This whipping boy done wrong.

[Mindhazingsquid]

Back in the day a prince would have a companion, given more liberties then a servant but at a price, with whom he could play and make friends.  This companion was meant to gain the prince's sympathies so when he (the prince) did something bad the companion would be punished for it since the only one who could lay a hand on the prince was the (often absent) king.

This companion was called the Whipping boy.

The story is that the prince is spoiled (and really, is there a prince who isn't?) and while enjoys the company of the whipping boy doesn't sympathise with him and often torments him, sometimes even getting punished for the express purpose of having his whipping boy be punished.

So, ah, I'm looking for a prince to discuss details.