Crossfire

The hall fell silent as the voice cut through the air, loud enough to be heard yet not so somehow soft enough to sound sincere. I ducked, refusing to meet the eyes of the speaker. I didn't need to see his expression to know of the scorn and hatred in the second prince's eyes.

Alric stiffened, turning his shoulder to look at Prince Vorinth. Somehow, he kept his face calm and voice even. "Ah, brother. I heard you weren't going to attend tonight. What a pleasant surprise. Although his words sounded friendly, no one mistook them as such.

"Unlike many of you," Vorinth's eyes swept the hall, "I have urgent matters to attend to. The darkness descends upon our lands, and people look for strength and hope. As prince of Radia, it is my duty to grant that security and pave the way for prosperity. I have little time to attend such frivolous gatherings."