"Kill them!" Baak commanded.

Alaron froze. Had he heard correctly? The prince moved his hand to his sword as he continued to bow. He heard the ringing of steel as the gnome soldiers drew their weapons. The boy had no idea if he could defeat them all, but he would not go down without a fight.

Cafer, on the other hand, pretended to be amused. "You are quite humorous, my king. You are far too wise to go around killing your faithful subjects like this." The crafty gnome straightened his back and gave the Baak a warm smile.

Alaron picked up on the game. He also lifted his head and beamed a grin on the gnome king. "You had not told me that the King enjoyed jokes, Cafer. I would have come prepared with my own riddles."

Baak raised his hand and the guards sheathed their swords. He gave a booming laugh. "You have a lot of nerve, Cafer. I will give you that. I would have much preferred to have you beg."

Cafer dipped his head again. "I may yet have to do just that, my king. May I introduce Prince Alaron of Valiant?"

Alaron bent at the waist and gave a winsome smile. "I have been looking forward to this meeting, Your Majesty."

Baak leaned back on his throne. "Yet you were willing to fight me just a moment ago. I saw your hand flex toward your sword."

The prince flinched. "I did not mean to offend."

"Offend? No! I am happy to see some fight in you. I do not tolerate weakness." Baak reached for some meat that was offered to him on a platter. Lukoss, who was the mouse-faced gnome holding the tray, ducked as the king tried to hit him across the head for no reason.

"Sorry, Your Majesty!" Lukoss bowed. "I will remain still this time, forgive me!" Baak hit him across the face, though not as hard as the original swipe. "Thank you, Your Majesty." Lukoss bowed repeatedly as he exited with the tray.

Baak snorted. "Weakness I cannot tolerate, but a healthy amount of groveling is good for my soul."

Cafer gave a hearty laugh. "Clever as always, Your Majesty. Now…"

The gnome king cut him off as he started at Alaron. "You are quite good looking, you know," Baak said as he took a huge bite off the meaty bone in his hand. Pieces of spittle and half chewed food went flying.

Alaron struggled to keep a neutral expression. "Thank you, You Majesty."

"You look a lot like your mother…I mean your sister? Which is it now? I have so much trouble keeping up with things." Baak gave a wicked smile as he took another large chunk of meat into his oversized mouth.

"Empress Aurora is my sister," the prince responded through gritted teeth. The king was beginning to get under his skin.

"Of course. I remember now. You know, I met the Empress once. I nearly took her for one of my wives. She jilted me though. She has very poor manners, your sister. I probably would have treated her better than most, if you catch my meaning," Baak rambled.

Alaron inhaled deeply and balled his fists. This man was speaking crudely of a member of his family. Whether or not he was on speaking terms with Aurora, his honor was attached to hers in the matter. This slight could not stand. Cafer could see the volcano about to erupt, and he firmly patted the prince on his injured back. The boy screamed in pain and fell to his knees.

"Oh, my apologies, Prince Alaron!" Cafer turned to the boy and helped him to stand.

"What is wrong with the prince?" Baak inquired.

Cafer explained quickly, "Grisley pushed him against the wall and caused our guest to have his back torn apart. I seem to have aggravated his injury. Please allow me to escort him back to rest."

"Lukoss can take him back. Rest well, Prince Alaron. Your absence will give the big boys time to discuss Cafer's proposal while you sleep." Baak called, and Lukoss came running. "Take Prince Alaron back to Cafer's rooms."

Lukoss bowed and motioned for the boy to come. Reluctantly, Alaron followed him. 'The king does not take me seriously,' the prince lamented to himself. "Does King Baak always treat everyone like doormats?" Alaron asked the mousey gnome.

"He is used to getting his way." Lukoss saw nothing wrong with the Baak's actions. "That is the way it has always been."

"What happens if you fight back?"

"Don't know. Never tried. I prefer the path of least resistance. I just want a peaceful life." Lukoss responded philosophically.

Alaron's mouth hung partially open. It was so opposite his nature to just keep the peace. And he would never shrink from a challenge. 'That is why Cafer hurt me. He knew I would not let my pride be injured,' the prince realized. Strangely, he was not sure if he should feel grateful or offended.

"I do not like that they are discussing plans for my throne without me," Alaron muttered aloud.

"I do not like it either," Lukoss admitted.

"You could go eavesdrop and tell me what was said," the prince suggested.

"I must return to the kitchen for my own food now that I have served the king. It is one of the few perks to serving His Majesty so closely." Lukoss tried to deny his request without offending Alaron.

Smiling gently, the prince could see he had caused the gnome discomfort. "My apologies. Of course you do what you think is best. I will take my rest."

They reached the rooms of Cafer and stopped.

"Will you require anything else, honored guest?" Lukoss asked.

Alaron shook his head. "No, thank you. I—." The prince's foot faltered and he bumped into the gnome. Lukoss instinctively reached out to stop him. He gripped the boy firmly by the shoulders, causing Alaron to cry out in pain. The prince grabbed at Lukoss's head, trying to free himself.

Lukoss also yelled, "Ow!" The gnome let the the blue-eyed boy go. Alaron splashed onto the ground like a bucketful of water. Realizing what happened, Lukoss helped the prince stand. "I am very sorry!" the gnome apologized.

"The fault is entirely mine. I will let you get back to your work," Alaron responded. Walking into the room, the prince opened his fist, revealing a fist full of Lukoss's hair. His mouth curved into a wicked smile. "Now to find the Semblance Stone."

It was an easy search. Alaron had seen where Cafer had set his bag. It took the prince less than a minute to procure the item. He studied the stone before slipping on the bracelet. Carefully he placed the hair against the band and watched it glow. "Where is a mirror?" Alaron wondered.

Scanning the walls, the prince spied a piece of reflective glass hanging not far from him. He studied his appearance. Looking back at him was a mousey gnome and not his normal regal face. "My name is Lukoss," the boy reminded himself as he prepared to leave.

Alaron looked down at his waist and his heart stopped as he could not longer see his sword. Yet, he could still feel it's weight on his hip. As he touched where his sword should be, the mirage wavered and his weapon became visible. When he released it, the sword disappeared.

"I will have to be mindful not to touch my side," he whispered. Alaron was ready. "Time to spy on a king!" the prince gloated. He slipped into the hallway with the determined gait of a boy on a mission.