Prompt: https://the-modern-typewriter.tumblr.com/post/171700762308/shh-its-alright-the-villain-said-youre

Fandom: Thomas Sanders - Sanders Sides

AU: Fantasy Kingdom: Roman as King, Patton as a Healer, Logan as an Advisor, Virgil as a Sorcerer

TW: Light Mention of blood at the beginning

WC: 734

~*~

"Shh, Rest. Close your eyes Virgil." I gently put a hand on his head, his face beaten and bloodied from fighting me. "You did beautifully. I couldn't have asked for a better opponent." I dusted off my cape, my yellow eye glaring in the dark. "It was cruel of them to make you fight me – you never would have won." Walking passed him I exited the door of his cell. If they wanted to silence me, they would have to send someone stronger. I let my form fade, dropping my clock and donning the visage of the young sorcerer I had just locked in my basement cells. "They made me fight one of my own." A growl left my lips. "Well, that was there mistake."

Looking into the mirror I adjusted my posture, slumping my shoulders, lowering my eyes and grabbing Virgil's staff. He was so young in his magic, he wouldn't be able to cast without his staff, but I could. I did not need an artificial to channel my magic, but this would still be beneficial to me. I walked my way out of the house, down the long street of deserted houses. With each step the castle grew in size, towering over all of those who lived in its shadow. I hid my anger.

I had done everything for my kingdom, working in the shadows I sought only to make it better, stronger, but my work was not appreciated. Liar. Coward. Slimy. I fought back a growl. They would pay for this. They would all pay for their insolence, but I would not make it quick. I would infiltrate their group and I would find out what it was they feared. I would tear them apart from the inside.

~*~

Over the next few days, I learned a lot simply by pretending to be Virgil. King Roman and Patton were quick to trust me but there was something about the way the King's advisor looked at me that told me he was suspicious. When he confronted me about it, I easily put a silence spell on him. It seemed as if they had not sent Virgil after me, but rather he had taken the initiative to hunt me out first. This meant that the king did not even see me as a threat to his precious annual ball. What a shame.

"Where is Logan?" King Roman asked.

"He was studying last time I saw him." I lied, standing beside the King's side as the ball fell into its full swing.

"Patton, will you go find him?"

"Of course!" He bounced off and I looked at the King, a look of boredom on his face.

"My king, is the party not to your liking?"

"Virgil, did I do something wrong?"

"W..what?"

"You haven't addressed me by our nicknames the past three days, and you have barely been around. Patton said you went out into the city and I was just wondering if I had done something wrong?"

They had that close of a relationship, interesting, but irrelevant. "No, not at all, I just figured it was time I started showing you some respect."

He laughed. That was strange, why was he laughing. "Virgil, I intentionally keep you and the other by my side because you won't show me respect. I need you three to keep me from becoming to conceited. You all keep me in check."

My brow furrowed in confusion. "Interesting."

I was lost in thought, him looking at me as Patton and Logan came running in. There was no time. "Well, your confession is wasted on me." I held up Virgil's staff and began chanting. The pillars I had enchanted over the past three days began to light up. I would plunge this whole ball into darkness, then the king and this kingdom would be under my influence.

As my hands dropped to cast the spell, my disguise dropping along with it, the staff was wrenched from my hand. By the front door stood Virgil, still a mess, holding the staff in his hand.

He was across the ballroom, but I could hear his voice in my head. "Do not underestimate me you snake." He brought the staff down and I could feel the blast of magic singing my face. I hissed in pain, looking at him.

"You will see me again." And with that I disappeared, needing to regroup.