Alexei-6 / Gustav-4 / Victor-3 / Lance-0
"Don't you dare to lie to me Gustav!"
Alexei clenched his jaw, he could hear his step-mother scolding his younger brother; but he knew that it was his own fault, he should be the one being scolded, he stared at his baby brother, who peacefully rested in his arms
"I'm sorry Lance, I failed you-" the six-year old prince took a deep breath, mustering his courage "-It wasn't his fault!" he cried, stepping outside of his hiding place
His step-mother looked at him, anger flaring in her eyes, Gustav looked at Alexei, surprised by his declaration
"I knew it! and this little scoundrel tried to lie to me-" she turned to Gustav "-you told me you didn't know anything about this, is the little rat involved in this too?"
"His name is Victor!-" shouted the eldest of the brothers "-and you should remember that he is your prince!" the woman fell silent, she glared at Alexei
"What did you say?"
Alexei swallowed, he looked at his four-year old brother "Gustav, you're not involved in this, leave." the woman shook her head "No no no, He is not going anywhere, he lied to me, he deserves a punishment… and you- oh... you are going to pay for every word you said!"
The woman walked up to him "Gustav didn't do anything, I told him I would beat him if he sold me out, it wasn't his fault" Alexei retorted bravely
His step-mother snorted "and the little one?" Alexei glared at her, tightening his grip around his fourth brother
"Victor is barely three… he has nothing to do with this, I took Lance away because I think he should spend time with his brothers; it was my idea, Gustav and Victor had nothing to do with any of this" the six-year old prince explained, the woman forcefully took the baby away from his arms
"Lance is not your brother-!" she turned and started walking down the hall "-Now come, I'll find a suitable punishment for you two"
The eldest prince rushed to her side "No. Gustav is not going" the woman didn't say a word
Alexei glanced at his younger brother and signalled him to run away, Gustav hesitated for a moment but finally decided to comply, their step-mother didn't protest
After a couple of minutes she glared at him spitefully "You'll also get his punishment Alexei, that way you will learn to behave"