James continued with his training. Using Ethan as his encouragement to try harder.
During the first week, he almost stabbed his own foot twice, tripped over air, and once swung the wooden sword so wildly that Ethan had to duck for his life.
But he never stopped trying.
And every morning, without fail, Ethan stood beside him.
The second week was different.
James stopped whining after every swing.
He stopped pretending to faint dramatically.
He even stopped making bird noises to "intimidate the enemy."
He pushed himself harder.
Sweat dripping down his forehead.
Muscles trembling.
Jaw set in determination Ethan had never seen before.
Alo watched all of this quietly.
Sometimes from the edge of the training grounds.
Sometimes from the balcony above.
Sometimes hidden behind a pillar so James wouldn't notice.
But Ethan always noticed.
Ethan noticed everything.
By the third week, James's stance was strong.
His footwork was clean and his swings no longer resembled a panicked chicken escaping capture.
Ethan clapped for him after a successful drill.
"Perfect!" Ethan said, smiling.
James paused "Perfect?" "Really? Did I do it" he beam joyfully.
No one had ever praised him like this before.
He puffed up proudly. "I told you I'd get strong! I told you!"
Ethan shook his head fondly. "You worked hard for it. Be proud."
Alo's eyes narrowed slightly at the exchange.
Every moment between them…
Every smile James gave Ethan…
Every small praise Ethan gave back…
It all fed something bitter and sharp growing beneath Alo's ribs.
He turned away before either of them noticed.
The fourth week was surprisingly calm.
James woke up early, sometimes earlier than Ethan, and practiced footwork before breakfast.
He asked Ethan to correct him between lessons.
He followed Alo's instructions with minimal complaining.
People in the palace began whispering.
"Prince James is becoming disciplined."
"Prince James is acting more mature."
"Prince James listens to the little butler more than anyone."
More than the king.
Alo heard those whispers.
He really, really hated them.
One late afternoon, training ended early.
James collapsed on a bench, hair messy, shirt clinging to him with sweat, chest rising and falling in heavy breaths.
Ethan handed him a cup of water.
"You're improving fast," Ethan said. "Better footwork today."
James beamed, cheeks flushed not from the training, but from the praise.
"I only got this good because you helped me," James said honestly.
Ethan shook his head. "No, James. This is all you."
James blinked… then smiled softly, eyes warm.
Alo saw that look.
It hit him harder than any blow on the training field.
He exhaled slowly, jaw tightening.
He'd had enough for today.
"James," Alo said, stepping forward, "training is over. Return to your chambers. And Ethan…"
His purple eyes lingered on Ethan a moment too long.
"…I require your assistance."
Ethan blinked. "My assistance, Your Majesty?"
James immediately sat up straighter. "For what?!"
Alo's voice stayed calm. "Palace matters. Go, both of you."
James looked suspicious but obeyed, wiping his forehead as he walked away.
Alo didn't ask Ethan to follow him.
He didn't need to.
Ethan walked behind him automatically.
Silent and Respectfully.
Oblivious to the storm forming behind the king's eyes.
They walked until they reached the empty hallway outside Alo's private study.
Alo stopped.
Ethan also stopped behind him.
The king didn't turn around as he spoke.
"James has grown… very attached to you."
Ethan blinked. "…We're best of friends, Your Majesty."
"Yes," Alo said quietly. "That is the problem."
Ethan frowned very subtly.
Alo finally looked over his shoulder, purple eyes sharp and unreadable.
"You have a gift," he said. "People… gravitate toward you. They trust you easily. My son is no exception."
Ethan's brows furrowed. "If I've done something wrong your majesty I…"
"You haven't," Alo interrupted, though his voice sounded strained.
"This is not your fault."
Ethan waited as Alo continued, his deep voice lowering.
"But James will be king someday. He must learn to stand without leaning on anyone. Especially you."
Ethan's heart pinched at the words.
"Are you… asking me to distance myself from him your majesty ?" he asked quietly.
Alo didn't answer.
"Not yet."
He simply stared down the hallway where James had disappeared minutes ago.
Then, slowly, a thought began to solidify in his mind.
A solution.
A plan.
"Ethan," the king said finally, voice low and thoughtful, "I may… have an idea."
Ethan looked up, confused.
Alo's eyes glinted with something complex, jealousy, certainty, and something else Ethan couldn't name.
Alo turned fully toward him.
"There is a way," he said softly, "to make my son less dependent on you."
And with that, the king stepped closer.
A single step forward into the shadows of his forming plan.