Murphy gazed at the sword tip pointed directly at him. Far from being alarmed, he let out a soft laugh.
He extended two fingers, elegantly brushed the blade aside, and stepped forward slowly.
"Aurora," he said, his voice laced with amusement, "is this how you plan to usurp my throne? With a training sword that hasn't even been sharpened?"
Aurora's sword hand faltered for a moment, but she quickly steadied the blade and pointed it at Murphy again. "I'm serious, brother," she said, feigning solemnity. "For the future of the Duval Territory, I believe I should be the one in charge."
Murphy took another step forward until the tip of the sword was nearly touching his chest.
He reached out and gently grasped the blade, his gaze soft as he looked at Aurora. "So, can you tell me what you plan to do? A usurper who doesn't even dare to truly point her sword at me?"
