They hadn't planned on having another child, but just before their son's eighth birthday his wife had returned from a routine checkup with the healers with a smile on her face and the most unexpected news. Right away, he decided his second child would be just as dear to him as his heir no matter what. He vowed as much when he held his new son for the first time, even when the name Ruby had picked needed to be...adjusted for a Prince and not a Princess.

Even when Alcryst proved to be more shy and clingy than Diamant at that age, Morion's love for his child did not waver. Some nobles or royalty would scorn a son for being less than the image of what they wanted him to be, but King Morion of Brodia was a family man above all else. His parents had raised him well, he and his brother Morden had been close growing up, and he was pleased to see Diamant take so well to being a big brother.

Alcryst is seventeen now, almost a man. Through the years, Morion's seen his son criticized and picked apart for not being just like his brother, and it breaks his heart to see how little he thinks of himself. But for all his self-deprecation and insecurity, one thing he's not is a coward. If it even looks like Diamant, Ruby, Citrinne, or even Morion himself is in danger, Alcryst will grab his bow and defend them without a moment's hesitation.

Morion loves both of his sons enough that if forced to choose which one to save, he'd sacrifice his own life so they could both survive. But while Diamant is his heir and brave enough to challenge his methods while being invaluable with strategies and negotiations, Alcryst is gentle and a soothing presence, someone to talk to when he needs to wind down after a long day.

He loves that boy, no matter what those nobles say, even if nobles who aspire to be like him wonder how a conqueror like Morion can speak so highly of someone so weak. If he were as weak as you say, he wouldn't bother to risk his life at the border protecting fools like you! I never asked for another Diamant, Alcryst is fine the way he is!

"Father?"

Morion finishes signing the last document on his desk and turns to find Alcryst standing beside his desk. Immediately, he gets up to embrace his son, Alcryst giving a little squeak of surprise before hugging him back.

"You're leaving tomorrow, aren't you?" The Divine Dragon and the royals of Firene will be arriving in Brodia shortly, and Morion assigned Alcryst with the task of receiving them. As King, he trusts Alcryst, Citrinne, and Lapis to handle it flawlessly. But as a father, he worries about the thieves, bandits, and Elusians trying to sneak their way over the border.

"We are, yes." Alcryst pulls back and nods. "I still believe Diamant would be more suited to receive the Divine One, Prince Alfred, and Princess Celine, but since you asked me, I won't be any less than he would."

"Alcryst." Morion places a hand on his shoulder, squeezing. "You are every bit as strong and skilled as your brother."

"But-"

"Are you going to listen to foolish nobles or knights running their mouths and not your own father?" He squeezes again, smiling. "The King is sending his second son to greet our guests, and they can sulk all they like about it. I just want your promise that you and the girls will be safe out there." Alcryst nods.

"I will, Father. I promise not to take any foolish risks," he says. "I won't disappoint you."

"You never have." Morion embraces him again. "I'm a lucky father to have you for a son, and have been since the day you were born." Some would say he's laying it on a bit thick, but he means every word. He ruffles Alcryst's hair, and he feels Alcryst smile against his shoulder.

"Thank you, Father."

He and Ruby had never planned on having a second child, but every day he's glad they did.