The night brings a chill to the skin of Insomnia. Door closed, curtains drawn, tired eyes shut as soon as the Two Moons glowed above the land. Yet Minji did not flinch and stared back at their looming eyes, her pupils reflected the fiery ocean aura. The curious Mother Nature could not tell what was on the princess's mind, nor could they come up with an answer of her intention dwelling upon her parents' resting place. Like a child waiting for her mother and father to return home.

A mist escaped through her sigh. Her heart carries a heavy load of guilt, where once empty spaces has overflowed. Gahyeon was lucky enough to spend more time with Father while the others prioritize their royal classes. Why her, other than the fact that she's young, could get away is a question she failed to get answers from.

"Tell me what I must do, oh Luna . . ." Minji muttered to the bright blue moon. Its flares are like flames cackling maniacally as it burns the woods. The titan orbs never spoke since they were cursed to manifest as twilight and lost their mouths, however the land of Insomnia worshiped them still. No one knows who is worshiping which, hence the reason Insomnia is a peaceful kingdom. Everyone kept secrets to themselves, including whose sides they took.

Like Minji, she bowed to Luna, the eclipse for knowledge. Any insight she intends to pursue, she seek to Luna. It is best not to be as greedy as Nocturna, eclipse of power. Sink into its daze and you will succumb into your darkest desire. That perception was the opposite for the followers of Nocturna. Like two birds in one stone, power is knowledge.

That margins has raised different perceptions against each other, hence why Luna and Nocturna were cursed into a Great Divide. Legends said no one wins in the war of twilight.

"My lady." A voice distracted her prayers. Minji turned to see a well-dressed noble, his refined mustache speak his age louder than his wrinkles. The duke bowed respectfully before his word. "Midnight is a dangerous time. For your safety, my lady, I came to escort you to the castle."

Despite the King's death, the former advisor of her father remained loyal to the royal family. As if his position in Insomnia never change. Minji looked at him softly, wondering how long this man will last to serve them.

She averted her gaze to Luna, accidentally glimpsed at Nocturna. "Five more minutes is all I need."

"Of course, milady", the humble duke said and waited patiently. Minji cared less who the duke chooses, but she could sense him observing the orbs back and forth.

She could tell the old man was a bit uncomfortable at the glorified view when he cleared his throat.

***

The heels of her shoes echoed the silent hall. A maid followed Siyeon who rushed to the opened main door of the castle. She let out a breath of relief as she saw her elder sister arrived, although Minji was surprised to see her still awake in the middle of the night.

Siyeon slowed her pace as she ran to her sister's side. "I was worried you didn't return, so I send the duke to you", she reported. Minji's lips stretched into a small smile. "Thank you, Siyeon. I'm sorry for keeping you waiting."

"It's alright. I'm glad you're back safe", said Siyeon. The sisters thanked the duke, then dismissed him to rest for another day. The sisters went to their ways together with even pace like a walk in the park, Siyeon wrapped her arms around Minji's left one. The maid followed suit from behind.

Silence lengthen to each corners of the stone walls. From time to time, Siyeon glanced at her contemplating sister who seems to depend on her to lead the way. Concerned, she slightly shook her arm and asked if she's alright.

Minji replied, "Yes, I'm just exhausted. It's been a long day."

"Indeed, for all of us", Siyeon added, then continued. "Don't strain yourself. Time will heal us at some point." Minji could only nod, the silence stretched until it reaches the throne room.

"Take her to her bath and serve her chamomile tea. Make sure she rest well", Siyeon commanded the maid who waited patiently. The maid bowed and was about to escort Minji to her quarters when she stopped on her tracks.

Minji stared at the empty throne which was once ruled by the King. She recalled the royal ceremony last year, where her sisters gathered around in the middle of the throne room, greeting the arrival of the King and Queen of Insomnia. All eyes were on their beauty and grace; a harmonic family for a great kingdom.

After his speech about the history of Insomnia and the past rulers who used to lead the kingdom, the King and Queen raised their swords high. The seven sisters knelt down to the ground, head low. Minji could still feel her beating heart as she anticipated for the sword to point at her. She took a sneaky glance at Yoohyeon, who returned her gaze with a hint of annoyance.

Minji was not confident, until she saw the weapon aimed at her.

She was about to have a taste of victory when a strange event occurred and confusion circulated the kingdom. The rulers of Insomnia moved their swords where its metallic tips chose each princesses. The girls glanced at each other, as if searching for the answers to their parents' odd decisions.

"Rise, my daughters", the King's voice boomed the hall. So they stood, some hesitated to do so. The people who witnessed what never happened in history, began to talk until the duke silenced them with a simple hush.

The King spoke after the crowd calmed down.

"I am blessed with seven daughters; each and every one possess the power to rule. But not all has the same goal, that I observe. In my lifetime as King, a father I shall. My eyes can see the desires of their hearts, but much of this secrecy was at the behest of the sisters themselves. I trust the princesses of Insomnia to rule, however, there could be only one that must held the utmost power. To the land of Insomnia, I bestow upon them."

The King extend his arms. "I welcome all of you, my precious daughters of twilight, as the Crown Princesses of Insomnia!"

Music filled the throne room. As if the peculiarity never happened, everyone celebrated the festivities. Minji looked back to Yoohyeon, who glared at her before leaving the circle.

The sound of trumpets and drums faded as reality took her in with open arms. The once golden throne room turns dark, with only the source of light came from the Two Moons. There were no one but the three left at the empty circle.

"Minji?" Siyeon called her softly. Minji averted her gaze from the throne to her sister, who is concerned of her well-being. The black lighting shadowed her features but her eyes hide a slight hint of the unknown.

"Siyeon?"

"Hm?"

"Do you think I could make a great Queen?"

The sudden question caught Siyeon off guard. She failed to come up with a legitimate answer, her tongue tripped over the unspoken words which seemed gibberish. Minji, who expect less from her sister, lowered her head and walk forward with the maid. Siyeon was left alone in the void, gaping as she watched the older sister go until her figure is no more.

Under the glinting chandelier which casts the blue and red flares of Luna and Nocturna, Siyeon's eyes fell on her shaking hands.