Chapter 2

Summary
Bojji walks through town again in his underwear as Kage follows him. Though most residents gossip to themselves, children run up and question him. When he tries to answer, they mock his inability to speak and he runs away.

As Bojji returns to the castle, the guards also talk behind his back and Kage is impressed that Bojji can continue smiling.

Queen Hilling, Dormas, Apis, Sandeo, Drushi watch Bojji walk in. His step-mother scolds him for walking around naked as Dormas signs her words. When Sandeosuggests he was mugged, Queen Hilling orders Dormas to kill them. Bojji begins to panic and insists that he was playing by himself, which embarrasses Hilling. She continues to scold him until Sandeo interupts. She screams at him to shut up, Drushi bonks his head and Sandeo apologizes.

She says that he has no qualities of a heir to the throne. Bojji looks hurt but Hilling orders Dormas not to translate it (thinking he cannot understand without it). She tells the group that they're leaving. She asks why he had to be born before Daida and says that a new law has to be passed that uses a merit system instead. As she walks away, she scolds a knight about his tunic.

Kage thinks the king must be stupid to marry her. Dormas stays and kindly signs that the king called for him and he should get dressed. Kage follows him into his room and sees him quickly cry before wiping his face, forcing a smile, and walking back out.

Kage regrets the pain he caused him and vows to become his friend, though he lost sight of Bojji. He rushes out of the room to find him. At the king's bed chamber, Bojji struggles to open his father's door. When he enters his father's room, Bebin, Sorii, and Dormas stand beside Bosse as he greets his son.

Characters

 * Bojji
 * Kage
 * Hilling
 * Dormas
 * Apis
 * Sandeo
 * Drushi
 * Bosse
 * Bebin
 * Sorii