a/n: Heheh, here's the next chapter. I hope you enjoy. Sorry it took me a while to get it out here.

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Disclaimer: Unfamiliar; mine. Familiar; not mine.

Chapter Four

Paris's New Friend

There was a strict no-pet-rule in Priam's household, something Paris had never completely understood. After all, Hector's friend Alexius had a pet bird. Zoticus had a pet lizard. Nikias...Nikias...Well, Nikias didn't have a pet, but that wasn't the point. The point was that it wasn't fair that Paris couldn't have a pet of his own.

Paris had tried to convince his parents that he would be a much happier child if he had a pet. In fact, he had used different tactics; begging, pleading (there is a difference), crying, kicking, screaming, and even the silent treatment. However, nothing seemed to work. His parents still refused to let Paris have a pet. He had asked blatantly for one for his fifth birthday, but two days had passed since the celebration, and he still didn't have a pet. Imagine his disappointment when he was given six toys. Toys, toys! What was a toy compared to a pet! That was what he would've liked to know!

"It isn't fair," he grumbled to himself, kicking a small rock. "Alexius gets to have a pet. Why can't I?"

He sat down on the ground, crossing his arms and watching a small worm try and dig its way through the cracks between the stones. He heaved a weary sounding sigh, watching the horses run around in their pen. His father had let him come down to see them, probably in hopes that it would distract him from the pet-issue, but Priam's plan hadn't been successful. It only made Paris long for a pet even more.

Hector didn't seem to understand Paris's suffering. When he had explained how much he had wanted a pet, Hector had laughed.

"Just forget it about it, brother," he had sniggered. "Father will never let us have a pet."

The young prince flopped onto his back, sighing once more as he watched the clouds float by. Life was so dull without a pet. He was sure that if he had a pet, he would never be this bored again.

He rolled over onto his stomach, one finger tracing the cracks. He would most likely have to bathe and change after this, but he didn't care. He looked up, expecting to see...well, nothing, actually. Instead what he saw made a small smile creep up his face...

(Space)

Hector frowned, pausing. He had been rushing through his studies, knowing that eventually Paris was going to get into some mischief, seeing as he hadn't over the past two days, and he wouldn't be able to get anything done in the chaos that would ensue. He cocked his head to the side. Was is just him, or did he hear something outside of his room...?

"Hector?" came a small voice.

He stood, pulling the doors open. "Paris? What have you got there?"

Paris was holding a medium sized bundle close to his chest, looking around nervously. "Er...Can I come in?"

"Of course, please do." Hector shut the door behind him, instinct and experience telling him that trouble was soon to come. "What's wrong?"

Paris swallowed, sitting down on the bed and adverting his eyes. "Well...You know how Father won't let me have a pet?"

Hector narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Yes. It's the only thing that you've been able to talk about for the last few days."

The young prince shifted uncomfortably, still clutching the bundle. "Today I was outside...watching the horses, when I found it."

"What?"

Paris blinked. "My pet!" He set the bundle down on the bed, pulling open the cloth to reveal a very furry looking animal with two long, pointed ears...

"A rabbit!" Hector cried. "Paris, why did you bring it inside?"

"Because he's my pet." Paris scratched it behind its ears. "His name is Leonidas. I found him while I was outside today."

Hector groaned, one hand on Paris's shoulder. "We have to take it back outside."

"He doesn't have to go back outside. He's my pet now!"

"I don't think you understand, Paris." Hector hesitated, searching for the right words. "Father will not let you keep it when he finds out."

"I know! That's why I'm going to hide him in your room!" Paris grinned, as if this was the most ingenious idea in the world.

"You're not hiding him in my room. Leonidas lives in the outdoors."

"But this is his home now. He can't go back outside."

Hector decided to try a different approach. "Paris, Leonidas probably has a home of his own, with a family. If we keep him indoors, he will never get to see his family again."

"But we're his family now!"

The oldest brother chewed on his lip. "Paris, eventually Father will find out about it, and he will not be pleased. Leonidas will probably take a visit to the kitchens."

It took a few seconds for Paris to put this all together. Once it clicked, he wrapped his arms protectively around the rabbit's neck, his eyes welling with tears.

"Please, Hector, please! Can't I hide him in your room?"

Hector slowly shook his head. "No, Paris. We're going to take Leonidas back outside, right now. I suggest you say good-bye."

Paris turned his watery eyes toward the rabbit, giving a loud sniff and kissing him on the head. "I'm sorry Leonidas...I don't want to do it, really...B-but I don't want you to get eaten..."

"All right. Let's go." Hector began to wrap him in the blanket, but Paris threw himself upon the animal once more.

"Good-bye, Leonidas! I will never forget you!"

"Paris, come on, we need to be..."

"No matter how long, I will always remember you! Good-bye, Leonidas!"

"Paris, stop..."

"Even when I'm really old, like the priests, I will still remember you! Good-bye, Leonidas!"

"Paris!" Hector pulled him to his feet. "Get a hold of yourself! The faster we make this, the easier it will be, all right?"

Paris nodded, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand. "All r-right."

Hector lifted the rabbit, who was now securely wrapped in the blanket. He was surprised at the weight, and wondered how Paris had managed to carry it all the way here. He glanced down at his brother, who was still rubbing his eyes and sniffling.

"Now, we need to hurry before anyone finds out that we-"

He was cut short, for at that moment, there was a knock at the door. Hector froze before shoving the animal back into Paris's arms. "Get in the chest!" he hissed, not watching to see Paris open the lid and scramble inside. Instead he threw open the door.

Priam smiled down at him. "Hello, Hector."

"H-hello, Father," Hector managed to say. He swallowed. He was never a good liar, or good at keeping a secret.

The king folded his arms across his chest. "I need to speak with you a moment."

"Yes, Father." Hector obediently stepped out of the way, trying to look relaxed as he watched Priam sit upon the bed. He took a seat next to him, his eyes flashing toward the chest. The lid was closed tightly. It didn't look suspicious in any way...

"Hector." Priam's voice was gentle. "How are you doing?"

"I'm doing fine," Hector croaked, attempting a smile and failing terribly.

The king's eyes sparkled. "Is there anything that you would like to talk about?"

'Does he know about Paris...?' Hector shook his head. "No thank you, I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

Hector gulped. 'He knows!' "I'm sure."

"If you ever need to talk to me, I'm here." Priam stood, crossing over to stand by the chest. He lifted the blanket that had been sloppily thrown over it, probably by Paris in his haste. He began to fold it as he spoke. "Never be afraid of my reaction, or punishment."

He nodded. "Uhhhh-huh."

"Good. Remember that you are the eldest, and that you must set a good example for your younger brother."

Hector gritted his teeth. "Yes, Father."

"I know that may not always be easy," Priam continued, bending down to lift the lid of the chest. "Paris can be very persistent..."

Hector felt his pulse quicken. "Erm...Yes..."

The king lifted the lid. Hector could barely see the top of Paris's knees. He stood, his pulse quickening. "Uh, Father? I think- I think I'm sick!"

"Really?" Priam dropped the sheet lightly into the chest, shutting the lid and hurrying over beside his son. He felt his forehead, frowning. "You don't have a fever...Perhaps you should lie down for a while."

"Y-Yes." Hector sat down on his bed.

"Maybe you'll feel better after a little rest." Priam smiled, slowly exiting the room.

As soon as he was gone, Hector flopped down on the pillows and shut his eyes. He waited a few seconds before barking, "Paris!"

No response.

He sat up, puzzled. "Paris," he repeated, slipping from the bed and walking over to stand beside the chest. "Paris, he's gone."

He knelt down next to the box, frowning as he rapped on it sharply. The only reply was a very muffled sounding yell and several soft knocks. Hector hurriedly opened it, pulling off the blanket.

Paris's head suddenly popped up, his face pale. "Couldn't--breathe," he coughed, his arms hanging limply. Leonidas sprang lithely over the edge, scurrying behind the bed.

"We have to get him outside, now." Hector's expression was grim. "That was close as it was."

Paris shook his head weakly. "But he's my friend, Hector! Please, we can't let him go."

Hector chewed on his lip thoughtfully. "A pet might do you some good," he said at last. "It might give you a sense of discipline and responsibility."

Paris pushed himself up, smiling eagerly. "Does that mean that I can keep him, and hide him in here?"

"It might mean that you can keep him, but we're going to have to hide him somewhere else."

The five-year-old cocked his head to the side. "Where?"

"Let me show you..."

TBC...