“Perhaps.” Amusement lit Aldrik’s eyes; his mask hiding the grin Vhalla knew was there.
“You two would think alike,” Baldair chuckled.
“Would we?” Aldrik pulled away the partition in the middle of their board, revealing the full field of play to Vhalla and Baldair.
“She’s the only one who’s ever been able to stand you. It makes perfect sense.” Baldair smirked.
“Brother, your words just warm my heart,” Aldrik muttered.
“As if you have one,” the younger prince said in obvious jest.
“You are quite right,” Aldrik agreed. Baldair paused to look at his brother curiously. “I gave it away long ago.”
The golden prince wheezed in amusement, his eyes fluttering partway closed.
“Baldair, it’s getting late. Perhaps we shouldn’t begin a game,” Vhalla suggested thoughtfully.
“What? And miss out on this beating that I was promised from you?” Baldair’s brave smile looked exhausted.
“You’re sure?”
“Now I just think you’re scared.” Vhalla watched as he made his first move, using it as an opportunity to assess his condition. The prince was worn thin, his cheeks looked more hollowed than yesterday. His skin was almost translucent.
“Perhaps I am a little scared,” Vhalla remarked. Aldrik glanced at her, and Vhalla held his stare from the corners of her eyes. For once, he seemed to miss her nonverbal concerns.
“My brother favors the direct approach, if that surprises you,” Aldrik commented on the board instead. “Don’t be looking for subtlety or finesse.”
“Do you play?” Vhalla tried to ignore the worrying panic creeping up her spine.
“To whom do you speak, my lady?” Aldrik smirked at her foolish question.
Vhalla rolled her eyes at the elder prince.
“Brother, I am truly glad I was able to see this.” Baldair smiled weakly, countering Vhalla’s move.
“See what?” Vhalla heard the caution in Aldrik’s voice. After all this time, he still withdrew when it came to publically acknowledging things that made him happy.
“Seeing you acting like a normal man.” Baldair gave his brother a tired but affectionate smile. “It has given me hope for you.”
Aldrik looked away in awkward bashfulness.
“When I get better,” Baldair wheezed. “I agree.”
The crown prince snapped his head back to his brother. Vhalla blinked at the sudden intensity to his eyes. She had no idea what they were talking about. He took a sharp breath.
“Do you mean it?” Aldrik’s voice quivered with anticipation, or excitement.
Whatever it was, she clearly wasn’t meant to understand. Rather than pressing the matter, Vhalla pretended to consider her move so the princes could have their moment.
“I do.” Baldair nodded. Aldrik seemed to be utterly baffled. He fought for words. “Brother, just-just be happy for once.” Baldair leaned back on his pillows.
“Thank you.” Aldrik jumped to his feet. He hovered awkwardly a moment.
Vhalla realized her presence had been completely forgotten. The elder brother took one step, then another to kneel down at his brother’s bedside. Vhalla watched him take Baldair’s hand and hold it tightly.
“Thank you,” Aldrik repeated, his voice soft.
Baldair gave him a familial and loving smile that held for a long moment. “Come now, Aldrik.” Baldair grinned and sat forward again. “Don’t get all weird.” He punctuated the end of the moment by taking his turn on the carcivi board.
