My ploy worked. Shocked by my obvious flattery, Prince Derrick made the mistake of lowering not only his guard but also his weapons. At that moment, I made my move. I punched him hard in the face, causing him to stumble backwards. As he was trying to gain his bearings I lunged forward, bringing one dagger down to stab his neck. Just before I made contact, the dagger suddenly flew out of my hand. Momentarily confused, I whipped my head around to see what could have prevented me from making the killing blow. The crowd had gone quiet leaving me to stare at Prince Baymun, Prince Devin and his 'adviser' just a few feet away in the arena. 'When did they come down from the podium?' I guess I had been so engrossed in the fight, I hadn't realized that they were so close to us.
I backed up from Prince Derrick as he leaned forward with a hand over his nose. "You insolent witch! You dare break my nose?!" Blood poured from his cracked bridge as his eyes filled with rage. He began to stomp forward, raising his other hand to slash at me when again a throwing knife was flung through the air by the 'adviser'. This time it went straight threw Prince Derrick's hand causing him to drop both daggers and wail in pain.
"Baymun!! Why would your lackey attack me?!! Doesn't he know who I am?!" Prince Derrick roared. The demon prince just calmly walked forward, not even caring about his brother's injury. He stood right beside us as he answered, "I believe this woman was about to kill you brother. Aren't you pleased I had him stop her at just the right moment?"
I looked up, hate beginning to swell within me. First this man comes and destroys my homeland, my people and practically dooms my race to extinction - now he will prevent me from killing this horrid monster?
"I had her! She wasn't about to kill me!" Prince Derrick refuted.
"Oh quite the contrary . . . I believe that this woman is the victor here. Or, actually I am the victor here since I had to step in," said the demon prince tiredly.
"It doesn't matter - what matters is your lackey injured me! He should be punished!"
Prince Baymun looked first at his brother Devin then at his 'adviser' and seemed to mull it over, "What do you think Kovin? Do you think you should be punished for harming a traitor?"
The 'adviser' didn't take his eyes off of Prince Derrick, "I think that I was gracious to the traitor m'lord."
"There you have it Derrick. You have been spared." Baymun's eyes were cold as he looked at his brother's pathetic form.
"Ttt - Traitor? Wh - what do you mean brother?" Prince Derrick stuttered.
At this point, I'm completely lost. I looked between the two princes and just shook my head. 'What mess have I got myself into now?'
"What do I mean? Tell me Derrick - if someone were to send assassins to kill the crown-prince wouldn't that someone qualify as a traitor to their country? Or better yet, if he were to scheme against the future king in order to obtain the throne?" Baymun looked at Prince Derrick with no trace of anger, "I will give you one chance to admit to your faults dear brother and do not lie - Did you or did you not attempt to assassinate me, misled our civilians into believing that you were King, go behind my back and obtain treaties with Crawfond and Masagonia then attempt to obtain a wife in order to qualify for the throne?"
Prince Derrick fell to his knees horror-stricken. He glanced at his brother Devin for some support, however he was met with a grim straight face. Noticing he had no one to back him up, Prince Derrick's face became guilt ridden as he tried to explain himself, "Brother - I was only thinking of our glorious empire! Father has been dead for nearly six months and the throne has been empty. You had been gone for so long - I had to do what was necessary to ensure our kingdom's continued prosperity! Surely you can't fault me for that?"
As Prince Derrick was groveling, I attempted to slowly back as far away as possible. Without even looking my way, the demon prince made a signal with his hand causing lines of soldiers to come marching out to the arena. I was completely trapped in and a little afraid that Prince Baymun would associate his brother's problems with me somehow.
Still looking at his brother, Prince Baymun mockingly said, "How generous of you to consider the empire's well-fare in all this . . . Kovin, bring forth Captian Sarce and his men."
Within minutes, Captian Sarce and his main guards were brought into the arena. All the civilians were dead quiet as they watched this royal treachery.
Baymun drew out his sword and walked over to his kneeling brother, "Since you've been so considerate, it is only right that I do the same. Therefore I give you a choice - die here as Prince Derrick the treacherous snake - or be exiled and never allowed to come here or near our empire EVER again. You will lose your title, your family and all of our glorious wealth. You will be doomed to build yourself from the ground up and if you succeed to lead another empire, I will look forward to the day you decide to challenge me properly."
Prince Derrick looked up, blood dripping from his nose and tears in his eyes, "You want me to leave our home and travel the desert all alone?"
The demon prince looked over at Captain Sarce's company and gestured for them to come forward, "Oh you won't be alone. The Captain and his men seem to be highly dedicated to you, therefore they will accompany you." Baymun raised his head to look around at the crowd, "Anyone else who is loyal to Derrick can follow him into exile! Please speak now if you believe that Derrick is worthy to be King!"
Not a sound could be heard throughout the entire arena. It was as if everyone was holding their breath to make sure they didn't wind up with the same fate. Prince Baymun raised a hand to his ear mockingly, listening to the sound of silence, "You hear that Derrick? I don't think they are willing to share your self-induced misfortune. Seems like they won't be your subjects after all."
Hateful tears fell from the non-king's eyes, "I will take your offer of mercy Baymun but mark my words - one day I WILL rise up and destroy you!"
Prince Baymun looked down, not an ounce of pity reflecting in his violet eyes, "I look forward to it. Kovin - get this disgusting piece of filth out of my sight."