The Battle of Crowns

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟔

The banquet hall of the grand castle radiated opulence, its grandeur almost suffocating. The vaulted ceilings, adorned with paintings of ancient kings, loomed over the polished marble floors. Walls gleamed with embedded gemstones that shimmered under the glow of the grand chandeliers. Every detail screamed power; yet, to Sky, the room felt more like a gilded cage than a celebration of unity.

Princes of Euphoria were scattered across the hall, each a kingdom unto themselves. Some mingled with guests, their smiles deceptive; others lingered in the shadows, their eyes calculating. Sky stood near one of the arched windows, the cool breeze from the gardens brushing against his face as he surveyed the scene.

His stormy grey eyes, sharp and discerning, flicked across the room. With his powerful stance and unsettling smirk, Alexander was leaning against a pillar, sipping wine like a predator surveying his domain. Anthony was surrounded by nobles, charming them with silver-tongued words, his laughter hiding his true intentions. Sebastian and Vincent sat near the banquet table, their quiet presence a stark contrast to the vibrant feast before them.

On the other side of the room, the good-hearted princes gathered. Julian sat at a chessboard, nervously fiddling with a piece as he awaited Sky's approach. Ace stood a short distance away, his grey eyes scanning the hall with quiet intensity. Christian moved among the guests; his charm more genuine but no less deliberate than Anthony's.
Sky's gaze hardened as he considered the dynamics of the room. 

This is no banquet. This is a battlefield.

Sky approached Julian, his expression softening as he saw the younger prince deep in thought.
"Julian," he said, pulling out a chair. "Already strategizing for the game?"

Julian looked up, his fox-like black eyes lighting up. "Sky! I've been waiting. Do you think I've gotten better since last time?"

Sky chuckled, sitting across from him. "We'll find out, won't we?" He gestured to the board. "Your move."

Sky's moves were calculated as they played, designed not just to win but to test Julian's patience.
Julian frowned, moving his knight. "Do you think the unification is a good idea?"

Sky paused, his hand hovering over a piece. "That depends," he said, lowering his voice. "Do you trust everyone in this room?"

Julian hesitated. "I want to."

Sky gave a faint smile. "Wanting to trust and being able to trust are very different things, Julian."
Julian bit his lip, leaning forward. "Do you trust them?"

Sky leaned back, his stormy eyes meeting Julian's gaze. "Trust is a luxury, not all people can't afford."

Before Julian could respond, a shadow loomed over the table.
"Still hiding behind words, Sky?" Alexander's voice was as smooth as it was mocking.

Sky looked up, meeting Alexander's intense red eyes. The prince's frame exuded strength, his presence commanding. Dressed in dark royal attire that highlighted his broad shoulders, Alexander was the embodiment of calculated menace.
"Alexander," Sky said evenly. "Come to join us?"