บท 9: My Brother, My Family
Treyvon's P.O.V.
For a moment, everything was silent. Everyone had disappeared, and I was the only one in the chapel. There was no feeling, just an empty numbness. Slowly, the blood rushed to my head. I had stopped fighting back. I felt like I was dying. My knees buckled, and I collapsed to the floor.
They were married. And she agreed. I had put all my emotions - my heart - on the line for this. I felt utterly defeated, humiliated, alone. I wished I could just disappear. I cursed the day I was born. If God truly wanted to have mercy on me, he'd strike me down at this very moment.
There were too many people in the room, too many eyes looking, judging a fragile, shattered boy in his lowest of points. I was too weak. Too physically and mentally tired to argue. I had lost, and she wouldn't even look at me. Then I heard the dreaded words:
"You may now kiss the bride."
"No," I pleaded to myself. Andrew had already taken everything from me. I looked up to see him cradle her face in his hands and kiss her lips. The world spun before my eyes. She had killed me.
William's P.O.V.
There was only one word I could use to describe this moment: intense. Emotions ran high, and Andrew had revealed his true self to all the people in this room. He brought up Treyvon's hidden past and used it against him, humiliated him. Truthfully, I wasn't surprised. Being a man who observes more than he speaks, my mind put the clues together. Being around Treyvon for most hours of the day trained my eyes to easily distinguish the features he received from his father. Incidentally, there weren't any from the queen.
I didn't think much of it until I grew older. I had realized the subtle ways Treyvon was alienated from his family. The other three fit like puzzle pieces, but Treyvon was a part of another set. Another thing was very visible. My mother told me that the bond between a mother and her child is one of, if not the most, strongest forces known to man. The Queen never really showed Treyvon the same care that she did for Andrew. Furthermore, the King always seemed forlorn when he looked at his younger son as if he regretted something.
The biggest clue was Treyvon himself. From the day he was born, he behaved differently. When I was told that I would serve him as I grew older, it was not a random decision. At the age of 5 or 6, the boy had hand-chosen me to be his "best friend". From then on, I was always by his side, sometimes not even by choice. He followed me all around the castle as I did my chores and duties, and that is how I began to notice differences between him and his family.
When my mentor noticed my suspicions, he took me aside and explained the situation. I was honored that he trusted me with such a secret. To this day, I haven't allowed it to escape my lips. I just didn't know Andrew was informed as well. Now, I am sure this detail about Treyvon is the fire that fuels Andrew's hate for his brother.
I watched silently as Christina and Andrew walked out of the room. I absolutely loathed that arrogant smile on his face, but I knew I had more important duties to take care of. I swiftly walked over to Treyvon and knelt down beside him. I could hear his pained cries and it hurt me deeply. I felt as if I had raised him myself like he was my own little brother. I put my right arm over his left shoulder and hugged him.
"Treyvon, I know it's very hard," I told him. "But you aren't alone. I told you that I will be by your side always. Do not fret over this. What your father did doesn't change who you are. Please do not let Andrew get to you." He lifted his head out of his hands and looked at me with tears running down his face.
"William, you do not understand," he said sadly. "I am a mistake. I was never supposed to be here."
"But that is not your fault," I tried to tell him.
"And now that I am here, I do all of the wrong things, just like Andrew said," he ranted. "He already didn't like me, then I fell in love with his wife! I'm such a horrible person! I deserve this, William, I know I do."
"Nonsense!" I said, shaking him. "That doesn't matter. His hate for you is not your fault, it's his! And maybe your love for her is a good thing because we both know he doesn't love her himself. Even if this doesn't work out, Christina will know that someone really loved her." Treyvon looked back to the floor and put his hands on his face again.
"There's no hope for me, William," he told me, sounding depressed. "Now that everyone knows this, I have nowhere to go. I'll have to leave and be alone for the rest of my life, and I don't know how I will ever move on. And-and...Christina doesn't love me. If she doesn't, who will?"
I drew the line right there. My temper was over my head now. I stood up and walked towards the grand, open doors. I was not going to let Andrew walk off these church grounds with a victory.
*Outside the Church with Xavier (3rd P.O.V.)*
After William and Treyvon went into the church, Xavier and Anthony started a conversation with each other.
"So you are their friend?" Xavier asked.
"Yes," Anthony answered. "I have trained Treyvon in sword fighting for many years." Impressed, Xavier nodded his head. Suddenly, Anthony motioned for Xavier to follow him. Suspicious, the latter didn't move. The knight noticed, unhooked his sword, and tossed it to Xavier.
"Now follow me," he instructed. Xavier obeyed and followed him down the chapel steps, away from the people.
"What are you doing here?" Anthony asked him.
"To see the wedding and crowning of our new king and queen," Xavier said simply.
"No that is a lie," Anthony told him. "You are tense. Your body tells me that you are anxious, waiting for something. Besides, villagers do not ride in with royalty to a wedding."
"How much do you know about this wedding?" Xavier questioned.
"I know Treyvon is the last person Andrew wants to see here," the knight replied. "The question is: how do you know, and what are you helping them for?" Xavier stayed silent, thinking over his options. He looked back down at the weapon in his hand, at the guards next to the doors, and back at Anthony.
"Some guards ambushed them and imprisoned them in the dungeon under Andrew's orders," Xavier informed him. "I helped them escape, and our plan of stopping the wedding has already commenced."
"Then we now pray that it's not too late," Anthony said, looking back at the chapel.
…
Anthony and Xavier were waiting for Treyvon, William, and Christina to walk out of the church. When the doors opened, however, they only saw a happy Andrew pulling along a tear-stained Christina.
"No," Anthony breathed. "They're married?"
"What happened to the plan?" Xavier asked aloud. The priest walked out behind the duo and announced:
"All hail King-Drew and Queen Christina!" All of the excited faces in the crowd turned into confused and concerned looks.
"What happened in there?" some people whispered.
"Why isn't she happy?" Andrew's triumphant expression turned into a grimace.
"Why aren't you bowing to my wife and I?" he asked the people sternly. Slowly, one by one, the people bowed. Everyone was bewildered by Andrew's anger. Then, Andrew noticed that some people were still standing.
"Anthony, you are a respected knight," Andrew started. "You bowed to my father, and you shall do so for me." He pointed at Xavier. "And you? Why are you also being disrespectful?"
"I don't bow to people I do not respect," Xavier told her. He handed Anthony his sword back and looked lazily back at Andrew. Andrew laughed.
"I am the king now, and I will rule with an iron fist," he proclaimed. "To be nice, I will give you one last chance to correct your mistake. If you refuse, I will openly make you a demonstration of what happens to peasants who defy my power."
"Then let's see how far that lesson will go," Xavier challenged, readying his sword. Before Andrew could say anything, everyone heard a loud slam.
"Andrew!" William yelled. Everyone turned to see him angrily walking up to the new king.
"Lowly peasant, you dare call me by my name?" Andrew asked. "Address me as your king."
"You are no such thing," William argued. "And God strike me if I ever call you that title."
"Are you upset that you've been serving a man that is worth no more than yourself for most of your life?" Andrew mocked.
"No, because I'd serve him into the afterlife if it meant that I'd never live in a kingdom ruled by you," William bit back. "You have been a cruel person all of your life for no good reason! For years, I've been waiting for life to give you what you deserve. However, I now realize that I should deliver the punishment myself." Guards began to rush towards William, but Andrew instructed them not to.
"Are you challenging me, peasant?" Andrew scoffed.
"Yes, I am," William said confidently ad he pulled out his sword. Andrew smirked at him as a guard handed him a weapon.
"I will enjoy seeing your blood, and I hope I make your end as painful as possible," he said snidely. William said nothing. Andrew raised his sword to strike at a ready William, but someone grabbed his arm. Surprised, Andrew looked back to see Christina's face.
"What are you doing?" he asked her.
"You made me your queen, so I have power just like you here," she told him. "And I forbid you to raise your weapon at him."
Andrew looked up from her to see the people talking to each other and looking at him warily. He began to feel very displeased. The people weren't taking him seriously. Why didn't they fear him? He tried to turn around to fight William again, but Christina pulled the sword out of his hand. Andrew grew so infuriated that he spun around and struck her in the face, sending her to the floor.
Enraged, William ran at Andrew, and two guards pulled him back. The crowd started to yell and more guards ran. Men began to surround Anthony and Xavier, and the rest surrounded the crowd. Seeing that everyone was restrained, Andrew looked back at Christina. A bruise had already begun to form on her cheek, now a dark, angry spot on her face. He tried to grab her arm and pull her back up, but she moved away from him.
"Get away from me!" she screamed at him. "Don't touch me, Andrew!"
"Christina, I didn't want to do that to you, but you forced me," he told her. He tried to grab her again.
"Get away from her!" Treyvon was standing at the door at the top of the steps. His eyes were still a little red, but his mouth was set in a stern straight line.
"Oh, you are done weeping?" Andrew asked, smiling. "And you do not give me orders, you commoner. I am the king. You bow to me."
"Your title means nothing to me," Treyvon told him. "And I'm not here to talk anymore."
"Then you are here to watch me demonstrate my authority on your friend," Andrew said, pointing at William.
"You will do no such thing!" William yelled at him. "I will not allow it!" He struggled harder against the guards and pulled one of his arms free. Quickly, he punched one of the guards in the face.
"Stop being weak and control him," Andrew seethed as the guard cried out in pain.
"You are a coward," Treyvon spat. "It's pathetic that you expect people to bow down to you, all the while you cannot handle things for yourself. You hide behind words and try to humiliate people, but you see it is all falling apart. The facade you attempted to create is being revealed, and these people no longer recognize you." Andrew smirked at his words.
"If I only speak and never do actions," he started. "...How did Christina get this on her face?" He pulled the princess to himself and gestured to the bruise on her face. She fought against him but he kept a tighter grip on her. He rested his chin on her shoulder.
"She's my wife now," Andrew happily told his brother. "I do not care what those people think about me as long as she's here. And I can do what I want with her."
"I told you not to touch her," Treyvon growled at him.
"And I reminded you that I am the king," Andrew said, mocking him.
"You are not my king!" Treyvon yelled at him. "You are not mine, or his!" He pointed at William. "Or theirs!" He pointed at Anthony and Xavier. "Or anyone's! You're a cheat and a liar, and you don't deserve this kingdom!" Andrew whispered in Christina's ear.
"Look at him and his temper," he told her. "You can clearly see he was never fit for royalty. Royal blood doesn't behave like that. Aren't you glad that I'm your husband? Because I know that it is truly a blessing."
"I don't love you," Christina said spitefully. "And I never will."
"You swore in front of God that you loved me when we were at the altar," Andrew firmly told her. "And you kissed me ever so lovingly right after." He looked up at Treyvon.
"Do you hear that? Do you remember my me and my wife's first kiss at the altar? I hope you did because I wanted to ensure you had the best view of reality."
*Treyvon's P.O.V.*
He was trying to distract me with my own hurt, but I was trying to fight it. It almost made me want to disappear again, but this wasn't the time to be afraid. William's life, my friends' lives, the safety of the kingdom, and the love on my life was on the line.
"Andrew, I challenge you for the crown," I announced. Excitement shined through his hateful eyes, and he gave me a sinister smile. He let go of Christina.
"Is that so?" he asked.
"Yes," I told him confidently. "Right now."
"I have two conditions," he warned. "None of your allies can assist you in this fight; it is only you and I. And when I win, I'll get rid you permanently."
"And if I win, you must hand the crown over to me, and Christina will be free from your marriage," I told him. "She and her family will be permitted to leave."
"I never knew you wanted my crown so much, Treyvon," Andrew said, laughing. "All these years of pretending you didn't want power, and you did. Fine, I agree to your terms."
"It's not about the title," I reminded him. "It's about the safety of these people." The guards let go of William, Anthony, and Xavier.
"William, take Christina away from here...now," I told him.
"She won't be going anywhere until this is finished," Andrew told me.
"I just want to make sure she's safe," I argued. "I promise that if I lose, he will bring her back to you." Andrew looked at William unsurely. William glanced at him, at me, then nodded his head. He went over to Christina, grabbed her hand, and tried to pull her to the waiting horses. She wouldn't move.
"No," she told him. "I'm not going to leave him."
"Christina, he's doing this for your sake," William whispered to her. "Please, listen to him."
"We can't leave him alone!" she defied. "We can't trust Andrew!" They were arguing too much. They needed to leave before my brother changed his mind.
"GO NOW!" I shouted at her. Apparently out of ideas, William picked her up and carried her away.
"No, Treyvon!" she called back. "Release me! What if something happens to him?" Honestly, I was half glad William was taking her away. What if something did happen to me? I wouldn't want her to see me fail, or even worse, die. I watched as William and Christina left on a horse as she screamed my name all the way. I took out my sword and looked at my reflection. This is the day where all of my training with William and Anthony would come into play.
"Treyvon, you have really made things difficult for me all these years," Andrew told me arrogantly. "However, I am going to be kind enough to tell you that I slightly admire your courage to stand up to me. But this is where the consequences of your actions will be your downfall." I looked into his eyes.
"That's the kindest words I've ever heard you say."
*With William and Christina (Christina's P.O.V.)*
I felt a lot of things. I was sad, worried, and upset. But I couldn't blame William. He only did what Treyvon requested. Treyvon said that he wanted me to be safe, but why couldn't he see that I wanted to be by his side? When he is in trouble, I want to be able to help him. On the other hand, I know that being with him is nearly impossible. My family had already seen the chaos here, they wouldn't permit me to stay, even if Treyvon did win.
He risked his life for me, but what have I done for him? I broke his heart, pushed him away, and married his evil brother. He deserved so much better, but he was still fighting for me. He told me that he loved me, but I haven't said it back once. I regretted everything.
"...I am sorry," William said quietly.
"It is not your fault," I reassured him. "You were doing what Treyvon asked of you. I yelled at you and for that, I am truly sorry." He nodded his head.
"William, I am sorry that I have hurt your friend so much," I admitted. "When we were at the ball, I broke his heart. When we were at the altar, the guard was going to kill him and…" Tears came to my eyes.
"I've made his life so complicated. Then, I heard William laugh.
"What is humorous?" I asked him.
"I apologize if you think I am making fun of you, princess," William said earnestly. "It's just...you and Treyvon are so alike. You both blame yourselves for everything that happens, even when it's not your fault. Just like how you blame yourselves for falling in love with each other. I think it's cute." I gasped, embarrassed.
"William, how long have you felt this way?" I questioned.
"I observe more than I speak," he shrugged. He stopped the horse. "I have never been in love before but I know you two cannot abandon each other. I am going to have to abort his orders this one time." He laughed, shook his head, and turned the horse around.
"What are you doing?" I asked him.
"We are going back to the chapel," he answered swiftly.
"You are serious?"
"Definitely." Hooves rapidly clomped against the ground. "But I have one question. What is your plan after this?"
"I want to stay with Treyvon." There was no need to hold back now.
*With Treyvon and Andrew (3rd P.O.V.)*
Andrew's first strike came as fast as lightning, but Treyvon smoothly blocked it. The people watching in fear as the two brothers dueled relentlessly as if they were strangers. You could tell that Andrew was going for the deadliest strikes while Treyvon was mostly dodging. He couldn't really bring himself to try to kill his brother. Andrew made a quick swipe towards Treyvon and cut him on the left side. The younger man hissed out in pain and clutched his side.
"It hurts, doesn't it?" Andrew asked proudly.
"That is not near enough to stop me," Treyvon told him.
Pushing through the pain, he continued to fight back. After a few more attacks, Treyvon managed to make Andrew's sword fly out of his hand. Andrew swung his fist at him, then kicked Treyvon's weapon out of his own hand. In an instant, their sword fight turned into a fistfight.
Treyvon punched Andrew in the stomach, grabbed his collar, and slammed him into the hard, stone walls. Andrew forcefully kicked him away and Treyvon almost fell back down the stairs. Andrew ran back towards him and started swinging again. Treyvon ducked some, but one caught him in the mouth. He returned it by punching his brother in the face. Andrew stumbled backward but regained his balance. They both were breathing heavily and glared at the other.
"Are you ready to collapse, brother?" Andrew asked Treyvon between breaths.
"You keep... asking me that," Treyvon huffed. "Are you..tired?"
"I don't sweat for weaklings such as yourself," Andrew countered. "Consider yourself lucky that a king raised his sword to you and presented you your demise." Then, they both heard a horse neighing. They both looked towards the sound to see William and Christina heading their way.
"What are they doing?" Treyvon thought.
Andrew used that moment to his advantage. He picked up his sword and rushed his brother. Hearing rapid footsteps, Treyvon turned around to see Andrew's blade flying towards his face. He leaned back and felt the tip of it scrape his cheek. Andrew dropped down and kicked his legs out from under him, causing him to fall harshly onto his back.
Air immediately escaped his entire chest and he groaned. He looked left to see his sword. He picked it up just in time to block an overhead strike from Andrew. He felt his brother push down harder and harder on him. Weakened by the pain in his side, Treyvon realized his right arm by itself wouldn't stop his brother. Andrew was strong, and his arms flexed in an effort. As the blade approached slowly came down, Treyvon raised his left hand to hold up the other end of the sword, resulting in the inside of his hand being cut. Nevertheless, he continued to push back.
The sword was now inches above his neck, and Treyvon could feel the beads of sweat on his forehead. He looked into his brother's eyes to see a deep hatred that he would never understand. All his life, Andrew hated him. Maybe...maybe that wouldn't change. Treyvon could feel his arms getting tired. Tired from fighting back. Exhausted from fighting all his life. It wouldn't end until one of them were dead. But who deserved this?
Then, he remembered. Their childhood flashed before his eyes. He reminisced about playing in the fields. When they were younger, he and Andrew used to run around in the field, Andrew pretending to be a king and Treyvon pretending to be a knight. They would run around, Treyvon always behind his older brother, always looking to him. But every now and then, his brother would push him down.
"You are a knight under me," Andrew would say. "Go fight and die for me!"
Treyvon, ever so loyal, would agree. He'd go, running further in the field, imagining fighting armies of men for his brother. And as he looked upon his brother, even as Andrew threatened his death, he knew that it couldn't end this way for either of them. Regardless of how hostile Andrew was now, they still had a childhood together.
He used his remaining energy to rock himself backward and flip Andrew over him, just like how William had done before. Andrew grunted in pain as he felt his head hit the stone stairs. Treyvon tiredly but quickly stood up and ran towards his brother's body. He pressed the end on his sword to Andrew's neck, marking his defeat.
The air was tense and silent. The village people stared and held their breaths. The brothers looked at each other in the eye, both breathing raggedly. Then, Andrew laughed. His labored breaths only pausing between coughs.
"You are weak," he told Treyvon smugly. "You challenged and fought me. Now, you are pointing your weapon at my neck, yet you do not strike. I pity your cowardice." Treyvon didn't move.
"I didn't want to kill you because you are my brother," Treyvon told him. "You are my only brother, and I would regret taking your life. Furthermore, I wouldn't commit such an act in front of these people and their children." He looked at the guards.
"Take him to the dungeon." They nodded their heads, and some of them picked up Andrew. Before they left, Andrew looked at Treyvon with a smirk on his face.
"To let you know," he said coldly. "If I was in your position, I would've killed you without hesitation. You will regret not killing me now. When my sentence is over, I'll just come back to kill you and reclaim my property. Your weakness will be your downfall."
"I am not weak, just kind," Treyvon proudly told him. "You should be grateful that I showed you mercy after all the things you have done. And I don't need to kill you. As you sit in that cell, you will think about your actions, and your guilt will do that itself." The guards took Andrew away for good. The people clapped for Treyvon and everyone rejoiced. Christina ran up to Treyvon and hugged him tightly. When she felt him wince, she jumped back.
"What did he do to you?" she asked him, frightened. "Where are you hurt?"
"I'm fine," Treyvon tried to tell her, but then he stumbled to the side a bit. William ran up to them.
"Treyvon, we need to get you back to the palace to treat your wounds," his tone held no room for refusal. Treyvon nodded and William and Christina down the stairs.
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