CHAPTER SEVEN - THE WEIGHT OF A CROWN
746 Words
Later That Evening
The day had been exhausting.
Olivia collapsed onto her bed and let out a long sigh.
"Damn! Hell of a first day!" she muttered.
Becca chuckled from across the room.
"You'll get used to it."
"I hope so," Olivia replied.
A gentle knock came at the door before Liam stepped inside.
He sat beside Olivia's bed.
"You shouldn't think too much about what happened today," he said reassuringly. "Everyone will forget about it in a couple of days."
"I hope you're right," Olivia said softly.
"He's right," Becca added. "Tomorrow is a new day."
Olivia forced a small smile.
She wished she shared their confidence.
Somehow, she wasn't so sure.
Something told her that today's events were only the beginning.
"Funny how Owen keeps embarrassing himself" Becca said
"Poor Owen " Liam muttered
"He never learns"
Suddenly, Olivia blurted out with a dreamy smile
"He's a genius, I like him"
Both Becca and Liam both shot her a weird look
The evening sun dipped behind the mountains, casting long shadows across Valoria Academy's training grounds.
Most of the students had already left.
The arena, which had been filled with cheers only moments ago, now stood in silence.
Except...
Clang!
Steel met steel.
Omar and Wyatt stood in the center of the ring, wooden practice swords locked together.
Neither of them had been assigned to spar.
They simply... started.
Around the arena, a handful of students stopped to watch.
Asher folded his arms.
"They're at it again."
Becca sighed quietly.
"They never know when to stop."
Wyatt pushed Omar back with surprising force.
"I've been waiting all summer."
Omar slid backward, planting his feet firmly.
"You should've spent it training."
Wyatt smirked.
"I did."
The next exchange came faster.
Strike.
Block.
Strike.
Block.
Neither gained an advantage.
They knew each other's style too well.
Professor Kael watched from a distance but made no move to interfere.
"This isn't about combat," he murmured.
"It's about pride."
Wyatt lowered his sword.
"Tell me something, Omar."
"When your father finally places the crown on your head..."
"...Do you actually think you've earned it?"
Silence.
Omar's expression didn't change.
"The kingdom already has a prince."
Wyatt's eyes hardened.
"It has an heir."
"Not necessarily the best one."
A murmur spread through the students.
No one dared interrupt.
Wyatt stepped closer.
"You were born first."
"I had to fight for everything."
"You inherited respect."
"I earned mine."
Omar met his gaze.
"Respect isn't earned by defeating everyone around you."
Wyatt laughed softly.
"That's exactly what a prince would say."
For the first time...
Omar's calm expression cracked.
"You think a crown is a prize."
"It isn't."
"It's a burden."
Wyatt answered without hesitation.
"Only to someone too weak to carry it."
The air seemed heavier.
Even the wind fell still.
A faint tremor spread across the stone beneath Omar's feet.
His strength was responding to his emotions.
Across from him...
Dark shadows curled around Wyatt's boots.
Students instinctively stepped back.
Olivia, watching from the academy steps, whispered,
"Are they... using their abilities?"
Becca's face turned pale.
"If neither of them backs down..."
"...they'll destroy the arena."
Professor Kael finally stepped forward.
"Enough!"
His voice echoed like thunder.
The pressure vanished instantly.
The shadows disappeared.
Omar relaxed his fists.
Wyatt looked away first.
"Another day."
He turned and walked toward the academy gates.
Just before disappearing into the shadows, he spoke without looking back.
"Enjoy wearing the crown while you still can..."
Then he was gone.
The students slowly began talking again.
Some sided with Omar.
Others quietly admired Wyatt's confidence.
But one thing had become clear to everyone.
This rivalry wasn't about school rankings.
It wasn't about combat.
It was about a throne.
And one day...
Only one of them would stand beneath the royal crown.
- Writer
