*Kymil’s POV

“Your highness, your brother wanted to talk to you about the orcs that are attacking the northern borders.” One of our dryad servants said and I nodded and another elf helped me with my coat as I enter the long and pristine hallways of the castle.

As soon as I went by the East entrance, Keros, my personal servant had spotted me. Needless to say, I got an earful again on how I should be more graceful in entering the palace—fine by me, I don’t really like following protocols though. I will always want to do what I want.

“Please Kymil, your mother is very worried. She doesn’t like it when you go out without telling anyone.” Keros said while walking beside me and I just sheepishly scratched the back of my head while laughing awkwardly.

“I wasn’t even gone for too long.”

“You’re going to give Amelia a heart attack, Kymil.” I heard my father’s voice resounds behind me making me stiffen before turning to him with a grin.

“Ah! Father!” I greeted and bowed. He just rolled his eyes and scoffed.

“You’re just polite when you’re about to get into trouble. This time young elf, I am not helping you get out of your mother’s grasp.” Father said and I laughed. “You are definitely making me feel my age Kymil.”

“You’re going to feel young again once you help me up the tower so I can escape mother’s wrath father.” I said and Keros just shook his head.

“If your father helps you again, he’ll be sleeping in the foyer with the dogs.” A feminine voice with a lilt of annoyance came and I just had to close my eyes for a moment, accepting the fate I was so gladly given. “Now tell me where have you been, young man?”

“Oh mother, you wouldn’t believe it! I have been to countless of adventures just this past week.” I excitedly stated to distract her. Mom is always interested in my expeditions even if it’s still within the city.

“You mean a month ago Sir?” Keros said and I looked at him with a glare.

“Don’t look at me like that, you’re going to get reprimanded anyway. It’s better soon than later.” He said with a wolfish expression and I just pouted to myself as the bunch led into the solar where a fire is constantly running to keep the room toasty and comfortable.

I sat down on the leather couch and leaned back smiling as soon as a cup of my favorite Darjeeling tea. Ah, I missed the palace food, it’s always the best, especially when we are celebrating winter.

I was about to sip my tea when mother looked at me intently. I looked up and smiled sweetly at her. “Kymil, where have you been this past month? Hyfel doesn’t say anything to us anymore. I was extremely worried that you’ve been hurt again.” She said, sounding really worried and I smiled showing her that I’m in tip-top shape.

“I am fine mother, you should worry about yourself more.” I said and placed the cup down. “I haven’t gone far this time, I’m just here in the capital.”

“And what would you be doing here? You hate the winter in this city.” Father started while nodding at the servant who gave him a napkin to wipe his mouth with. “I was actually expecting you to be here inside the palace for the whole season or at the south where it’s warm.”

“Ah, that. I actually have to manage the businesses that I had.” I replied.

“Ohh, how is that little restaurant that you own? Is Hyfel still working with you? How is he?” Mother asked making Keros perk up. Keros is Hyfel’s father. He is the dryad that my father’s brother married. They had Hyfel before Uncle Agelos was lost to war between the high orcs and dark magicians back in the day.

“Hyfel is fine. He’s still hell bent on marrying that elf he was stalking in the University.” I said while rolling my eyes. Of course my cousin is the idiot who would go after people, going so far as to enroll himself in the university to stick close with Gyro, an elf who I had the pleasure of working with for the past years before he decided he wants to be a scholar instead of being a warrior like the rest of his brothers.

“Well that’s good. Gyro is a good elf.” Father said and I nodded. Yep he is, poor guy though, being Hyfel’s victim. I picked my tea back up, popping in an egg tartlet before taking a sip.

“Speaking of marriage, the duke from the east is offering his daughter, Primrose for you to meet up and talk with, Kymil. Isn’t that wonderful?” Mother said in an endearing way while I choke on my tea.

I coughed and Keros tapped my back. Fuck that went in wrong. “Fuck, wait.” I said while trying to regain my composure. “Forgive me for my impertinence, mother, but what the fuck?”

“I was just thinking how it’s about time for you to meet people of your age. We aren’t getting younger dear.” She said and placed her hand on father’s lap.

“No way. I’m not gonna get to know her. I don’t want to be in an arranged marriage.” I said, determined to say no. What the hell? I don’t even want to know why they are trying to set me up with someone. That’s uhhh, disgusting? “If you want to see your kid getting married, try my brother. Besides, he’s the king, he should be the one marrying someone already.”

I see everyone sigh at what I said and I averted gaze.

“You know how your brother is.” Father said while massaging his temples. Yeah, I can imagine how my brother would reply to a marriage proposal. “You would not believe this. We actually told him that we have someone to introduce to him and you what did he said?”

“I don’t care about women or other creatures. I don’t want to get married and I don’t care about how my subjects will see me as a King without a consort. I am most definitely strong with or without a mate.” Mother finished, trying to imitate my twin’s voice.

“Really? What about the council then?” I asked while laughing.

“Oh, they did asked him.” Father said with a face that spelled they can’t believe it too.

“And what was my idiotic brother’s response?”

“I wouldn’t call it a response, dear.” Mother said while covering her mouth as she laughed. “I’d call it a threat as he basically told them that whoever suggests such absurd thing will be removed from the council and beheaded. You know how intimidating your brother is, one of the high ranking officials even wet his pants while Kyran spoke.”

I burst into laughter. That shit must’ve been traumatizing. “Don’t worry mother, father. I’ll talk some sense into him.”

“Oh please do. At this rate, He’ll be alone forever.” Mother said and held hands with father. “He’ll miss his life’s purpose.”

I smiled at the sight of them being that showy couple, still in love with each other even after all these years. I wonder if Elixir and I will be like that. I’d look forward to it. I want to have children with him. Ah, my beautiful and sweet Fae.

“I have a feeling why you’re so opposed to the marriage.” Keros announced making my parents look at us expectantly.

“Hmm, I just don’t want to be tied yet.”

“Is that the reason or is there someone who is already holding your heart? Just so you know, I smile like a dumb dog too when I imagined life with Agelos when we we’re younger.” Keros supplied and I had to cover my mouth to hide the wide grin I am sporting.

“Oh chaos! Is it true? Oh Helios! My child, my child is all grown up!” Mother said and hugged dad.

“Please Mother don’t make a fuss out of it, I am still courting him.” I said and hid my face in embarrassment.

“Tell us about this special guy then. You know, I can always teach you the ways on how I wooed your mother.” Father said while looking so proud and I can’t help but laugh.

“You didn’t court me dear, I courted you.” Mother said making everyone laugh. “Now tell me about this guy.”

I placed my arm on the armrest before smirking to myself. “He’s a beautiful dwarf-fae Halfling. He’s very sweet and chaos! I can stare into his eyes for days, he’s quite special and… and I can already see my future with him.” I said with a fond smile.

“That is so sweet. Let us meet him when you are ready, Okay? Your brother need to hear this. That man doesn’t have a tickle of romance in his body. He’d sooner work himself into exhaustion before seeing someone romantically.” Mother murmured while fixing her robes.

“I’ll knock some sense into him. Hopefully it’ll get past his thick skull or so help me I will rip his ears.” I peeved.

---

“Hoo hoo?” I called out before entering the one room that most servants and my parents aren’t allowed to enter. It was a normal bed chamber, not even the main chamber of the palace. In fact, it is our childhood room that we shared.

I found my twin in a chair by his mahogany desk, facing the windows with his elbow resting on the polished armchair and his cheek rested on his hand. He appeared toasty and warm as he was draped in a thick fur cloak with his eyes closed. If there’s anyone worse than me when it comes to cold weather, it’s probably my brother. My mother told us it may be because of the dragon blessing that was bestowed to us by our ancestors. Who knew? I just know that winter is the worse.

“Hey. Stop napping.” I said to him when I reached the table and his eyes immediately opened, flashing silver before going back into its normal hue. “I see that the King is slacking off.” I teased.

“What are you even talking about?” He huffed before fixing himself. “Kyran Miraxis doesn’t sleep.” He smirked and I just gave him an eye roll. This guy.

This idiot is really hard headed. My twin, Kyran, who was born approximately 5 minutes ahead of me is a hard headed idiot that rules all of Mairaxias and the lands beyond. He’s an elf that doesn’t give two shits about who he hurts as long as he’s creating a better place for the realm.

“You were literally just napping!” I said with a scrunched nose. “Anyway, Keros told me that you wanted to talk to me about the recent attacks on the north border.”

“Ah yes, I actually sent out for you last week but they couldn’t get a hold of you, I wonder why.” He said and gave me a droll stare.

“I was actually just hanging around the capital. You can’t find me? Damn you need better people.” I said and sat down the leather chair by the hearth. “It’s so warm in here,” I commented. “Unlike your heart.”

“Mom told you about the marriage?” He asked while scanning the papers in front of him. “She had been a bit obvious to me about this issue.”

“Hmmm, you’ll gonna be the center of it.”

“Why is that? I was hoping they would turn on you.” He said with a hum. He picked his laptop from his drawer and opened it.

“Well they wouldn’t.” I started. “I have a lover now so they can lay off.”

“What?” He asked with an annoyed expression, snapping his gaze up to me with a frown. “And you didn’t tell me! What happened to what do you call this quote, ‘Bros before hoes’?”

“What happened—fuck you, you slept with my ex before!”

“She was an idiot.”

“That doesn’t mean you’re supposed to break them.”

“I had to.” He said with a rouge expression. “So tell me about this person you are seeing.”

I smiled like an idiot and went near him before placing my arm on his shoulder. “You wouldn’t believe this, I’m dating a beautiful dwarf-fae Halfling. I don’t even care about our differences, he’s perfect. And I should tell you, he’s totally your type too. He’s so cute and so sweet ahhh! I’m gonna die, he’s so adorable. You’re gonna be my best man on the wedding. You should meet him soon.”

“I hope you’re not dating the wrong person again. Last time, you jinxed yourself when you said ‘She’s so adorable, she’s gonna kill me with cuteness’ and then I found you dealing with a psychopath.” He said and removed my arm from his shoulder while I glare at him. “And you’ve become a bit delusional now, are you sure you are not under the effects of love potion?” He teased and I just gave him a punch on his arm.

“This is why you’re single! You’re so mean!” I jeered while pointing at him.

“Me being single is a choice, for your information.” He scowled and crossed his arms.

“A king shouldn’t be alone in his journey.” I smirked and looked down at him as if I had a really good point.

“Says who?”

“Mom, she wants to have a grandchild as soon as possible.” I said to counter him while looking at the window. “With the times like this, we’ll never know if we can still defend the borders.”

“You are right.” He said and stood up from his seat before motioning me to join him by the fireplace. “I have been ruling for 16 cycles now and the council still thinks of me as a child.” He said while wincing in pain as he sat down.

I stood beside him, gathering pillows and propping it in his back. “Is your wings still growing steadily?”

“Yes,” He groaned as he leaned back. “The council suggested me to take a short vacation somewhere warm to let the wings mend properly. This shit is fucking painful I even had a mermaid sing me to sleep last time.”

“Can’t relate, at least one of us doesn’t have to suffer. I really feel bad now.” I said while preparing tea for us. “So, the orcs? I sent for my men to prepare an expedition to north as soon as possible.”

“Good thinking. It’s officially been a year since they found out about the twins born 216 cycles ago, they still believe in the prophecy that one of us will end their kingdom.” Kyran murmured as I gave him a cup of peppermint tea.

The orcs along with hostile goblins, dark magicians and dark elves that had come from the Dark Land or as commoners simply call it The depravity had been trying to destroy the capital ever since the last dragon race—our great ancestors had departed. The twin dragons who shared a soul, Synsillian and Sadrymian as what I’ve read are the ones who created the barriers of the whole realm before they joined the other dragons in the highest mountains that led to heaven. Synsillian created the weather with his wings, while Sadrymian created the barrier on the east that protects the crops from withering, then he created the whole barrier to ward off the evil that surrounds the realm.

At the peak of their existence, Sadrymian fell in love with a high elf that lead a village at the borders of the capital. They had a child that later ruled all of Mairaxias and he was the start of the line of Dragon-elf hybrid that had ruled over the century.

Now, it was said on the last prophecy of Synsillian that time will come that evil will rise again to bring harm to all of Mairaxias. Twins are almost mythical beings in this realm. So when it was said that when two male twins are born, one bearing silver and the other is gold. Chaos will reappear and if the dark creatures killed them, Mairaxias will fall, and if the twins decided to annihilate them, one soul will remain and their whole existence would sink deep into the dark lake and will never return. Creepy isn’t it? And this is why our lives are at stake, because the stupid creatures are still hell bent on believing that prophecy.

“They really don’t think too much.” I sighed and began drinking my tea. Kyran stood up, opening a packet of cigarettes before taking a stick. I clicked my tongue before taking the pack and the stick from him before dumping it in the bin. “I told you to quit that. Mom will not be happy if she sees you smoking again.”

“Just a stick, Kymil. It won’t hurt.”

“Yeah. A stick will turn to two and then what?” I asked looking displeased. “Stop that.”

“Damn it.” He groaned. “I’m older than you.”

“Act like it then.” I countered making him look at me grimly. “A cigar won’t alleviate your stress.”

“Did you know?”

“What?”

“The barrier is decaying.” He said and I froze in my position.

“What do you mean the barrier is decaying? It was just as strong when we checked it a few months ago.” I hastily said with my brows drawn together.

“The mages we are working with told me it’ll last for about a year before the northern barrier totally gives in.” Kyran murmured while walking past me and waving his hand at the table to show a replica of the maps with his magic, pulling the north closer.

I winced when I see the towers overlooking the woods to the border of the land, it’s totally charred and few camps of enemy orcs are set up nearby.

“Does our mother know?” I asked. Her kin are from north.

“Father told me not to tell her yet. I am planning a mass evacuation of the citizens from the north. It’s only a matter of time until the land is turned into a war zone.” He seriously stated.

“The citizens doesn’t know anything yet. We need to work fast.”

“Yes. And I need you to enjoy your time with your lover.” He said as he turned to me and looked directly into my eyes.

“What? I should be here to help!” I protested, shaking my head.

“No Kymil. This…” He started and breathed in deeply. “This could be the prophecy.”

“Bullshit!” I shouted. “You know that’s not true!”

“You know as much as I do Kymil.” He said and grabbed my arms tightly. “If we don’t think smart, we’re gonna die, along with the kingdom. Along with your little lover. Now, go and spend all of your time with him, I don’t know if we’ll ever make it.”

Kyran let me go and went to his personal cooler and pulled a bottle of whiskey from it, pouring two before giving me a glass.

“Fuck. I hate that you’re right.” I said and took a swig, enjoying the smooth warmth slithering down my throat.

“You’ll still introduce the unfortunate Halfling to me right?” he asked with a smirk.

“Duh. That goes without saying.”