July 15, 1985

I realize that it has been a few months since my last entry, but so much has gone on here at the Castle that I barley had any time to write! Just last night the Queen gave birth to a set of twins, and boy and a girl respectively. Her delivery went by swiftly and she didn't have any problems. Ignatius Koopa was born at 9:32 p.m., and his sister Gwendolyn O. followed six minutes later. Everyone around the castle seemed to be joyous over the arrival of the first female Koopa Princess, especially Adora. She wouldn't stop gushing about how beautiful her "angel" was, and that she was named after her grandmother. For once I couldn't blame her. Having a daughter must be something special, as I've noticed that the bond between a mother and daughter is much stronger than that of a mother and son. Of course she relished over her dear Ignatius too, but I suppose it wears thin after having two boys already. Her eldest son Prince Lemuel, to my surprise, seemed to be happy about having a little sister. While the Queen gave birth in a chamber set up especially for the occasion, it was my duty to keep watch over the children in the Social Room. The two and a half year old Prince Roy had fallen asleep and was in his bedroom, so that left me alone with Lemuel and Ludwig.

"Having a baby must hurt, right Kamek?" A curious Lemuel asked, as he sprawled out on the rather large leather couch which adorned the room. His older brother was lying down next to me on the smaller sofa, his head resting on my lap.

"Well it's not like I've ever been through it, but yes, I imagine it must hurt!" I chuckled.

"She must be used to it by now." Ludwig muttered, his voice heavy and sounding tired. He kept closing his eyes for long periods at a time, then occasionally opening them just to sneak in a comment here and there.

"True! But my mom is having twins and that's got to really hurt!" Lemuel emphasized.

"Lemmy, it's not like she's having them at the same time." His big brother corrected as he fought to keep his eyes open.

"Of course not!" I added. "Twins are born one after the other."

"I knew that." Lemuel smugly answered.

Something I said must have triggered Ludwig to pick his head up and sit upright. "Hey Kamek, I don't think I've ever asked you," He started. "You don't have a wife or children, do you?"

"Yeah, where's your wife?" Lemuel chimed in, equally curious.

This was a topic which often made me uncomfortable, but somehow discussing it with children didn't make it seem so horrible. "Oh, I was married up until three years ago."

"Really? What happened?" The Crown Prince questioned.

"We got a divorce. It was highly publicized, but you're too young to remember."

"Why did you get a divorce? You didn't love each other anymore?" Lemuel piped in.

"You could say that. We were married for a little over ten years, but things change, Lemuel. People change." I added heavily.

"What was her name?"

"Camille." I replied.

"And you had no kids?" Ludwig further interrogated.

"No, she...wasn't able to have children." I was hoping that this particular topic would go right over the young Princes' heads, which it luckily did. Out of all people I didn't want to be the one to explain where babies came from. I wasn't their mother.

"How old are you, Kamek?" Lemuel asked, now resting on his stomach.

"I'm thirty-three."

"You're the same age as Dad!"

"But he's a lot nicer." Ludwig smirked, making the verbal blow toward his father obvious.

"I turned six in April. April 9th!" The younger Prince had to add. I could recall Ludwig at age six, and he was far more mature back then than how his younger brother is now. Lemuel could be quite the chatterbox, but I suppose living in this castle comic relief is often needed. Youth can be entertaining sometimes! After he mentioned his recent birthday I started to think about the drastic differences between his party and Ludwig's from over half a year ago. Lemuel was given a wonderful celebration with plenty of gifts and other treats six year old's would enjoy. His big brother, on the other hand, had a measly birthday dinner and spent the evening conversing with a painting of his deceased mother.

Perhaps the treatment Ludwig received from his father and step-mother helped contribute to the attitudes between him and I as of lately. I have always noticed that the boy has confided in me in the past, but since we've been spending a lot of time together (mostly due to training) the feelings I've had towards him have changed. I no longer look at him as my pupil, but as if he was my own. I believe Ludwig believes the same. Lately he's been showing signs of affection that I never knew he was capable of, because he always seemed so cold and distant in the past. The adjectives "cold" and "distant" shouldn't be used to describe a nine year old, but I am glad to be the one who changes that. Recently his own father saw him resting his head against my arm at a Council Meeting, but didn't question it to me. Neither does he ask when he notices how lively his son acts around my company. Lately the King has tried to make an effort to win Ludwig's attention, but the boy acts as if nothing has changed between them. I definitely think that Ludwig's newfound powers have contributed to the King's sudden attitude change, and that disturbs me. It brings me back to the time when I first was appointed to Head Administrator and he suddenly inquired about my powers and what I was capable of. Maybe he thinks if he can't use my magic he can use his son's? What in Lunaretine is the King plotting?

I didn't have much time to continue thinking any longer. I was interrupted by a nurse entering the Social Room. She looked pretty exhausted, her black hair pulled loosely back into a ponytail, and her eyes were encircled with black rings. Despite her physical appearance, her face was decorated with a bright smile.

"Head Administrator Kamek," She addressed me. "I am proud to say that our Majesty Adora has given birth to two beautiful children. A boy and a girl!"

"That's wonderful!" I exclaimed, pretending to be shocked. Naturally I already knew the sex of the babies, but the King and Queen had forced me to keep quiet. Ludwig had questioned me a few nights ago about it and I revealed the fact to him. He said he too could sense it. Over the past few months of training his powers have become more and more keen.

"You mean I have a little sister now?" Lemuel asked, sitting up.

"Yes, that you do, Prince Lemuel. Your mother is resting now, as are the babies. I suggest you too get some rest. You can see your siblings in the morning." The nurse explained.

"Where's the King?" I asked.

"He's with his Queen. They're both very tired and wish to be left alone. I must return to take care of the twins. Good night, everyone." The visitor bowed her head in reverence and promptly exited the room.

Prince Lemuel was very excited over the birth of two new siblings, even though he tried his best to hide it. He made it quite clear throughout the past nine months that he wanted nothing to do with the babies once they arrived, but judging by his happy reaction, I'm sure he'll be eating those words now. Ludwig was indifferent like he usually was, but did seem interested when I confirmed his beliefs by telling him one of the twins was a girl. A little sister must be a nice change of pace, considering he is the oldest of four boys now!

After a few moments of chit chat about the birth of the twins, Ludwig excused himself and left the room. I knew where he was headed.

"Hey, where did he go?" Lemuel asked as he started to stand up.

"No, leave him, Lemuel. He's tired and wants to be alone." I was more than sure he was headed towards his mother's portion of the castle. The King still didn't have a clue about his son's visits there and I didn't dare say a word. I decided it would be best to put Lemuel to bed since it was well past his bed-time anyway. He protested at first, saying that he was too excited to sleep, but I sternly made my point clear and told him he should go to bed so he'd have enough energy to play with the twins in the morning. I was tired enough as it was. The past few weeks had been full of nothing but Council Sessions, meetings with the Alterian King Leirelat, and of course training my protegee. I figured Ludwig would be alright by himself and that he probably wanted to be alone anyway. With that I retired for the night in preparation for the next day's activities.

September 16, 1985

Yesterday was my thirty-forth birthday, so I decided to celebrate by taking Ludwig and Lemuel into the Capital. It had been the younger Prince's first time there, and he seemed to have enjoyed every minute of it. Before bringing him Ludwig had warned me that Lemuel could be quite hyperactive, so I made sure to keep my eye especially on him. Unlike his big brother, Lemuel enjoyed the Airship ride to Blazaa Station. He skipped all around the deck while Ludwig remained lurched over the side of the ship, looking a tad ill on his second journey to the Capital. Not too long after we arrived I had already almost lost Lemuel twice, once in the Station and the second time as soon as we exited. I grabbed his hand and told him to stay with me otherwise he'd get lost. Luckily I didn't have to worry about Ludwig. The Crown Prince remained by my side, only letting his eyes wander to absorb all the sites. Occasionally while walking, the younger Prince would drag me over to a store window and peer in. He had a habit of putting his face directly up to the glass and fogging it up with his breath. I explained quite a few times how rude it was to the people inside, but he didn't seem to care. His brother simply shrugged his shoulders and smirked. To calm the young Prince down I brought the boys to the largest toy store in the Capital, which I soon realized was a mistake. Upon entering, Lemuel broke hold of my grasp and ran straight towards the stuffed animals, pushing past people, stepping on their toes, ignoring their cries as he zipped by. If only they knew who had just gotten in their way! Ludwig and I instantly followed the Prince, who we found sitting in a pile of toys, clutching a pair of teddy bears.

"Iggy and Wendy would love these!" He exclaimed, squeezing the stuffed animals.

"Lemuel, don't do that again! This is a very crowded place and we almost lost you!" I scolded. "What would your father say if you didn't come back home?"

"I like these, they're soft." Lemuel was oblivious to my yelling, and kept his gaze focused on the toys.

Ludwig's criticism was a bit more harsher than mine. "Don't do something stupid like that again, Lemmy. You want to get Kamek in trouble?"

Lemuel looked up at his brother with sad eyes. "No, I like Kamek."

"Then listen to him!"

I was grateful to Ludwig, because for the rest of the day Lemuel behaved. He remained by my side and didn't dart off like he had done earlier. Later that night I took the boys out to dinner and soon after that we returned back to the castle. After escorting the Princes back to their chambers I started to make my way back to my own, but was interrupted just down the hall from my corridors.

"Kamek, how is his training going?" I instantly recognized the owner of the voice.

"Your Majesty, good evening." I replied, turning around to face him.

"Yes, good evening." The King greeted, walking up to me. "Well, how is my son's training going?"

"It is coming along quite well, your Highness."

"I see," The King's tone turned a bit fishy, as if he was thinking of something he didn't want me to know about. "And is he growing powerful?"

"Power is a relative term for sorcerers, my King. I explained to you that there are different tiers of sorcery-"

"Yes I know, and he's still a level five?"

"As far as I can see, yes. Why?" I began to grow suspicious of the King's interrogation. I didn't like the way he was asking these questions. It was as if he wasn't satisfied with the answers.

"Are you sure, Kamek? He's only as powerful as you?"

"Only as powerful? Your Highness, I don't think you understand the capabilities of a tier five sorcerer. Why do you seem so upset over this?" I was in shock. Only a tier five?

"Kamek, today I heard word that the Alterian Princess is a level six sorceress. Of course you know this is huge news throughout the Eight Kingdoms." The King explained, folding his arms. He seemed unnerved at his own revelation to me.

"She's a tier six? Such a thing has been unheard of for years! I can't believe it, a nine year old princess! Your Highness, that just goes to show you that magic doesn't care who it's wielder is, and you can't force Ludwig to learn something he may not have the ability to. Keep in mind that the boy just started his training and Princess Victoria has been learning since she was very young."

"So you're saying that my son still doesn't know his full potential?"

"Of course not, and neither do we. I just started teaching him, but already he has shown great power. I wouldn't downplay him just yet, your Majesty. Give him time." I stated, trying to cover up the uneasiness in my voice as best as possible. The fact that the Alterian Princess was an extremely gifted sorceress didn't bother me...it was the King's hidden intentions that did.

"Do you know what this means, Kamek? Alteria has become our most powerful ally ever! With the princess, you and my son, we could be unstoppable!" The King cried with a smile.

I didn't like what I was hearing. Not in the least. "True, but sorcery is not something to be used lightly, your Highness. You read your history books. You know what happened during The Destruction five hundred years ago. It was given that name for a reason."

"I know, Kamek. Just continue to train my Ludwig. You've been a good teacher so far."

"Thank you." I muttered. My mind had started to race! I knew deep down that the King had ulterior motives for Prince Ludwig, and now my suspicions were confirmed.

"So I heard you took the boys into the Capital today." The King had suddenly changed the subject. "Any occasion?"

"Yes, today is my birthday, your Majesty."

"Oh, it is? Happy Birthday, Kamek! Why didn't you tell me?" He cheered, reaching out to give me a hug. I backed away, not wanting him to lay a finger on me. At my reaction, the King's nose wrinkled. "What's the matter? Did I offend you?"

"No, no not at all," I lied. "It's just that I'm tired. I had a long day and I'd really like to get some rest now."

"I see. Well you took both Ludwig and Lemuel into the Capital, didn't you? My little Lemmy, he can be quite jumpy. He's hyper enough around here, I can't imagine him running around the streets of the city."

"Yes, well I made sure he stayed close to me."

"Speaking of staying close, I've noticed the sudden...bond between you and Ludwig lately." I could sense the tenseness in his voice, and by judging how the Crown Prince has rejected his offerings of paternal affection within the last few months, the King didn't sound too happy.

I didn't know how to respond. Carefully, I chose my words. "Your Majesty, now that your son has discovered his hidden talents, he needs a mentor, someone to help guide him. By choosing me as his teacher, I also take over the role of counselor, just as I do for you."

"I suppose...well, no matter then. Kamek, you have a good night and enjoy the rest of your birthday. I shall see you in the morning! King Leirelat is returning, and many plans need to be discussed."

"I'll join you in the Planning Room, bright and early."

After our closing words, the King departed and allowed me to retire for the evening. Now more than ever did I suspect King Bowser of something, but I wasn't sure what. So far I knew he wanted to use magic for something. But what? Since I made it clear I wouldn't condone him to use my powers, he's going after his son's. Somehow, the inevitable war between Alteria and Oceanside also plays a part in the King's private plot. All of this causes me to ponder one question. What the gods names are going on?

April 1, 1986

Winter came and went without much ado, yet much has changed around the castle. The twins, Gwendolyn and Ignatius, are now nine months old and are causing quite a bit of havoc. The rest of the King's children have welcomed the twins with open arms, especially Lemuel, and to my surprise, Ludwig. Three months ago to this day Ludwig turned ten years old. His attitude has changed a bit, which I suspect is part of him growing older. He has been getting involved in helping to raise the twins, and has placed young Gwendolyn under his wing. I've noticed him playing with the baby princess and spending large quantities of time with her. In return, the girl has grown attached to her big brother and clings to him wherever they go together. I wouldn't know, because I was an only child, but the change from having a little brother to now a little sister must be a dramatic one. After all, the Crown Prince is the oldest of four boys, so a sister must be a breath of fresh air. Things weren't always this way though, as I recall an occurrence which happened shortly after the twins were born. Ludwig had asked if he could hold Gwendolyn while him and I were in the twins' nursery. Seeing nothing wrong with it, I told him to sit down. After he did, I placed the baby princess on his lap. While he was holding her, Queen Adora stormed in and instantly panicked when she saw her daughter out of her crib.

"Kamek!" She yelled. "What do you think you're doing?" Not even waiting for my response she snatched Gwendolyn up from Ludwig's lap and glared at the both of us.

I was in disbelief. "Why, your Highness, the Crown Prince only asked if he could hold his little sister. What's wrong with that?"

"You mean 'half-sister', Kamek! I don't want some ten year old holding a newborn! What does he know about taking care of children?" The Queen motioned her head at her step-son, who in turn scowled.

"More than you think, Adora." I continued.

"He's not an ordinary boy! Who knows what he's capable of. He might harm her!"

"Not intentionally." Ludwig butted in. He wore a smug grin on his face as he addressed the Queen. His little comment stung Her Majesty, and she then turned her attention to me.

"See, Kamek! I don't trust him! Never let him hold the twins again, do you understand me?" She hissed.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't aware you were so overprotective of your daughter. It'll never happen again." I apologized. Why does this woman hold so much resentment towards a ten year old boy?

"Thank you, Kamek. I suppose I shouldn't blame you. You're not a father, you don't understand the instinct that comes with being a parent."

Her snotty statement hit me hard. I shut my eyes halfway and lowered my head. "Yes, your Highness. What would I know?" I dryly stated. Apparently she didn't think it was harsh, but even Ludwig looked at his step-mother with a venomous stare. Without saying another word, the Queen exited the chamber, daughter in tow. Ludwig hopped up off his chair and walked over to me.

"Ignore her, Kamek."

"I am, but sometimes she says some pretty scathing things." I explained, picking my head up.

"Oh believe me, I know! I say you and I tag-team up on her. She wishes she had the powers that we do." Ludwig reassured to me.

I cracked a smile and ruffled the Prince's hair with my hand. "You're right, Ludwig. When you're older we'll show her what you're made of!"

After that incident the Crown Prince was especially cold towards the Queen, and even to this day, months later, he still has trouble acting the least bit nice to her. I can already tell that when he's much older they're going to clash on every level possible. Eventually, as the months passed, Adora loosened up her grip on the twins and allowed their siblings to play with them. It was during this time that Ludwig and Gwendolyn became close, and to everyone's shock, the Queen hasn't objected to it. Honestly I think she's scared of her step-son because of his powers, and even more afraid to say something since her daughter has grown equally attached to her eldest brother. That snide comment Adora had made to me also left an impression on my mind, but now I like to think that I am more of a father to Ludwig than his step-mother or his biological father will ever be.

September 27, 1986

Another birthday of mine came and gone, and still not much has happened in Dark World, or should I say, the entire Eight Kingdoms. Luckily Alteria and Oceanside have cooled it down for now, and King Leirelat hasn't made a visit to Dark World in almost six months. News about the sixth tier Alterian princess has also died down, mostly because of the intervention of her protective father.

The King hasn't been pestering me lately about his son's progress in the world of sorcery, and for that I am glad. The last thing Ludwig needs is pressure from his overambitious father. The conversation I had with his Royal Highness a little over a year ago is still fresh in my head, and although the King hasn't made any recent references to his future plans, I can tell he's keeping them hidden for now.

Lately, because of the bout of heavy rains Dark World has had to endure over the past few weeks, Ludwig and I have moved our studies to his favorite part of the castle--his mother's quarters. He seems to enjoy sitting in her small library, with her portrait hanging overhead while we converse. The tome he bought a year and a half ago, Harnessing the Power of Sorcery, has found a home in the library. Occasionally the Crown Prince gazes at its pages, but I think we both feel that he has overgrown the book by now. Over the past year he has grown into a powerful sorcerer. His tier has been determined as a five, but he is still young yet, so his level might change in time. I've noticed that a favorite skill of his that he has learned is walking through walls. It's a skill I've never acquired, so I've had a bit of trouble convincing the boy to...harness it. Using his abilities on a different note, he has taken to becoming a mischief-maker around the castle. Just the other night after I was released from a briefing with the King, a wide eyed Prince Lemuel ran up to me. He explained that just a few moments ago he was with Ludwig and Roy in the Social Room, playing a card game. An argument had broken out between the brothers, and in some way Ludwig had become angered. Out of spite, he had taken Lemuel's cup of juice and threw it at his brother's face and on the rug. Suddenly, they all heard a voice calling to them from down the hall. It was the Queen. Before Lemuel could react and squeal on his big brother, Ludwig had vanished. Of course, Lemuel and Roy got blamed for the juice accident while the Crown Prince got away scot free. I had to smirk at Prince Lemuel's story, and I told him not to worry about it. Then the young boy asked if I could teach him how to walk through walls, which caused me to chuckle. I had to explain to him that he wasn't a sorcerer and couldn't do those type of activities. Later that night I had a talk with Prince Ludwig about the event, and he immediately bursted out laughing as I addressed him. Raising an eyebrow, I asked him what was so funny. He then proceeded to tell me that he wished he could've seen the look on Adora's face when Lemuel attempted to blame him for the accident when he wasn't even in the room. Tonight he was with me though, in Queen Monika's chambers, and was in a more serious mood.

"How are you feeling tonight, Ludwig?" I asked.

"I'm fine. I was thinking about the incident which happened a few nights ago with Lemmy."

"You mean when you threw the juice in his face and laughed? That wasn't very nice."

"You're right." The prince was laying down on his stomach upon the carpeted floor, flipping through a book on sorcery. "I guess I'm beginning to feel..." He searched for the right word to use, but I came up with one before he could.

"Overconfident? Cocky?" I nodded my head at him, then shifted my weight in the dust covered armchair I was seated on. "It's good to feel confident about your powers, but when you start to use them in a negative way, that's when problems arise. There's nothing scarier than a cocky, naive fifth tier sorcerer!"

I suppose Ludwig didn't like me scolding him, so he decided to change the subject. "Kamek, who trained you? I don't think I've ever asked you that."

"Well, my grandfather had tried to teach me in the beginning, but I soon surpassed him and needed a more experienced tutor. I began my formal training, alongside your mother, under the Sorceress Arianna. If you think I'm being hard on you, imagine me, just ten times worse! That's how Arianna was. Even though she was extremely tough to deal with, I did learn a great deal."

"That's right, you grew up with my mom. You've told me about her in the past, but what were things like between you guys?"

"In what respect?" Ludwig's question puzzled me.

"I mean while you were training together, before my mother married Bowser. Was she different back then?"

"Ah, I understand. You mean before everything changed? Your mother and I were very close. 'Best friends' I guess would be the terminology to use."

"That's it? There wasn't more?"

"More? You're asking if we were involved romantically?" This was a question which I wasn't anticipating. I found myself at a loss for words. There is a portion of my past which I'm not sure if I should inform the young Prince about. At least, not at his age. Maybe when he's older... "We simply trained together, that's all."

"Oh, I was just wondering. You always seem to recall her very fondly, I was wondering if anything else happened. I wouldn't be mad." Ludwig said.

"Your mother was an incredible woman. What happened to her was a tragedy. I miss her greatly. After all, we grew up and trained together. I was there throughout her marriage to your father and she was there when I got married." I noticed the sadness creep into my voice. Residing in the same room which she used to spend many hours in years ago wasn't helping the situation either.

"What about your first wife? Camille, right? What happened between you two?"

"You're quite inquisitive tonight, Ludwig." I stated, a hit of annoyance in my voice. I really didn't want to get mad at the boy, he only wanted to know about his mother. Camille's a topic which I don't like to discuss. Our marriage began loveless and ended with a mutual hatred between the two of us.

He sensed my tone and lowered his head to look at his book. "I'm sorry I asked."

"No, I'm sorry. Talking about your ex never comes easily. Hopefully you'll never have to some day. I'll tell you about Camille if you like." Maybe talking about her will help me get rid of that pent up anger I hold inside!

"Where did you two meet? Why did you marry her? Was she a sorcerer too?"

"I met Camille around the same time your mother became betrothed to your father. I was nineteen and had just taken over my father's place in the former King's Council. That former King being your grandfather, of course. Camille was the daughter of Councilman Marrain, and she was just a year younger than me. I met her at a banquet, for what I don't remember. Honestly I was never really interested in her. I think I..." I let my words end there.

Ludwig looked up at me with a confused look on his face "You think you what?"

"I think I was just afraid to be alone. After all, your mother was my best friend, and now she was engaged to a man she didn't really know. I let my pride get the best of me and hid my feelings about the engagement. I acted as if I was glad for her, even when we both knew we were equally miserable. Anyway, I ended up marrying Camille a few months after your mother got married. We were both twenty-one."

"Wow, that's young."

"We all make foolish mistakes when we're young." I added bitterly.

"Then why did you marry Camille if you didn't like her?"

"I'm still asking myself that same question, Ludwig." My serious expression faded, and I cracked a slight smile. This caused the boy to chuckle. "But really, I married Camille to show your mother that her marriage didn't affect me too much, which was basically a lie. Pride can be harmful at times. This is why I'm constantly warning you not to get too cocky with your abilities, Ludwig."

"I won't." The Prince sighed. I've told him this time and time again, and he was probably tired of hearing it. "I like staying in here though. Sometimes I still talk to her picture too." He cut himself off abruptly.

"There's nothing wrong with that. I lost my father when I was eighteen, so I know how it feels to lose a parent. Although, you were only two when the Queen died. Sadly you never got a chance to know her."

"Yeah... And when I'm here, by myself..." Again he went silent before finishing his sentence.

"Yes? There's nothing to be ashamed about. You can tell me." I urged.

"When I'm here by myself I can...I dunno...feel her presence. Like when I'm sitting here reading, I feel like I'm not alone. It's a weird feeling. And I can sometimes hear her voice, inside my head." He picked his head up and stared at me. "You probably think I'm crazy. I'll shut up now."

I was fascinated by his words and remained silent for a moment. Ludwig had gazed down at his book again and acted as if he had never said anything. I had to ask him about it. "Her voice?"

"Forget I said anything! Maybe I am going crazy. Living here could do that to me." The Prince waved his hand in the air as he spoke. "Just forget it!"

"No, Ludwig! I'm not mocking you, I'm quite interested in what you have to say. Are you imagining her voice or do you actually hear something?"

"I'm not sure. I definitely do hear it, but I'm not sure if it's just me with an overactive imagination or if it's real." Ludwig closed his book and sat up on the floor.

"What does she say?" It wasn't until after I asked the question that I realized it might have been too personal for him to answer. "Never mind, whatever she says to you is between you two."

"You believe me? I've never told anyone before." He was amazed about how seriously I was taking him. I suppose if he mentioned this to his father, the King would laugh it off, and Adora would become even more afraid of him.

"Of course I believe you. How long have you been hearing her? Has it been recently?"

"It's pretty recent, only for the past few months. Why? Does that matter?"

"Actually, yes it does." I said this partially to myself.

Ludwig, feeling more comfortable talking about this topic to me, began to rattle off about it. "When I hear it, it doesn't scare me. Even the first time it happened, I wasn't scared. I remember when I did hear her the first time. It was right after I had a huge fight with the King...my dad. I tried to find you, but you were in a Council meeting. So, I decided to come here and be by myself. I've been coming here by myself for a long time, but that night was different. As I was reading I could sense something, like I wasn't alone."

"You mean you sensed a spirit?"

"Yeah, something like that. Anyway, then I heard her voice. It was pretty cool." He giggled at his own words. I smiled. "And ever since then I've been hearing her."

"Do you talk to her back?"

"Not out loud! Then they'd really think I was crazy. I talk to her inside my head too."

"Almost like telepathy?"

"I suppose."

"That's incredible." My tone had become serious again. "And these are genuine two-way conversations?"

"Uh-huh."

"The power of telepathy can only be manipulated by high level sorcerers. Yet, you're able to talk to those who have passed on." I explained. The excitement of this revelation had caused me to forget about everything else. I was now practically hanging out of my chair! "This is truly a remarkable find for me, Ludwig!"

He seemed surprised at how anxious I was getting. His bright blue eyes grew wide. "Is it really that much of a big deal?"

"I'm not sure yet, but with time we'll find out!"

"Can you talk through telepathy too?" He asked.

"No, that I cannot do. This is why I'm in awe hearing about you. If what I'm thinking right now is true, then..."

"Then what?" Ludwig eagerly asked, getting to his feet.

"Don't worry about it now. Time will tell. Time and practice." I also stood up. I didn't want to reveal to the boy what I was thinking. It might either scare him or negatively encourage him. "I'm going to go now. It's late, and I have a meeting with your father first thing in the morning. Are you going to stay here?"

He hopped into the chair I had just gotten up from. "Just for a little while longer. I'm getting tired."

"Alright, Ludwig. Keep me updated about your mother. Let me know what happens." I affectionately ruffled his hair with my hand. "I'll see you tomorrow. Weather permitting, we'll practice some tier five spells outside. Good night." I had started to walk out when Ludwig stopped me.

"Kamek!"

"Yes?" I turned to face him.

"She told me she misses you."

At his words I felt my heart sink. "She did?" I asked.

"Yes, quite a few times. I just wanted you to know that. Good night!" With that, the Prince opened up a book and began to flip through the pages.

"Good night, Ludwig." My words were almost a whisper as I turned back around and left the Queen's chambers.

Now I'm here, back in my bedroom, still in shock about what he told me. First it started off with talking about Monika, then the conversation had switched over to my loathed ex-wife Camille. At that point I honestly realized how stupid I was back then. Why didn't I tell her how I really felt? I ended up marrying a woman just to get back at Monika because she had to marry Bowser! But it wasn't her fault, why couldn't I realize that? I let the one woman I truly cared for slip through my fingers and ended up lashing out against my pride by marrying another?

Then there was Ludwig's confession about his mother's voice. At first I thought he wasn't telling the truth. I had figured it was all in his head. He was only ten and lost his mother at two. I suppose a child would fantasize about hearing their deceased parent's voice as a source of comfort, but as he went on I started to feel differently. I began to think about his sudden telepathic powers. Talking to ancestors! That's a sign of-- I can't even bring myself to write it down! I won't believe it until I see it, and that's why I told Ludwig that with time and practice we'll see where his powers can take him. My gods, I've never met a sorcerer who could use telepathy, that is if he is in fact genuine. Finally there was the last thing he had mentioned to me tonight. I've been thinking about it for the past hour. I miss her back, with all my heart. If only I had the ability to tell her that!