A/N: Thanks to all who reviewed! I'm going to be alternating between Jack/Hope POV, so this chapter is basically the same (though there are different situations) as the first chapter, but from a different perspective. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

:Chapter 2: Jack:

" Jack."

I glanced around for the owner of the voice, wiping the perspiration off my forehead with the back of my hand. The cool air felt good against my skin. I spotted a dark haired girl peering at me from behind an oak tree a few yards away. I waved, startled to see her here, and headed over.

"So you're here?" I asked, dropping the heavy sword to the ground. I stretch my aching arms, relieved for the sudden drop of weight.

She nodded. "There weren't many dishes around and Mother's not around. She's getting ready for you're lesson."

The girl, Hope, had been living at the palace for as long as I can remember. Her Mother had been tutoring me and my older brother, Evan, since we were children.

I sighed. "Yeah. I should go and clean up."

Hope's smile disappeared.

"But I guess I can stick around for a few minutes longer," I quickly added.

Her smile returned and she nodded. "So I heard Evan and your father are coming home soon?" she tucked a strand of her long black hair behind her ear.

I grinned. Evan and my father, more commonly known as King Charmont, had left a few months ago to hunt for ogres in the Elves' forest. Mother, also known has Queen Ella, had received a letter last night from Father that said they would be back within the next few days. "Tonight, actually. Or tomorrow at the latest. Mother and I hadn't been expecting them to arrive for another couple of weeks. She wanted to surprise them with a ball to celebrate their return, but I guess it's a little too late for that. Thankfully." I said with an exaggerated sigh of relief.

Which I was relieved for. I hate dancing. Especially at balls. It would probably have been a costume ball, anyway. Mother and Father have a strange infatuation with them, for a reason unknown to Evan and I. They said something about an inside joke. "I'd better get going now," I tell her. "Don't want to be late for my lesson."

She nodded. "Okay, I'll see you later."

I started to head away, turning around once to add, "I'll try to come find you afterwards if I have time."

I headed away from the courtyard and through the palace doors. I was to wash up and meet up with Hope's mother for our lesson.

I climbed up the spiral steps to the second floor and immediately my mind flooded with youthful memories of when Hope and Evan and I would slide down the banister.

"I'll see you at our next lesson, Your Majesty," the tutor said, gliding into a graceful curtsey. Her lovely raven hair was swept up into a sleek bun on top of her head.

I nodded and slightly bowed. "You too, Ma'am."

I headed down the stairs, sniffing the air. Mmmm. Already I could smell the dinner Mandy, our cook, was preparing. I was about to head towards the kitchen (Mandy usually lets me sneak a bite or two before she actually serves her meals) when I heard voices and the sound of hooves outside.

Evan and Father!

I rushed out the doors, and was greeted by a group of about ten or so armed knights with a lavish amount of weapons on horses. I spotted a particularly young man with curly hair and swarthy skin among them.

"Nice to have you back, Evan," I greeted with a grin.

My brother Evan, who is just two year my senior, turned towards me. He hopped of his horse and stood in front of me. Instead of his usual slap on the back, he just stood there in front of me, frozen in place, his face expressionless.

"Hello, Evan," I tried again, forcing a chuckle, sensing that something was wrong.

And then the strangest thing happened. Evan reached out his long arms and pulled me into an awkward embrace.

"Evan!" Now I was sure something was wrong. Evan hadn't hugged me since. . . well, never. Not even when we were little kids. The only contact we ever came into was when he punched or pushed me. Never like this.

"Err. . ." I drew back from him and took a few steps back. Instead, I patted his back and said "What's wrong?"

"Jackson. . ." he finally spoke up in a voice that was barely above a whisper. I cringed. I hated my full name.

"What's wrong?" I repeated. And that's when I noticed it. I counted the horses. One, two, three. . .nine. There are nine horses. And nine men. When they left a few months ago, it was a group of ten men. Ten. "Where's father!" I asked, my heart racing.

"Jack," Evan said again. "He was caught."

My eyes widened. What did he just say? Then I laughed. I must have misheard him. "Evan, quit it. That's not something to joke about," I said, playfully punching his arm.

Normally Evan would have gotten ready to punch me back, but he didn't move. This was definitely not a normal situation.

"Jack, he's dead."

"Who's dead?" I blurted quickly. Deep down I knew who he is talking about, but some part of me wanted to believe it was one of the knights that was killed. I know that's a horrible thing to think, but, I mean. . . he's my father.

He didn't answer me. Instead, he stared at me with sympathetic eyes.

"N-No. Stop lying. This isn't funny anymore." I could hear my voice shaking.

"Jack, listen to me."

"No! I won't!" I quickly pushed him out of the way, and dashed back towards the castle. I know I made a fool of myself out there in front of the knights, acting like a little kid and all, but I didn't care. I flew up the stairs, taking three steps at a time. I rushed into my bedroom, locked the door, and flung myself on my bed. I stared at the ceiling. What a lovely color. Blue. Father's favorite color. I blinked, my eyes stinging from. . . something. Tears, perhaps? No, I most certainly was not crying. I don't cry.

I layed there in silence for what seemed like hours, though I knew that barely fifteen minutes had passed.

Then there was a knock on the door. I didn't answer. It was probably Evan, anyway.

There was another knock, this time louder. I squeezed my eyes shut, willing the person to go away. Go away.

This time there was a voice. "Jack?"

Hope! I groaned softly. Although I considered her my best friend (she's the only one close to my age in the palace) I wanted to be left alone.

I could sense that she was still standing outside the door. Maybe talking to her would help. . . I debated the two decisions in my head for a few moments before I decided to let her in. I creaked the door open and found her standing there. Her eyes widened as she looked up at me.

"Jack?" she asked frantically, staring at me as though I was a ghost. "What's the matter?"

I was planning on opening the door to let her in, but I can't move. I gather up all the strength I have and manage to let out a few words. "He's gone," I whisper.

She stared at me in what seems to be a mix or horror and worry. I stared back. She had a bit of dirt smeared on her cheek, and her skin was remarkably pale, especially in contrast with her dark hair, probably from all the hours she worked inside the kitchen. She was silent for a moment before she spokeup again. "What do you mean? Who's gone?"

I decided I might as well tell her. After all, she was going to find out sooner or later that her king is dead. "My father is dead."

A/N: Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please remember to review!