I have memorized the ‘War Room’ door from the amount of time I have now spent staring at it. The dark stained wood and golden details were remarkable and somehow soothing. It is as if the door knew my troubles and had taken on some of my burdens.

“So… when were you going to tell me?” I had to break the silence. It was beginning to be unbearable, and I had so many questions I wanted to ask.

Ren’s green eyes rose to met mine. They are Identical to Sir Esteve’s… Or is it Princess Esteve now?

He shrugged his shoulders. “Tell you about what?” With a huff of disapproval, I cross my arms. Ren grinned with glee. “Are you upset with me dear?”

My nostrils fume in frustration. “Quite frankly yes. Sir Esteve is currently in Queen Kahi’s war-room discussing strategies about the future of not only Xosta but Theora. Meanwhile, we are stuck in the waiting room because you are the Prince and I am your wife, which apparently means I am not worthy of such deliberations!”

“I understand your frustration Arie. I would love nothing more than to join them as well. I trust Esteve. She will do what is best for all of us, including our two kingdoms.”

Slowly the Prince approaches, cautious of my feelings towards him. “How long have you known about her?” The glasses of wine across the room took me by surprise. Thirsty and stressed with life changes I secure glass for myself by marking the rim with my lips.

“Technically… I have known her my whole life. We are twins.” The wine turns on me, causing me to choke. “Twins?!”

Ren laughs. “Yes, my lady. Please do not die, I would hate to lose you over a glass of wine.” The Prince smiles at me again taking a glass for himself and clinking the metal to mine. “Although Esteve was born first… she never lets me forget that.”

Maintaining my breathing I closer examine Ren’s facial features. The green eyes and dark hair are not where their resemblance ends. They both also have the same straight and regal nose.

“Why have I never heard about her? Does King Thybuat know he has a daughter?” Rens’s expression grew grim. Taking my hand he pulls me to one of the benches in the room.

“The reason you have never heard about her is because of my Father, and the reason she is alive is because of my mother.”

Before he continues, Ren sips from his glass. “My father wanted sons… all sons. Each pregnancy, my father forced my mother to drink a special potion to ensure that the child would be a boy… If the child was a girl, the elixir would ensure it was stillborn.-”

My heart ached as I remembered the story Mira told me about his Mother. There is a rumor that she had a few miscarriages before the Prince was born.

“-However, the potion did not take effect on twins… I guess now that I think about it, I saved Esteve’s life just because I was a male. It’s extraordinary how finicky magic can be.”

“And it’s extraordinary how much of a narcissist you are.” Esteve’s sultry voice shot through the room like an arrow. Her rosy cheeks were offset with her iron wardrobe, but it suited her.

“How was the meeting? Did they agree to an alliance?” Ren sprang up from his seat, ignoring his sister’s jab. He was just as eager to hear about the war-room conference, but I was also interested in Esteve’s life story.

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“There are still a few things we need to discuss...but things are going smoothly. The Queen needed a moment alone with her council before we continue.”

Ren raised his glass “Excellent!”

Esteve looked to me with curiosity in her eyes. “How much have you told her?” Ren clears his throat, placing his near-empty wine glass down.

“Not much. We were just getting started I am afraid.”

Like an annoyed sibling, Esteve rolled her eyes. “Honestly…” With purpose, she marches over to me, taking Ren’s seat.

“Where did you leave off?” It was so bizarre seeing Sir Esteve without her helmet on. While her face was now exposed, her expression was as if it were masked still. Her expression was tough to read, but one thing was for certain, was that she was serious.

“Ren was just telling me about the potion your Mother was forced to drink, and that because you were twins it spared your life.”

“Ah yes-” she said pushing her hair behind her ear. “That is correct. By a miracle, my life was spared and our Mother was overjoyed, but she knew that my life would have ended in that delivery room if our Father found out… So she sent me away, to live with one of the servant’s families. She swore them to secret and provided them with the gold to not only take care of me but their other children as well. Growing up she would often visit me with my brother, so we grew up together, but we were limited to the amount of time we had.”

I have never heard Esteve talk this much before. I couldn’t help but stare in engagement. “How did you end up in the palace? And as a King’s guard no less?”

The mysterious Princess smiled devilishly. “With practice and determination, I became one of the best swordsmen in the city. With Galleren’s help, I was able to quickly rise through the ranks and disguise my identity.” Reaching in her back pouch she pulled out an empty red vial. “I used a portion of my own design to change my voice. So that when I had to speak, no one would doubt that I was male.”

All of the pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place. But there was still a piece missing. “So… where do we go from here? What do you want?”

One of the Sandserpant guards entered from the war-room. “The Queen is ready for you Lady Esteve.”

“Thank you, I’ll be right in.” Esteve voiced to the entrance. “I trust you can answer the rest of her questions brother?” She smiles patting Ren on the back, then swiftly but graceful walks back to the war-room.

“It is so weird, her calling me brother... In public no less.” Ren shakes his head. “I suppose I have to get used to it now.”

Suddenly, a servant entered dressed in fine clothes. “The Queen welcomes you to the palace. I have been told to escort you to your bedroom for the evening. Please follow me.” Hearing the word ‘bedroom’ reminded me that I have not slept in a real bed in days. My eyes hung heavy in exhaustion as the notion hits me.

Quietly Ren and I follow the Sandsperpant woman to a bright purple and gold door. Inside was decorated in bright vivid colored tapestries and artwork. Much like the rest of Queen Kahi’s palace, there was not a window to be seen. No sunlight felt confining, but the bright pigments around me helped.

“Supper will be delivered to your room at once. Please make yourselves comfortable.” As soon as the servant closed the door behind her. Ren playfully pulled me to the bed. “What are you doing?”

Ren’s hot breath danced in my ear. “Don’t you know what I am doing?” Softly he began to kiss my neck. While the idea of kissing Ren all evening sounded wonderful, my mind was still spinning with questions about Esteve.

“Hold on! I still have questions. Esteve never answered me… What does she want?” like cold water on a hot flame, Ren’s passion was ignited by my need for answers. In an irked manner, he threw himself on his back looking up at the painted starry night ceiling.

“Esteve wants what she is owed. Revenge on my Father, and his throne.”

I sat up in shock. “The throne? But what about you?”

Rolling over with his now sleepy eyes, he recipes. “What about me?”

“Don’t you want to rule Xosta?”

Ren shakes his head simply. “Not really. After all, I did make a promise… I promised my wife that I would do everything in my power to make a home for you, and what better home than Theora. When Esteve becomes Queen, we can rule over Theora. Repair what has been done. Fight the Orcs when they come. And build our lives together.”

I am so happy, I could cry. Building a life in Theora is all I ever wanted. Just when I thought that dream was over forever, it is now a possibility.

“Are you alright?” Ren looked concerned with my silence. Whipping away a small tear from my eye, I nod with an affirming smile.

Once again, Ren pulls me into his arms. Holding me tightly he whispers. “Silly girl.”