Despite the fact that the crown prince's blood was turning his armor red, he still roared out in laughter, "Second brother, it looks like your plans have gone awry—Father's not so old as to be incapacitated just yet!"

The second prince's eyes turned blood-red. He slashed forward with his sword. "It doesn't matter—if I kill you, I'll be Father's only successor. I'm far superior to his other choices!"

The crown prince snorted and blocked his blade. "Give up, second brother! Apologize now to Father and he might still forgive you. Give up now and we can still be brothers!"

"Shut up! My path is set in stone, now—there's no backing out for me."

The crown prince spat out a mouthful...