Anders could barely contain himself as he rushed down the halls to get to the great winding staircase. This would be the first time the gates would be open since he could remember. He was finally going to an actual party and to meet people! It had been years since he'd talked to anyone who wasn't a servant or an advisor. He just couldn't wait to meet everyone.
But just as Anders was about to round a corner, he stopped. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted something. A painting. A brand new portrait right next to his father's. It was of Elov.
It wasn't an official royal portrait like the ones in the gallery with the previous kings and queens adorned in their regal finery. No, the portraits in this hallway were more casual; mainly there to show off the rulers in their youth once they came of age for the crown.
Anders stood back to take in the portrait of his bother. Elov stood straight in the king's court uniform. Anders took in the impeccable detail of the suit; its decoration and embroidery rendered perfectly by the artist. One of Elov's hands was poised behind his back, the other rested by his side. Of course he was wearing gloves. Although these were blue and much more showy than his usual short white ones. His expression was neutral although his steely blue eyes bore into Anders, intimidating him.
Looking away from on his brother's portrait, Anders thought about who Elov was to him now. Of course Elov was his brother and he did love him, but... he didn't know him anymore. Granted Elov had been distant since they were little, but after their parents died, Anders was lucky to even get a glimpse of him. One of the caretakers had told him that Elov's distance was probably just his way of mourning, but Anders was doubtful. After the funeral he tried to get Elov to talk to him, let him know that he would be there for him. But he was only met with silence. Anders never knocked on Elov's door again after that.
Bringing his eyes back up at the painting, Anders stared at Elov's face again. Maybe... things would be different now that Elov would be king. Maybe he could convince him to keep the gates open more than one day. Maybe he could get Elov to talk to him again... Then maybe they could be like they were when they were little...
Anders looked directly at the painted eyes of his brother, not shrinking away from their intimidating stare. He would talk to his brother today. Elov wouldn't shut him out this time. Anders gave a confident huff; taking one last look at the painting, he made his way towards the gates.