Reckless Hearts | Sebryan

Chapter XIII: Part I

Prince Kane walked down the grand hallway. He was on his way to join everyone for what he hoped would be a memorable last day together before their esteemed guests would depart.

As Kane made his way down the hallway, his attention was caught by his older brother's room. The door was slightly ajar, and through the gap, Kane noticed Tyler pacing back and forth, his brow furrowed in deep thought.

Kane paused and slowly retraced his steps, peering into the room more closely.

"This is literally impossible," Tyler muttered under his breath. "No one has ever said no to me!" His voice rose slightly, filled with disbelief as he stopped in front of the large mirror that stood in the corner of his room. He stared at his reflection, his expression a mix of confusion and disbelief. "Am I...losing my touch?" he asked his reflection.

"Are you serious, Tyler?" Kane's voice broke the tense silence as he stepped into the room. Tyler's head snapped towards him, his usually sharp eyes now softened with a sorrowful and almost defeated look.

"Brother, your looks aren't your only good quality," Kane said gently, stepping closer to him.

"Oh yeah?" Tyler replied as he folded his arms across his chest defensively. "Then what are my other good qualities besides my great looks?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

Kane placed a finger and thumb on his chin, his face scrunched in concentration as he pondered his brother's question. "Hmm," he murmured thoughtfully.

His gaze wandered around the room until it landed on Tyler's crown, resting on his bed.

"Well, you're very good at being responsible," he began, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You're going to be the next ruler of Solara, and you're taking your duties very seriously. That's something to be proud of."

Tyler's eyebrows drew together in skepticism as he slowly uncrossed his arms. The tension in his posture seemed to ease slightly. "Go on?" he prompted.

Kane glanced around the room again, his eyes settling on Tyler's desk. Kane walked over to it, gesturing towards the tidy workspace. "You're fairly organized. You keep your things clean and put together, which shows you're methodical and in control. That's a quality not everyone has."

Tyler's posture relaxed further as he absorbed Kane's words, his arms now resting at his sides. The initial doubt in his eyes was slowly giving way to appreciation. "What else?" he asked, his voice softer.

Kane sighed softly, moving closer to Tyler as he spoke. "Despite your past..."relationships," you're very disciplined. You never let things distract you from your work, no matter how complicated or tempting they might be."

Tyler let out a small laugh, shaking his head. He looked back up at Kane, the corners of his mouth curling into a genuine smile.

"You're also a great brother," Kane added, his voice warm and affectionate. "Since childhood, you've always been there for me. You never let anybody pick on me or let anything stand in the way of what I want. You encourage me and make me feel like I can be the best that I can be."

Tyler stared at Kane, his heart swelling with emotion. "Kane, that's...that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me. Thank you." His voice was thick with gratitude as he stepped forward, pulling Kane into a tight hug.

Kane returned the hug without hesitation, his hand moving to gently rub Tyler's back in a comforting gesture. "Of course, Ty. Even though I don't agree with all the people you've slept with, you're still a good person," he added with a chuckle.

Tyler laughed heartily at that and Kane joined in. As they pulled apart, Tyler patted Kane on the shoulder. "Thanks, little bro. But bring that up one more time, and that head will be gone."