At Breakfast, Masaso could not make himself eat. He'd had his meal brought to his bedroom, not wanting his father or brother to ask why he was so depressed. In all honesty, he didn't think he would be able to fake a smile. There was no way he could pretend to be even remotely happy. It took all he had to hold back his tears. His lover was gone. He was soon going to marry a woman who was secretly seeing his older brother. Heaving a heavy sigh, Prince Masato just set his breakfast tray in the hall, having not eaten a single bite of it. He decided to just drown himself in his studies. Sitting at the table in the center of his room, he opened a book about battle tactics and began to read. Maybe this would be a good distraction. He needed to read so many books anyway.

~X~

Prince Yuji let out a happy sigh as he enjoy his breakfast with his father."It is a good morning, is it not, father?"

King Darcy was not used to seeing his elder son in such a happy mood."Yes, it is. Though, it is also a little confusing."

"Why is that?" Yuji inquired then ate a modest-sized bite of his omelet.

"Count Vargesse's son, Lord Chiyu, told me himself that he is stepping down from the competition." the king said with a tone of confusion."There is something odd about his behavior."

"I agree, Father." prince Yuji had noticed some changes in Chiyu's behavior that struck him as odd."You know, I heard he was seen shopping in a costume shop. And he was often see reading on the Grand Staircase. He was staring at the books as if they held such important information, but I know for a fact that he was just reading fairytales. You know, like the books Masato likes to read."

The king furrowed his brows a bit."Do you think he was trying to get close to Masato for some reason?" King darcy hoped not.

"Probably not. I think Lord Chiyu is just odd." Yuji shrugged his shoulders."Anyway, let's stop this conversation for now and just enjoy our breakfast." He didn't want anything to ruin his happy mood.

~X~

Count Vargesse had a frown frozen on his lips as he paced around his room. He knew he should start packing, but he was being stubborn. He did not want to just leave and admit defeat, especially not to his own son. The angry count would not let that happen. He would do all he could to get the throne in his family's possession. Leaving his own room, he stormed to Chiyu's room and barged in without knocking."I demand that you continue to compete for the throne." he said angrily.

Chiyu looked up from where he was seated and moved his hands away from his breakfast."I cannot continue." he said simply."I have already informed the king that I am backing down." He could see that his words angered his father further, but he had to stop letting this man rule his life."I have made a few calls. My engagement has been cancelled. A carriage is being arranged to take us home this evening."

Count Vargesse stormed over to the table and threw his son's breakfast tray to the floor."You will go so far to disobey me? You ungrateful brat!"

"I also warned Prince Masato. Whatever you try, it will fail." Chiyu stood and sighed."These decisions are hard for me, Father, but I know these are the right decisions. I will not let you take the throne from the king's family."

The count, being absolutely furious, grabbed the front of his son's shirt and threw him against the wall."I've already told you that you will regret defying me. I have a plan that will not fail. That young prince has turned out to be quite a whore, stealing you like this. I will make sure he pays dearly."

Balling his hands into fists, Chiyu punched his own father right in the jaw."I will not tolerate you speaking of Prince masato in such a way!" He received a punch to the face in return."Your fists no longer control me, father! I will not bend to your will ever again!" His words him another punch.

Throwing his son to the floor, Count Vargesse glared at him hatefully."I will fullfill my plans without you." he hissed."I do not need you. If you are so set against me, I will no longer provide for you. Our family funds will no longer buy the things you need. Take the money you have and get yourself a new place to live because you will not be returning to our family residence." That said, the count stormed out, slamming the door behind himself.

Chiyu moved a hand up to touch his bleeding lip, wincing at the stinging feeling. He did not regret his decisions. as far as he was concerned, being on his own would be like freedom, finally out of his father's grasp.