Two Princes

Though the confidence in the newcomer's voice—the confidence of someone who could decide who lived and died—made Liam uncomfortable, he had to admit the man had plenty to be proud of.

The heir to the most powerful human kingdom, the Kingdom of Lordaeron. Handsome, perfectly built, and blessed with exceptional talent—"heaven's favorite" wasn't an exaggeration.

Like Jaina, he had golden hair. It had been trimmed around his bangs and parted to either side, while the rest fell behind his shoulders. His youthful face still held a hint of boyishness, but already showed the resolve of a grown man. His sea-blue eyes softened only when he looked at Jaina; when they settled on Liam, they were cold.

Arthas, Liam's contemporary and the perfect prince in the eyes of Lordaeron's people, sat upright on a silver-gray stallion, looking down at Liam.

Liam knew that horse was Invincible, the object of countless people's resentment... Arthas hadn't yet lost the steed he'd grown up with through his own recklessness, so his pride had yet to diminish in the slightest. Like his personality, it was impossible to ignore.

That only made Liam more uncomfortable. He really wanted to plant a foot on that handsome face.

Arthas disliked Liam just as much as Liam disliked Arthas.

The moment he heard that Jaina, whom he'd met briefly two years ago, was returning to Kul Tiras and would be stopping in Lordaeron for two days, he'd hurriedly mounted his horse and rushed over to see her. Better yet, perhaps they could travel together for a while, as they had when he escorted her to Dalaran last time.

That first meeting had left a deep impression on Arthas, though his attitude toward the Orcs had seemed to displease the girl. Still, he believed girls were forgetful. As long as he handled things properly...

Lord Prestor's mysterious disappearance had brought his sister's political marriage to nothing. That made Arthas even more eager to see Jaina. He knew his father was now working hard to arrange another political marriage, and he might well be the intended groom.

He wasn't in love with Jaina—not yet—but he hated political marriages even more. If he had no choice, he wanted to choose someone he liked, and the princess of Kul Tiras was an excellent candidate.

He knew that when his father had invited Jaina and her mentor to Lordaeron last time, he'd already had something like this in mind. He'd only kept quiet because she was too young. If Arthas brought it up himself, his father surely wouldn't object.

But first, he needed to test Jaina's feelings.

As luck would have it, Liam had run straight into a lion patrolling his territory. The girl he was "teasing" was the lion's intended "mate," too... Jaina was only fifteen and didn't yet know what "attraction" was, but that didn't stop the somewhat impetuous Arthas from stepping forward to defend his "territory."

And as an "invader," poor Liam had ended up playing the villain in a romantic tale.

"Damn, this guy really is handsome!" Liam wasn't caught up in Arthas's complicated thoughts. He was simply grumbling inwardly.

To be honest, he couldn't care less about Jaina and Arthas's ridiculous drama. Let them sort it out. His family wasn't a shelter, and he couldn't just bring every pretty girl he met home. This whole mess was completely undeserved.

"Lorna's just as pretty as Jaina... I still prefer girls with black hair." As a true Gilnean, Liam was proud of his taste and didn't realize how far his thoughts had wandered.

Liam's mind was elsewhere, but Arthas read his manner as nothing but contempt.

As a prince beloved by his subjects, Arthas was used to receiving reverent looks wherever he went. He'd never encountered anyone so bold as to ignore him to his face. Faced with this insolent commoner, he was immediately both embarrassed and furious.

One of the four attendants lined up behind him noticed his displeasure and stepped forward. "How dare you! His Highness is speaking to you. What kind of attitude is that?"

Liam was considering who he might marry one day when the "lackey's" shout interrupted his train of thought. He instantly grew annoyed. "He's a prince. So what? I'm not some cabbage you can yell at whenever you please."

"Watch your place, attendant! He's only a prince. Even the king of Lordaeron can't just accuse someone of a crime on a whim."

As a prince himself, Liam had no reason to fear Arthas. Even if things took a turn for the worst, he'd risk exposing his identity. Would Lordaeron really dare to openly persecute the rightful heir of another human kingdom? Gilneas had left the Alliance of Lordaeron, sure, but leaving the alliance wasn't treason. Besides, Gilneas wasn't some soft target with no history, like Alterac!

Liam's sharp rebuke stunned the attendant. Arthas felt humiliated and drew the sword at his waist.

"I'll say it one more time. Put down what you're holding, or I'll take you into custody myself."

Arthas was running out of patience. Liam had ignored him again and again, making him lose face in front of Jaina. His anger could no longer be held back.

"You draw your sword? Then let's fight. What, you think I'm scared?" Arthas's repeated condescending stare had finally brought out Liam's defiant streak.

As a rogue, naturally he struck first. The shoe he'd yet to return to Jaina vanished in a flash, replaced by a rope with a grappling hook.

He tossed it casually, and the hook at the end of the rope caught Arthas by the arm. Liam gave it a hard tug and used the pull to hurtle toward Arthas, five meters away. Caught off guard, Arthas was dragged from his horse and hit the ground, rolling onto his side before he managed to bleed off the force.

"An assassin! Protect the prince!" All four attendants drew their weapons and rushed forward.

"Don't move! He's mine!" Confident in his strength, Arthas had never thought much of Liam, who was clearly around his own age. Now that he'd been left in such a mess by a "sneak attack," his pride demanded that he settle the score himself.

He blocked Liam's incoming strike with his sword and stopped the attendants who had tried to help.

The "prince," who rarely had a chance to fight anyone for real, was now flushed with excitement. He was eager to capture this "assassin" who dared attack a member of the royal family with his own hands!