"Zevros is a talented young swordsman who is remarkably straightforward and to the point," says Natariem. "But he has a wicked temper, no respect for authority, and little foresight. If he ever does take the throne I'd want to wait a decade, so he's had some time to grow up."

Natariem considers the firstborn prince something of a failure. He's got admirable qualities, surely, but it's unlikely that Zevros will do much to leave a lasting effect. Not the sort of thing Natariem's hoping for.

"Most of the smart ones are hoping Zevros abdicates in favor of his brother, though. Rather standoffish and cold, but he's no fool and has a sense of honor and fairness about things. I suspect there are a few changes to the country that are his doing, but I couldn't give specifics as to what."

It's a lie. He could explain what he's up to, exactly, so easily. He keeps a close watch on Edarial - he has high hopes for the boy. He's very much his father's son, patient and thoughtful and clever. The boy still needs to have some of his more starchy morals driven out of him, but as an heir to the throne, he's a good choice.