@flaviusxskywarden location: vissai, star-kissed tower
when their father fell ill just weeks ago, darius hadn’t spared a thought for himself. he knew he would manage—somehow, one way or another—but flavius? flavius was ... softer. a gentler soul, most of the time. if their father had passed... darius wasn’t sure how his little brother would have coped. thankfully, they never had to find out.
he was relieved their father had survived, & yet... there was a part of him that felt conflicted. having king alaric still by his side meant he had someone to turn to for counsel, but at the same time, the pressure of being just a crown prince had already been suffocating. now, with the crown upon his head, he wasn’t sure how he would bear the weight of it.
ever since he had learned of his father’s plans, his mind had been restless, thoughts swarming his head like a storm, leaving him with little peace & frequent headaches. not wanting to burden anyone, he had retreated to one of his favorite places in the castle—a tower so high it felt as though he could reach out & touch the stars. here, in the solitude of his choosing, he could usually find some measure of quiet. he often spent nights in this sanctuary, blankets & pillows piled for comfort & for the past hour, he had been stretched out on them, gazing absently through the windows.
very few people knew of this place, only those who sought him out in moments of true urgency. his little brother was one of them, of course. still, darius hadn’t expected to see him here in the middle of the night.
"can't sleep? what’s your excuse, flavi?" his voice was low as he glanced up at his younger brother, clad in a light gray tunic cinched at the waist with a golden belt, a small leather pouch fastened at his hip. a smirk ghosted over his lips, mischief glinting in his tired eyes. "plotting a coup to claim the throne before i can?" his chuckle gave away the jest before his words could.