Rating: PG

Disclaimer: Anything recgonizable is not mine. Others, yes, they are mine.

Note: In this case, the 'father's horse' has another meaning. Yep. I didn't quite like the idea of a "neigh, neigh" horse so I used it in another way. Read on and perhaps you would understand what I mean. :)

Chapter 2

Little Paris walked down the corridors, thinking hard. What if he really couldn't prove it? What if he really had to sacrifice his horse and bow, and strip in front of all those people if he could not? He shuddered at the thought of it. No, I cannot let that happen. I must never let that happen.

Striding towards his father's chamber, Paris had his mind set. The king would not be in his bedroom at this hour, so it would make things easier. He would go in and take the object he wanted, and quickly get out of the room so no one would notice him. Yes, he would do that. He revised the plan over and over in his head till he was confident and clear of what he had to do.

Standing outside the bedroom chamber, he paused and took a deep breath. He was beginning to have qualms about this now. This was stealing, and if the king ever found out that his son had stolen something precious from him, he was bound to fly into a rage, and... Paris bit his lip. He did not want to think of the consequences if he were caught.

Just then he heard footsteps and voices along the corridor. Immediately he pressed his back firmly against the wall, flattening himself, hoping that whoever it was would not come this way. After a few long seconds, the footsteps died away and Paris let his breath out in a rush. He was half- glad that no one had known he was here; the other half was due to his conscience. A part of him did not want to do this anymore, for he could not do such a thing; he would not only be letting his father down, but his brother and himself too. Not to mention his friends too, if he were caught. But he knew he could not back out now. He definitely did not fancy stripping in public.

Slowly, step by step, he inched his way forward, towards the bedroom door. Maybe I can back out now, he thought. Maybe I can ask Hector for help, surely Hector will know how to deal with Kyriakos.

But there was another voice inside him that told him not to. He knew he could not always go running to Hector whenever there was a problem. As much as his brother loved him, Hector was busy too. Paris sighed. He had to go on with the plan.

He now stood in front of the chamber, the door only centimetres away from his face. No, I think I should go back, he decided.

NO! You cannot go back!

The little prince jumped. Who was that? Who said that? He was sure he had not told anyone about his plan! He looked up and down the corridor but there was no one, not even the slightest trace of a shadow. Reluctantly, he turned back to face the door again.

As his hand gripped the doorknob, he again had a strong feeling to return to wherever he was supposed to be.

DO IT!!

Paris spun on his heels. "Who's there?" He called out faintly. But there was no answer, only his echo. Taking a deep breath, he whirled round once more and his sweaty palms was clenching the doorknob so tightly he could see the blue-green veins in his hand popping out.

DO IT!! NOW!!!!!

Startled yet obeying the command, Paris burst into the room, and quickly shut his eyes with his fists hanging at the side of him. Surely there was somebody who had heard him – or seen him – and he knew he was going to receive a lecture anytime soon. He squeezed his eyes shut till tears were about to spill. But there was silence.

Curious, he opened his eyes slowly and peeked around the room. There was no one in sight. He turned around and looked out into the hallway, but there was still nobody. Funny, he thought. Someone had been giving him instructions just now, hadn't he?

It took him moments to realize that the voice did not belong to anybody else, but him. They were his inner thoughts, telling him what to do.

Reminding himself his purpose of being in the room, he was quickly jolted out of his reverie. He glanced around the room and his gaze finally settled on the object that he was looking for. Walking round the king-sized bed and towards the study table, Paris could not help feeling a little glad. He did not have to do those silly forfeits anymore! Gingerly, he picked up the object and held it in his little hand. He was amazed at its weight. He did not expect it to be so heavy!

Carefully, he inserted the object into his pocket, and patted it fondly. Now, he did not have to worry any longer! With this treasure, he will not only make the bullies lose face, but gain himself a title too!

Smiling at his achievement, Paris quickly made his way out. He was meticulous enough to make sure that everything was in place and the door was closed properly. Then he ran all the way back to his chamber.

His mission was successfully accomplished.

TBC...

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