Although I asked for 5 reviews for each of the last 2 chapters I posted, I'm giving you this because you have all been such good little reviewers. Here, have a treat! Well, this is actually the treat, so I guess that didn't sound as sarcastic as it was supposed to. But thank you to the following...

-Fire Daughter

-SarahE7191

-Kari of Mindelan (1)

-song of the knight

-sharingiscaring (1)

-Death's Wings (1)

-Stargirl844 (1)

Extra props to Fire Daughter, SarahE7191, and song of the knight for reviewing not once, but twice!

But enough of my blabbering. Let the chapter begin!

Chapter Four

Roald's POV

"How are you, son?" my father asked that night, as we ate in the private dining room. Kalasin was chattering away, as usual to Mother about her day. My other siblings were all fast asleep in their rooms.

I just shrugged. I didn't want to talk to him yet.

"Son, if you're still mad about the marriage, I understand. But you have your duty to the Crown, to your country--"

I cut him off. "I know, Father, I've heard it all before," I snapped at him, a little bit harshly.

"Okay, I'm just making sure you understa--"

That did it. For the first time in my life, I yelled at my father.

"Of course I understand! I understand that you're forcing me to marry some princess whose name I can't even pronounce, just so her people don't decide to attack us in the near future!"

"Roald!" my mother scolded, appalled at my (dare I say it) defiant behavior.

But I didn't want to hear it. I could still hear my father calling my name as I left the dining room and headed to the kitchen. Grabbing a bottle of wine, I went straight to my room.

Hesitantly, I uncorked the bottle. I had never drank before. But, hey, there's always a first time for everything, right?

"Cheers," I muttered to myself, then lifted the bottle to my lips, taking the first of many swigs that night.

Kel's POV

I couldn't sleep that night. I had too much that I didn't want to think about.

So, I decided to go for a walk. Anything to get my mind off--nope, I'm not going to think about it. I threw on a shirt and breeches, then stepped out into the hallway. It was already midnight, so I could barely see anything.

Barely.

But I could see the silhouette of someone sitting against the wall, with something in their hand. A bottle, perhaps? I came nearer and nearer to the figure, and realized who it was.

"Roald!" I exclaimed.

"Huh? Kel, is tha you?" Roald's words were slow and slurred. He had a kind of lopsided and uncharacteristic grin on his face.

"Roald! You're drunk!"

"I know, isn't it great? Eer, 'ave some!" He thrust the bottle towards me. I shook my head. He shrugged. "Suit yerself!" He lifted the bottle to his lips to take another drink, but I snatched it away from him.

"Kel!" he whined. "Give tha back!" He reached for the almost-empty bottle and I held it away from him.

I looked at him with disgust. "Go back to your room, Roald. Go to sleep."

He shook his head stubbornly. I turned the handle of his door. It wouldn't open.

"Give me the key, Roald!"

"Don't 'ave it..." he drawled. Great. The Crown Prince of Tortall was drunk, and locked out of his own room.

Sighing, I took one of his arms, draped it over my shoulders, and walked him to my room. Once inside, he got that stupid grin on his face again.

"Whoa, don'tcha think we're movin' kinda fast, Kel? But, 'ey, wha-ever you want, love!" He tried to kiss me and I pushed him away, onto the bed. "Slow down, dearie, yer gonna give me a heart attack!" He laughed hysterically.

I rolled my eyes at him. "Go to sleep, Roald. Before I cuff you over the head."

"Aye-aye, ma'am!" He saluted me...And passed out.

Shaking my head and silently laughing to myself, I pulled the covers over him. I kissed his forehead. Goodnight, my Prince, I thought.

I climbed into the bed and lay down next to him. My hopeless, hopeless Prince.

Heartbreakingly short. You may now proceed to throw random objects at my head.

But please, please, please review! The next chapter will be up soon, as promised.

-MidwinterLuck