A True Prince: Sanders Sides AU

Chapter 13: Battle of the Mages

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast from Patton, Virgil and Logan set off towards the castle. As they walked through the woods, Logan tried not to talk to Virgil, but eventually his curiosity gave in.

"How long have you known about your powers?"

Virgil stopped in his tracks, turning to glare at Logan. "Do you really want to have this conversation now?"

"Anything to distract me from the task ahead of me would be helpful, yes."

Virgil sighed, continuing onwards. "I've always known. My parents were scared of me, and they always tried to make me hide it. And when I didn't...let's just say I learned pretty fast, alright? And then one day, I'd had enough, and I just, snapped. I didn't think about what I was doing until it was too late. Next thing I knew my old man was on the ground and my mom was chasing me out of the house with a broomstick. After that, I started living on my own, until Patton took me in."

"Does he know?"

"Yes." Virgil sighed. "He's wanted to help me for so long, but he doesn't have any powers."

"Falsehood."

"Excuse me?"

"Of course Patton has powers. How do you think he's able to keep everyone happy all of the time? How do you think he's immune to Dolos' influence on the kingdom? I recognized the signs immediately, of course. It's very faint, true, but he has traces. I assumed that he knew?"

Virgil shook his head. "No, I'm pretty sure he doesn't. And I'm positive he'd like it to stay that way."

Logan shrugged. As they approached the castle, Logan asked "Is it safe for me to assume that on one of your messenger runs you 'borrowed' one of my books?"

Virgil smirked. "Maybe."

~~~~~~~~~

Once inside, Virgil followed Logan to the throne room. Before they entered, Virgil found a safe hiding spot where he could help Logan if needed. He didn't want to give himself away unless absolutely necessary. Once they were sure Virgil was hidden, Logan entered the throne room.

"Dolos." Logan nodded curtly to the royal advisor, who was relaxing on the throne.

"Hello, Logan. Long time no see."

"Where is the king, Dolos?"

"Oh, haven't you heard? The guards found him in his bed this morning. Apparently he passed away in his sleep. Normally the chain of command would go to the Prince, but the king's final act was written on his bed-stand, declaring that the Royal Adviser be made the next king."

Dolos gave Logan a look of mock surprise. "Could you believe that?"

"Actually I can believe a lot of things." Logan said. "Like you being behind the downfall of this kingdom, controlling the king for all of these years, making everyone's lives miserable."

"So? Who's going to stop me?"

"I am."

"Really? All by yourself? No...help? From anyone?"

Logan narrowed his eyes. "What are you playing at, Dolos?"

"Oh please. You think you could show up here with my student and not expect me to sense his aura? Besides, how else would you have known to use the secret entrance?"

Before Logan could find his words, the doors to the throne room opened, and in came Roman, escorting a beat up Virgil by swordpoint. Depositing him next to Logan, Roman took his place beside Dolos.