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"We have a traitor amongst us." Arthur said a bit loudly as he walked inside his Brother's throne room.

"I know." Maximillian said shortly and without looking up, while sharpening his sword.

Arthur stopped in front of Maximillian's throne.
"Well, aren't you going to do anything about it?" Arthur asked, confused.
"If I do, it won't be any of your business, now would it?" Maximillian said calmly.
It was silent for a few moments.
"Pardon?" Arthur said in a small voice.
Maximillian scoffed lightly, but gave no response.
"Why wouldn't it be my business?" Arthur asked while looking at his brother questioningly.

"You won't be coming with us, Arthur." Maximillian declared.
Arthur widened his eyes, but still, maintained his composure.
"Why not?" Arthur asked gently.

"You aren't fit for this mission. Your impulsive moves will put us all in danger." Maximillian said.
"Besides, this mission is solely for the kingdom's benefits." Maximillian continued.

"But brother-" Arthur panicked.
Maximillian raised a hand and gestured Arthur to stop.

"I have made my decision and that's final."
Arthur was in full shock. He did everything he could, but it still wasn't enough.
"You can't withdraw this duty from me at the last minute!" Arthur raised his voice.

"Hm, and why not?" Maximillian said calmly.
"Brother your being unreasonable here." Arthur said, with anger flourishing inside him.
"Your the one being unreasonable here, Arthur." Maximillian responded.

Arthur scoffed lightly and looked away.
"I was never important to you, was I?" Arthur said.
"What?" Maximillian stared at him blankly.

"I'm- I'm nothing but a pawn on the chessboard! And you brother..."
Arthur scoffed again and shook his head in disbelief while smirking slightly.

"You are the greatest player on that chessboard, aren't you?" Arthur said while raising his hands towards Maximillian.

"Enough! Don't you dare cross your limits Arthur!" Maximilian stood up and yelled, anger displayed upon his face.

"Or what?" Arthur said in a threatening voice. This was the first time Arthur spoke against Maximillian in such a manner. But he didn't regret it, and he felt no remorse.

Maximillian furrowed his eyebrows, amazed by Arthur's new attitude.

"Weren't you there with me? Weren't you there with us when we were planning against them?" Arthur continued, in a calm manner this time, while looking down.

Maximillian stepped down and made his way in front of Arthur.

"Don't cross your limits Arthur. Revenge and anger has made your eyes blind. I'm not letting you do this not only because this is your punishment, but I'm also preventing you from making your way towards death. Now, get out of my way." Maximillian said, with more of a confused face. Arthur didn't move one bit.

"I made an oath that if I didn't avenge my mother, let my throne, my kingdom and my life collapse. From now on, I will take these matters in my hands only. This matter is only for me to fix, and to gain my name back."

For a moment, silence engulfed the room.
Until Maximillian spoke:

"What is your plan? What do you rely on?" Maximillian raised his voice.
"I am...your brother, Arthur. I want you back safe." He continued in a soothing voice. Arthur grabbed Maximillian's shoulders lightly.

"I want you to trust me on this brother. I won't fail you, this kingdom, 'our' kingdoms!" Arthur said in firm voice. He withdrew his hands and continued:

"From now on, I will look through the eyes of the Kingdom, I will act from the hands of the Kingdom, and I will think from the minds of the Kingdom." Arthur paused and took a deep breath.

"This is my promise to you." He concluded and bowed on one knee towards his brother so suddenly.

Maximillian stared at him with wide eyes and was in complete shock.
But nevertheless, he smiled.

"Very well, then. Go show them that the sons of Oberon won't retreat or give up that easily." Maximillian said with that same smile and turned to his throne again.

Arthur rose and reflected the same smile. He bowed his head as a respect once Maximillian was seated and headed towards the door with profound courage and determination.

'I won't come back until I have their heads piled up.' Arthur thought.

'I hope you meant everything that you have said, Arthur.' Maximillian smiled to himself, looking at Arthur's retreating figure.

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