The following day, and at the appointed time, the three potential heirs to the kingdom came to meet with the current rulers: their parents.
As they were walking up the stairs, Breagadoir saw a familiar face.
"Sorry, beautiful, I found my own way to the throne," he said.
"We'll see about that," she replied as he walked past.
Meantime, the parents were having a chat of their own.
"We're taking a real risk here," said the king.
"Things will work themselves out," said the queen. "The cream will rise to the top."
"You know Alainn is so flighty and unpredictable that she's a powder keg waiting to destroy our kingdom," he started, "and Breagadoir...he has tremendous skills with people, but he uses them in the most self-serving ways."
His wife started with, "Yes, we both know Caoin would be the ideal leader, if only he could develop more..."
"Backbone?" ventured the king. "Ability to assert himself, perhaps?"
"Yes, both actually, and this adventure should develop that in him. Here they come. We'll discuss this later."
"Hello, children," their mother greeted them.
Caoin bowed respectfully, Alainn gave a playful wave, and Breagadoir yawned.
"While you are in the midst of your challenge," began the queen, "you will each have a Watcher. I will fill that role for you, Alainn."
"Because you like watching a winner, I assume," Alainn said with a confident and cocky smile.
"And you, Caoin, will have me as your Watcher," said the king.
With a slight bow, he said, "I am honored, father."
"Suck up," said Alainn, with a sneer.
"Are you forgetting you have a third child, dear parents?" asked Breagadoir, with a sarcastic smile.
"No, dear," said his mother.
His father then rose, pointed behind Breagadoir, and said, "We chose a special Watcher for you."
"Hello again,
beautiful," said his new Watcher.
