Chapter Text
For as long as Todd could remember, the kingdom has always been at war. It’s just how it was. The smaller wars against enemy kingdoms seemed to blend into one ongoing, never-ending war – The Eternal War, everyone called it.
Todd knew when he comes of age, he would have to fight in this war, just as his dad did and as his older brother will. He wasn’t dreading it. In fact, Todd was counting down the days until he turned eighteen. He has always been looking for excuses to get away from home and is hoping the war will keep him away from home for a long time.
A soft knock sounds. Todd, pulled out of deep thought, turns his head towards the door. It opened, revealing a servant. “Your Highness, your father requests your presence,” she says. Todd nods.
“Thank you, Matilda.”
Matilda backed away from the door, shutting it. Todd sighs, quickly preparing himself to see his father. He opens the door of his room and heads for his father’s office.
He noted the bustle of the guards and servants. They were busier than usual, as tonight would be Jeffrey’s send off party. In true royal fashion, Jeffrey wanted an extravagant masquerade ball. Todd finds large galas tiresome, as suitresses try to vie for attention. He believed the masquerade ball would be no different.
Sooner than Todd would’ve liked, he reached the door of his father’s office. He gave the dark wood door a knock before pushing it open, revealing his father at his desk looking over a piece of paper. “You wanted to see me, Father?” Todd asks. His father looks up from the paper.
“I have news regarding the ball tonight,” the king starts. “I have received word that enemy spies may attempt to break in and possibly gather information. I want you to be on high alert, and if you notice anyone or anything suspicious, notify the guards immediately.”
“Of course, Father,” Todd responds. “Is there anything specific I should be looking for?” The king nods his head.
“Not that I currently know of, but if that changes, I will tell you. I don’t want your brother’s last night here to be ruined by enemy spies.”
“I won’t let that happen, Father.” The king nods.
“You’re dismissed.”
Todd exits the room, making a beeline for the palace library. Though it is technically a celebration day, and he is not required to study, Todd wanted to do something to pass time until the ball.
The patter of his shoes echoed as he went further up the stairs. A smile planted itself on his face as he neared the corridor. Todd sprinted down the long, marble corridor and threw open the light, wooden library doors. A small chuckle escaped Todd’s lips. He hasn’t run down the corridor like that since he was seven. He took a few steps into the library, glancing up at the ceiling high shelves, scanning them for his favorite book. Todd spotted it – a navy blue book with gold detailing on its spine. Todd climbed a ladder until the book was at eye level and grabbed it. He also took a history book and a sword fighting book from neighboring bookshelves, knowing that he’d need more than one book to stay entertained. Feeling satisfied with his selections, Todd left the library and went back to his room.
—
Several hours seemed to pass quickly. Before Todd knew it, the sun was about to set. He hurriedly put on his formal wear – a white tunic and trousers with a gold sash, completed with a matching mask. Todd sighs. He’s not sure how he’s going to feel after tonight. He and Jeffrey were decently close as young kids, but as Jeffrey’s preparation for his future kingly duties became more rigorous, their relationship started to feel strained. Yet, though they haven’t been close in recent years, that doesn’t mean Todd cares about Jeffrey any less.
Todd went down the corridor to Jeffrey’s room and knocked on his door. “You can come in,” Jeffrey called. Todd pushed open the door, revealing Jeffrey in a red tunic and black trousers with a gold sash similar to his own. “Yes?” Jeffrey asked. Todd cleared his throat.
“I know we haven’t been very close,” Todd starts. “But I wanted to wish you good luck in the war. I know you’re a strong fighter and strategist, and you’ll defend Kastron well. The castle is going to feel a little empty without you.” Jeffrey hugs Todd. At first, Todd is shocked, but he soon returns the hug.
“Thank you,” Jeffrey says. “Only two more years and you’ll be out there too, right? Maybe we’ll be fighting in neighboring kingdoms.”
“Maybe, though I hear they may have you fighting up north in Baviaire,” Todd responds.
“Ah, I see. Protecting our trade partners. Wise, but I won’t see much action there.”
“Not unless Ceraun invades,” Todd quips. “Baviaire is right on the sea, so it would be an advantageous move for Ceraun.”
“They’d have to get through me first,” Jeffrey jokes. “And the generals and the troops!” Todd laughs at Jeffrey’s antics. “Hey, what if we stay up tonight. We’ll camp out in my room, like we did as kids.” Todd smiles, remembering how things used to be.
“No, it’s okay. This might be your last night of proper rest. We both know you won’t get any once you’re out there.”
“Bold of you to assume I’ll be sleeping on a night like this!” Jeffrey counters. “Please, it will be like old times. We can have pretend to sword fights and, maybe, sneak out to the stables.” There was a long silence. “If I die in that war, I want to at least have one last fun moment with my brother to hold onto. Maybe after the war, we can have more moments like it.” Todd sighs. The last thing he wants to do is mess up Jeffrey’s last night here.
“Fine, but if you tire of me, just say the so, and I’ll leave.”
“I should’ve done that fifteen years ago,” Jeffrey jokes.
“Hey!” Todd yells, eliciting a loud laugh from Jeffrey. He chases after Jeffrey, who sprints away. A knock on the door can be heard.
“Yes,” Jeffrey calls.
“Your Highness, your mother requests you,” a servant announces from the other side of the door.
“Thank you, I will be right there," he calls to the servant. "I’ll see you at the masquerade later, Todd,” Jeffrey says before exiting the room.