Disclaimer: I don't own these characters; Tamora Pierce does.

He was ten years old, and he was speaking with King Jonathan about his wish to become a knight.

Jonathan looked at the boy, curious. "You understand your parents do not want you to become a knight. Do you still wish to serve the Crown in this way?"

"I understand, and I wish to serve the Crown by becoming a knight," Rikash said softly.

Jonathan sighed. "Do you know why your parents are set against you trying for your knighthood?"

The boy nodded. "They want me to study at the university. But it doesn't matter, I want to serve the realm by fighting. Not using magic."

The king bit his lip. "Rikash, Numair Salmalìn is one of my best friends, and Daine is becoming a great friend as well, I will not defy them in this way. You are their son, and I have no say in what they choose for you." He hesitated. "Is there another reason your parents do not want you to be a knight? If I knew more, I would be more inclined to give way to you." He smiled.

Rikash nodded again. "They don't want me to be killed in battle, with my body being in the possession of some enemy mage. They want me to become a great mage." He glared at his feet. "And they're people to talk! They risk their lives often."

"They are also adults." The king's voice was firm. "The decision is not mine."

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He had to do it sometime, and now was as good a time as ever. He walked into Sarralyn Salmalín's room quietly. He took out the knife he had threatened her with, which was now dipped in a fatal poison.

He smiled grimly. He could hurt his parents through Sarralyn. He fingered the handle of the knife, thinking.

Ever since he refused to go to the university, his parents had obviously favored Sarralyn. He envied her more and more; she was doing what she wanted and had Daine and Numair's approval.

He walked quickly to her bedside, taking in her appearance. She looked innocent and sweet while she slept, just as she did when she was awake. Rikash grimaced. He wasn't sure if he had the courage to murder his sister.

He wondered if he was happy that Uusoae had entered his life. Was he just a tool, or was he someone that mattered? Someone who might be able to rule Chaos with her one day? Father Universe and Mother Flame had been approached by Uusoae several years ago, and she begged them to release her. Touched by their daughter's words, they agreed. And the queen of Chaos had started planning.

The former King of Chaos had objected to his wife's plans in his quiet way. But Uusoae didn't like defiance, even quiet defiance. She had exiled him.

Rikash had asked her who else would be helping them conquer Tortall and thus get revenge on Numair and Daine, but Uusoae merely cackled. He guessed that some of the nobles of Stone Mountain might help Uusoae.

The boy leaned closer to his sister, listening to her breathe. He brought the knife to her arm and gave it a slight push. He saw her bleed, and he smiled. The poison was now in her bloodstream; it would kill her any moment.

She opened her eyes, but she didn't scream. She stared at her brother, a look of sadness in her eyes.

He couldn't look at her any longer; her mouth was starting to foam. He turned away.

He heard a groan, and glanced back at his sister. She was dead.

Was he happy? He had wanted her to suffer, and he knew that she did. The poison was known for giving the victim a quick, painful death.

In any case, his work was done. He fled the room.

Author's Note: Thank you to all of my reviewers, and sorry to AnimalWriter1 - Sarralyn's death was sad, but it had to be done.