"But I'm the prince." He says sounding more like Declan then he likes. Still, if he wants to do chores who would tell him no? That would be an insult. What Adam says, how he says it, the way he turns his face, the damn bruise. It clicks into place and Ronan feel furious.

Niall may not be the best father, he has his faults. He never hurt his children.

"Can I explain your absence to him? Ask his permission to help with the chores?" If Adam told him no Ronan would accept it. He just hoped he might have the chance to make this right. His father's plot to get him a friend sounds like it caused Adam more trouble than it is worth. "I like to work in the stables and the gardens. My father doesn't understand it...but I just feel more like myself there. Will you let me help?"