"Kinji?"

"Y..Yes, my king?"

"There is something we need to discuss. Please sit."

Kinji did as my father had instructed.

"I heard about the conversation you had with my son yesterday." said my father.

"Your majesty, I didn't mean to---"

"Kinji, calm yourself. Your not in trouble. Koda confessed everything. I hear that because of this little stunt you two pulled, you're afraid of losing your home. Is that it?" he asked.

'Yes, your highness."

"Your still young. I envy that about you. I understand Koda can be very stubborn sometimes. I really appreciate that you have stuck by him through all these years. He has brought this situation to my attention. He told me it was urgent and needed to be taken care of right away. I don't want you to feel like a slave here. I don't believe your friend does either." he laughed.

"My friend?"

"Koda? Come!" My father said.

I opened the door and saw Kinji's surprised expression.

"Yes, father." I said.

"Koda will be my replacement someday. He will be king. Situations will come every hour of every day. Because of this, I will leave this matter in his hands." my father looked up at me.

"Kinji? I am sorry. I should not have made you lie. It was wrong of me to. It has also given me time to think though. You're my friend, whether you think so or not, and friends are not supposed to feel like slaves."

"What is your aim?" Kinji asked.

"Kinji, you are now released of all of your duties in the palace---"

"Koda! You can't do that! You already said it yourself. You made me lie. You---"

"Kinji, calm down. You didn't let me finish. You are released of all you duties in the palace because as of today, you are a noble." I smiled.

Father nodded his head in agreement.

Kinji stood there with his mouth wide open.

"Your majesty, this is amazing! Thank you so much!"

"Stop with all that formal stuff. Just call me Koda. Alright? We see you as one of us now. We always did." I laughed.

My father signed some papers, did some work and the next day, Kinji was an authentic noble. Of course, Kinji stayed in the palace but had a room like mine. He came to find me in the library the next day.

"Hey Kinji. How has the noble life been treating you?" I asked.

"It's great, actually." he smiled.

"Azami talked to me yesterday. She made note of your appearance. Don't take offense to it. If your going to be a noble, you must look the part. Porcia!" I yelled.

"Yes, your majesty?" she asked.

She must have been listening at the door to come that quickly.

"Kinji needs a new wardrobe. He is now a noble. I'm sure you know the proper attire for him. See to it that Arion helps you." I said.

Porcia grabbed onto Kinji's arm and started dragging him toward the door.

"Yes, your majesty." she replied.

They left soon after the conversation.

Now that Kinji was not working the stables anymore, I took care of it. Arion would also do it at times when I would not be able to get out of my studies. Things were a little harder to take care of now but still, I think it was better that Kinji could feel freedom. I was still forbidden to go into the woods unless I was accompanied by a group of guards. I didn't feel as free as I used to when I was alone. It made me feel like, no matter what, I am always bound by royalty. It's the cage of royalty and I'm not allowed to escape from it anymore. Azami's parents had returned from their trip the day they had said. I'm sure she was happy to get home after being stuck with out weird family for this long. My father and mother both loosened up on the rules about a month after the grounds were inspected and there were no more sightings of the man. Guards still inspected the grounds but I didn't have to ride with them anymore. I could go anywhere I wanted because the guards were always out there. Days at school got better and things started to go back to normal. Kinji and I still went out for rides and my mother was helping him get used to the noble life and what he had to. He was still always in the palace. We would talk in the library at times.

"I miss it." he said.

"Miss what?" I asked.

"I miss working in the stalls with all the horses. I liked my life before. When everything was normal. Is that wrong of me?"

"Not at all. If it took all that to become a noble just to find out that you liked your life before, you can always go back. You can do both if you like or you can go back to normal. I don't particularly care what you choose. Whatever you want."

Kinji looked out the window into the kingdom.

"Would I really be allowed to go back?"

"Of course. Have you made up your mind?" I asked.

"I.. I think I have. I want to ask for a job."

"And what would that job be?"

"I hear the position for the stable boy is open."

We both laughed. Kinji had decided that a noble still has to earn a living. He was the stable boy again and a noble. Although I would have loved to stay and see how Kinji's life would turn out every day, I still had school to attend. I had to study more and more before the exams this week. I fell asleep studying and woke up early for school. I finally got there and for some reason Emiko was standing at the gate.

"Hey Koda!" she called.

"Emiko? What are you doing out here? Class is about to start."

"President Miu asked me to wait out here for some party decorations that should arrive in about five minutes. I don't know if you got the message but today we have to join clubs. Akihiro is looking for you."

"Akihiro? Who's that?" I asked.

"He's the president of the academy's drama club. Your good at acting aren't you?"

"I guess so."

At that moment the delivery truck arrived. Emiko signed the paper and the man left. She tried to pick up the box but she dropped it.

"I sure hope there was nothing breakable in there." I laughed.

"It's not funny. Could you help me?"

"Fine, but we're gonna be late."

She smiled and off we went. The decorations went in the gym and then of course, the teacher had to give us a lecture on what is going to happen if we were late to many times.

It took too long. It seemed that all the classes went longer than usual, even lunch that seemed to fly by so quickly. The only strange thing about lunch was that Emiko wasn't there. After about a half hour longer, we would be in the gymnasium to choose our clubs.

"What do you think you're going to choose?" said a small voice from behind me.

It was Miu. She was the most excited out of all of us. I'm not sure if this event would help out the student body somehow or if she was just happy to choose another club. Either way, it didn't really matter.

"Well?" she asked.

"I'm not sure. This is new to me after all. I'm just gonna wing it." I laughed.

"I can help you." said Miu.

I nodded my head in agreement.

"We have five minutes you two." Azami laughed.

"Where is Emiko?" I asked.

"I don't know. Why?" Miu asked.

"She wasn't with us for lunch today. I haven't seen her since this morning." I replied.

"I know where she is!" Azami said, loudly, "She is in the gymnasium right now. She still has some things to decorate. Shouldn't you be helping, Miu?"

Miu looked at the her watch and then sprinted down the hall, knocking over a few people.

"She should become a member of the football team." said Azami.

It was time. The bell had rung. I walked with Azami and she described many of the clubs to me. There was shouting and laughing everywhere. Many people were advertising their clubs and every president from each club would be at their stands. Some would be shouting, handing out fliers, and others just sat in a chair and watched the other members of the club do everything for them.

"Prince Koda!" someone yelled.

I looked around but no one seemed to be running toward me or looking at me so I ignored it. Azami and I walked on. Again, I thought someone had yelled my name. I didn't look this time. Azami didn't notice anything. I heard someone call my name again. This time I turned around. I saw someone running toward me. It looked like he was about to slow down but he tripped over his own feet. He tried to put a hand on my shoulder to catch himself but only ended up pulling me down too. He got up quickly tried to collect himself the best he could.

"I'm terribly sorry, your majesty." he said, with a weak smile.

Azami helped me up.

"After knocking me over and causing me to get my uniform dirty, I assume there is something you want?" I said.

He looked at me for a while. He looked just as scared as Azami did the first day she met me.

"I'm kidding." I laughed.

He laughed along but I could tell it was forced. I watched as students started to look over their shoulders at us. Azami looked at both of us but stayed silent.

"Well, your majesty, I have come here to ask something of you."

"You can stop with all the formal stuff. Just call me by my name ok?" I asked.

"Yes of course, your... I mean Koda."

I started to laugh. "So what is it that you wanted to ask me?"

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Akihiro, the drama club president. I wanted to ask you if you could join the drama club. We are always looking for more members. Have you ever acted before?" he asked.

I started to think of all the acting I had to do to try and get out of things like punishments.

"I guess you could say I have." I replied.

"Good to know you have some experience then. So, would you like to join?"

I looked at Azami and she nodded.

"Sure."

"If you would just come to the stand and sign your name on the board, it will be official."

"Would it be ok if I joined too?" Azami asked.

"Of course. We would be more than happy to have you." said Akihiro.

We followed him and put our names on the board. According to Akihiro, everything would start tomorrow, we would learn what play we were doing and when tryouts were. Soon, sign ups were over and so was school.

"Hey Koda, did you see Emiko's name on the board?" Azami asked.

"No. Was it there?"

"Yes. I think you need to start paying more attention. Anyway, see you tomorrow." she laughed.

"Bye."

I smiled and watched her get into the limo in front of us. I started to walk towards my limo but when I looked over, I saw Emiko walking out the front gate. The limo driver got out and opened the door for me but I felt like I had to go see what Emiko was up to. I don't think anyone ever just walked out the front gate.

"Tell my father I'll be walking today." I told the limo driver.

He nodded and bowed. By the time I had gotten to the front gate, Emiko was already very far down the path. I started to run to catch up to her.

"Emiko!" I called.

She turned around and smiled.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"I could be asking you the same thing." I laughed, "Why are you walking?"

"I always walk. I don't have the luxury of a limo as all of you do. Besides, walking is good exercise. I walk everyday."

"Can I walk with you?" I asked.

"There's no law saying you can't." she giggled.

I had no idea where Emiko lived but I silently decided to walk her to her house. I didn't mind seeing what it looked like. I thought it would be fun. I thought she might have lived along the backroads but later on realized that she was going to go through the town. I started to regret my decision to follow her already. I was usually only supposed to go out into town for appearances such as my fathers speeches. Before I could look back there was already a reporter there.

"Prince Koda! What are you doing out of the palace? And with no body guards?! Has the royal family neglected your security?!" The reporter yelled in my face.

"What? No." I retorted.

"Are you and this girl in a relationship? Dating? Betrothed?" Another yelled.

"Ugh! That's none of your business!" I yelled back.

Soon, there was a crowd surrounding us. I knew Emiko would get trampled in the mess. I grabbed her arm and ran. She followed and so did the reporters.

"Can you climb?" I asked.

"Of course I can climb." She said.

"Then get ready." I smiled.

I led her to an ally where a metal fence was. I let her go first and then I went. The reporters were snapping pictures. None of them climbed the fence. Instead, they all ran the other way. I grabbed Emiko's hand and pulled her along.

"They will be coming around the block at any moment. We will have to hide in one of the stores or restaurants. Come on. Hurry!" I yelled.

We ran into the nearest restaurant "Yoshida's."

"Table for two please." I said to the cashire.

"Y-yes of course, you majesty. Right this way." he said, looking surprised.

"I'll give you fifty dollars if you don't tell anyone we are here, plus, paying for the food." I pleaded with him. I hoped he would agree. It sounded like a little much for just keeping his mouth shut but I didn't care.

"Of course." he nodded.

We told him what we wanted to eat and drink and soon he left. I hoped it would take a long time for him to come with out food. The longer we could stay in the cover of the restaurant, the better. The reporters would get tired of looking for us at some point. I took out my wallet to see how much I actually had but dropped it. I reached down for it but when I tried to grab my wallet, I grabbed Emiko's hand instead. I jumped.

"Oh. Sorry." I said.

"That's ok." she laughed and handed me my wallet.

"Looks like I have just enough cash to pay for the food and give that guy his fifty bucks." I laughed.

"I'm sure he would have kept his mouth shut over a twenty." she said.

"I panicked. Ok?"

She smiled. The food came just in time. After we finished, she offered to pay the bill but I wouldn't allow her to. The waiters and waitresses bowed as we left. I just hoped that the guy I payed would know enough to tell them to keep their mouths shut too. I guess it wouldn't have mattered anyway. We would be long gone by then and most people probably wouldn't believe them, considering the location and it wasn't a five-star restaurant.

"Why don't you come to my house and call your father to send a ride for you? My father will be ok with it." Emiko smiled.

"Good idea." I laughed.

Emiko stayed very quiet on the walk over to her house. When we got there, the door was locked. Emiko went to the back door but it was locked to and it looked like it was about to rain.

"Why don't you just knock on the door?" I asked.

I reached over her and knocked on the door. We waited and listened but it didn't sound as if anyone was coming. I knocked again and after waiting quietly for a bit, we heard footsteps coming from behind the door. Finally, the door opened.

"Hello, Emiko. Oh! Who's your--" a voice said.

I knew that voice. This wasn't just someone I passed on the street. I looked at the man. I knew that face all to well. A person from my past who I tried to forget. It was Sir Drake's face. I stood there silently. He looked confused and Emiko did too.

"What's wrong?" Emiko asked.

I took a step back away from the man. Finally, I looked at Emiko.

"N-Nothing. I'm sorry Emiko. I have to go. M-My father is probably worried." I said.

I turned my back and ran. By this time, it was already raining and I was soaked within minutes. I didn't believe it. Emiko's father looked exactly like Sir Drake but he couldn't be. He was dead.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

When I was 8 years old, I ran away. I ran through the streets but I was short compared to the men and women who appeared to be giants to me, so they didn't notice me. I couldn't exactly tell where I was going I just wanted to get out of the palace. I can't remember why. I ran to the closest place to hide which was an ally next to the bakery. I looked around to make sure no one was following me and and went in. I looked behind me the entire time and didn't watch where I was going. I bumped into someone but before I could look up, someone had already put a cloth to my mouth and nose and I fell asleep.

When I woke up, I was in some warehouse. My hands and feet were tied to a chair. I looked over and saw some men sitting down on boxes. They were talking and laughing. I didn't pay much attention. My only thought was to somehow get untied and get out of there.

"Oh look. Sleeping beauty finally decided to wake up." one of the men said to me.

I looked up and glared at them the entire time, not that it would help with anything but I was told to always be brave even in the most dangerous situations and at the time, I thought that was one of the things I was supposed to do.

"Why so angry when your going to help us get some of that money of the royals." another said.

"I'm not going to help you get anything." I said, angrily.

One of them laughed and knocked the chair I was in on it's side. Soon, his happy face turned into a glare.

"Oh. Don't worry. You won't have to betray your family or anything. In fact, you don't have to do nothin' at all. Once the poor ol' king and queen find out that there son ain't no where to be found, they'll get that ransom note we sent. They'll pay up." he laughed.

"They would never listen to the likes of you." I spit in his face which just made him angrier.

He kicked me in the stomach and started to walk away. I never took my stare off of him.

"You better hope they listen because if they don't, as the note says, we will have to kill you. You wouldn't want that now would you?" he laughed.

Another man next to him started to laugh along and said, "You know Haro, we could always just make the prince who is always served, serve us for a change. We can make him our slave."

All of the men laughed this time. I watched them all. After carefully examining each one, I recognized one of their faces. It was one of the butlers. He must have been planning this all along. One of the most trusted workers in the castle decided to betray us. They all started to walk away but one turned toward me and threw a glass bottle onto the floor next to me and laughed again. It shattered and one of the pieces of glass cut my cheek. I didn't dare to scream. He rolled his eyes at me and walked away. Now all I could think of was, what did we do to make these people hate the royal family so much. I waited and waited there but the men didn't come back for a long time. In my mind, I was going to be there for an eternity. Little did I know that the Eight Knights, soon to be known as the Seven Knights, were already in the building. Drake was a member of the Eight Knights. They were used in emergencies that were not to be released to the public most of the time. I tried rolling the chair on the back. Finally, I flipped the chair over. At that moment, I heard gunshots. A fire had started. The smoke was terrible. My eyes started to sting and everything was foggy. I saw a figure come through the smoke.

"Don't worry, your majesty. Hang in there." It was a man's voice.

He picked me up but before we got out, I was already asleep. I woke up in the hospital but my clothes were full of ashes and I only had two burns which were on my back and my lower leg. I was brought home three days later. I had asked my father and mother where Sir Drake had gone. The butler was already caught and sent to prison, so there wasn't much need for him but it was good to have a friend in the castle other than Kinji. They paused and finally told me that Drake had died in the warehouse. He was shot.

The next few months after I was told this, I blamed myself. If I hadn't run away, if I had never left the palace he would still be alive. It was my fault. I hadn't eaten for almost a week and my parents were both getting angry. I had run away a few more times but this time, I only ran away to the stables or some other place on the estate. The longest I had hidden in the stables was about seven hours and I told Kinji not to tell anyone. Kinji was just as scared back then.