"But what happens when those connections fall? It's good ot have one or two people you can rely on that aren't invovled iwth politics. My-hopefully future advisor, if he doesn't get himself killed on that horse of his-, for instance, is also one of my best friends and provides several interesting veiwpoints. Same with the son of one of the noble fmailies of our kingdom. The Xandoris are neutral when it comes to most things but Mateo and his brothers are easy to talk to and Matt gives me plenty of great tips on how to handle large crowds of crazy people."

" I have few noblewomen im close with on a personal level. "

"And im guesisng the servantsare scared stiff? You seripusly dont interact with your siblings?"

" of course i dont. My last maid i was on good terms with personally died. By poison. "

"...yeah ok that is seriously.." cLlen tried to fidn a word that wasnt a cuss word and failed.

" what? "

"Screwed? Ugh, no words, im jsut saying. I still dont get why everyone wants the throne, beyond the title and power. Theres a lot of work involved. People can revolt. You xant jaut do anything you want and poeple will always be afger your head."

" I don't think it was over the throne. My parents don't have any other children between each other. If i died it wouldn't go to my siblings. "

"Yeah but islotatin yourswlf make syou just as vulnwrable, maybe even more. Ifyou dont know who to truat you cant truat anyone. Even if its a weak trust, if anythign happens..." calken shrugged. "Or maybe thats jsut me."

" I don't do it on purpose. Anyone i get close to always dies..."