In the grand castle, servants bustled about, preparing for the day's festivities. The warm sunlight streamed through open windows, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Outside, on the meticulously manicured lawn, two brothers clashed swords in a friendly spar.

The brothers, differing in age but not skill, exchanged blows with precision. The taller brother, with fiery red hair and golden eyes, wore a crimson royal guard uniform, matching his ruby-hilted sword. His older brother, with raven-black spikes and kind golden eyes, donned a sky-blue uniform, complementing his azure-tipped blade.

Their movements were fluid, each anticipating the other's strikes. "At this pace, we'll be fighting until we turn to stone," the taller brother chuckled, nodding toward an ancient statue.

The shorter brother smirked. "Your celebrated intelligence is amusing, little brother."

"Intelligence is nothing without power," the taller brother retorted. "Soon I'll be blessed by our family's guardian angel and become the most powerful king in the five kingdoms."

"A powerful king is still weaker than a wise one," the shorter brother cautioned. "Remember Solomon, our great-grandfather? He rose from humble beginnings to forge our family's legacy."

The taller brother rolled his eyes. "Spare me the history lesson, brother. I'll surpass Solomon's greatness."

The shorter brother bowed, his expression laced with concern. "What makes you think you'll be a great king, Your Majesty?"

"I'll conquer the four kingdoms and unite them under our Dynasty rule," the taller brother declared, his ambition unsettling.

The shorter brother's smile faltered. "Then we're doomed."

Feeling disrespected, Jakob, the tall brother, struck out with his sword, intent on hurting his older brother. But his brother, accustomed to Jakob's outbursts, blocked the blow with ease.

"You're so predictable, baby brother," his brother said, smiling.

Jakob's anger flared. He tried to over his brother, but failed.

"Strength won't defeat me, Your Majesty," his brother taunted. "I'm smarter and wiser."

Enraged, Jakob kicked his brother in the chest, sending him crashing into a statue. The statue shattered, enveloping his brother in dust.

"Really, baby brother? A cheap kick?" his brother joked, standing up.

Jakob charged, sword ablaze. His brother, amused dodged with ease.

"Fool!" Jakob screamed, frustration mounting.

His brother's expression changed from amusement to concern. "Jakob, calm down!"

But Jakob's rage consumed him. "You're a talentless joke, an insult to our family! I'll end your miserable life!"

His brother's eyes narrowed. "Stand in line with the rest of the magic-enslaved fools."

Jakob's eyes blazed orange, his sword's flame intensifying. He struck, but his brother vanished, reappearing behind him.

"Every time, how do you do that, brother?" Jakob asked, impressed.

"Intelligence beats talent, baby brother," his brother replied, wrapping an arm around Jakob's neck.

As they walked away, Jakob noticed the devasted lawn, the statues bearing their family's legacy.

The destroyed statue read: Queen Mika, Goddess of Wisdom and Mother.

Their family's history lay shattered, like the lawn.

Inside the castle hallway, Jakob and his older brother, Kendrik, were up to their usual antics. Maids and cooks hurried by, carrying gold and silver platters, oblivious to the princes' mischief. Jakob's clothes smoked, and Kendrik's were torn and burnt.

Kendrik winced in pain. "Jakob, you really wanted to kill me this time."

Jakob grinned. "Had to sell it, big brother. You wouldn't have pushed yourself otherwise."

As a maid passed by, Kendrik's eyes locked onto the platter. "Ah, excuse me, miss. Let me assist you. That platter looks... heavy."

Jakob knew his brother's schemes and positioned himself behind the maid, blocking her escape.

The maid bowed respectfully. "I'm sorry, Prince Kendrik. My orders are clear: no one touches these platters until they reach the dining table."

Kendrik charmed her with a smile. "Being a gentleman is still acceptable, right?"

The maid blushed, trying to hide it. "My prince, please."

Jakob chimed in, "Plus, Leai, no one would know."

Just then, a deep voice interrupted them. "I will know."

The brothers froze, exchanging a fearful glance. "Do you think? Kendrik whispered.

"No way that old man is sleeping," Jakob whispered back. "He's like an owl, nocturnal."

They turned to face the speaker, Rumbus, the imposing butler. His muscular build strained against his black and white suit, and his piercing grey-green eyes seemed to bore into their souls.

Kendrik gulped. "Rumbus, I was just ensuring this girl's safety. She almost tripped."

Rumbus raised an eyebrow. "Master Kendrik, your clothes suggest otherwise. Another sparring match, I presume?"

Kendrik swiftly deflected. "Jakob will explain, it's his day after all."

Jakob pretended to check the time, avoiding Rumbus's gaze. "Oh, look at that. I need to prepare."

Kendrik whispered, "Let's rush to our rooms," and subtly nudged Jakob away from Rumbus.

Kendrik and Jakob fled, evading Rumbus's notice. "That old geezer has terrible timing," Kendrik said, stomach growling.

Jakob handed him a piece of meat. "You're starving."

Kendrik devoured the chicken leg, only to be interrupted by slow clapping. A figure emerged from the shadows.

"Found you," the figure said.

The brothers jumped, Jakob dropping the meat. Kendrik glared, mourning the lost snack.

Someone was about to die.

Kendrik's sinister smile sent Jakob fleeing. "He's mine.

The shadowy figure stepped back, sensing danger.

The brothers' chaotic chase ensued, scattering servants and plates. Jakob bumped into Leone Crystal, stunning him.

"Hi," Jakob said, smitten.

"Hello, Prince Jakob," Leone replied graciously.

Kendrik appeared, kicking Jakob. "I got you now!"

Jakob's mouth moved in slow motion, saliva flying. Leone's eyes widened.

Kendrik choked Jakob. "Die! Die! Die!"

Leone watched, frozen.

A woman's voice interrupted them. "What's the meaning of this?"

Kendrik quickly released Jakob upon hearing the woman's voice. "No need to worry, Mother. Just brotherly bonding," he said with a gentle smile, dusting off Jakob.

But the woman's expression was unforgiving. "I'm not your mother, you filthy excuse for a prince!" She pushed Kendrik away, sending him stumbling to the floor.

Leone rushed to help Kendrik up, but the woman intervened. "Leave him! He can get himself up."

Jakob's mother dawned over her son. "Oh, sweetie, didn't this pathetic boy hurt you?"

Jakob looked ashamed. "Mother, I'm fine. Kendrik wasn't doing anything wrong. We were just having a good time."

The woman ignored Jakob's words. "Come, let's prepare you for the guardian angel's blessing. You'll make a great king." She glared at Kendrik. "And you, don't think of sabotaging your brother's moment. Be presentable for once!"

As they walked away, Leone was dragged alongside Jakob. Kendrik remained alone, feeling the sting of rejection.

Mikeal, his best friend, appeared, helping Kendrik up. "You okay, man?"

Kendrik nodded, brushing off the hurt. "Yeah, thanks Mikeal."

Mikeal, tall with blonde spikey hair and piercing blue eyes, tried to lift Kendrik's spirits. "Don't mind the wicked witch of the undead. What does she know, huh?"

Kendrik smiled weakly. "Let's just go to Jakob's party. I'm not wanted here."

As they walked, Mikeal's supportive presence eased Kendrik's pain.

Kendrik stood in his dressing room, staring at his reflection. His hands moved mechanically, tying and untying his tie as his mind wandered.

Mikeal entered the room, noticing Kendrik's distraction. "Yo, Kendrik, aren't you ready yet? What's taking so long?"

Kendrik didn't respond, lost in thought.

Mikeal approached him. "Kendrik?"

Kendrik snapped back to reality. "Oh, hey. You should leave without me. I'll catch up." His tone lacked conviction.

Mikeal recognised Kendrik's facade. "What's really going on, bro?"

Kendrik struggled with his tie. "This stupid tie won't cooperate."

Mikeal assisted him. "There, perfect. "

Kendrik's gratitude was tinged with sadness.

The party noises drifted into the room - laughter, music, and celebration.

Kendrik gazed at a woman's picture on the wall, his expression changing.

"How did I look, Mom?" Emotion choked his voice.

Mikeal offered an escape. "You don't have to go if you don't want to. Your father and Jakob will understand."

Kendrik's eyes locked onto his mother's smiling face. He steeled himself and grabbed his blue suit jacket.

"Come on, let's make this party awesome!" Kendrik pulled Mikeal along, rushing out of the room.

Kendrik and Mikeal made a dramatic entrance, bursting into the ballroom dance room after rushing through the empty castle corridors. The sudden silence was palpable as all eyes turned to them.

"Hi, hope we're not too late. What did we miss?" Kendrik asked, attempting to break the ice.

The room remained frozen, music and chatter halted. Jakob's mother emerged from the crowd, her expression disapproving.

"Is this really the time to arrive on your brother's important day?" she asked.

Kendrik flashed his playful smile. "Sorry, Mother. Lost track of time. Didn't miss anything vital, did I?"

Just as Jakob's mother was about to respond, King Kendrick intervened, rescuing his son.

"Boy, you're just like your mother - time was never her forte, but she always made an entrance." The king chuckled, embracing Kendrik.

The tension dissipated, and the room erupted into warm laughter and applause.The party resumed its vibrant atmosphere.

Kendrik and his father strolled together, leaving Jakob's mother looking speechless and disrespected in their wake.

Mikeal offered a courteous apology, "Sorry, My Queen," before swiftly departing to join the celebration.

He caught up with Kendrik and the King, who were surrounded by smiling faces and lively chatter.

Jakob, standing nearby, watched the scene unfold with mixed emotions.