The room said that it was still night, but my body said otherwise. This lack of sunlight is disturbing. Nature has always been a part of my life since I was a child, and to be removed from it and be underground… feels like a part of me is missing.

As I contemplate what is missing in my life my heart jerks for my family, and Mira. They were good and honest people. They didn’t deserve to die the way they did. They had so much more to give in this world. Pulling the once pin turned pendant from my neck I reflect on all the joyful memories I had with them. My Mother combing my hair, my Father’s occasional bad jokes, my brother’s small warm hugs… Please still be alive.

“Good Morning,” Ren said with a loud yawn. His mangled hair was proof enough that it was indeed morning. With a stretch, he reached out for a candlestick, carefully igniting a flame to the dull wick. The amber light flickered around the room, illuminating the out luxurious surroundings.

Sleeping next to Ren no longer frightened me, but rather was a comfort. We are runaways now, all we have is each other. “What are you thinking about? You are very focused on your necklace.”

As I snap myself out of my trance-like state, I place the chain back under my shirt. “I was just thinking about my brother. I know that the odds are slim… but I just have this feeling that he is out there somewhere.”

“Or dead in a ditch.” His blunt words cut into the small thread of hope that I had, nearly breaking it in two. “I am sorry. I forget how hopefully Theorians can be...” he continued. “I just don’t want you to be disappointed. You have been through enough as it is.”

“I would rather have faith than belief in the worst possible outcome. Yes, the odds that my brother, a child escaped the castle alive is slim. I was raised to never give up on family. Even if there is a shred of possibility that he is still out there breathing, I will never give up on him.”

Ren’s eyes met the silk sheets of the bed, hiding in his shame. “I think that is admirable. I was raised that family is only good if you do what you were told. If you can’t gain anything from them, then they are useless. My Mother was the only one who showed any care for me as a child. That is why I’ll never forgive my Father for his actions against her. While he didn’t kill her, he might as well have.”

The rage for his father pulsed in his forehead vein. “How did she die?” I asked hesitantly. The Prince sat up beside me, still keeping his eyes away from mine.

“She killed herself. My father caught her bringing me to see Esteve, and rather than giving up her secret daughter’s location, she ended her life.”

The Queen ended her life to keep her secret… to protect her children. Although I couldn’t see Ren’s face completely I felt the pain in his heart. This sorrow has haunted him for so long, like a festering wound.

Seeing my friend hurting, I instinctually place my hand on his back. “Where I come from, a Mother’s love is eternal. She loved you and your sister so much that she would rather die than to put your lives in danger. You are Esteve is her legacy, don’t let her death be in vain. We will take back our homes, and rebuild a new empire, one that your Mother can be proud of.”

Just as fast as I finished my words of encouragement, I was met with the Prince’s pleasant lips. As he kissed me, I felt his pain, but also his passion; for his Kingdom, and maybe even me.

“Thank you.” He hushes

“For what”

As he ran his strong hands through my hair he smiled warmly. “For being here with me. For listening to me. And-” he moved his face in close, our noses caressing each other. “For trusting me.”The room grew hot in excitement. It was clear that through all of the madness, he had grown fond of me, and I him.

My heart began to race as he held me close. As I cherished our loving embrace, new hope grew in my heart. Hope for a loving family of my own. To raise children with two parents who respect each other, and to live to see the day to smile upon our grandchildren that would follow. I am falling for him.

A knock at our bed-chamber door cut our moment short. The desire for Ren in my heart turned into sadness, but the logic in my brian thanked our interrupting guest.

A Sandserpant servant entered with a piece of parchment, folded and sealed with a wax insignia.

“A message from her Royal Highness, Queen Kahi-Bahiti.” Quickly she handed the paper to Ren, bowed, and left as quickly as she came.

The Prince opened the letter, reading its contents carefully.

“What does it say?” I couldn’t help but pry. The anticipation for news of Esteve and the War council was overwhelming. They must have talked all night for us to get news now.

The Prince beside me raised his dark brow. “They have come to an agreement and will help our cause. The Queen has arranged a feast tonight to celebrate our new friendship.”

“That is wonderful news!” My happiness was seeping out of me, but Ren seemed more restrained in his emotions. “What is it?”

“There are no other details regarding our ‘friendship’. What were the terms of the arrangement? I need to know what Esteve agreed to. Why didn’t she come to me before the final decision was made?”

“I am sure she has her reasons. The Queen was pretty adamant about male interference, maybe she couldn’t get away to talk with you? Besides, you said that you trust that Esteve will do what is best for everyone right? So there is nothing to worry about.”

Ren’s body went into a contemplative position. Placing his hand under his chin, he stared at the Queen’s message. “Right,” he muttered.

🜃

I have never seen so many Sandserpant in one place. Each one unique in the coloring of their scales and facial markings. The aura of the room was loud and festive; music pulsing loud, and all of the Queen’s guests seemed to be dancing.

My heart twisted thinking about the last feast that celebrated Ren and I. Please, don’t let anyone die tonight.

Softly the Prince takes my hand. “May I have this dance?”

“You may.” I tried to tame my wild smile, but seeing the grin on Ren’s face I fear that my efforts were in vain.

With a twirl, Ren pulled me close placing his hand at the small of my back. ”It was nice of the Queen to loan us some appropriate garments. You look quite beautiful in this dress.” As his devilish gaze flowed over me, my cheeks ran hot.

The dress is beautiful but very revealing from what I am used to. The gown was mostly white silk, hugging the curves of my body. The fight was just tight enough where my frame was perfectly shaped, but flowed with every step. The neckline was embroidered with gold, and a variety of red, green, and blue stones. At my waist rested a belt to match. While I was slightly uncomfortable in my own skin, it felt nice to bend in with the Sandsperpant culture. Mira would have looked lovely in this too. I choke back my remorse. Looking deeply into my husband grounds me, as I regress to the dance floor.

The Prince is light on his feet, no doubt he has had lessons since he was a child. His smile transports me to our honeymoon, where all the cares of the world faded. I blush thinking about our time by the lake… that kiss…

“You’re blushing.” Ren mocks.

I look away, fearful his playful confidence would only worsen my condition. “I don’t know what you are talking about.” I lie.

“Was my dancing reminiscent of other fond memories?”

“Shh! Not so loud! We shouldn’t speak of such things in public.” By now my face must be as red as a ripe apple.

“Aw come now. We are married after all. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Is your culture that guilts your conscience?” Softly he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “You have nothing to be ashamed of. We did nothing wrong.”

“Perhaps… but we are still getting to know each other. It’s just, not like me doing something like that with a stranger.”

Ren's expression grew grim. “I’m a stranger to you?” The song was not over, but our dance was finished. Taking me by the hand the Prince pulled us aside.

“After all that we have been through, I am still a stranger to you?” Mad this is mad. He has never been angry with me, and I didn’t care for it.

“I mean, we haven’t been married very long…”

The Prince rolled his eyes. “So what is it? That I am a stranger? Or that we haven’t been married long enough for you to not justify our intimacy?”

“Well, I…” My incoherent babbling only seemed to get worse the more words I tried to articulate. I felt flustered, put on the spot about a private issue, and blatantly discussing in a place we weren’t too familiar with.

Breaking the awkward tension between us was the sound of drums echoing from the feast hall entrance. A beautiful Esteve entered the festivities, wearing a long flowing gown, with gold fabric from the waist down that sparkled in the firelight of the torches. A large sapphire necklace hung around her neck that could be spotted for miles, each stone more stunning than the other. The bust and sleeves of the dress were white, the sleeves gliding effortlessly off her shoulders.

Next to me I could hear Ren chuckling like a child. “What is so funny?”

“Ugh, isn’t it obvious? Esteve is in a dress, Ha! If there is one thing I know about my twin sister, is that she would rather be caught dead than wear a dress.”

Upon second glance, she did look unhappy under all the glamour. As she walked toward us I admired her silk raven hair, not a flyaway in sight.

“I hate wearing dresses.” She murmured.

Ren nudged me with his shoulder. “I told you.”

“The Queen insisted I wore one of her pieces tonight. It would have been rude to say no.”

“Or you just don’t want to admit that the idea of wearing dresses now sounds appealing rather than appalling.” Esteve shot him a hateful glare. Even in a dress, Esteve was still terrifying.

Ren cleared his throat. “You ladies look like you could use a refreshment. I’ll be right back.” As the Prince walked away, I felt relieved that our fight had subsided. Although I have a feeling that it will come back to haunt me later.