The throne room of Arogon Castle was silent except for the scratch of quills and the rustle of parchment. Royer de Hein, Crown Prince of Arogon, sat at the polished mahogany table, his crimson hunter-like eyes scanning troop movements along the northern border. Every line, every note, sharpened his already razor-focused mind.
Beside him, Raylan de Hein, his cousin and loyal shadow, leaned forward, amber eyes calm and calculating. "Reinforcements along the northern garrison will arrive late," Raylan said, voice steady. "We can reroute from the south, but supply lines will be stretched."
Royer tapped the map with a precise finger. "Do it. We cannot tolerate mistakes—especially now." A faint curve touched his lips, almost imperceptible, a rare hint of satisfaction.
Plans laid, the two princes prepared to leave the castle. Reports had come of bandits exploiting the city market, preying on merchants and commoners. Royer's crimson eyes glinted. "Let's see how these thieves handle reality when it meets steel."
Moments later, cloaked in simple brown garments, they merged with the bustling streets. The market of Arogon was alive with shouting vendors, the scent of spices, and clattering carts. Here, even the Crown Prince and his cousin became ordinary men.
"They're near the eastern stalls," Royer murmured, voice low. "Move silently. Observe. Strike only when necessary."
Raylan nodded. His eyes swept the crowd, noting every movement, every shadow. Then a sudden scream shattered the chatter—a merchant's stall was being ransacked. Two hooded bandits shoved aside anyone in their path, snatching coins and goods.
Royer didn't hesitate. In a blur of motion, he drew a hidden dagger. Raylan's sword glinted as he stepped forward, blocking the bandits' escape. The crowd gasped, scattering at the display of precision and speed.
"Hand over what you stole," Royer said bluntly, his voice cold, commanding. Crimson eyes locked on one bandit, freezing him in place. Raylan moved with measured grace, disarming the second.
By the time city guards arrived, the two princes had vanished into the crowd, their cloaks pulled low. Whispers spread—two mysterious strangers had dealt with the thieves faster than anyone could imagine.
As they walked away, Raylan smirked faintly. "You enjoy this too much."
"Someone has to keep these streets clean," Royer replied, lips twitching ever so slightly. "And someone has to remind fools what happens when they underestimate Arogon."