Shadows of Allegiance

Brothers in Duty

The morning was brisk as Ace led the recruits through their drills, barking out orders as they moved in formation. Just as they were about to begin another set, Ace's sharp gaze landed on a familiar figure crossing the training grounds. It was Master Zeke, the Head Butler, dressed impeccably in his crisp uniform, every detail of his attire sharp and immaculate.

Ace let out a low chuckle. "Well, look who finally found his way to the real side of The House."

Draco, along with the other recruits, watched as Zeke approached with a calm, measured stride, his eyes scanning the grounds with a mix of interest and mild disapproval.

"Brother," Zeke greeted with a curt nod, his voice even and polite. "It seems the guards still enjoy making a spectacle of their training."

Ace grinned, wiping a bit of sweat from his brow. "And the butlers still like to prance around acting like they're above a hard day's work."

The two brothers shared a brief, silent exchange—a mix of rivalry and mutual respect that the recruits couldn't miss. Draco observed the exchange, surprised by the contrast between them: where Ace was all raw power and physicality, Zeke was composed, every inch the refined Head Butler.

"Come to observe, or do you have business?" Ace asked, his arms crossed.

"Business," Zeke replied smoothly. "Mother and Father requested a full evaluation of the new recruits. I thought it appropriate to start with your sector."

Ace raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "So you're here to judge my recruits, are you?"

Zeke gave a faint smile. "I am here to assess, yes."

Ace turned to the recruits, a wicked glint in his eyes. "Alright, you heard the man. Today, you'll show my esteemed brother what real training looks like. Stand tall, eyes forward!"

The recruits straightened under Ace's command, feeling the weight of both brothers' gazes. Zeke stepped forward, observing each recruit with a critical eye. His attention lingered on Draco, his gaze sharp and assessing.

Ace barked out orders, pushing the recruits through a demanding sequence of drills with an intensity meant to impress—and, perhaps, provoke—his brother. Draco pushed himself harder, determined not to falter under the scrutiny. As they moved through stances, parries, and lunges, he noticed Zeke's expression remain calm and unreadable, his gaze cool and discerning.

When the drills concluded, Zeke offered a single nod. "Efficient. Disciplined. Perhaps a touch... overly forceful."

Ace rolled his eyes. "And what would you know about force? Polishing silverware doesn't exactly build muscle."

Zeke's calm demeanor didn't waver. "Discipline comes in many forms, Ace. One does not need brute strength to master control."

Ace scoffed but there was a hint of a grin on his face. "Maybe so. But brute strength doesn't hurt, either."

They stood in silence for a moment, the recruits watching in fascination. Draco caught himself wondering about the history between the brothers; he had never imagined that a man as commanding as Ace could have a brother who exuded such controlled elegance.

Zeke finally turned to leave but paused, looking over his shoulder. "Mother and Father expect nothing but excellence, Ace. Make sure your recruits understand that."

Ace waved him off. "They'll understand it by the time I'm done with them. Don't worry your polished head about it."

As Zeke walked away, Ace turned back to the recruits, his smile gone. "Alright, you heard him. Mother and Father expect excellence—and so do I. Let's see if any of you can live up to that."

The rest of the day's training was even more intense, each exercise a test of endurance and focus. But as grueling as it was, Draco found himself motivated. The brothers' exchange had highlighted a truth about The House: strength wasn't just physical or refined. It was a complex, powerful blend that he was beginning to appreciate.

That night, as Draco lay in bed, he felt a newfound drive to push himself further—not just for Ace, but for himself. The standards of The House were high, and he was determined to meet them, no matter what it took.