Frater, Amicus

Chapter Eight: Smell

Despite the day or time of the year, despite how little the night's sleep was, it always started the same.

Every morning, the crowned brothers made their way to the practice arena. For however long, Peter and Edmund were led through demanding drills, complicated sequences, and harmonized spars.

It was tough. It was exhausting. It was frustrating.

Yet, they enjoyed it.

Despite who had performed better that day, despite how grueling the practice was, it always ended the same:

"Go take a bath. You smell horrible."

The jab was met with a smile and a cheeky response,

"Likewise, brother. Likewise."