Hmmm, I'm sorry it feels that way. Kye has been slowly 'recovering', learning to trust, etc since chapter 21 when he begins to feel hope again. I've been trying to show Kye's slow acceptance of Ash's love--he has moments of happiness, trust and security, but then he also still doubts himself, that he could be good enough. This chapter was actually an unexpected one--it just sort of happened as the magistrates were planning to leave, and they felt Kye should be honored for everything he'd done. But my intent was to also show Kye still isn't fully 'whole' yet, as he immediately assumed he was going to be punished. He resorted back into his original thinking, and it took Ash to pull him back out again. I will think about your suggestion to moving it around. It could come at the end as well, maybe even with the Regent coming back with the princeling to do the knighting! It's certainly a thought, and this chapter isn't as necessary plot-wise as most of the other. I could drop it all together and it wouldn't affect the storyline. It's main task was showing Kye is still tormented by his guilt and fears even as happy as he currently may be with Ash, and also just a little reward for him Thanks for reading and letting me know what you thought. I'll definitely keep it in mind when I get around to finalizing the story.