@prodigysang (as promised ahhhh)
the courtyard of regia ignis rang with the dull, familiar rhythm of steel meeting steel.
sparring in the mountain air was always sharper somehow — the wind tugging at loose strands of hair, the sun glinting off polished blades, the stone beneath their boots still holding the faint warmth of midday. a few guards lingered along the edge of the training yard, watching with the quiet interest, though neither prince paid them much mind.
darius moved lightly despite the practice armor at his shoulders, blade angled low as he circled his brother. weeks had passed since the conclave, but the tension of politics had not quite left his body yet, it bled into his movements now, quick and deliberate.
steel rang as their swords met, the impact shivering up darius’ arm. he gave ground a step, another, letting the momentum carry before twisting aside at the last moment. their blades slid together with a sharp scrape as he turned the strike away and pivoted on his heel. but fabianus pressed again.
it was quick — the sort of smile that meant trouble.
their swords clashed once more, faster this time, a flurry of movement that sent sparks skittering briefly across the stone. fabianus aimed high, forcing darius to raise his guard, but the opening it created was exactly what he had been waiting for.
darius stepped inside the guard, caught fabianus’ blade with his own and twisted hard. the movement knocked the weapon cleanly aside before the tip of darius’ sword settled against his brother’s chestplate with a quiet, decisive tap.
silence fell for half a breath.
then darius tilted his head slightly, dark eyes glistening with unmistakable satisfaction.
“again?” he asked lightly, lowering the blade only after a moment, though the faint curve of his smile suggested he was enjoying this far more than he ought to. a beat passed. “or,” he added smoothly, voice carrying that familiar, insufferably pleased note, “you could try spending a few more evenings in the training yard instead of… wherever it is you disappear to, brother.”
his smile sharpened just a little.
“i imagine it might improve your form.”
