Chapter 17

(Alexander POV)

Draping my shawl over my Thobe , I explored the grounds.

The clothes I had found, helped cool us down a little, although I still continue to sweat. Alfred followed right behind me, I found that it was a little unfair that servants and attendants couldn't eat with us but I had to respect the culture here, no matter how troublesome it may be.

The King here was nice enough, although his son was just as bad as Snowdania's king.

Speaking of Will, just out of the distance, I could see him on one of the floors, his face turning to the side as if talking to someone. Which was odd, because if I remember vaguely, his attendants and Kevin were out helping prince Julius with something.

"My my, what do we have here?"

I turned, standing at a distance, under the shelter of the shade was a young man, definitely older than me, who had tanned skin, his dark brown hair was wavy and shoulder length, he wore a black those with gold accessories decorating his neck and ears, however what struck me was his orange eyes, not the colour since I have seen even weirder but I couldn't help but feel a shiver run down my spine as I stared at them .

It was like looking at a cold hearted killer, one that masked everything under a mask.

Knowing this, I guarded myself up. I nodded my head before bowing, " Hello there. I'm prince Alexander of Arborea, pleasure to meet you."

He smirked, before bowing as well, " Nice to meet you too. I'm Iman, xx prince of Scarabia and a member of the direct line."

Direct line, so what!😒

I held myself back before smiling, "Well, pleasant day then, isn't it Prince Iman."

"Ya ya, say want to join me for a spar?"

I contemplated this for a second.

"Your highness" I heard Alfred mutter, however I raised my hand.

"Okay!"

After all, it'll be a good opportunity to figure something out.

With that, he beckoned us forward and led us to a pathway.

The walls were illuminated by the glyphs that were glowing a light blue, substituting the need for candles. Not long after we reached a heavy looking set of doors. With a snap of his finger, the guards stationed at the door immediately opened them. Revealing a crowd of soldiers in a dirt and mud filled arena. The walls made of limestone.

Iman goes towards an armoury and retrieves two saifs. Throwing one across to me.

"Shall we begin." He said smirking before removing his coat and throwing it to one of the soldiers.

I nodded my head and removed my shawl and coat, handing them to Alfred for safe keeping.

As we readied ourselves on the field, a simple circle drawn in the dirt.

A shiver ran down my spine.

His got quite a killing intent

In a matter of seconds, a whistle blew and we started sparing or fighting to be more corrected. Sword against sword we slashed against each other, metal clanging and sparks flying in each touch.

He was good, excellent. But I couldn't grasp his style, unlike the techniques I had read from the books. They were erratic and inconsistent, wild even.

"WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING!"

Before I knew it, Iman had nearly pierced me, thankfully I managed to dodge just in the nick of time.

"ALEXANDER!"

Shit. Kevin's worried, he rarely uses my name unless it's when he completely loses it.

Continuing our fight, it went on for a long time, we would have gone on even longer had not for someone shouting.

"STOP!"

Immediately, we stopped. Sweating and panting profusely.

Standing at the door way was a fair skin man with long black hair that had purple streaks tied up in a high ponytail, he wore a simple white robe with a patterned shawl over it. His violet eyes were filled with fury.

Slowly, he walked over. Many of the soldiers then fell to their knees, bowing. Even Iman was bowing. Noting this, Alfred and I bowed as well.

"What is the meaning of this?" he asked Iman.

"We were simply having a spar, big brother."

"A spar. You could have hurt him, Iman. Do you not wish to remain in peace with the empire of Arborea?"

"No, big brother."

"Good, then do reflect on your actions."

Iman putting his clothes back on and handing the sword back then turned to me and bowed in apology and walking away. However, not before whispering in my ear, " Spar with me again, next time."

That guy once to spar with me again.

Once all the soldiers had left, I gave introduced myself to him.

"Good day your highness. My name is Prince Alexander of Arborea, my sincerest apologies for making you angry. " I said.

He smirks at me before saying, " No there is no need, I knew full well that my brother only wished to have some fun, though it was a little excessive."

A little, I nearly lost my head!😡

I didn't know what I was supposed to be expecting but in the end we had chatted all the way from the chambers to the main palace.

He had complimented me well on my swordsmanship, saying how it was a miracle that I was able to stay on the same footing as Iman, who was a commander of his own squadron and one of the most recognised military figures in Scarabia.

Of course, I played being modest and simply said that it was purely luck.

We eventually reached the southern palace, which was full of exotic plants, only to come across with Will, Alfred , his attendants and prince Reius.

Prince Reius, had tanned skin with short messy dark brown hair and green eyes. He was well built but not excessively. He wore a similar outfit to what he wore during the banquet and was that a monkey on his shoulder?!

How did a monkey get here? Especially one of such small size?!

He talking excitedly with Will. Who was crossdressing as usual. The guards and Kevin were dressed similarly as me although the guards still had their weapons around. They looked a lot better than they did, yesterday.

Anyway for some reason, I couldn't help but had this feeling like I had met Reius before.It was odd because for some strange reason, I had this feeling too whenever I was Will as if saying I should hate him.

I usually shook it off but it felt strange and odd.

Today, for some reason, I saw someone strange. A man with long blonde hair and green eyes, he was fair skin and wore a long black coat with a black top hat that was decorated with a brown sash and some roses.

I couldn't help but feel this man was suspicious, 'Who the hell was is this man?'

"BROTHER MAZARU!"