“What is the meaning of this, Darell?!” a curt, feminine voice rang throughout the room, its icy pressure causing me to shudder.

“Well, um, you see your highness…I…uh…” Darell started to rise to his feet, feebly trying to come up with an answer.

“Stay where you are!” Another person close by nearly screamed the command. “SHE gave you no permission to rise!”

Darell sank back down, his forehead pressed against the ground and his face turning paler by the second.

“Spoiled brat…” muttered Darell, a look of anger flashing across his face.

“What was that?  You dare be disrespectful?!  Apologize to her Royal Highness this instant!” The command was spoken with such force that  Darell started to shudder violently. I clutched my knees to my chest, trying my best to stay out of sight. 

Darell crouched lower to the floor, refusing to submit to the command.

Clank, clank, clank.  The sound of someone approaching seemed to be pushing Darell closer to the edge of his willingness to cooperate.  Suddenly, Darell sprang forward, vanishing from my view.

“I’ll never apologize to that spoiled brat! She ruined my life!!”

Darell screamed as i heard a sword being drawn.  I glanced at my chair and noticed Darell's sword laying beside it.  The sword that had been drawn wasn't his.

I closed my eyes, too scared to watch. I feared that if I opened my eyes I might see blood.

Thwack, thud!

“He’s out cold, ma'am.  What should I do with him?”  The person speaking  sounded winded.

The curt voice from before once again spoke.

"Take him to the dungeons and give him only stale bread and water.  He will be executed in two days for beating up several young children and numerous other crimes, including stealing from the King’s chambers.  Mr. Filt, you will take his place as the head guard of this sector."

“Yes, ma'am!  As you wish, m'lady."

I heard several people leave and the sound of someone whispering. I couldn't hear what the person said, but for some reason it worried me. I didn't know why, it just did.

I shifted slightly, trying to get into a more comfortable position on the ground. My legs were going numb and my neck was still sore from Darell’s killer grip.

“Are you okay?”

I glanced upward and stared right into the beautiful black eyes of a young boy around 10 years of age. His hair was golden brown with highlights of a darker brown at the tips behind his ears.

“Are you okay?” He repeated the question more firmly, a worried look starting to wash over his face.

“I’m fine.” I stated coldly.

He flinched slightly.

“Who are you?” I asked.

His expression saddened, tears suddenly about to flood his eyes.

“You don’t know me?” he whispered with disappointment.

I shook my head slowly.  I could'nt remember having seen any children younger than me in the castle before now.

“Oh.” He paused briefly before continuing. “Well, I’m John Cordy Waltenvale, First Prince of the Eastern Ocean of Walten Valley, the second child of King Roderick Solden and his Highness's Queen Consort, Listen Rose.” 

He recited everything in what seemed to be only one breath, most likely a talent of his. After a slight pause he continued.

"I believe I am also your half-brother." He said with an odd look of pride.