The Battle of Crowns

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟓

The halls of the castle were shrouded in an eerie silence, torches flickering like phantom watchmen as Alexander strode purposefully toward the grand hall. His cloak trailed behind him, the deep crimson fabric flowing like blood, his footsteps a slow and deliberate rhythm against the cold stone floors. Every angle of his face, every steely flicker of his eyes hinted at a latent ferocity, a darkness lying in wait just beneath the surface. This was a man made of sharp edges, both dangerous and commanding, and he moved with an intensity that seemed to consume the very air around him.

As he reached the hall, he noticed a figure waiting in the shadows, half-hidden by the cascade of moonlight streaming in from the high windows. A smile crept onto Alexander's lips, a cold, calculated smile that held none of the warmth one might expect from a prince. There, standing alone with an unwavering calm, was Ace, the one person Alexander had been eager to confront.

"Ace." His voice cut through the silence like the slice of a dagger, low and laced with venom. "What brings you here, uninvited, at this hour?"

Ace's gaze remained steady, his grey eyes reflecting the ghostly light with a calm resolve. He was dressed simply, a deep blue cloak wrapped around his shoulders, his dark brown hair falling over his forehead. Though his features were soft and almost gentle, with a slight muscle to his build, there was an undeniable strength beneath his composed exterior. He was a figure that could have easily been overlooked—until one looked into his eyes. Those grey eyes, filled with a power so quiet yet unbreakable, met Alexander's with an unflinching focus.

"I came to speak with you, Alexander," he replied, his voice even and unwavering. "We both know what's coming with this merger of kingdoms, and I needed to speak with you before things go further."

Alexander's lips twisted into a smirk as he stepped closer, circling Ace slowly, like a predator sizing up his prey. He had always viewed Ace as weak, too soft-hearted to understand the real nature of power, too naive to understand that strength wasn't something granted but taken. "Speak with me, you say? And what would you have to say to someone like me?" Alexander's voice dripped with mockery, his gaze piercing as he scrutinized Ace with cold contempt.

Ace didn't flinch, even as Alexander moved closer, his face mere inches away, eyes narrowed with a derisive sneer. "The kingdom isn't yours to take, Alexander. It's for all of us to share and protect, not for one man's selfish ambitions. Ruling is a responsibility, not a birthright you can wield like a weapon."

A twisted grin spread across Alexander's face, his eyes gleaming with a sinister glint. "Responsibility? Protection?" he spat the words, his tone full of disdain. "You speak of ruling as if it's some divine duty, a noble sacrifice. But that's where you fail to understand, Ace. Power is meant to be seized, conquered—owned by those ruthless enough to wield it."

Ace's expression didn't waver, his gaze steady and calm. "And that ruthlessness will be the kingdom's ruin, Alexander. You can't build a lasting legacy on fear and cruelty. People don't follow leaders who rule with blood and terror; they follow those who understand them, who lead with wisdom and strength."

Alexander's eyes narrowed, his lips curling into a snarl as he leaned in closer, his voice a chilling whisper. "You think you're so noble, don't you, Ace? Always spouting off about kindness, justice—principles that mean nothing when faced with the reality of power." His tone grew darker, almost predatory. "Do you think your goodness will protect you? Do you really believe that I'll let anyone stand in my way, least of all you?"

For the first time, Ace's composure faltered slightly, a flicker of sadness crossing his face. But he held his ground, meeting Alexander's intense gaze without fear. "I'm not here to fight you, Alexander," he replied softly, though his voice carried a quiet strength. "I'm here to show you that there's another path—one that doesn't end in betrayal and bloodshed."