Duskfire Glacier bleak

Kieran couldn't help but laugh at his own helplessness. It was, admittedly, amusing. The boy paused, taking in the moment. The two boys seemed to get on very well, considering their previous scrap. It was behind them already, it appeared.

"Darn, I'm no stronger than a mouse." He rolled his eyes, a grin on his maw. The wink only made him giggle slightly. He liked Hawthorn. Not for the reason you might first think - there was something about him that made Kieran feel like he was needed there. Perhaps it was how well they got along, despite not knowing each other for a particularly long time. The heir felt the need to heal. Not physically, but mentally. Looking at the older boy now, you never would have guessed the hardships he had faced. Besides, the prince knew that it had not been Hawthorn's fault. None of it had. Nor Rose's. 

Kieran looked up at Haw, studying him for just an instant. He was definately bigger that the heir, stronger too. But he was interesting. He held many secrets, that much seemed clear.