AN: chapter four people. This is just a bunch of drabbles that I need to post. I would really appreciate some reviews though!

CHAPTER 4

8 year old Prince Josiah concentrated hard on his schoolwork. It was hard though. He was allowed to go play outside with his daddy when he was done, so he tried to go fast but efficiently. After the death of King Duncan, Horace and Cassandra had taken the throne and Josiah was a prince. His big sister Maddie was first though so Josiah would always remain a prince. He didn't mind. Princes have all the fun.

"Josiah, are you done yet? Dad said we can go on a picnic when you're done." Maddie called from his schoolroom door. She came in dressed in her leggings, tunic and boots. Her typical clothes but this time she wore her thin silver crown. Josiah was told to always wear his but Maddie almost never wore hers. She said she hated it. Josiah liked it. It made him feel special.

"Almost Maddie." Josiah said as he finished up the last sentence. He closed his book, waved goodbye to his tutor and followed his big sister out of the room.

"Dad, he's done now, can we go?" Maddie begged. She was 16 and a little impatient. Horace and Cassandra chuckled at their daughter's impatience and nodded. Maddie cheered and dragged Josiah off to the front courtyard.

The horses were already saddled and ready. The picnic was going to include the royal family, three guards and no one else. Even the guards were to stay with the horses while the family went off a few hundred paces. Josiah was helped onto his fathers horse by a groom and presently the king and queen came out. Horace mounted behind his son, as Josiah didn't yet have his own horse.

"Daddy, when I'm ten, can I get my own horse?" Josiah asked. Horace smiled.

"Yes you can son." Horace said and the party headed out.

The spot for the picnic was a half hours ride from the castle. It was a small clearing by a river. It was Josiah's favourite spot to go when his best friend, Daniel Treaty came over. Daniel was a year younger than he was and the two were inseparable when they came to visit.

"There it is!" Josiah exclaimed as the clearing came in sight. He leaped off of the horse and rushed to the river to play. A sharp shout from his mother halted him.

"Don't even think about going into that water Josiah Luke." Cassandra said sternly. Josiah looked at her innocently and sat down. Maddie chuckled and got off her small shaggy pony. The family set up their picnic and the guards moved the horses off a hundred paces to leave the family in peace.

"Mom, can I go play in the river now?" Josiah asked after they had eaten. Cassandra nodded and Josiah grasped his father's hand, "come on daddy, you said we could play together."

Horace chuckled and allowed his son to pull him towards the river. The river was calm and shallow today so Horace got Josiah dressed in his swimming clothes and put his own on. Josiah went into the deepest part of the river and splashed his dad to come in. Horace eased himself into the cold water and playfully crept up to Josiah. He stood up behind the unsuspecting boy and lifted him off the ground. Josiah squealed in delight and tried to squirm his way out of his fathers strong grip. Horace just held him tighter and dunked him.

Cassandra watched her husband and son play-wrestle and sighed. Maddie looked at her mother and smiled she knew what her mother was thinking. They had a great family. And both women were at a loss for words.

AN: please review. Btw, I just saw half of the movie Pompeii, and I thought the ending was so stupid. Anyone else think that?