Battle of the Heart

Emil

   The young silver haired Emil played alone in the field of the castle. He was practicing his shooting, pulling back the very same long bow that Mikkel had used when he was told the Queens plan. Emil didn't speak often, and even though he seemed distant, he really looked up to his big brother and Mikkel. So it kind of hurt when they no longer had time for him. He shot his last arrow and it missed, spinning out into the hills towards the castle. He sighed annoyed at the predicament and began to walk back searching for it. He came up over the hill and looked around confused only to see Mikkel waving the arrow excitedly to the boy before running towards him.

"Hey Emil! This yours?!" The loud prince called.

"Yes." The cold boy said taking the arrow.

"Whatcha doing up here?"

"Knitting." He answered.

"Be nice." Lukas said coming up the hill.

"I know you aren't knitting." Mikkel laughed.

"Are you sure?" Emil taunted.

"Lemme see your shooting." Mikkel said heading back to where the arrow had flown from.

   Emil ran around the side of the dane stopping him. "No wait!" He yelled.

"What's wrong? I won't judge."

"No... I just!"

"Just show him or he'll never shut up." Lukas sighed.

"Your brothers right you know." Mikkel laughed.

   Emil rolled his icy purple eyes then looked back. "Okay, c'mon." He lead.

   They walked up the hill to the old scarecrow full of arrows. Lukas looked down and recognized Mikkel's bow and watched as the prince examined the shots.

"These are pretty dang good Emil, been practicing a lot?"

"Not really.." 

"Wanna see a trick?" 

"I-"

"Okay!" 

   Mikkel picked up the bow and pulled the arrows from the straw dummy. He gave the bow to Emil and instructed him.

"Put your fingers into a claw of three to draw the string,your pointer on top of the arrow while your middle and ring sit under it. look right at where you want to hit. Calm yourself, picture that you are in a sauna, then when you are ready, pull the string to your cheek, breath in, then out hold and let your fingers slide out across your face."  

   Emil nodded and did exactly what Mikkel told him to. First he calmed his body and darted his eyes to where he wanted to hit. When he knew he was ready he drew the string back, breathed then let go. The arrow flew into the dummy's head. 

"I did it!" Emil said excitedly.

"That was awesome!" Mikkel praised

   Lukas gave Emil a look and the younger brother looked back at Mikkel. "Thank you Mikkel." He smiled.

   Mikkel's blue eyes glowed and he leapt at the boy hugging him tightly. "Aw any time little brother!"

   Emil tried to push Mikkel off while he glared at Lukas with the look of: 'Look what I do to make you happy.' 

   Lukas smirked. "Alright Mikkel, leave him alone."

"Alright, alright.... Besides we didn't come out here for this." Mikkel straightened up.

   Emil looked up a bit confused and lifted a brow. "What did you come out here for?"

   Mikkel smiled at Lukas and he nodded his head to tell him to go on. "Well." The dane began. "Your brother and I..... Are going to get married." He said excitedly.

   Emil's eyes glowed for a second then he tried to regain his cool. "Congratulations.' 

"But that's not all." Mikkel winked. "Since Lukas can't birth a child.... We agreed that YOU should be next to inherit the throne."

   Emil's heart stopped, the sudden news was both exciting and horrifying. Being the youngest of the Norwegian royal family he had given up hope to EVER be a King.

"Is that alright?" mikkel worried at the silence.

"Ah!" The grey haired boy came to. "Yes! Of course! I'd be honoured!" 

   Mikkel and Lukas met eyes and they both felt a flutter of pride, and righteousness. As if this was exactly the way things should be.