Chapter 3

12 years later...

The clashing of swords and the grunts and pants of the two princes filled the halls of the Cliffed Palace. King Hendred, with his wife Queen Marianne, watched as their two sons, struggled to land a hit. Although the both of them were wearing armor and were only using wooden swords, slight pain and wariness was imprinted on the face of the Queen.

The two boys began to violently stamp up the pace of their parries, slightly getting close to each other. Edwardion, who was a year older than his brother was somewhat losing focus, determination and strength, whilst his brother (Frieden) was beginning to feel the adrenaline rush throughout his body.

After a few more dodges and close calls, Frieden landed a hit, square on there chest of his brother. Edwardion groaned and slumped on the ground, knowing that his parents were not going to recognize him again.

"Good job Frieden!"

Marianne and Hendred said in unison,

"You too Edwardion you fought well!"

The older brother knowing that he once again lost a round, fought back his tears.

Frieden walked up to his older brother and lend out a hand,

"Come on brother! You're better at me in everything! Especially with the girls and publicity! Unlike me, I only focus on my fighting skills and studying."

The younger one, unbeknownst that his brother didn't want publicity and all the attention, tried to grab his hand. When Edwardion saw this he swatted away the hand of his brother.

"I don't need you help brat. I can stand up on my own!"

The couple hearing and seeing the actions of their son, quickly rushed to his side and pinched his ear hard.

"Listen up young man!"

Hendred said in a voice of slight anger,

"Your brother is trying to help you! And now you repay him with that? What obnoxiousness"

Marianne piped up with a voice of pity,

"Hendred that's enough! Leave the boy alone he has learnt his lesson."

She quickly rushed to Edwardion's side and gently caressed the ear where his father pinched him.

"Listen up my child, please don't do that again to your brother. I know that it feels so bad to lose all the time but that is what life is, you cannot be good in everything that you do! Just contain all your anger and vent it out in a nice way okay?"

"Yes mum..."

Edwardion said this in a voice of defeat,

"I'm sorry to 'lil bro"

"No worries! Just don't do it again."

Hearing this the older brother did his best to not punch his brother on the face, he only clenched his fist tight, wishing that he could somewhat take revenge on him. His brother was always the center of attention, from the day when his brother came, even when he was a wee little baby, hate grew in his heart. Frieden was everything that his parents had ever wanted, he was an academic genius, and a decent fighter. He is a true candidate for the Royal Throne, unlike him who was just charismatic and a girl-magnet.

Thus the boy took of his armor, laid his sword on the ground and marched to his room, for he was going to prepare on taking a bath.

His toes touched the pool of water in front of him, "Just the right temperature", Edwardion thought to himself, he stripped all of his clothes except for his undergarments and put them inside a closet near the doorway. He soon dropped to the pool enjoying the warmth surrounding his body and heating up his surroundings.

For a few minutes, he enjoyed this ecstatic state, peace and tranquility where the only things in his mind, hate was now just a memory from the past, but this was soon snapped by his father walking in. Just like Edwardion he undressed himself and slid into the giant bath tub. He noticed Edwardion at the far end of it and he also knew that his son was anxious to approach him, so he got up and walked to his son, splashing some water on the way. He then sat down beside Edwardion.

"Son! How was your day?"

"Fine..."

The prince said in a monotone voice,

"Look son, I really didn't want to do that to you, it is just that I don't want you to grow up badly. I didn't want to hurt you, but just as the old saying goes, if you don't hurt your child, that means you don't love him."

"Dad... How does that even apply to life? That doesn't make any sense at all!"

When the King heard this he left our a slight chuckle,

"I'll explain it to you. You see, when a kid does a wrong thing and his parents just scold him for doing it, he or she might change, but if that child keeps on repeating that bad deed over and over again, measures should be put into action. A good spanking should do it or a mere pinch on an ear should suffice. To summarize it, a parent should do anything in his or her power to guide his child in the right way."

"Wow dad..."

The young boy said in astonishment,

"I didn't know and see it that way, I'm terribly sorry father."

"Yeah, yeah! Even your brother forgives you! But what are you really mad about him huh? Your mother told me that you had a different feeling whenever we praise him."

"Nothing father. It's nothing"

"Son, just spill the beans, I can help you in any way I can! I am your father! So trust me, and tell what is really bothering you."

Edwardion gave out a sigh, then he finally had the courage to say it,

"I think, that you might choose Frieden over me when it comes to the heir of the Throne!"

When the King heard this, he let out a burst of laughter, leaving the confused prince in the wind.

"My son! My son! THAT'S what you're worried about?"

He then continued his laughing session until he calmed down,

"Look, your brother is great and all but when it comes to leading he's a goner!"

"What do you mean by that father?"

"Do you ever wonder why your teachers in school never ever make him a group leader?"

When Edwardion heard this, realization finally dawned on him!

"Ohhhhhhh~"

"Do you get it now my son? He isn't qualified to become a leader. YOU are!"

When the young man heard this, all his hatred, was swept away. He now knew that he has secured the throne for himself. His dreams were finally there, ready to be grabbed.

"See son, now go wash yourself up, tomorrow's gonna be your brother's birthday! Have a good night's sleep!"

While saying this the King stepped up and took a bathrobe from the wooden hangers lining the doorway.

He opened the door and closed it, he was surprised to see Frieden behind the tall vase that decorated the entrance.

"You eavesdropped didn't ya?"

"Yes dad..."

"Don't worry my son, lots of things are out there for you! You can become the greatest warrior in all of the land or our national hero! Don't limit yourself to one goal only! Look for more!"

When Frieden heard this, his spirits were lightened up, he smiled and said goodnight to his father. With a new goal at the back of his head.