“You wanted to see me sir?”

Augustine looked up from his place before the altar of the massive Cathedral as Hansel entered. His cloak fluttered behind him as he made his way down the line of pews to meet Augustine at it’s front, his footsteps echoing off the walls as he walked.

Light streamed through the large stained glass window above them, streaking both their faces with a blue glow. The window above them depicted a scene of the Goddess in her battle against the Devil.

“You know,” Augustine said, “they say the Devil created the wolves as revenge for his banishment.”

“Well if that were truly the case then the Devil was a very sore loser,” Hansel said dryly. Augustine smiled thinly as he stepped up beside him. “It’s good to see you. How’ve you been?”

Hansel’s eyes narrowed. “Please skip the pleasantries sir, I know you wouldn’t have asked me to meet you if you didn’t want something.”

“Aww, but here I was about to bring up my brother. You know, he’s finally thinking of telling you he’s the prince. Isn’t that sweet?”

“I still don’t know who he thought he was fooling,” Hansel said with a sigh. “You two are almost identical. Anyone would have had to be blind not to know he was the second prince.”

“Yes, my brother is rather stupid.” A beat of silence fell between them. The air around them was thick with the smell of incense, so much so that it was almost suffocating. Hansel arched a brow, silently demanding Augustine to get on with it. Finally the prince spoke once more, cutting to the chase. “I wanted to talk to you about the upcoming hunt,” he said, knitting his long gloved fingers together. “I know the Hunt is a difficult time of year for you since it’s when...well...you know.” Augustine pursed his lips. “How long has it been now,” he said slowly. “Four years?”

“Five.”

The crown prince nodded. “My, time sure flies by, doesn’t it? I know you usually keep a low profile during the Hunt for that very reason but this time I have a special request of you.” He took a step closer. “As you probably know there’s going to be a festival and banquet to celebrate the Wolf Hunters this year.”

“I have no doubt you were behind that,” Hansel said curtly.

“Perhaps. What’s so wrong with wanting to be appreciated every once in awhile?”

“We’re just doing our job to keep our country safe. The Hunt should be about that, not forcing the villagers to pat us on the back just for doing our jobs.”

Augustine rolled his eyes. “They want to celebrate us. We’re their protectors. Besides, who doesn’t love a good party?”

“Well obviously not you for one,” Hansel said with a huff, crossing his arms. “We don’t deserve praise for being mere butchers.” He frowned. “You’re our general yet I don’t think you’ve ever killed a fly, let alone a wolf.” Augustine’s eyes narrowed now at the slight prick to his pride. His mouth twisted into a sneer as Hansel continued. “We both know you rather be planning parties than being the general of the Wolf Hunters and we both also know that I would rather be literally anywhere else rather talking to you so can you please just tell me what you called me here for.”

“I want you to be by my side at the festival and banquet.”

That took Hansel by surprise. He blinked, confusion flooding his features. “What?”

Augustine’s gaze was unwavering. “You’re my second in command Hansel. Everyone knows I’m only in this position due to being the crown prince. You’re the one who’s taken out more wolves alone than almost every Wolf Hunter in our army combined. I need you to be at my side for the festivities. You may hate the concept of turning the Hunt into a party but I’m not lying when I say the villagers do want to celebrate their protectors.”

“I’m not going to the festival,” Hansel said cooly. “I visit Ethan’s grave before the Hunt every year. It’s my tradition.”

“Well perhaps it’s time for a new tradition. ”

Hansel glared at him. “Won’t you show a little respect? He died for you.”

“I need you at the festival Hansel-”

“To try and make yourself look better to your people for sitting on your ass all day while we protect the country-”

Augustine had been pushed too far. He was the crown prince here. How dare Hansel talk to him this way. Augustine had to put him in his place.

“Hansel,” Augustine snapped. He grabbed him roughly by the collar pulling Hansel up to meet his gaze, forcing the boy to balance on his tiptoes. “I came to meet with you as a courtesy,” Augustine sneered. “Don’t think that this is a request. This is an order. You will be by my side at the festival. Am I clear?”

“Yes sir,” Hansel said dryly.

Augustine sighed heavily, abruptly letting go causing Hansel to stumble back a few feet. “Good.” His gaze flickered over Hansel’s form. “And for God’s sake tell me you didn’t lose your badge.I expect you to be wearing it the next time I see you,” his ice blue eyes narrowed cruelly, “or believe me there will be consequences.”