Laretal knew what the boy wanted to do. It was there shining in his unnerving silver eyes. The boy wanted to kill him. He knew why as well. The fear in his mother's mind infuriated the six-year-old. The fact that his boy could already read it and knew what it meant pleased him. It meant he was strong. He wasn't worried that the boy would actually try it. He was six. Nothing but a child. He was harmless.

He was rethinking his arrogance when that night in their bed, that same boy held the sword for the just defender. And had it pointed at his throat. Even a slip would mean scarring or death. How the hell had he even reached that damn sword?

And he sensed the determination to carry it out without the fear of him that was usually there.

"Amara, perhaps you had better get our son." he thought. Amara woke instantly and bolted up. Her fear filled the room when she saw her youngest son.

"Julius, what are you doing?" she gasped. The boy's chin jutted out.

"Protecting you, mama. He hurts you in your head. He has to promise not to anymore or I'll use this." his young voice trembled but his hands were steady.

"Julius. Put the sword down." Amara's heart was breaking for her son. Her strong child. She hadn't been able to see that strength until now. Even so, he couldn't protect her. No one could. When Julius looked at her briefly, Laretal slapped the flat of the sword away from his neck then shoved Julius to the floor.

"Don't ever lift that sword to me again, boy!" he said contemptuously. Amara scrambled out of bed to go to him and he halted her with one thought. Julius didn't try to get up but looked defiant all the same, sprawled on the ground. Again without fear. Where had the fear gone?

"Don't hurt my mama again!" he returned. "Or I'll tell Slater."

Laretal's face paled. He got out of bed and had Julius against the wall by the throat. He struggled fiercely, his legs kicking at him with his small hands wrapped around his wrist.

"One word to that man and your mother will die." he threatened softly.

"You kill her and Slater kills you worse," Julius said with the sneering arrogance of youth.

"Put him down, Laretal," Amara said hoarsely, fighting for her own control. Laretal looked at her surprised and made her pass out. He ignored the boy's kicking and looked into the boy's eyes, seeking the way in. Eyes narrowed when he had to search.

"Stay out of my head!" he heard furiously then the boy stopped kicking and looked at him smugly. "They won't let you in."

"Your mother is unconscious and can't help you, boy."

"He was referring to me and Prisma, Laretal. Release him, immediately!" Laretal dropped Julius and turned to face the menace behind him.

Slater stood in the doorway, fury radiating from him. His black gaze took in everything and swung back to Laretal.

"Did I not warn you of the consequences of trying to kill any of them? Or threatening to?" The sword floated from the floor and into his hand. Amara regained consciousness and stood confused. Fury and fear warred in her eyes before she went around Laretal and helped Julius to his feet. "Go back to sleep, my queen. Your son will be safe tonight."

"You're sure?" Slater looked at her with a slightly insulted look and she smiled tiredly. "Sleep well, my son. I love you."

"I love you, too." he hugged her waist and glared at Laretal. Slater suppressed a smile.

"Julius." He gestured with his hand. The young boy went instantly.

As they walked down the hall in silence, Julius glanced up at Slater nervously. His mentor hadn't said a word since they'd left the room. Slater was his idol. Even if he was going to choose Marxius to train, it didn't matter to Julius. Slater was everything a real warrior should be and his twin was the golden boy of light. 

"You should never pick up a weapon unless you can use it," Slater said suddenly. "Good timing, wrong weapon. If you were going to kill him, you should have done it swiftly and not given him time to block you." Julius hung his head and did his best to hold back the burning tears in his eyes at the rebuke. "Since you seem to have the right instincts for it, it stands to reason you should have the proper training."

Julius' head came up and he looked up at Slater hopefully.

"You mean..."

"If you have the courage to take him on already, then it seems you have chosen the right path on your own. I'll train you."

"And my brother?" he asked hopefully. Slater sighed. He'd expected this though he didn't like it.

"Yes, although my focus will be on you." They reached Julius' door and Slater stopped. Julius opened his door and stepped thru it. Slater halted him. "This sword isn't kept within your reach. How did you get it?"

"I found it laying on my bed."

Slater nodded.

"Go to bed, young prince. You need your rest." Julius obeyed and went inside. Within minutes, he was fast asleep in the way of all children. Slater walked to his own bed deep in thought.

"So, my goddess, you choose another so soon? He'll be a fine king by the time I'm done with him. I'll give him what I've given no other save you in many years. My best. You have my word on that."