Chapter 2

A/N * Let's say that Will and Apollo have no relations to one another but were born on the same day and look identical though their personalities are very different. They are about 17

Austin and Kayla are not related to Will but they were all orphans that came together to survive and they built their own family with each other and care about each other greatly, we'll say that they are both around 16, not much younger than Will.

Nico (Soon to be introduced) is also around 16/17 years old, he is the ambassador of Pluto and was sent to tutor Apollo so that he can be a great ruler one day, but much to his annoyance all Apollo cares about is entertainment and impressing people. He has much to do to have the prince ready and with the kings sickness getting worse time is running out.

Octavian (also soon to be introduced) is in charge of seeing to the stability of the kingdom in the kings absence but he is using every bit of power at his disposal to slowly take control without anyone noticing, or so he plans.

The king is a faceless king (meaning he's just there in name and isn't a main character, not actually faceless because I do not write horror, though if you are familiar with the plot of this story he does die.)

All in all, I don't own the Prince and the Pauper and I do not own the PJO, HOO, TOA characters either.

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Apollo leaned back in his chair as he tried to tune out the words his so called tutor was saying as he paced around the library with a book in hand. Apollo didn't understand why someone practically his own age had been brought in from another kingdom to teach him how to be king. He was a naturally born leader! He didn't need someone telling him how to do things, he'd just do them his own way or get someone else to take care of it for him while he showed up to the parties and entertained the diplomats from other countries just as he always had.

He refused to think about the growing possibility that he would be king sooner rather than later because that would mean that his father, the current king wasn't going to make a full recovery from his sickness.

Nope not going to be thinking about that at all. Chasing away those unwanted thoughts Apollo leaned forward over the table and rested his chin on his hand that was propped up on it. He glanced over at the calendar and wondered why he had to sit through some boring lecture when today was his birthday and there was supposed to be a grand party for him.

"And a wise King is always ready to hear the voice of the people and be that voice when needed. Furthermore a good King should know the laws of his kingdom and know how to enforce them to make sure that nothing goes wrong." Nico di Angelo, Son of Hades King of Pluto, therefore Prince and Ambassador of Pluto, continued his lecture. Overrated Know-it-all…

Apollo rolled his eyes; he would never understand how this arrangement came to be. Something about Nico being second in line to the throne, and therefore needing to play the diplomat or something to ally nations. Whatever the reasoning Apollo wondered why the other boy always chose to dress in such boring colors like black and grey all of the time, it wasn't like he needed to make up for his bright disposition or anything. If Nico's natural aura of Come any closer and you'll lose your head wasn't so strong Apollo could almost see how good looking the other was, but he'd rather keep his distance, and his head.

Nico turned back to look at Apollo to make sure that he was paying attention so Apollo feigned interest but glanced out the window next to him when Nico turned around to continue his pacing once more as he droned on and on.

Apollo noticed some kind of commotion going on outside of the main gates but couldn't quite see what was happening, though he thought he saw a couple of guards dragging someone away from the palace gates. He wondered what that was all about, but before he could pay it any more attention the doors to the library opened and he saw Nico's eyes narrow ever so slightly as the visitor strolled in. Apollo knew Nico hated it when someone interrupted his lectures but honestly Apollo was thankful for the break.

Octavian, the royal advisor walked into the library like he owned the place, Apollo didn't really care for that but he had to hand it to the other blond, he sure new how to carry himself with confidence.

"I thought that his Highness would like to know that his dinner guests will be arriving soon so he had best prepare to great them." Octavian said with a graceful bow directed towards Apollo, though the Prince noticed that he had completely ignored the other royal in the room, he just chalked it up to Octavian seeing it more necessary to inform Apollo about his guests over menial pleasantries. It's not like anyone could tell if Nico took offence anyway since he always looked annoyed.

"Thank you Octavian, you may go now." Apollo said cheerfully and made a shooing motion before standing up. "Looks like lectures are done for today, too bad I had really been enjoying them today." He wondered how easily it would be to detect the sarcasm in his voice, but again with Nico's usual expression he couldn't tell.

"Just make sure that you read the books that I've placed in your room." Nico said before leaving.

Grateful that he would soon be having a grand party in his name Apollo left the library and headed to his room to change into something a bit more festive.

As he reached his room he took one quick glance at the books Nico had left on the stand next to his bed but quickly ignored them in favor of heading over to his wardrobe to find the perfect outfit for tonight.

As the night wore on Apollo's festive mood began to die down like a fading flame, the absence of his father was obvious and many times people brought up the possibility of the King not being able to recover.

Apollo tried to reassure everyone that his father was sure to be back his old self in no time but even he doubted his own words. What if his father didn't recover? What would that mean for him? That he'd become King? He wasn't ready for that just yet and he of all people knew it best. He didn't know anything about being the voice of the people as Nico had said, he didn't even interact with the people.

He was not ready for this responsibility yet and the more it was brought to light, the more Apollo wished to run and hide. He still wanted things to be simple and fun. As much as he hated to admit it, he wasn't ready to step up and take his place in the sun just yet. He just hoped that when he did, he didn't come crashing down to earth.

Well I hope I've explained things well enough at the start of this chapter, please let me know what you think.