Artemis's face revealed deep concern as he listened to Arthur's candid words.
He was keenly aware of the struggles his brother endured, especially the stark contrast in their mother's treatment of them, where Arthur was often made to feel invisible.
"You're the only one they believe in. I'm jealous," Arthur suddenly confessed, surprising Artemis.
He had long harbored feelings of envy towards Artemis for being the chosen Zodiac.
However, Artemis shook his head in disagreement, revealing his own inner turmoil.
"That's not true. They don't believe in me. They believe in the power of the Zodiac," he responded, his voice tinged with sadness.
Despite his Zodiac status, Artemis felt that the belief was in his powers, not in him as a person.
Both brothers faced their own battles, burdened with the weight of their duties. Artemis then stood up, expressing his thoughts more forcefully,
"It isn't fair. It should have been you!" He admitted feeling unworthy of the strength required to lead their people, believing Arthur more fitting for the Zodiac role.
In response, Arthur placed a comforting arm around Artemis's shoulder. He spoke of duty, acknowledging that their roles had been decided long ago by their ancestors.
"Every man has his duty," he said, emphasizing that their duty was to use the fiery power of Chyrum for the good of their people, regardless of who bore the Zodiac title.
This heartfelt exchange between the brothers highlighted the complexities of their destinies, intertwined with expectations, doubts, and a deep sense of responsibility.
Despite their different paths, their bond remained strong, rooted in mutual understanding and support.
"The fate of Chyros Desi depends on the chosen Zodiac. It is your duty to bear that burden," Arthur said earnestly, looking directly at his brother.
He added that his own fate was to serve as the vanguard for Artemis, to always be by his side, protecting him from any harm that might come their way.
He explained that this was also why he possessed a slight blessing of the Chyrum's fire - to ensure the safety of the future king, his brother, no matter what.
Hearing these words from Arthur, Artemis felt a renewed sense of confidence and trust.
He thanked Arthur, comforted by the knowledge that his brother would always be there for him. However, a sudden fit of coughing interrupted the moment, signaling the toll that using the power of Chyrum had on Artemis's health.
Concerned, Arthur suggested they head back inside to rest. Artemis, insisting on his independence, said he could manage on his own and preferred to return to his room alone.
After a brief farewell to his brother, Artemis made his way back, leaving Arthur to reflect on their conversation and the responsibilities they both carried for the future of their kingdom.
---
As the night deepened, everyone within Lion's Gate, exhausted from their missions and the celebratory feast, fell into a deep sleep.
However, two guards remained vigilant at the entrance, their duty to keep watch ensuring that the gate was secure. Each held a torch, casting a flickering light in the surrounding darkness.
Suddenly, the quiet of the night was broken by the approach of carriages, illuminated by their own lights and accompanied by the sound of hooves. Two carriages, each drawn by a pair of large stags and escorted by soldiers in the uniform of the Chyros Desi army, approached the gate.
"Supplies from the capital," announced one of the approaching soldiers.
One of the guards at the gate stepped forward to inspect the carriages, shining his torch around for a better view.
The soldier from the carriage added that these were urgent supplies requested by the king, including potions, medicines, and other necessities.
The guard, convinced by the explanation and the apparent urgency, signaled his fellow guard to open the gate.
As the guard turned to operate the lever and the gate began to slowly rise, one of the soldiers from the approaching group suddenly sprang into action with unexpected speed and lethality, quickly and silently dispatching the two guards at the gate.
After the guards at the gate were silently and swiftly taken down, the group posing as Chyros Desi soldiers quickly mobilized, seizing the opportunity provided by the cover of night and the deep slumber of the residents within Lion's Gate.
Their intent was evidently malicious, and they were prepared to exploit the vulnerability of the unsuspecting fortress.
Soon, the true occupants of the carriages revealed themselves. They disembarked, clad in gleaming silver armor, distinct from the attire of the Chyros Desi soldiers.
Their helmets covered their faces, concealing their identities and adding to the mystery of their sudden and violent arrival.
"We proceed as planned," commanded one of the figures in silver armor, who appeared to be the leader of the group.
One by one, these mysterious invaders unsheathed their swords, ready to carry out their covert mission.
The sudden turn of events hinted at a well-orchestrated plot against Lion's Gate, one that had been planned with precision and aimed to take advantage of the fortress's momentary lapse in vigilance.
Startled awake by the sounds of disturbance outside his room, Artemis quickly rose from his bed. The unusual noises were enough to alert him that something was amiss at Lion's Gate.
He rubbed his eyes and, sensing the urgency, used his finger to ignite a nearby lamp, creating a source of light in the dark room.
Feeling a sense of unease and suspecting something wrong, Artemis hurriedly grabbed his red coat, emblazoned with the emblem of their kingdom.
He also prepared his sword, readying himself to face whatever was happening outside his chamber.
However, before he could step out, his door was abruptly slammed open. A familiar soldier, Sir Luis, rushed in, panting and clearly in distress.
"Forgive me, my prince! It's me, Luis. You probably don't remember me –" Sir Luis began, but Artemis quickly cut him off, assuring him that he remembered the soldier.
He immediately asked what was happening.
"We're under attack! I don't know who they are, but they've set light to half the castle," Sir Luis replied with urgency.
This revelation shocked Artemis, and it became clear that Lion's Gate was facing a grave threat.
Sir Luis, realizing the gravity of the situation, urged Prince Artemis to accompany him for protection and to ensure his safety along with the other soldiers.
Artemis, placing his trust in Sir Luis, agreed without hesitation, and they quickly set out from his room.
Sir Luis took the lead, carefully scouting the area ahead to ensure it was safe, while Artemis followed, prepared for any unexpected developments.
Artemis conjured a glowing orb of fire in his hand to light their way through the dark corridors of the castle.
Sir Luis informed Artemis that the enemy forces had already infiltrated the castle, emphasizing the need for caution and haste in their escape.
They continued moving swiftly, eventually reaching a staircase leading down to the castle's basement.
As they descended the stairs, they could hear the distant, agonized screams of other soldiers engaged in combat, a harrowing reminder of the chaos unfolding within the castle walls. Artemis, moved by a sense of duty to his fellow warriors, expressed his determination to help them. Sir Luis agreed, readying his weapon to join Artemis in aiding their comrades.