, but he hadn't been thrilled either. Ran could tell from his expression that Ken had felt the same trepidation as he had himself. Only his main response was anger. Ran wasn't sure whether that would be helpful to him or not during his trial. Probably not.

The former servant had looked curiously around the large room with solid stone walls, floor, and ceiling. His ire had begun when the three professors had entered in their long hooded robes. It had spiked when they had politely but pointedly asked Ran to leave, and Ken had scowled darkly.

Ran found himself scowling down at the cold, stone floor of the hallway. Why the men and women who devoted their lives to the study of magic chose to dress in such a ridiculous manner he'd never been able to fathom. Probably an effort at intimidation, but as Ken had just demonstrated it didn't always work. His scowl deepened.

He'd been waiting for quite a while, and the longer he waited the more nervous he became. He couldn't rid himself of the feeling that something wasn't right. He glanced down the length of the hallway. It was empty of any other living creature and he felt disturbed by it. As though he were utterly alone.

Rising, he began pacing the stretch of hall before the door. His fingers drumming unconsciously on the hilt of his sword. This was taking too long. Omi's words were replaying themselves over and over in his mind. He raked shaking hands through his hair and glanced at the door.

Suddenly Ran was seized with the overwhelming feeling of dread. In that instant he understood what Omi had told him. He had a choice. He felt it deep inside. If he walked away now he'd be free of the pairing, but if he entered the room he was committed forever and there was no going back.

Without hesitation he turned to the door and the dread was replaced by a violent rage. Ripping his sword free of its scabbard he kicked the door open and charged into the examination room. His battle cry rang through the large empty space startling the three professors. They were standing over Ken. The former servant was kneeling on the floor bent double, his forehead pressed against the cold stone of the floor.

Ran never paused until he was standing over his huddled friend, forcing the professors to retreat across the room. He glared death at them as he held forth his blade, ready for blood. They stared at him in shocked surprise, looking slightly bewildered as if he'd woken them suddenly from a deep sleep.

"Well!" he demanded, wanting an explanation.

"He is...very powerful," the shortest of the three professors answered somewhat shakily.

"We shall have someone prepare a soothing bath," the tallest added, motioning the other two to follow him out the door at the far end of the room. "He'll need it," he added as the door began to close behind them.

Ran waited until they were gone before he sheathed his sword and knelt by Ken, whose breathing was ragged and labored, a sheen of sweat shown on his skin. Ran realized his instincts in the hall had been correct. Something was seriously wrong.

"Ken? Can you hear me?" He reached out and tentatively gripped the younger man's shoulders. Ken whimpered and tried to pull away. "Ken, its me. Its Ran."

At his words the former wood boy relaxed, allowing Ran to pull him up and support him. He looked terrible. Normally tanned skin was chalky and clammy to the touch. Large brown eyes were almost completely shut, and he didn't seem able to open them.

"What happened?" Ran asked softly, unable to disguise his concern.

"N-n-not s-s-sure," Ken answered, his voice little more than a raspy whisper. "Th-th-they w-w-were m-mad a-a-about s-s-someth-th-thing. T-t-tried t-t-to k-k-kill m-me."

Ran felt himself scowl in confusion. Taking a steadying breath he used their connection to look inside of Ken. He gasped loudly in shock at what he found. Where the former servant's magic should be was an empty hole. They had stripped Ken of every bit of magic. Pushed him to the very edges of his limits, perhaps even past them. They could only have had one intention. But why would they want to kill him?

Ran was once again engulfed by rage but forced it aside. Ken had to come before revenge. He had to get him to that soothing bath and summon a healer.

"Aya!" he called.

"Not now."

"W-what?" But there was no reply.

Without explanation his sister had cut him off. Gritting his teeth in frustration and anger Ran refocused on the younger man sagging against him.

"Can you walk?" he asked.

Ken nodded and Ran hauled him to his feet. Slowly they made it out of the room where they found a servant waiting to assist them. With his help Ran dragged Ken into the nearest lift which carried them up two levels to the bathes set aside for use after magic lessons and trials.

The bath master was waiting for them as well, and directed them to the one that had been prepared on the professors' request. Once there Ran took Ken and sent the servant after a healer.

He looked into the milky water as he pulled off Ken's boots and coats. There were bits of greenery and some colorful flakes floating in it. There was a comforting woodsy scent rising with the steam. Ran only hoped it would do some good as he dumped Ken in still dressed in his shirt and pants. The former servant had begun trembling in the lift and didn't seem able to stop.

Ran crouched by the tub's side and pulled Ken against him, letting the former wood boy rest his head against the Lord's shoulder. Never had he seen anyone leave a trial in this condition and he wasn't exactly sure what to do about it.

Fighting back his anger once again Ran dipped a cloth into the water and brushed it gently over Ken's face. The younger man's trembling hadn't abated and the red-headed Lord could feel his muscles bunching reflexively.

"Th-thank you, R-Ran, f-for h-h-helpin' m-m-me," Ken breathed, his voice barely a whisper.

"Shhh, there's no need for you to thank me," Ran said softly. "I should've stopped them sooner."

"H-h-how d-d-did y-y-you know?"

Ran sighed.

"I'm paired with you," he said.

"P-

paired?"

Before Ran could explain Ken cried out. He began convulsing uncontrollably, causing the water to slosh from the tub. Ran cursed loudly and cast aside the cloth. Yanking off his shoes he jumped into the tub behind Ken and pulled the former servant against him. In desperation the red-head reached for his tiny bit of magic and quickly cast a spell that sent it circulating in a loop between them. Washing through the empty hole inside Ken before coming back to Ran himself. Ken calmed almost instantly and Ran found himself cradling the younger man against his chest. Holding him so that only his head was above the elevated water level. Belatedly he hoped that no one would walk in and find them like that.

Ken huddled against him and began to relax. His trembling subsided and his breathing calmed, becoming deeper and more even. The tiny bit of magic circulating between them was like a balm to his shocked and aching system. He sighed.

"W-why did they d-do that?" he asked sleepily.

"I don't know but I mean to find out," Ran replied darkly.

"Tell me when...I wake...up," Ken mumbled, slipping into a warm and welcoming slumber.

Ran blinked in surprise, clutching at the younger man before he realized that he too was feeling sluggish. He could feel himself beginning to nod off and struggled to remain awake. With the last bit of his strength he blasted through Aya's shield.

"Aya, help...us..."

-

Ran pulled himself from his blissful, dreamless sleep vaguely aware that he shouldn't be sleeping and that there was something he needed to see to. Blinking, he looked around him, still a little bleary eyed and heavy headed. He was in his room in bed, and Aya was seated beside him in a chair. Struggling slightly, he sat up.

"What happened?" he demanded, carefully enunciating each word.

"You were drugged," Aya stated calmly, giving him a small smile. "Silly, that tub was full of sedatives and healing herbs. Why'd you climb in?"

"Ken was in pain. I couldn't comfort him. He was..."

"I know. I called Ursula when I heard you. Well, the second time I heard you. I'm sorry, Niisan. I was angry with you for not including me in your breakfast plans," she admitted, looking contrite and worried. "I didn't realize it was an emergency."

"You're forgiven," Ran said, thinking over what she'd told him, secretly relieved that she'd summoned the head house keeper. "Where's Ken?"

"Beside you."

Ran looked to his left and blinked. There, nestled deep in the bed covers and still looking pale and feverish, was the former wood boy. Ran could only sit and stare at him dumbly.

"Ursula says he needs to stay near you. Especially since you've cast a sharing spell," Aya informed him.

Ran could still feel his magic circulating between them. He nodded and faced Aya again to hear what else she had to say.

"I summoned Ursula and together we found you. The healer arrived just after us. She said you did exactly the right thing, Niisan. Ursula was mad as hornets and ran off to speak to Yohji. I stayed with you. We had to leave you in the tub. It was three hours before Ken was well enough to come out and he was laying across you. The healer said not to shift him. So, you've missed lunch. Are you hungry?" Aya stopped speaking abruptly and Ran shook his head.

He ran a shaky hand through his hair and glanced at Ken again, feeling just the slightest bit embarrassed at being caught in the tub with the former servant. Despite the extenuating circumstances it wasn't like him at all. None of the things he'd done or felt since being paired were, and he wondered whether he was even in control of himself anymore. He didn't feel like he was.

"Ursula says its unconscionable that you two were placed four floors apart since you're paired. She was very upset that she wasn't consulted and she intends to take it to the Queen. She said because none of the royal children are paired that the King and Queen have no idea what it really means. I didn't catch all of it, but I'm glad I'm not the Queen right now."

Aya paused again in her chatter to watch her brother watching Ken. She smirked and stood to lean against the side of the bed.

"You know," she said in a soft, teasing tone, "you two looked very sweet all cuddled up together in the tub. Sometimes people who are paired become more than just friends. Sometimes..."

"Aya," Ran said in warning, giving her a cross look.

She pouted and shrugged, taking a seat on the edge of the bed so she could face her brother.

"What happened when Ursula spoke to Yohji?" he asked, clearing his throat.

"He was furious. The three professors have been called before the King. He should be seeing them now, in fact."

"Do me a favor? Go find out what happened?" Ran asked.

"Okay, but how are you feeling?" she asked, tugging on his long braid.

"Woozy," Ran answered honestly.

"Keep resting. I'll wake you when I come back," Aya said, hopping off the bed.

Ran watched her move toward the door before curling up on his side facing Ken. The younger man was very pale. His face tight with discomfort. Tentatively Ran reached out and touched his forehead causing Ken to whimper as he had in the exam room.

"Shhh, Ken, its me. I'm here," he said softly, hoping his words would reach the former servant and bring him some comfort.

The red-headed Lord left his hand resting lightly on Ken's arm to give him what reassurance he could, and it wasn't long before he too slipped back to sleep.

-

Aya left her brother's rooms and passed silently along the halls and down the small staircase back into the main rooms of the royal apartment. Although she'd put on a cheery countenance for Ran's sake, deep down she was worried. No one ever left a trial in the condition Ken was in now, and her brother's actions to help the former servant were completely out of character for him. And although Ursula had told her that Ran would be changing, the proof of that change was startling to behold. And worrying.

For as long as she could remember it had been just the two of them. Yes, they'd been adopted into the royal family and treated as equals, but still it was her brother she'd turned to, always. Could she cope with sharing his affection and attention with another? Already Ran had unintentionally hurt her feelings by excluding her. And her reaction shamed her. She regretted not answering his first call. What if things had been far worse than they were?

The thought brought her mind back to Ken and she glanced up as she neared the King's private study. She could just make out raised voices within, and she didn't have to wait long before the three professors, looking slightly haggard, exited and moved past her down the hall. She watched them briefly before approaching the door and knocking.

The three men inside looked up at her and tried to hide their worried and confused expressions.

"Come in, Aya dear," the King called from behind his desk. He was seated in the large chair there, but leaning heavily onto the desk top as though weighted down.

"Is Ran awake?" Yohji asked from where he stood near the windows on the right side of the room. He looked almost as haggard as the professors had, and it scared her a little.

"Yes," she answered, forcing her voice not to waver. "He asked me to come here and find out what happened."

"How is he? And Ken?" Keiji asked. The Crown Prince was leaning against his father's book shelves, almost directly behind his father and outwardly looked as calm and collected as usual, but there was worry in his eyes.

"He said he felt woozy and I told him to go back to sleep. I said I'd wake him once I knew what had happened," she answered. "Ken has not yet regained consciousness. Ursula seems to think he won't, not before tomorrow morning."

The King sighed and nodded, slowly leaning back in his chair.

"And they are both now settled in Ran's room?" Yohji asked.

"Yes," Aya nodded.

"Good," the Prince said, then scratched at the back of his head. "Ursula's right. We should've consulted with her about them. We're surrounded by people who're paired, but not being so ourselves we failed to consider what it meant."

"We do apologize, Aya," Keiji added. "Please pass this on to Ran."

"I will," she said. "Although, I'm not sure all the blame should be your's. I helped pick out Ken's room. I had no idea people who are paired prefer to be physically near one another. I'm not even sure Ran knew it himself."

"Well, anyway, that's one thing we can rectify," Keiji said, smiling softly.

Aya almost felt herself blush, but shook it off.

"What about the trial?" she asked.

The King sighed again, attracting her attention.

"The professors learned a great deal, but what they learned has only served to create more questions," he stated.

Aya looked at him, her brow furrowed.

"And what was that?" she asked.

"You'd better have a seat, my dear," the King said seriously. "There is a lot you need to know and none of it will be easy to hear."

-

Author's Note: I'm trying to wrangle these chapters back down into a manageable size. The next few will be kind of fluffy, and then the action should pick up again. Have to deal with some of these pesky emotional issues of Ken's, and Ran's too. Not to mention plot points. Everyone hang on, here comes the twist! Oh, and do you think I should've included the trial? I didn't because what happened during it wasn't as important as what happened afterward, to me anyway, but it would've been a bit of excitement for you guys. Maybe. Okay, please, please, PLEASE review!

Precognition74: Heh-heh...well, now the trial is over. Was it as interesting as you hoped? Sorry I didn't included the actual trial part but I wasn't sure what that would serve. And his accent is a little better. It comes back when he's frustrated and angry. He's calmer now so its not so prevalent. That's my excuse anyway. Thanks for reading:)

Mondtanz: Ha! Two names! I'll have to go and find your fic. Sorry I haven't done it before now. I did try and find the site where your research is, but when I typed in the address you gave me nothing came up. O.O Ah-ha-ha! No, I wouldn't have embarrassed him that badly. Not in this fic anyway. What'd you think of the trial? Or the consequences actually. Are you filled with anticipation or are you making guesses? The royal children are fun. For some reason I like writing large families. Perhaps because I'm from a small one. A book of aby names from around the globe came into the library and I used one of my breaks to copy out all the Japanese names and their meanings. I keep that list to choose names from. That's how. Thanks for reading:)

Shikigami-kun: Thank you! Ran sure does have a lot of 'splainin' to do, and he'll be doing it next chapter...mostly. He'll also be explaining things in the following chapter too. Lots of explaining. And yes, poor Ken is totally drained. Actually, I like the royal litter. They all become somewhat regular characters in the story so I hope people like them. And more long chaps on the way! The longest is the last one. Thanks for reading:)

RosefaerietaleRed: Hi! Yeah, his family is large...again. I made him have a large family in my other fics as well. I wonder what that's all about? Yeah, Ran's a sweety. More of him being a sweety on the way! Thanks for reading:)

Rapunzel4: Hmmm...good question. And it'll be answered in the sequel. ;P Actually, it was your question that reminded me to include that when I started writing it last week. Thanks! I agree, poor Ken and bad Ran! But Ran tries to make up for it. Don't worry. Thanks for reading:)

Cat in the web: Hi! Hee-hee-hee! Its so funny you don't like Bertrand! He's a typical British butler. Nose in the air and everything. I lifted him from Wilky Collins' "The Moonstone". I just couldn't help myself. But its not that he doesn't like Ken, he's just not sure what to make of him. He's a Lord's son but his manners and dress are horrible. Not up to snuff, as it were. Hmmm, the King likes Ken, but he's a King. What I mean is he has too much responsibility to put any one person ahead of the kingdom as a whole. In some sense everyone who works for the King is an instrument for him to use. Including his own children. And yes, they will be surprised by Ken's power. Thanks for reading:)

RuByMoOn17: Thanks! But, no. I'm not going to make one of the Princes fall for Ran. It was bad enough that Yohji was playing with him like that. Ran/Ken is never boring! NEVER!...Sorry, I've watching a lot of "Invader Zim" lately...but Ran/Ken is my favorite and there's just not enough of it to suit me. Thanks for the idea though. And thanks for reading:)

Swtjemz: Woot? Woot! I haven't seen anyone say "Woot" since "Bloom County"! Ha! I love it! Yeah, there are a lot more people. I like it that way! Ken didn't do so well though, those lousy professors! Yeah, the sequel, just started writing it and already it needs rewriting. Please don't hold your breath for it. And the royal family will be assisting Ran in the manners learning...in the sequel! I'm evil! EVIL! Er...yeah...Thanks for reading:)

Akimoto-Kin: Thanks, I'm glad you liked all the details. And I'm glad you liked Aya too. I went with a more traditional version of her this time. She's not nearly as independent and free spirited. Much more sweet. And the trial is over and now, finally, Ran will explain what pairing is all about. The next two chapters should satisfy everyone on that score, and the plot twists too! So the next couple of chapters, though void of excitement and action, should be pretty interesting. At least I hope so. O.O Thanks for reading:)

Seph Lorraine: Merci! Merci! I had a reaction like that to the Coliseum in Rome. We were in a taxi (which was very scary) and suddenly BAM! The Coliseum! That's when I knew we were actually in Rome. I was thinking of Maxfield Parish when I described the First House. His sunset paintings with all there golds, pinks and blues. Yay! You like Aya! She and Ran are very close in this one, so she'll be close to Ken too, but no flirting this time. Sorry. I have otehr plans for her. Oh, thank you, thank you! Too much-blush- Thanks for reading:)

O.bi.Sess: Actually, there are seven royal children. Yeah, but Yohji's oats are wild. Heh-heh. Thanks for reading:)

Nikki: Oh, thanks for the reply! And I'm really glad you're liking this story too! I need to start working on the third one of the other series. I know what's going to happen I just haven't started writing it yet. Its better! Thanks! I was trying to be better. The explanation for the whole pairing thing is coming right up but I'm not sure people will like it. The person behind the plots will also be explained soon and then it'll all be over. My husband is a very patient, understanding man who doesn't like yaoi himself, but puts up with it for me:D Lucky me! (He's sitting behind me and reading this as I write it, by the way.) ;) Thanks for reading:)

Krysana: Yeah, Ran is cute when he's worried, but it is very out of character for him. More cute worrying Ran on the way! And lots of Aya too. I do have them very close in this one. And Yohji is a very good older brother, although not as attentive as he could be, but he's very busy. Thanks for reading:)