"Play a game of chess with me," said Xaverius.
"I don't know how to play, but if there are rules, just tell me," replied Rogg.
Xaverius pressed a stone panel on the grand table. Slowly, a hidden mechanism shifted, and several chess pieces emerged from the table's surface, standing upright in their designated positions. On the left and right sides of the table, two rods extended automatically, able to retract and adjust in length as the game progressed. The rules of the game were etched clearly across the table's surface.
"These are the rules," said Xaverius.
"Writing, huh? I can't read. Could you read them out loud for me?" Rogg asked.
Xaverius shook his head in disbelief.
Still, he read the rules slowly and clearly. Occasionally, he glanced at Rogg, who was listening intently, committing each detail to memory.
"Alright, let's play," said Rogg once Xaverius had finished.
"You sure you understand how it works?" Xaverius asked.
"I do. But who goes first? And who gets the white pieces?"
Xaverius pulled out a golden imperial coin, one side engraved with the emperor's face and the other with the royal palace.
"Shall I toss it, or will you?" Xaverius asked.
"Toss? What for?" Rogg looked confused.
"You choose a side, toss the coin, and whoever gets their side up goes first," Xaverius explained.
"Do whatever you like. Just choose and toss it. I'll go with the result," Rogg said nonchalantly.
Xaverius flipped the coin into the air. When it landed, his chosen side had lost. "You go first, Rogg," he said.
"Alright."
They played dozens of rounds. Rogg lost every time—which was to be expected, since he was new to the game. What was strange, though, was that in every coin toss, Xaverius kept losing.
"Let's go again," Rogg said eagerly, still chasing his first win.
"Again," Xaverius agreed, now more curious about his luck with the coin than the game itself.
By late afternoon, Xaverius's personal guards—men and women in black and red, young and old—had come several times, delivering meals and drinks, reminding him of his schedule. Still, he stayed, fully engrossed in the game with Rogg. Evening came. A warm glow from large candles lit the room as their match continued. Rogg was getting better at strategy, though he still couldn't beat Xaverius. Meanwhile, Xaverius had yet to win a single coin toss.
Suddenly, a loud voice echoed through the room.
"Brother? Are you two still playing chess at this hour?"
Xaverius and Rogg looked up in surprise. "Sister?" they exclaimed in unison.
Brisena stood with arms crossed, clearly annoyed. "How are you both so caught up that you've lost track of time?"
They looked at each other and burst into laughter.
Eventually, the three of them made their way back toward the palace. On the way, Brisena asked, "Brother?"
Before she could finish, both Rogg and Xaverius replied at once, "Yes, Sis?"
They laughed again, sharing a glance.
Brisena continued, "Brother Rogg, are you comfortable here?"
Rogg chuckled softly. "I know you're worried, little one. But I'll be fine, even with your brother here," he said, glancing at Xaverius with a grin. "I'm his assistant now."
Xaverius laughed along. "Now I'm the one who's jealous. You're so attentive to him."
Brisena gave him a flat look. "I have eight older brothers now. Should I split myself into eight just to keep up with all of you?"
Both brothers laughed again.
When they arrived at the imperial castle gates, Brisena stopped. "Well then, Brother. We'll leave you here. Rogg and I are staying at my Rosewood Castle tonight."
"So you're both abandoning me?" Xaverius said with a mock pout.
"Abandoning you? Aren't you used to being alone?"
"Being used to loneliness and being left alone are two very different things, Sister."
Before Brisena could reply, Rogg said, "There are millions of people in Whiteheaven, Xaverius—more than half of them live in misery, suffering, and hunger. You're never alone. Wealth and title embrace you."
Brisena laughed. "Sorry, Brother. That's just how Rogg is."
Xaverius sighed gently. "Some people feel free and in harmony with nature and their fellow man… but they don't dare to rise and lead—to fight for those who suffer."
The air turned heavy again.
"Is this what it feels like to have siblings?" Brisena looked at them both with a smile. "Like you always want to be close, but there's always something to argue about."
Xaverius stared at her for a moment, then finally spoke. "I want to invite you both to dinner."
Brisena frowned. "Brother, you know our visit here isn't exactly official. How could we attend a formal dinner with you?"
"I've already decided, Sister. Stay in my castle tonight. We'll hold a private banquet. I've sent invitations to the rest of our siblings."
Brisena paused, considering his words.
"There's one thing I need to say," she finally spoke. "I won't let anyone insult Brother Rogg. I don't care who it is."
Xaverius smiled. "Why say that? Is your brother lacking in some way? He's probably more perfect than I am. Besides, I'll make sure to rip out the mouth of anyone who dares insult him."
"Keep that promise, Brother. Or you'll see the consequences," Brisena warned, her gaze sharp.
Xaverius turned to Rogg. "See? It's only been a year since she met you, and already she protects you like this. Meanwhile, I've known her seventeen years—and still get scolded."
Brisena scoffed, though a smile tugged at her lips. "I just don't want my brothers turning on each other. That's why I take the time to see each of you, one by one… even if it exhausts me."
Rogg gently patted her head. "Sorry for being a burden. Thank you… for your weariness."
Xaverius looked at his sister with genuine affection. "Sister, may I hug you?"
Without waiting for a response, he pulled her into an embrace. Brisena's tears fell silently. All this time, she had tried to balance the ambitions and egos of her brothers. But no matter how exhausting, their love for her had never once been in doubt.
"Very well, Your Highness," said Xaverius as he released his embrace. "Return to your chamber and wear your finest attire. This is a special banquet held for the princes and princesses of the Empire."
Brisena nodded. "Make sure Brother Rogg receives the same royal treatment."
"At once, Your Highness. Your command will be carried out."
Brisena then left the two of them, heading to her castle quarters to change into her imperial gown, while her brother Rogg followed Xaverius to be dressed, assisted by several of Xaverius's attendants.
The other princes, too, had already received formal invitations to the dinner banquet from Xaverius.