Valir

I wandered through the palace gardens, searching for Vale. I have been practicing Fire Breath in secret every night, and I cannot wait to show it to my brother and test it in combat. He'll be surprised to learn that I finally have a skill that can counter his Wind Blasts.

I went past the main garden where a number of palace servants watered the flowers. I smiled and waved at them, and they waved back. They used to bow to me when I was smaller but I stopped them from doing so as time went by. I see the palace as one big house, and every guard and servant is family.

I walked deeper into the garden. Vale always preferred to rest in a secluded and quiet place, where trees waved and danced with the wind. He said it reminds him of home.

I didn't always have a brother, but I've always wanted one. When the brother of the Wind Sultan was found guilty of treason, my father demanded that the Prince of the Valley of the Winds be raised in the Fire Kingdom as my brother, so we could train together and ensure everlasting peace between the two kingdoms. I knew it wasn't easy for Vale to be apart from his home and his family, but I promised to be the best brother he could ever have. I will protect him and we'll grow strong together, as brothers should.

I found him sleeping under a canopy, an arm under his head and another covering his eyes. He looked small, even smaller than the boys that we were. I bet even someday when we grow up, he'll still look little.

"Dark abyssal monsters!!!" I shouted.

Vale startled and swiftly jumped in a defensive stance, a ball of wind energy already forming in his left hand. I laughed hysterically, enjoying his alarmed expression.

"It's so easy to frighten you, brother," I said. "I lost count of how many times I've done this, and you always get surprised each time!"

He rolled his eyes, visibly relaxing.

"Then stop pestering me," Vale retorted as he returned to his previous position and cancelled his wind blast.

I sat beside him and ruffled his hair. "It's too early to get moody. If you're so pissed off, how about a match?"

He looked at me with squinted eyes. "Magical match?"

I nodded. He knows he won't win against me in a physical brawl.

"Fine," he declared. "I don't want to hurt you though. The Fire Lord wasn't too happy last time."

I smiled. "Bring it on, brother."

We positioned ourselves away from each other. He raised his left hand above his head and started gathering wind energy, forming a wind ball. It's his go to attack.

I cupped my hands together, forming a fire ball. My basic attack.

Vale jumped in the air swiftly and started throwing his wind blasts in my direction. He's gotten faster at creating them compared to our last match. I quickly dodged each of them, zigzagging on the ground as he stayed floated in the air.

When it took him a few seconds shorter to cast his next spell I threw my fire ball at him, focusing it with two hands. It set him off and he landed on the ground defensively.

I formed two fire balls in each of my hand, and I saw the surprise in his face. He thought I can only create one fire ball using both hands. I smirked and started throwing it at him with speed.

He pushed his hands forward and formed a wind wall, scattering my fire balls in all directions. I barraged him with continuous attack, trying to overwhelm his shield. It worked for a bit before he let go of the wall and swirled gracefully to cast an air wave. It pushed me back and knocked the breath out of my lungs, but I stood my ground, crossing my arms to shield myself, my feet digging onto the soil.

I could see the focus in his eyes. He's not taking me lightly anymore. Magic spells are his specialization, and I bet he can't comprehend to see me being at par with him. Haha. Staying late at night for three weeks to practice is worth it.

He jumped into the air again and performed a move I haven't seen before. He spread his arms wide and moved them in a circular motion, his left arm towards the sky while the right towards the ground. Large waves of winds gathered, following the direction of his arms. The trees around us swayed in conflicting directions. It looked a like a storm.

It was time to show him my secret move.

He pointed his arms at me and the wind waves followed suit. I took in a huge breath and roared, a large wave of fire blasting from my mouth and meeting his wind waves mid air. The clash of wind and fire exploded.

"Stop!"

Vale landed smoothly on the ground, dispelling the air waves. I turned around.

The Kingsguard are gathered behind us, fully armed. Is the palace under attack?

"You dare attack the Prince with a deadly move?" Ion, the Captain asked Vale.

I shook my head and raised my hands. "We were training. It was a proper match."

The Kingsguard raised their spears and pointed them at Vale. Ion raised his sword and did the same.

"The Fire Lord ordered the arrest of Prince Vale for conspiring against the Fire Lord Supreme hence committing treason," Ion announced.

I opened my mouth to protest, but I didn't know what to say. I was filled with confusion. How can a little boy conspire treason?

But the price for treason is death. I ran towards my brother and turned around to face the Kingsguard.

"Dare touch him," I spat. I spread my arms on each side, protecting Vale.

"Prince Valir, your father ord-"

"Where's the Sultan?" Vale asked calmly. Always calmly.

"You know where, son of a traitor," Ion answered. "He's at the palace, and he'll face divine justice today."

I shook my head. There must be a misunderstanding.

I felt Vale's gentle hand against my shoulder.

"It's okay, brother," he said. "It's time."

He touched my left arm and lowered them, then stepped forward to meet the guards. Ion cast the flaming lasso and immobilised Vale.

My brother looked back at me one last time and smiled. It wasn't his usual crooked smile. It wasn't a smirk either.

It was one of those smiles that reached his eyes.