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“Dia… Mant…” Alcryst gasped. “I did something… Right for once…”
Alcryst did not know why Diamant’s expression twisted like that, he could only wish it wasn’t because of him.
“Yeah,” His brother croaked. “You did well. You saved me.”
“I’m so glad.”
Alcryst had known what to do the moment he saw the mage prepare the attack, he could only pray that he would move fast enough. His legs had burned as he ran, his lungs had ached as he shouted a warning, but none of that mattered knowing that Diamant was now safe.
He could barely even feel the pain anymore but even if he could it would have been worth it if only to have Diamant hold him like this, close to his chest like he used to. It felt warm, right even, and Alcyrst did not let himself question if he was wasting Diamant’s time.
Diamant was safe. Alcryst had saved him, he had finally done something right and it had saved his brother’s life. Everything was so distant now, even Diamant’s face fading into a blur. Alcyrst blinked but his vision did not clear. He felt something hot on his face and he dully realised that Diamant was crying.
But why would Diamant be crying? Maybe he had been injured after all. Alcryst should call for Framme to heal him. Brodia depended on Diamant as their new King, he could not afford to be hurt but when Alcyst opened his mouth, no words came.
Alcryst reached a hand up to wipe away Diamant’s tears instead but he failed in that too, his hand falling back down as his strength left him. Diamant held onto the hand all the same, squeezing it tightly. Perhaps Alcryst was useless after all, if he couldn't even comfort his brother.
“Dia…” Alcyrst mumbled.
“It’s okay, Brother, I’m right here.”
Alcryst hummed. That was more than he could have ever wished for, to have Diamant by his side even now. He was so tired. Maybe Diamant would carry him to bed soon, tuck him in like they did when they were kids.
The pain had faded fully now and Alcyst could not even smell of the blood he knew was pooling around them. He wondered if Father would have been proud that he had fulfilled his duty as the Second Prince, but more importantly he wondered if Diamant was going to be okay. He already knew that answer, he knew that Diamant was going to be okay.
He had to be okay because Alcryst had saved him.