Seemingly, Cedar had still planned to train and hated that his brother interrupted him. He definitely held some insults back as he glared up. Then he suddenly whirled around and took a few steps away, glancing over his shoulder to check whether Theodore really followed him. As he noticed that exactly that happened, he forced himself to smile again. Then he averted his eyes. “I wanted to take a break anyway.” He put his sword away while trying to seem unaffected but glared at Theodore once more before he prepared to leave.

Did he think he could escape that easily?

Theodore was serious about getting back his music box, so he attached himself to Cedar quickly. He walked right behind the boy before speaking up. “Where are you going?”

Cedar didn't seem to like having someone behind him. He glanced at Theodore again before forcing himself to walk quicker. “Since when do I have to tell you?” He opened the door to the palace and stepped in, only to shut it after him. Being petty wouldn't help him either though.

Theodore quickly opened the door and followed his brother. “Now that you made me curious, I will have to stay close to you to find out.”

That obvious provocation reached Cedar as intended, but it seemed like he didn't even want to show his reaction anymore. He had restored that fake smile of his fully by now. “Fine. I don't mind accompanying my dear brother.” With that, he focused on the hallway in front of him and walked to his unknown destination.

Theodore stuck right to his side while looking around a bit. He expected Cedar to return to his room, where he could forbid his brother from entering, but the second prince went in the other direction. As they arrived at a well-known spot, Theodore frowned a bit. “The kitchen? Are you hungry?” It would make sense after all that training.

Cedar once again showed that far too sweet innocent smile as he met his brother's gaze. “No. Mother asked me to have some food items delivered for her. I will pick them up for her.” That was a response that made less sense than Cedar just being hungry. After all, the empress had last seen her son a few hours ago. If she had ordered something then, it would have arrived already. This meant that Cedar was most likely lying.

Theodore was used to his brother just twisting the truth until it threatened to fall apart, so he pointed it out immediately. “Your mother didn't order anything.”

As always, Cedar just argued back by telling the other party that they were clueless. “How do you know? She told me before training. It's not like you visited her, so you can't know what she likes.” He turned away to enter the kitchen. He ignored that all the people within that room immediately looked at him and addressed one of the cooks to place his order. “Mother wishes to have some macarons. She asked for strawberry and chocolate ones specifically. Please deliver them to my room.”

The chef bowed in a hurry and promised to retrieve the demanded items as quickly as possible. As she ran off to order everything, she raised her voice to rush her subordinates. It seemed like some macarons had been finished already, so they would just need to be put onto a plate and a cart to be brought up to the prince's chambers.

Giving the order was all Cedar needed to do. He walked out without waiting for his brother, who naturally followed him. He glanced at him for a moment before looking at the hallway in front of him again. Then he said something while making it seem like he wasn't addressing anyone specifically, but he clearly meant his brother. “Since you won't leave me alone anyway, I might as well invite you to eat some macarons.” So, they hadn't been for his mother after all.

Theodore considered pointing that out, but it was rare that he could even talk to his brother peacefully. Maybe he shouldn't ruin the only chance he had had in years. He only noticed that he had fully forgotten his goal of annoying Cedar here, but he couldn't bring himself to care anymore. He never entered Cedar's room unless there was an emergency. This was the first time he had been invited too. So, he would have to use this chance when he had it. “Then I will accept that gratefully.”

The brothers walked up to the third floor in silence. There, Theodore almost got a bit nervous as he followed Cedar to his room. The last time they had been playing together, Camille had found them. She hadn't said anything to Theodore, but she had wordlessly grabbed Cedar's wrist before wrenching him away. Theodore didn't need more to guess that the empress hated seeing her son interact with his brother. If something like that happened again, it would be unfavorable. So, it might be best to hide from the empress. But then again, it was unlikely that this woman would come running as soon as Cedar entered his room. As soon as they were in the chambers, they should be safe.

Theodore almost breathed out in relief as they entered the room and closed the doors behind them. He could have sworn that Cedar sighed quietly too, but when he looked at his brother, the prince was already beaming again.

Cedar took a small step forward and gestured to the table. “You may take a seat already. I shall merely change into more appropriate clothes. I will return in a moment.” There he went with that polite speech again. Cedar tried to act like a little adult with all he had. It would have been adorable if he wasn't doing it so often.

Theodore stayed behind in the main room and sat down at the table. Looking around, he found nothing but the typical fancy furniture and the decorations you would see in every room in the palace. Theodore's room was similar in layout and the general interior, but there was a big difference. His chambers were full of gifts he had received from his parents as well as random things he had once found interesting and bought. Some toys still stood around as well, filling the otherwise almost empty room with something that connected it to its owner.

On the other hand, Cedar's room seemed lifeless. Theodore didn't see a single toy or even some other personal belongings. Seemingly, Cedar had merely added a small shelf with all the swords he had used while growing up and training. Otherwise, nothing special was to be found.

It wasn't anything that concerned Theodore, but somehow, the sight made his stomach churn. He didn't like this at all. Maybe because it reminded him of how Cedar always tried to hide everything about his personality, from his emotions to his likes and dislikes. He had never seen Cedar act like a child would, so maybe that was why it bothered him that Cedar's room seemed like it hadn't even been furnished for him.

It only took a minute or so until Cedar returned with a bright smile. “I sincerely hope you did not have to wait for too long. I should be presentable now though.” He sat down at the table across from Theodore. And for a moment, they just stared at one another.

Right. It was always hard to come up with things to discuss with Cedar. Frankly, Theodore had no idea whether there was anything they could speak about without being reminded of their rivalry. He did also still want his music box back, but he doubted that he would win here. He should probably delay that part of the conversation until he left. Even if Cedar got annoyed then, it wouldn't be a problem after all.

But to be honest, Theodore was as unsure what he should do with his younger brother as always even when he knew that he wanted a pleasant conversation. So, he just picked a much-too-typical topic. “So... What have you been doing recently? You always train, but I presume your studies continued too.”

Cedar's smile became a bit wider as he replied. “Naturally. I attend lessons every single day, much like you. Learning about politics and our nation's situation probably takes away the biggest portion of my time. I recently wrote another essay on Artias' most important economic routes for my literature teacher.”

“I see. I was asked to do something similar.” The only difference was that Theodore was five years older. It seemed like his brother was quite good to be permitted to deal with the same matters despite the age difference. That thought just reminded Theodore of the fact that his literature teacher had presented him one of Cedar's essays while praising it with all of her passion not so long ago. It was odd. Cedar's teachers always claimed that he gave his best but never quite reached his older brother's level, but when it came to others, they often called Cedar a genius for learning so much so quickly. Both princes were clearly gifted and worked hard to improve. Then wasn't it odd to keep complaining about how an eight-year-old was unable to catch up to a brother with five years of extra time?

It did seem odd. But then again, the empress had always used her second son to challenge Theodore. She was probably desperate to make Cedar into a better student and ruler than his brother could ever be. And that was also one of the biggest issues. If the empress was so insistent on backing the younger son, who was just as skilled as the older one and seemed to be able to convince those around him of anything, wasn't it likely that discussions regarding the succession would develop?

Theodore balled his fists under the table, but he forced himself to keep a straight expression. He couldn't show Cedar how much he worried about losing everything he had fought for just because his brother happened to learn for ten hours a day to overcome the crown prince. Theodore wouldn't give in. He had skills his brother couldn't imitate too. Also, Cedar had horrible self-control and became violent when he had another breakdown. How could he become emperor? That was impossible. It should be easy to tell himself that nothing would endanger his position, but Theodore struggled with it.

Just as the silence became a bit uncomfortable, a knock on the door followed. Cedar allowed the servants in. Two women entered and pushed a cart with the macarons in before they bowed and left.

Cedar showed his brother a bright smile while gesturing to the macarons. “Please do begin. As the guest, you should receive something first.” Now he acted polite after he had threatened Theodore yesterday. How ironic.

Theodore almost snorted at that, but he held back. He forced himself to stay a bit more dignified though. “Of course. Thank you very much.” He just picked a chocolate macaron and put it onto his plate.

Cedar took a strawberry macaron and began eating without a pause, which allowed Theodore to eat too. Though, it seemed that even this small meeting turned into some sort of competition. As he ate, Cedar kept his head upright and his posture so stiff that it seemed like he was prepared to appear in public. Even as he ate a macaron in private, which should lead to him just gulping it down, he consumed it quite slowly and tried to look elegant even now.

It might have been stupid, but Theodore tried to imitate that a bit. He usually didn't pay attention to his posture while eating, but when Cedar did it first, he couldn't just relax. So, the two ate rather stiffly.

Theodore had to admit that he was bored by that after just a few minutes. He wanted to talk again, but he wasn't sure what to address. Should he ask whether Cedar wanted anything specific for his birthday? Should he invite him to a family picnic that had been planned for a while now? A part of him also wanted to address the fact that Cedar kept talking to their father's ministers and gave them tips regarding whatever the emperor was currently discussing. Theodore was torn between telling him to stay out of politics since only the crown prince would become a ruler later and praising him for being so helpful even at a young age. He even considered mentioning that Cedar could still use his skills to help the nation if he gave up on fighting for the succession and agreed to become Theodore's advisor. But they probably weren't close enough to consider that option at all.

The silence became deafening to Theodore. Cedar didn't seem to notice it though. He just kept eating.

For a moment, Theodore watched that while being slightly annoyed that Cedar could deal with the uneasiness of the situation so easily. So, he commented on it. “You like macarons a lot, don't you? You ate at least ten in five minutes.” And it seemed like he had done something wrong.

Cedar froze in the middle of eating, only for him to put down the macaron he had lifted. He suddenly seemed almost annoyed for no reason, his smile widening despite that sharp tone in his voice. “I don't like them that much. It's just that Mother ordered them, and I eat the flavors she doesn't like.” That sounded like an excuse, especially since it was clear that his mother hadn't ordered anything.

Theodore narrowed his eyes a bit and leaned his head onto his hand while he replied with annoyance in return. “Why are you angry now? You can admit it if you like food. The cooks can make it more often for you if you tell them. We barely have those for dessert after lunch, so you could-”

“There is no need.” Cedar beamed at his brother while interrupting him. “As I said, I don't particularly like them. They are just fine.” Why was he saying that now? He clearly liked macarons judging by how he had reached for them so quickly. Denying it now wouldn't help.

Theodore had always known that his brother often lied, but he was still taken aback each time Cedar just threw such obviously false claims at him. It angered him that his brother underestimated him like that. He used a slightly harsher tone. “Then would you rather have poppy-seed cake?” That was the one sweet his younger brother had always hated, so the reply was clear.

At least it should have been.

Cedar's expression didn't budge as he responded. “That is fine too. All treats of the royal chefs are delicious.”

That made Theodore furrow his brows. “It is true that they make everything taste nice, but if you don't like the ingredients, they can't change the flavor either. Which is why they don't make poppy-seed treats for you. Because you disliked them.” He had hoped for an affirmation but received the opposite.

“When I was a child. I grew up now. I won't be picky about food anymore.” Cedar looked so proud as he said that.

It was just a small sentence, but to Theodore, it was somehow alarming. His stomach churned a bit even when he didn't know why exactly. “You're still a child. You can be picky too. I mean, you only have two things you don't eat, and that is-” He didn't have a chance to finish his words.

A voice got loud in front of the room as loud knocking sounded. “Your Royal Highness!”

Cedar jumped onto his feet instantly, his gaze jolting up as if he expected a monster to appear in the doorway. “Yes?”

The door was opened, and a young servant stepped in. He bowed in a hurry while announcing a single thing. “Her Majesty is here!”

Oh, no.

The empress had arrived.

Theodore balled his fists again as he imagined what would follow now. The empress always stared at her older son like he was an insect when she appeared, often demanding that he stay away from his brother since she refused to give away Cedar too. No one had ever demanded her second son to be given to Althea, but that woman seemed to be paranoid. Theodore had still had some sympathy in the past, simply because he knew that he had been taken away from her at a young age. After he had seen Camille mistreat his mother, he hadn't been able to feel that anymore though. Now he disliked the empress a lot to the point at which he avoided her whenever he could. That wouldn't be an option now though. He forced himself to look at the entrance.

As the servant stepped aside, the most powerful woman in the nation entered the room. Camille Estien was a beautiful lady with a slim and elegant face, spotless skin and shiny long hair in a blue hue that was lighter than Theodore's and resembled Cedar's. She would be even more beautiful if she didn't have such a freezing gaze as she entered her son's room. As her eyes landed on Theodore, she didn't say anything. She didn't even acknowledge him and just looked at Cedar instead. Her silence already served as a warning though.

A warning Cedar understood too well. A bright smile appeared on his face as he rushed over to the door to greet his mother. “Mother. I am happy to see you.”

Camille finally stopped looking at Cedar like he was an obstacle and gave him a little smile. Her arms wrapped around him to pull Cedar into a tight hug while she cupped his cheeks and made him look up at her. “I am happy to see you too, my dear son. I heard that you left training early, so I thought I would visit you.” And in an instant, her smile disappeared again, leaving behind an icy expression like before as she glanced at Theodore. “Though, I find the view here quite particular. What were you doing here?”

Theodore almost flinched just because that woman looked at him with such rage. He shouldn't be so sensitive. He knew that Camille wouldn't hurt him in any way. She might insult his mother, but she wouldn't threaten him more than that. Why was he so unwell then?

It seemed like the question hadn't been meant for the crown prince anyway since Cedar was the one hurriedly replying. “I...had a small tea meeting with Theodore to discuss our studies. Our history teachers are currently going through the same time periods, so we decided to speak about what we learned. I apologize for not asking you in advance. I did not wish to bother you with a minor inconvenience.” Why did Cedar even have to apologize like this? He had merely invited his brother in his free time. No one could complain about that.

But as usual, Camille seemed to criticize everyone for every little thing. She brought her hand to her forehead and massaged her temples while replying. “It is truly an inconvenience. You know that I told you to study hard, and I thought that you dutifully did that too, but...” She looked at her son again, bringing her hand to his face to brush her fingers through his hair a bit while she continued, her tone sounding much too dejected for no reason. “As the second prince of Artias, you have to put in some effort, Cedar. You can't just sit around and do nothing. I thought you wished to train today, and you decide to waste your time like this. I have to admit that I'm a bit...disappointed.”

Cedar went rigid. He, who normally always knew how to argue back, lowered his head and only stared at the ground. “I...sincerely apologize, Mother. I promise it will never happen again.” He apologized for nothing again.

It seemed like Camille wasn't even done complaining about him though. “I truly hope that I can trust you. Do not disappoint me again, Cedar. Your mother wouldn't be able to stand that. You-”

Theodore should keep out of matters between those two. His father had instructed him to do that. But as much as he wanted to, he couldn't. He stood up without thinking about it and spoke, his words becoming much harsher than intended. “What are you saying? Cedar was training all day after visiting his lessons. In the meantime, you were the one who only sat around and did nothing. Let him have some breaks and stop pressuring him so much.” He glared at the empress.

Camille never took criticism well despite giving it so quickly. Even that comment made her raise her voice. “Was I talking to you, you insolent brat?” She looked at Theodore with so much rage that it wouldn't have been surprising if she tried to hit him. Instead of doing that, she chose to use a verbal attack though. “What did I expect? You have no one to teach you some etiquette.” She turned to Cedar and coldly looked at him while giving him another order. “You shouldn't speak to him too often. A whore's children will only mess up the manners I painstakingly taught you.”

There that word had been again. She called Althea nothing else.

Theodore should have gotten used to it. He should be able to ignore it, or he should at least hide his feelings. As the next emperor, he would have to maintain an emotionless facade after all. But when it was Camille who insulted his mother, he was already at his limit. He knew that provoking her wouldn't be good.

Elegance followed this woman in all of her motions and words. At least until she got upset. Whenever Camille became too furious, it seemed like she turned into another person, her rage making her hysteric as she yelled, threw vases or hit servants. Everyone in the palace knew not to anger her if they didn't want to regret it. Especially Theodore should be careful not to cross the line.

But Camille had crossed it first.

Theodore's tone became much colder as he slowly walked around the table. “What did you just call my mother?” His voice shook a bit, but he forced himself to express his anger more confidently. “How dare you?”

Camille just narrowed her eyes at him. “How dare I speak the truth? Is that what you mean?” She put a hand on Cedar's head to pull him closer to her while she still spoke to Theodore as if he was trash that blocked her path. “Leave. I don't want to see you around my child any longer. If you show up here again, I will tell that whore raising you how much I like it when she puts her dirty fingers anywhere they don't belong.” She would hit Althea again. That was what she meant.

Again, Theodore was close to just telling her that he would hit her back the next time she tried that. As the future emperor, he was under the protection of the law, so she couldn't even fight back then. But of course, this was no way to solve this issue. He had to use his authority, not his fist. But Theodore found himself getting much too upset anyway. “Once I'm emperor, you will apologize for all of this.” The words escaped him before he could hold back.

Of course, Camille didn't back down. She let out a huff before putting on that arrogant smile she showed whenever she addressed the future. “Once Cedar is emperor, he will throw the whore that calls herself your mother onto the streets.” She lowered her gaze, her smile becoming sugary sweet as she brushed over her son's head. “Isn't that right, my sweet angel?”

Cedar, who was still stuck in her embrace, didn't reply.

Camille brushed over his head again, her voice becoming louder and her tone less sweet. “Isn't that right?”

And this time, Cedar responded like a well-trained pet. “Of course, Mother.” He still hid his face, so it was impossible to guess what he was thinking. But Theodore could read his body language anyway. When Cedar voiced a genuine threat or challenged his brother, he looked right into his eyes, his expression brimming with rage or confidence. Now Cedar didn't even glance at Theodore. Did he really want this?

Camille seemed to be sure of it. Her smile became triumphant as she glanced at Theodore again. “See? Cedar is my son. He would never disobey his beloved mother. He will gladly get rid of some insects for me.” She talked as if Cedar was an extension of her, her tool, and not someone with his own thoughts and wishes.

Seeing her act like that made Theodore sick. He couldn't watch this any longer. So, he snapped back at Camille. “Cedar is also my brother, so don't use him for your sick games. He's still a child. Don't forget that despite all the pressure you put on him. Keep him out of our quarrels.” With that, he left the room. He slammed the door shut behind him and stomped away, just to get a chance to calm himself down.

He regretted not having had a chance to speak to Cedar about this, but he knew that it wouldn't be useful while Camille watched anyway. It would probably be best if he just pulled Cedar aside later. Someday, he would have the chance, right?

After all, it was more than important that Cedar understood what his mother tried to do. She would desperately do all she could to drive a wedge between the brothers and have them fight against one another. They couldn't let anything like that happen. Theodore knew that his brother blindly obeyed his mother, but they could work with this. Cedar couldn't control his temper, but he wasn't a vile person. He would never want his brother to be harmed by any of this for real.

At least Theodore hoped that. It would be painful if he was already too late and had missed his chance to intervene before Camille had corrupted her second son.