Duel of Agreth. Duel of Kings. Brother vs Brother. Different names and titles were given to that dreaded battle. Combat befell at midnight, precisely 12:00, in the Royal Palace. Before the King's Throne, one kinsman fought another kinsman. Each had their own ideas, thoughts, and plans for the Throne.

"My Dear Brother, whoever wins shall rule." The first brother gazed at the second and began to strip himself of his armor. A radiant Crown rested on his head, sitting graciously on his lush chestnut hair. His dense chocolate eyes hid an abundance of boiling emotions, a field of endless sadness.

"Sword cuts flesh and sheds blood. Who's blood shall spill, Ryan?" The second brother met the King's gaze, his own eyes an onyx abyss that only held a fierce desire to fight, rather than sorrow. His eyes were depthless, a black hole that matched with his obsidian hair. He stripped down, revealing a robust and stalwart body alike his brother. The two were the same in body, but not in mind.

"For Agreth, I will stop you, James." Ryan threw his Crown between the two, raising his longsword in advance. He pointed at his brother, determination flashing through his eyes as he stepped forward. One of the greatest Knight's ever began his last fight.

James' smile widened as he watched the Crown fall. He vaulted forward, bringing his blade down with unmatched aggressiveness.

King Ryan countered with a sidestep, his brother's blade clanging onto the floor. He swung his longsword at James' head, aiming to take it off. He was too slow, as James ducked and swung his sword at Ryan's feet.

Ryan responded with a leap into the air, bringing his blade with him. Once in the air, he swung towards James' head with both hands. He missed James, who rolled to the side and got back up.

The two started over, eyes clasped onto each other. The atmosphere was dense, rather than air they were breathing liquid. Both were sweating without much activity, every strike carried their utmost strength and power. Two fierce tigers ready to pounce.

Ryan made the first move, stepping forward and swinging his blade downwards to slice James in half. Each and every muscle bulged to release their utmost strength in this explosive strike.

James reacted quickly, bringing his blade back up to block. Ringing filled the Hall, and the Crown began to tremble due to the impact. James used all of his strength to hold the blade up against Ryan's oppressive strength, he knew that if he failed he would be bisected. He couldn't allow it to happen - he had too many aspirations, dreams, and desire for power. He swung his blade upward, throwing Ryan's blade into the sky.

But Ryan refused to be disarmed, recalling his family and duties, unrivaled strength surged into his arms. Bringing his blade back, he kicked James to the ground, sending James' blade skidding away. James lay on his back, looking up to his brother and King.

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"Wait. Ryan. Don't do it, I'm sorry. Our Father wouldn't want this. Think about what Dad would do." Ryan panicked, turning his face to King Ryan. He spoke about his father, the man that raised the two up in chivalry. It had an intriguing effect, as Ryan paused his longsword in the air.

"James. Y-you've thought past your ways?" Ryan had read all types of literature where this exact situation happened. He knew how it always ended, where one would be tricked into submission. But he couldn't help it, he had always relished his brother. They were raised together, and he was profoundly hurt when he found out that it was James who was scheming against him. Half of his brain loved James, the other half screamed not to trust him. This conflict caused his blade, which was originally hanging above James' heart, to freeze.

"Yes! Yes! Brother, I was blinded by my greed. You've provided me a home and a position of power. We're fighting the wrong people. Please! Remember I have a family, don't kill me!" James knew this was his last resort, pleading for his life. It was one of the reason's he dared to stage a revolt. He predicted that his brother would rather duel him than let thousands die in a gruesome war. And in that duel, he wouldn't kill him unless absolutely necessary.

"Look..I believe you. I forgive you, just put away your army and we'll resolve this. Like family...like brothers." Ryan sighed and then smiled, extending his hand out to lift James up.

"Yes, brother. That we shall." James' gruesomely smirked and pushed himself away from Ryan. At that moment, an obscure arrow soared down from the sky, directly piercing Ryan's exposed chest.

"W-what. An archer? Ja-James...why?" Were the Ryan's last words, he grabbed at the arrow in his chest, a sticky liquid seeped out and stuck itself to his hands. He thought of his family, and a flood of regret drowned his heart. A classic tale of betrayal, he thought. Why didn't I follow my teachings? Am I that weak? He clenched his palm, gazing at the crimson liquid that covered it. It was the same thing that united him to his killer. He felt the same liquid bubbling within his throat. The end was here.

"A man without flaws. That was the Kingdom's belief regarding you. Ironically, how flawed it was. Your biggest weakness was your naive belief in friendship and brotherhood. I, James, were the only person able to exploit it. I am the only person able to take the throne. Sleep well, my brother." James devilishly smiled, reaching over for his longsword. He winked over at the darkness, where a hidden archer lay. One swipe of his blade and the former King's head sank to the ground.

Blood splattered everywhere, even on the Crown. James wiped his sword's blood on Ryan's shirt and picked up the sparkling Crown. Each jewel reflected his complexion, yet held their own magnificent sparkle. The gold lining wrapped around each jewel, protecting them, yet unable to protect their owner. Wiping the blood off with his hands, he placed it comfortably on his obsidian hair. He smiled proudly and stepped over Ryan's corpse to get to the Throne. He sat there and crossed his legs.

"Bring my subjects here!" His voice roared throughout the Hall. The archer from before brought the King's body behind the Throne - no one could know about the arrow. To his dismay, he would find out that meant him as well.

The Palace's large double doors creaked open, revealing an army of Knights and aristocrats staring inside. In the center of the Hall lay their previous King's head.

And on the Throne, lay their new King.

"All Hail King James!" Everyone roared.