I woke to the sound of two very loud and very obnoxious stimuli. Sunlight beamed – irritatingly so – directly into my eyes. And the next irritation knocked exactly twice before inserting themselves into my office. When I had fallen asleep at my desk – I wasn't sure. What I was sure about was the urge to grab my blade and sink it into my aide's chest.

"Why are you sleeping here again, Prince Cassius?" Jean sighed, walking forward. The sound of papers shuffling in his hands scratched the last bit of drowsiness from my body.

"Does it matter?" I yawned and shifted into an upright position. "Why the hell are you here already? Don't you miss your family?"

"Very funny." Jean rolled his eyes, slapping the paperwork down before me. "You know sleeping in your office, bent over like that, is going to give you chronic back pain when you're older."

"If you're here to nag me," I sat back, crossing my arms. "Leave. It's far too early to listen to your incessant nagging."

"It's almost eleven am." Jean shot back, rubbing the back of his neck. "Honestly, do you think I enjoy having to wake you up? The last time I did you almost took off my head!"

"We can revisit that if you wish." I reached toward my side, wrapping my fingers around my sword. "Come close Jean Monteau. I promise you will only feel a quick prick. I'm very skilled after all."

"Must you always threaten my life?" He grumbled, taking a tentative step back. "We don't have time to talk about this! His Majesty requests you to tour the kingdom in the next few months. We have to plan for that in advance. We'll need guards and several carriages. We'll also need provisions and-"

"I'm not doing it." I pushed to my feet, chair skidding backwards and rapping against the wall. "I've no interest in playing his obedient son that jumps to his every senile whim."

"Prince Cassius," Jean's eyes flickered toward the door. "You can't say something like that." He whispered. "There are ears everywhere."

"I don't care." I shrugged, crossing to the window. "It's just another way for him to unleash his assassins. Why would I willingly step into danger for his sake?"

"Be that as it may," He sighed, taking a step forward and pausing a foot or so away. "Until you inherit the throne you-"

"Inherit?" I laughed, turning my gaze on him. "Do you think that bastard is going to keep me in line for succession? He's rather that woman's son take the throne over me. It's the same old sword dance."

"You are the rightful heir." Jean snapped. "He cannot legally give it to his mistress's child! The nobles would riot – even the ones who hate you!"

"It doesn't matter." I waved a hand, shooing him off, and looked back outside.

It always fascinated and left a bad taste in my mouth to see the staff members scurrying around the premises. More often than not, several of them would stop, whisper to another, and continue on. Rumors spread so quickly, they may as well yell them from the rooftops. More than half of them were spies, for various nobles and their factions, the king, and his bedwarmer.

Which one will it be today that attempts to feed me poison? The girl with the curly yellow hair or the shifty eye'd butler who forgot his gloves?

"Prince Cassius. I think-" Jean broke off as a knock sounded on the door.

"What?" I snapped, turning toward the door.

"I apologize, your highness, but your uncle is here to see you." The muffled voice of an attendant reverberated. "He is in the east drawing room, waiting for you."

"Tell him to piss off." I snapped. "Who does he think he is to come here and demand an audience without notice?"

"He'll be there shortly!" Jean yelled, shooting me a glare. "You can't snub your maternal side. They are the only ones actually attempting to help you."

"They're only trying to help themselves." I bit out stalking toward the door. "Since you find answering for me so enjoyable – have fun doing the paper work."

"Wait! Prince Cassius! Some of them require your seal to-"

I pulled the door open and stepped outside, closing the door behind me with a thud. Whatever else Jean had to say – was between him and the office. Why today of all days, is that man here? I thought, quickly walking down the hall. He never makes an appointment and thinks I can jump to his beck and call.

Several of the staff members turned their heads as I walked – but quickly averted their gaze and stepped aside. I ignored them and continued on, each step making me want to leave the palace and never return.

I reached the drawing room quickly, and tugged open the door. Petier, my mother's half brother, jumped from the noise – displeasure clear on his face. Within seconds he masked his expression with a lukewarm smile.

How irritating. Both his oily black hair and small sunken brown eyes offended me. He sat back, folding his small hands over his protruding stomach.

I crossed to the seat before him and sat, waiting for him to speak. For a while, he remained silent – expecting me to initiate the conversation. Instead of talking right away, I drummed my fingers on the arms of the chair, watching him.

Time ticked by, painfully slow – giving me a small sense of joy. Every so often he would shift in his seat, clear his throat, or brush sweat from his brow. When his shirt began to dampen, I smiled.

"Good day, uncle. What brings you here unannounced?"

"G-Good day, my boy." Petier bristled, patting his forehead with a handkerchief. "I apologize for the sudden visit, but I was in the capital and I wanted to see my nephew. Surely you can't fault me for wanting to see you."

"Mmm." I waved a hand in the air. "Cut to the chase. I have things I need to do."

Irritation flickered in his eyes, fading quickly. Had I blinked – I would have missed it.

He's the same as always. His foul temper was well known, but to those above his station, he kept his mouth shut – at least until he was around those of like mind.

"I hear there is to be another ball in two months. To find you a wife." He coughed. "His majesty is very keen on marrying you off to someone of a lower station."

"Is he?" I tapped my chin, leaning back. "Does this anger you?"

"Of course it does!" Petier smacked his left fist against his other palm. "He can't be seriously suggesting lowly women to you. Why, there's a few foreign princesses of maritable age that would be more suitable to you."

Hmm? Other royals? He must be joking. The only two possible people he was speaking of were impossible matches. One was thirteen and the other was in her early thirties, who was having an affair with a foreign ambassador after the death of her husband.

"I will not be marrying someone that I don't choose myself." I stood up, finished with the conversation, and walked to the door. "Enjoy your time in the capital."

"Prince Cassius! Wait a moment I-"

"Good day." I cut him off and left the room – slamming the door behind me.

Why? I thought, walking down the hall – mood darkening. Does everyone in this damned palace think they can control me?

Rather than heading to my office, I turned down the opposite hall – walking toward the stables. Jean can handle things on his own. I needed to blow off steam before I blew – quite literally – someone's head off.

I should have fallen asleep at a pub. I thought, bitterly.

Perhaps then, if nothing else, I would have a moment of peace.