[Suggested song for this chapter – Fairytale, by Harry Gregson-Williams]
"Don't even think about it," the Commander warned the guards. "Your highness," he shouted, as the men tried to shuffle him out of the room, "don't do anything stupid! We made a promise, remember!"
The guards were shepherding him backwards without touching him, and he shoved them with annoyance, dropping his shoulder into the chests of the two men who were in his way. The soldiers closed ranks and formed a wall in front of him until he could barely see the Crown Prince anymore.
"May the best man win, your highness! Remember that? We agreed to play by gentlemen's rules. No underhand tactics! No pulling rank!"
The men continued to drive him towards the doors to the throne room, using the butts of their spears to pinion him at the centre of a square formed by their bodies.
"You're breaking your promise, highness!"
