Chapter Text
Xander picked himself up off the cold stone floor of the royal catacombs and gave a last goodbye to the tomb before making his way out. He had seen Egard but a day before and was once again reciting prayers for another deceased half sibling. He hoped they were at peace at the dusk dragons side and that there would be no more needless bloodshed. Unfortunately it didn’t seem like the concubine war would end anytime soon. The prince felt so helpless, either he was being targeted by his siblings or they were killing each other just for a chance to stand at fathers side. Xander couldn’t help but feel anger in his heart for the “mothers” that egged their children on to kill each other and the other concubines.
As he made his way up the stone staircase he noticed someone was waiting at the top. Xander rested a hand on the steel blade father gave him before recognition hit him. He relaxed and continued to the top smiling at the small child peering down at him.
Sister Beatrice’s face was stained by tears and her cheek had a large purpling bruise. Upon noticing him she stood rod straight with her hands folded behind her back. The prince sighed at her formality. “No need for that little lion, what happened?”
The child broke down and clung to Xanders side before speaking. “Mother is angry at me again.” Xander's gaze darkened as he gingerly checked his little sister for more injuries. Wordlessly he held out his arm and the two of them made their way to the crown prince’s room. Once inside Xander made sure the little one was comfortable on his bed before getting salve and bandages. He gingerly applied the salve to her wounds as he asked her what happened. After a brief hesitation, Beatrice spoke up. “I told mother I’m not a girl and she got very angry at me.”
Xanders heart sunk as he listened to his sibling repeat how they were expected to fulfill a princesses duties and produce heirs one day by their mother. They shifted away from him before speaking again. “Is that okay? Or..are you angry at me too?”
His eyes softened and he tried to look as non threatening as possible. “Little lion of course that’s alright, I’m not angry at you its your mother I'm angry with. If you don’t mind, could you tell me who you are so I can make you more comfortable?”
The child’s breath hitched in relief before giving a small anxious smile. “I’m a boy, and my name is Leo.”
Xander smiled at his little brother before ruffling his blonde hair. “It’s nice to meet you, brother Leo.” Usually quiet and reserved, Leo smiled at him gratefully.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door and Xander relaxed as Camilla’s voice lilted through the wood. The girl let herself inside, brightening upon seeing her siblings together. She was clad in black armor, her lavender hair spilling over the gleaming metal. Thankfully she seemed unharmed except for some minor scratches. Despite this Xander still worriedly sat her down next to Leo and began checking for injuries. Camilla sighed and gently head-butted him, their horns clacking against each other quietly. “You worry too much dear.”
Xander huffed and pulled away. “I don’t want to hear that from you Camilla.”
She let out a tittering laugh that suddenly cut off as she noticed blood spotted rags. Her eyes hardened as she noticed Leo’s injuries. “Lady Edith dares to continue laying hands on my little Bea?” Leo mumbled something under his breath as Xander was about to interrupt. Camilla leaned closer to hear him better. “What's that dear I didn’t quite hear you?”
Leo scowled at her with a very un-intimidating look. “I’m not Bea, I’m Leo. I’m a boy, Xander said so you have to listen to him.”
Camilla blinked owlishly at him for a moment before dipping her head gracefully. “I see, my apologies little brother Leo.”
Leo looked taken aback and after some hesitation, leaned into Camilla’s side. Suddenly he looked up irritably at her with a pout. “Hey! I’m not little, I’m nearly 10 seasons old! You’re 14 seasons and Xander is 16, I'm practically the same age!”
The elder siblings shared a quick laugh before Xander spoke. “Even so, 4 or 5 years makes quite the difference Leo.”
Xander tried not thinking about how in a few years Leo would be sent off to the battlefield. Camilla had been the youngest of them to fight at 12 seasons old. Much too young in Xanders eyes. He was sure many of the concubines and their children wished for her to not come back from battle. After all she was considered a scourge by those scheming women. Camilla has always fought tooth and nail to survive in the court, Leo too. His sister’s body was littered by many battle scars, most were from her fighting against assassins of the court. Scars scrawled up Leo’s arms after he tried blocking a fire spell from one of the concubines trying to take his life. He too, didn’t come out unscathed. As the crown prince there was a target on his back and he had been forced to defend himself against his many siblings several times. There was even a time he and Camilla had fought each other before they had gotten close as siblings. Would there be a day little Elise would be sent to the front lines as well? Xander gave a full body shiver just thinking about it.
Xander was brought back to the present as Camilla caught his attention. “Where is Elise this evening?” Of course Camilla would be worried about her. The 5 year old was the youngest of them all and the most defenseless.
Xander put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “No need to worry, Nyx is watching her for now.” Camilla seemed to sag in relief knowing they were all safe.
“Leo, I’ll go talk with father so everyone will call you by your name from now on. You and Camilla can stay here while I’m out” The two nodded as Xander made his way to fathers quarters. He paused and took a detour, after all someone had to reprimand lady Edith for her behavior.