13. Stairs and Memories

Liams POV

I’ve always been one of a kind. Nothing could amuse me. I was the king’s second son, but I always fell behind my older brother. I thought there were just friends when the group of four would regularly meet—my older brother Vascor, Elliot, and Elliot’s older brother Cassian. The two older brothers, on equal grounds, would often compare themselves and fight. That was just how they were. Meanwhile, I was always lazy. I enjoyed watching them and eating snacks rather than being active myself.

I was an adult now, and I knew the ways around here. With my training, I’d become very strong—not as strong as Eric, and surely not as strong as Aslan—but definitely stronger than the average warrior in this land. I hoisted an unconscious Elliot onto my back and fled. On my way out of the village, some warriors looked confused and tried to hinder me.

I wasn’t especially intelligent, strong, or skilled in anything. When there was something that had to be done, I would have servants do it.

But there was one thing I enjoyed doing above all else: spending time with Elliot. Elliot had a sweet aura. Everyone around me expected something from me, and if they didn’t, they already gave up. But Elliot didn’t carry that depressing, burdening air. He accepted me the way I was—always. When someone would pick a fight with me (which was very seldom, since I was the second prince), I’d always run to Elliot. He would comfort me and tell me that it was fine.

Now, with Elliot slung over my shoulder and the roar of the waterfall in my ears, my legs burned from the climb and the weight I carried. I could hear the moans of the many warriors I hurt and injured.

Yet there were always more following.

One killed.

The next one killed.

The one after that one killed.

I killed them all.

My sword soaked in the blood of the people who made it.

The people who pet my head, when I talked politely.

The people who gave me food, when I asked for it.

The people who I am brutally murdering right now, while still running to the waterfall.

I was just a child and still, I already loved Elliot. I thought we were soulmates—he was just as reserved and laid back as I was, only a bit more cheerful and optimistic.

But I was wrong.

Always, he had been burdened by huge expectations.

I noticed this once when I visited him; he had so many lessons that he couldn’t spend time with me that day.

Then, in the evening, when I finally thought we could play a game or just relax together, he sat at a table and filled out important but boring documents. He was very busy.

Elliot wasn’t laid back like me, but still, he comforted me.

I wanted to be a source of comfort to him, so I threw parties more often, inviting him regularly—meeting up even more than before.

I literally kept sticking to him.

It was perfect.

And every time I did something like that, he would smile at me.

Yes, indeed, perfect.

I started painting out my future with him by my side. Sometimes my brother would make fun of me.

“Go on, laugh all you want,” I'd say.

“At least I have a clear plan for the future, brother.”

My older brother was handsome, well liked—he was destined for the crown.

He was perfect in every way.

So I was very jealous when Elliot would, from time to time, also play with him.

“Stop playing with my brother! You belong to me! You’re my friend! My brother has many friends, but I only have you! He has everything and I have only you! I don’t want to share you as well! I’m fine with him getting the crown, the attention, the life—but please, you have to look at me.”

But Elliot continued being friends with both—the first and the second prince.

That made me very jealous.

I wished for Vascor to die!

I thought, if he just left this world, then everything would belong to me—and Elliot would then only look at me!

I saw the hidden entrance to the secret tunnel.

Back when I found it, I was so friggin’ bored, and since Eric was skipping as well, I didn’t care anymore. I followed the path until I came upon the tunnel—a hidden passage with many stairs inside that led to the top of the huge waterfall. Every time I came here in the past, my head would hurt, so I always decided to stop walking higher, thinking that walking so much was just unhealthy.

But right now, I knew exactly what that tunnel with the stairs was for and where it led. I carried Elliot up all the stairs, every step echoing with the sound of approaching warriors lingering around the bottom of the waterfall. I prayed that it would take them a few more minutes to notice the tunnel.

I remember those early days vividly—watching the older brothers fight and compare themselves while I sat back, always the observer.

I wasn’t meant for glory or physical contests.

I was content to watch and eat my snacks.

Yet deep inside, I longed for something more.

I cherished every moment with Elliot, every smile he gave me, every word of comfort that made me forget my insignificance.

I knew that no matter how many fights or competitions I lost, I could always find solace in his presence.

In those early days, I often felt overshadowed by my older brother Vascor.

His every achievement, his every smile from Elliot, only deepened my envy.

I’d watch as Elliot, with his unburdened kindness, made everyone feel special—everyone except me, it seemed.

My heart ached every time he laughed with Vascor, and I swore silently that one day, if fate allowed, everything would be mine.

Those desires burned inside me, raw and unspoken, and shaped the man I would become.

Deep down, I knew it.

Deep down I knew that the reason we were all kidnapped, was because I wished for my brothers death.

Because I was a murder.

Back then and I still am.

My first murder was the one I spoke out of rage.

"Vascor has to die!"

And the last murder didn't happen today.

I am sure of it.

And now, since everything is my fault, I have to at least save Elliot.

After all, I promised him!

I clenched my teeth, as hot saliva was flowing up my throat.

In the basement full of frightened children, I was the one who was scared the most.

“Please… I’m so sorry, so please… just stop this nightmare,” I whispered.

I was so terrified of being left alone again that, on the day of the escape, I realized no one even noticed me. No one cared about me. Even my own brother, who was leading the escape, didn’t seem to care. I cried.

Then, the wall fell on me—I thought everything was over—until I heard Elliot’s voice.

It was dark; the door was closed, and the fire was crackling.

My foot hurt, and in the midst of the chaos, I could hear nothing but Elliot’s presence.

I could even hear his heart thumping, and it was beautiful.

“I’m sorry, Elliot. Please forgive me.”

'Cause this is all my fault.'

I was ready to embrace my death. But then, Elliot saved me again.

Right…

That is just how Elliot is. He has always been different.

He played with me even though he had so many assignments. He cared for me, even though my own parents never really acknowledged me.

“Thank you, Elliot. I will serve you for the rest of my life.”

Even if that life is short.

I felt him embrace me and then jump out of the open wall.

And then, when the water hit my head, everything turned black—I lost consciousness.

When I woke up, I found myself in a bed next to a sleeping Elliot. I had forgotten everything except his name.

Yet, I felt an overwhelming urge to protect him.

So, when my memories slowly returned and I realized that we were in the enemy kingdom—and that the crown prince of this kingdom was planning to hurt you—I knew I had to flee with you.

I will repay the many times you saved me.

After all, you are my hero.

_____

I hope you got the anime relation in the last sentence ;)