Both brothers were seated at the ends of the long and huge table. An uncomfortable silence dawned upon them as both brothers were unaware of what to say to eachother. After all, they were rivals of the most powerful kingdoms. Arthur started to play with the forks and knives that were placed delicately on the table.

“I apologize.” Maximillian decided to break the silence. Arthur was shocked at his sudden apology.
“Pardon?” Arthur asked, as he placed the utensils back in their places.
Maximillian sighed deeply.
“I apologize for relieving you of your mission. It made you quite upset.” Maximillian explained further.
Arthur’s mouth was shaped in the form of an ‘Oh’, but no sound came out.

“No need to apologize. You did the right thing.”
“But I still-”
“It’s fine, Max.” Arthur interjected and raised his hand with a small smile on his face.
“Besides, You can’t protect others with pride, and the trust of others comes with merit. The people and citizens want just one thing from a Princes like us. They want us to produce results, they want us to protect them. Devote yourselves to building a reputation. That’s everything. No one who’s unable to do that could ever stand at the top.” Arthur smiled and looked down.

“That’s what mother said to us.” Arthur continued as he looked at Maximillian and Maximillian smiled, while replaying the memories in his mind.
“Before she died, that is.” Arthur looked down again and Maximillian frowned.

The surroundings became silent again, until the doors barged open, revealing Louis, with a bandage wrapped around his finger.
Arthur rolled his eyes as Maximillian smiled nervously.

“I know my dear brothers that you have missed my presence! But fear not, for I am here!” Louis bowed towards them dramatically. Maximillian chuckled at his younger brother’s behaviour. However Arthur showed no expression at all.

“You came back, Princess?” Arthur asked Louis as he rubbed his finger on the table cloth.
“Yes I have.” Louis said as he plopped on his seat.
His expression quickly changed as he realized something.
“Wait. Did you just call me Princess!?” Louis shrieked.
Both brothers laughed at the slow minded Prince, while Louis looked like a ghost.

Maximillian cleared his throat and the room fell into a comfortable silence.  All the Princes had their smiles on from the earlier incident.
“I wanted to say that I am glad that you both are here. Ever since mother’s death and also a few disputes....”
Maximillian stopped and looked at Arthur who smiled widely.
“We haven’t been able to talk much.” Maximillian continued.
Louis was shedding fake tears as Arthur was listening to his brother attentively, as if he was searching for something in his eyes.

“Brother!” Louis suddenly stood up and raised his hand and looked away dramatically.
“I have bought something for you!” Louis declared.
“Here we go.” Both brothers, Arthur and Maximillian said at the same time.

“Fergus!” Louis snapped his fingers.
“Right away sir!” And Fergus walked fast towards the door and came back with a small package in his hands and bowed towards Maximillian, handing him the package.

Maximillian opened the package to reveal a mug that Louis has given him a hundred times before. It said, ‘Best brother in the world!’.

“Oh! What a pleasant surprise!” Maximillian chuckled awkwardly and looked towards Arthur, who shook his head in disbelief.

“I had it crafted by the World’s top craftsmen.” Louis bragged with a wide smile on his face.
“Yeah. That’s what you said when you gave those last few hundred mugs.” Arthur looked at his feet, under the table, as his back was slouched. Clearly he was bored.

“My! Thank you again Louis! You shouldn’t have bought it though.” Maximillian said the last part in a slight whisper. He looked away and had the same awkward smile.

Louis sat on his seat back again, holding the widest grin, as if he had accomplished something great.

“I’m glad you liked it brother. I had it crafted by-” Louis was cut off by an annoyed Arthur.
“We get it!” Arthur yelled.
“Now now Arthur. Don’t get jealous just because you didn’t get the mug.” Louis said in a calm voice.
“Trust me. I would be embarrassed if I gave anyone that mug-”

Maximillian cleared his throat to silence Arthur from his blunt and truthful words that might appear to be way too hurtful for Louis to bear.

“Bartley? Would you mind placing this mug next to….the other hundred mugs?” Maximillian whispered the last part. Bartley responded with a nod and left the room with the mug.
“Now, let’s eat! Shall we?” Maximillian declared as the three Princes straightened their backs to enjoy the feast.