Damien had always been one to speak his mind to Johannes, using their familial bond as a shield, even when all others sought to appease the Prince. Damien was always the victor in their contests; at their coming-of-age ceremony, he had even managed to unseat Johannes during a horse race, turning him into a laughingstock before the crowd. Eventually, Johannes began to feign submission to Damien, but this was merely a ruse for his eventual treachery.
Observing Johannes overpowered by a sense of defeat, Damien said, “So, you blame me for all the troubles that plague you?”
“Silence!”
“That is precisely why you will always fail.” Clucking his tongue, Damien watched as Johannes raised the stone blade in his hand. Escape was impossible with his limbs bound, yet Damien smiled brightly even in the face of death, infuriating Johannes further. “You never would have retained the throne, even without my intervention.”
