This chapter is dedicated to blueeyesjdaly for giving me ideas for 3 chapters this one and a few others in the far future.

Love the reviews ;) they make me feel like I'm actually writing something that's not crap! It's hard to plural Claudus XD

The day lion-o came into this world was the best and worst day of Claudus's life. He got the son he was hoping for but he lost the one he loved dearly. Lion-o birthday only brings reminders of that horribly wonderful day.

His son is turning 11 very soon. 11 years of short days and long painful nights alone. 11 years take their toll on a man after repeated nights with no sleep. And drinking yourself drunk in order to sleep only makes you tired even more in the mornings.

He was 34 years old now and not getting any younger he should find someone to fill in the gaps. But he has someone she just doesn't know it.

It started out as respect then friendship then a slight tingling feeling at the pit of his stomach every time she addressed him. This she cat he is so found of is Kyra.

7 years difference in-between them but they still crack jokes about getting to old to do certain things even though neither are near there forties.

When she told him what happened when he was drunk he wanted to know why he can't ask her that question without being drunk. Then again rum and other alcoholic drinks are called liquid courage.

But her reaction and his sons is what's holding him back. When they were acting not too long ago to catch the boys they insisted on him not loving her and she laughed later telling them it was an act and it would never happen.

The only one he told about his secret is Jaga looking for advice. The old cleric said he could offer no help to him and Claudus had to decide for himself.

Claudus walked down the hall deep in thought when a hand touched his shoulder.

"I think the wall would be grateful if you didn't run into it." Kyra smiled Claudus realized he was a few inches to hitting the said wall.

"What's on your mind Claudus?" Kyra asked him flicking lint of his cape.

"Where are they boys?" Claudus mentally stabbed himself he should have asked her something else.

"In school." Kyra looked off for a moment. "I have something to ask you."

"Ask me anything you got my attention." Claudus heart stopped at what happened next.

"The boys are old enough that they don't need me anymore, I want to take my leave." Claudus paled his eyes searching for a hint of this as a prank.

"You want to leave?" Claudus repeated running a hand through his hair.

"Yes unless there's something else you need me for."

"Give me a week and I'll let you know." Claudus said running a hand through his mane.

"A week? It's a yes or no question all you say is yes or no." Claudus now had a time limit.

"A week is my answer." Claudus turned and walked off leaving Kyra standing there.

And just like adding oil to a raging fire the situation only got worse. Claudus ignored the calls of guards and other people in the palace asking for his assistance and went to his chamber.

Quite there but not peaceful he walked past the archway into the sitting area going through another arch to the bedroom. Closing the door silently behind him he slid down to the floor. The night was not only longer than any night he had in his room but for the first time in a long time….

Claudus cried.

Yeah it's short sorry i dident feel like typeing so sorry fo errors grammer whatever XD