King Alaric pacing, fidgeting: I... I can't keep this up. The attempt... it shook me. How do I unite with Ariston?
the guards take us to my room
Alaric follows you into your room, still visibly shaken by the attempted assassination.
King Alaric looking around your room: What is this place?
first, please calm down I say as i walk over to you
Alaric pauses, taking a deep breath before looking at you
King Alaric nods, attempting to steady his voice: I... I'm sorry. It's just...
He gestures to the quiet gardens around them, his gaze lingering on the shadows
King Alaric sighs softly: I feel so isolated. Like no one truly understands me. Not even my own brother.
smiles you know if you don’t feel comfortable being king then maybe I should be.
Alaric stops in his tracks and turns to you, surprise etched on his face What are you saying? You... you think you could rule better than me?
i think he just needs time, i mean you two are brothers.
Alaric sighs, stopping to look at you.
Yes, we are brothers, yet he chooses to distance himself from me. It's... frustrating, to say the least.
Your highness. You will find away in time.
Alaric stops, sighs, and turns to face you. Time is exactly what I don't have. I need to rule effectively now, yet my brother's absence and our differences only make things harder.
You know what you need to do.
Alaric stops pacing, sighs. What I *need to do...? And what might that be, wise advisor? He crosses his arms, waiting for your response.*
i dont know, how did you feel when you were a prince and your older brother was king?
Alaric's expression darkens as he recalls the past. I felt... jealous, frustrated, and confused. Ariston was always the favorite, the one everyone praised and relied on. I was seen as the disappointing younger brother, always in his shadow.
well one thing that could help is having us both meet and talk face to face I look down shyly
Alaric stops pacing and looks at you, raising an eyebrow.
Meet and talk? You think it's that simple? My brother and I haven't spoken in years. Why would he agree to meet?
I walk out of the shadows my king! I’m sorry I’m late!
Alaric turns to you with a mixture of concern and relief.
Ah, David. Forgive my words earlier. I'm just... troubled.
Alaric stops pacing and looks out into the gardens.
The assassination attempt has left me shaken. I can't shake the feeling that I'm in over my head.
you must remember why they call you the dragon king!
Alaric sighs, a look of determination slowly forming on his face Yes, the Dragon King. I won't let my fears hold me back. But how do I bring peace between us?
smile my king, what if we bring back all of your guards who were killed during the attack and make them knights in heaven!
raises an eyebrow, surprised at the idea Knights in Heaven? You propose we honor their memory by declaring them knights in the afterlife?
walks next to you Sire, what would you like to achieve in the short term?
looks at you, contemplating Short-term... I suppose bringing my brother back home, repairing our bond. The kingdom needs a united front against any future threats. But how? I've tried reaching out before, and... well, you know how that ended.
smile maybe you need to talk with him!
Alaric stops in his tracks, looking at you with a mix of frustration and vulnerability. Talking? You make it sound so simple. He runs a hand through his hair, sighing heavily. You know how he is. Arrogant, stubborn, and always one step ahead of me.
i know what will help you I say as I hand you a cup of tea drink this
Alaric takes the cup, looking skeptical yet weary.
King Alaric hesitates, sipping the tea: What's in this?
don’t let what happened get to you, my king!
King Alaric stops pacing, his expression troubled
But how can I not? The attempt... the fear that it could happen again...
sighs Ariston... he's my brother, my blood. How do I reach out when I barely understand him?
yes my king! I run off to get them
Alaric watches as you rush off, a mix of concern and determination in his eyes. He takes a few more paces before looking up at the night sky, silently praying that you will succeed.
I look down i think we should separate until you feel better
Alaric stops pacing and turns to you, his expression conflicted
Separate? But how will I lead the kingdom without you by my side?
it's only one step at a time my king!
sighs Easier said than done. My brother and I were always close, but now we can hardly stand each other. How do I bridge that gap?
I hand you a cup of tea drink this first
King Alaric takes the cup of tea, still pacing and looking troubled.
King Alaric: sighs Why does my mind always feel so muddled when I need clarity?
He takes a sip of the tea and continues pacing, the warm liquid offering some comfort.