Yes, it's hightime to meet them.

The sun peeks over the horizon, bathing the land in its warm rays. You should probably spend some time with your family, they are the most powerful people in the entire kingdom, as are you, so it's always a good idea to remind them how much they love you!

You open the front doors that lead towards the second floor of the castle and step inside, walking down the hall to the stairs. As you descend the steps, you hear your name being called. You stop and turn, seeing your older brother Richard standing there, waiting for you.

''Oh...? How unusual.'' You comment. ''You don't come to talk to me all that often, dear brother.''

Richard glares at you, ''Yeah, I wonder why that is. Could it be perhaps because you are always followed by that lousy maid and we can never have a private conversation?''

''Her name is Carol, by the way.'' You remind him. Still, something that he said did catch your attention. ''A private conversation? For what reason?''

''Isn't it obvious? A conversation about the future of our realm, of course.'' Richard takes off his purple cloak and sets it on a chair, ''Because I'm the second prince, and you're the third, it is imperative we speak about it.''

''That was a lot of words for saying so little.'' You frown at him. ''I don't care about politics.''

''And I do care.'' Richard sighs, '''My order of birth has decided that I am undeserving of ruling the Kingdom, leaving the throne for our older brother, Percy.'' He says, looking down at his feet. ''The way I see it is... You are either no threat at all... Or the biggest threat of them all.'' He pauses and then adds, ''Should you have the ambition to take the throne by underhanded means... I would be the second, if not first on the list.''

''You think I care about the throne?'' You ask him, rubbing the back of your head. ''I have no such ambitions. I'll be fine inheriting a Duchy. You and Percy can fight and **** each other to see how gets to be the King. Personally, I couldn't care less.''

Richard's eyes narrow, '''You really don't care?'' He asks. ''Not in the slightest?''

You shrug, ''Not really. I mean, being a King sounds like a lot of work.'' You pause and then add, ''Plus I'd rather be a Duke than a King, I still hold a lot of power but a hell of a lot less responsabilities.''

Richard pauses, his eyes narrowing as he seems to be digesting your words. Finally, he seems to accept your words.

Richard chuckles, ''Then I take it that means I shouldn't worry about you?''

''I guess you could say that, yeah.'' You reply without much care. ''As far as the throne is concerned, that is.''

Richard nods, '''I believe that's enough for now. You have eased my mind, little brother.''

You can't help but sigh. Richard is a good brother, but he's ambitious like few are. He cares about you, you know that much, but if push comes to shove you have no doubt in your mind that he would be willing to dispose of whoever is in his way, family or otherwise.

You wave at Richard, he returns the gesture, and you both part ways.