“I lost a duel alright!?” Joachim near shrieked, his wings flaring. Handy was suddenly grateful the tavern was practically deserted. The barkeep made to look like he was busy and not eavesdropping, but Handy didn’t care. Joachim placed his head on the counter and put his claws over it. “My brother challenged me for the inheritance, convincing my father that I wouldn’t be fit for the position.” Joachim gritted his teeth and stared death at a bottle in front of him. “I was chosen by the nobles as the best choice, and not five weeks after I was announced as the crown prince, my brother had spread rumours about my incompetence.”