Chapter 50 Brothers
The training ground was dead quiet. Just the sound of steel slicing through the air and ragged breathing echoing back and forth.
Claus, his training gear soaked in sweat, moved like a machine. His sturdy, handsome figure really stood out. One swing. Two. Three. His focus didn't break, not until a voice called his name.
"Brother. Teach me. Let's spar."
Claus stopped. He lowered his sword and looked back. Didier stood there, wearing training clothes that looked a bit of a mess.
His younger brother's eyes... I don't know. There was something restless in them.
"Surprise, surprise?" Claus snorted, but he let out a thin smile. "Alright. Come at me."
Didier didn't waste time. He lunged straight in. His attacks were raw, loaded with emotion. Claus only needed one step to dodge.
He parried Didier's wooden sword casually, then kicked his brother's leg, nearly sending him to the ground.
"Your guard's down," Claus criticized coldly. "You're fighting like someone about to cry, not like a prince trying to win."
"Shut up," Didier grumbled, getting back up. "Again."
They sparred again. Thirty minutes later, both of them collapsed onto the wet grass. Their breathing was ragged. Claus wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand, glancing at Didier, who was just staring up at the blue sky.
Claus loved this kid. Even though they were just half-brothers, even though the palace kept trying to make them enemies, Claus always kept Didier, his only little brother, in a safe place in his heart.
"Why'd you rush back to the capital?" Didier asked suddenly. His voice was low. "Is there something you need to catch? Or someone who's keeping you awake at the border?"
Claus stayed silent. He twisted his wooden sword in the dirt. "Nothing. Just... bored. The border is boring."
Didier let out a small laugh, a sound he rarely made. "Liar. Your eyes say something else."
Claus sat up straight, leaning his back against a thick tree trunk. He glanced at Didier with a look that made his brother fidget.
"If you're asking why I came back," Claus continued, his tone turning teasing, "I'd say it's because I had to make sure my little brother didn't die like an idiot over a love triangle."
Didier jumped up, face flushed red. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Lysandra? Gisella?" Claus raised an eyebrow. "The rumors reached my ears before I even stepped through the city gates. So, which one is it? Who's making my 'tough' little brother look like a heartbroken teenager?"
Didier looked away, his ears beet red. "None of your business, brother."
"Oh, it's definitely my business," Claus stood up and clapped Didier hard on the shoulder. "If you want to fight, fight the enemy on the battlefield. Don't fight your own feelings inside the palace. That's deadlier than any blade."
Claus left Didier alone on the field. He knew his brother was confused. But he also knew Didier was stubborn. And sometimes, teasing was the best way to make him realize he wasn't alone.
"We've got training tomorrow morning!" Claus shouted without looking back. "Don't let me hear you crying over some girl!"
Didier just threw his wooden sword into the grass and muttered under his breath. But deep down, he was relieved Claus was home. Really relieved.