[P.O.V. Jared Woods]
After that day at breakfast, Riley and I didn't really talk much. In fact, it feels like a wedge has become between us. I wish I understood why? I miss my twin. Other than what's going on between Riley and me, everything has been good. Tonight is the night the council will announce how Riley and I will settle for who will become king. I'm a little nervous, to be honest.
We made the council up out of all the other kings, and they're second in commands, also known as their generals. Some kings here are not the first kings that served with my father in the great war. Some of these kings are the great-grandsons or sons of the first kings. For example, the first Warlock King died a very long time ago. Now his long great-grandson Victor is the new king. Same with the Stone King. He also died a while ago. Now his long great-grandson Vixen is the new king of the Stone Kingdom. My cousin Gabriel was their new Werewolf King since Uncle Tyler's death two hundred years ago. The Elf King and Vampire King are the only two that have sat on their thrones as long as my father has sat on his. A couple of months after, my father gives up his throne. These two other kings will give their thrones to their heirs. Once they do, the original six kings will no longer be on any thrones. For three have died of old age, and the other three will give their thrones away.
Stepping into the throne room, my father sat on his throne. The council sat around a table. Next to my father's throne were two chairs where Riley and I would sit. Taking my seat on my chair, Riley then walks into the room and sits on his chair on Father's other side. Standing a couple of steps down from the throne was Jake, my father, Beta.
"Let the meeting begin," Father speaks.
"My higher King, the council, and I have been talking about this since the day you and your Queen have decided to step down from the thrones. We want a powerful king, a king that will lead us the next hundreds of years and protect our kingdoms, and we have decided that both princes will fight each other for the crown. To prove which one of them is the strongest to be the King we need." The Stone Kingdom King speaks.
"Please tell me that this is some sick joke." Speaking to the council with a minor irritation. Are they insane? There has to be a different way? This will only tear Riley and me more apart.
"It is no joke, my Higher Prince."
"You better give a damn good reason you have decided this, or so help me. I'll.." Before I could finish my sentence, my father raises his hand for silence. Then, keeping my mouth shut, father speaks.
"Why have you decided on this theory? I understand you want a powerful king. But I want to know why this theory." Father speaks. I could hear a bit of coldness in his voice. The Stone King swallows hard from the tone of my father.
"Both princes have noble qualities, their both fine young men. We see what kind of king they both will be, and they satisfied us with both. But with every excellent quality, there are bad ones too, and someones we see we disapproved of. Over time, though, those poor qualities can improve and the council is satisfied with that. The only thing we haven't seen in either Prince is their strength in combat, for you and I know Higher King, that strength in combat can explain about someone. That is why we have chosen this method."
"Exactly where are Jared and I going to perform this method?" Riley asks with anger in his voice. He must feel the same as me with fighting with each other.
"The rest of the council and I have decided that they will perform it in the arena. It will be the last fight of the festival..." This conversation ends up turning into a disagreement. For hours the council, my brother, and I argued about this. While my father sat on his throne listening to what we will have to say. This is what father does though he listens, then at the end, he comes up with an answer.
"My Higher princes, this is what the council has agreed on." The Warlock King says loudly with demand.
"This is bullshit! I will not fight my twin! There has to be another way!" I yell.
"Then Prince Riley will get the throne if you don't take part!"
"Enough!!" my father yells in a strong, commanding voice. The room went hushed. "I wish to speak to King Elaran, and King Draven in private the rest of you are excused, including my sons." Everybody leaves the council room, including Riley and me. I wonder what father has to say to the Elf King and Vampire King?
Later on, we got the news that my brother and I will fight tomorrow at the last of the festival, also our birthday. Once the new higher king has been chosen, he will take the throne rather he has a queen or not.
The next day was long, the last day of festival festivities. The major event is my brother and I fighting with each other. I can't believe this is happening. Yesterday after the council meeting, I found out my cousin Gabriel, and one other voted against this. But the rest out ruled them. So the fight will occur in the arena. We have to fight with all our strength. This event will start at dusk. That way, the vampires can join the rest of us.
Looking at the time, it was almost time to go to the arena. Closing the book on my lap, I sit it down and leave the library to go to the arena. On my way to the front doors, my mate Karen calls out to me.
"Jared!.. Jared.." She yells for me. Stopping and turning around, she walks fast to catch up to me.
"I thought you left for the arena already?" I asked her. Earlier today, I told her I wanted to be alone to think in peace. I know once Riley and I fight, it most likely will tear us apart. I had to find a way to accept that. The best way for me to adjust to something is to read. Somehow it helps me think.
"I was going to go ahead with the rest of my family, but I couldn't leave without knowing if you were okay." She says as she stands in front of me. Her kind heart touches mine. I can't believe Mother Moon gave me a mate like her.
"I'm alright as I can be... I really don't have time to talk about how I'm doing right now. I have to get to the arena. Are you coming?" Holding my hand to her, she takes it and nods her head. Then, taking her hand in mine, we head towards the arena.
I felt scared that I was going to lose my brother. But holding her hand and her being here with me right now is helping me feel a little better. It is helping to keep everything I'm feeling not feel so scattered for there more than fear that I'm feeling.
The arena was packed full, there was even more packed or camped around the arena. Everyone wanted to watch the Higher Twin Princes fight for the crown. They wanted to know who would become the next higher king for the next hundreds of years to come. Standing behind one gate to the arena, I watched and listen to a thousand talked about this fight.
More than anything, I wanted right now was to talk to my brother. I want to fix our bond that has broken. I wanted to find another way to do this. This throne and crown weren't worth fighting for. But, unfortunately, this day and evening have been the worst, and it's only going to get even more worst.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the last fight of the four hundred and sixtieth festival. Tonight a new higher king will be chosen!" The announcer announces. The crowd going a little wild. "Each Higher Prince will show his strength and abilities. The winner will keep the crown and throne. The one that loses will still be respected and keep their title as a Higher Prince. By the council orders, let this fight begin!"
The crowd went crazy, insane. The gate that I stand behind goes up. Once it was completely open, I step into the arena. It was lit with huge, gigantic torches. There were different weapon racks filled with different weapons. As I walk towards one, I grab a sword. Looking over towards Riley, he chooses two small battle-axes.
Walking towards the middle of the arena, Riley walks the same way and the same paste as me. So soon as we were close enough to each other, we swing our weapons at each other. I hope Riley can forgive me after this fight.