It feels like a mind trip, staring into the eyes of Alessia’s twin. They look exactly alike. It would be impossible for me to tell them apart from a distance. Standing here and waiting for Daelia’s approval feels strangely the same as awaiting Alessia’s approval; they even have the same look in their eyes.
Or, wait…do they?
No, they don’t. Daelia’s gaze is softer, much softer, with a constant slight smile to back it up. And, now that I’m looking closer, she has a ton of freckles from sunburns over the years. She’s also got a deeper tan—from her recent trip, no doubt. I can barely tell with all her armor on, but I think Daelia has a bulkier build than Alessia, too, a result of training to be a hero all her life. Her workout regimen has to be insane for her to pull off the stunts I’ve heard about over the years. And there—sitting around her neck is a necklace, a simple silver necklace with the symbol of the Church, which is just a circle with evenly spaced lines radiating from it, the symbol of a burst of holy light. Like other mages, I’m sure she’s forbidden from taking it off. I can use it as an easy way to tell her apart when it’s harder to see.
Good. The last thing I need is to mistake one for the other and have Alessia breathing down my neck for it.
“Future king of Celestia, huh?” Daelia says, looking me up and down. “You definitely look the part. Alessia, don’t tell me you picked him just for looks, did you?”
I instantly wish to blink out of existence. Alessia, on the other hand, bursts out laughing at my expense.
“No, I didn’t, although it’s a nice added perk.”
“What am I, a pretty thing to look at?” I grumble.
“Yes, actually. Most kings just sit there and look pretty while the queen takes action. Look to our father, for example,” Alessia says, shooting her sister a look.
Daelia rolls her eyes. “You’re too hard on him. He’s an aging, lonely man, you know.”
“He’s lost his nerve. I’m glad I took the throne before he could let anyone walk all over us.”
I glance between the two sisters, seeing the look of understanding pass between them. It’s uncanny, the way they can silently speak to one another. I know people say twins can practically share thoughts, but to do so after spending most of their lives apart is pretty impressive. Some might call it scary.
“So, I hear you’re going out on a honeymoon of sorts,” Daelia remarks. “Where are you headed?”
I nearly choke on air. “Honeymoon?”
Alessia blanches. “Oh, someone’s given you the wrong idea—!”
Daelia claps her sister on the back, nearly knocking her over. “I’m kidding. I know you’re looking to visit our allies to establish good relations during your rule. It’s customary for royalty; we’ve hosted Wrucerian royalty before, back when their new king was coronated.”
“Oh.” Alessia’s face turns a brand-new shade of red. “Right. Of course you were teasing. I knew that.”
You’re a terrible liar. I run a hand through my hair, hoping my face isn’t matching hers. “Well, all jokes aside, have you decided whether you’ll be accompanying us?”
“I will. I’ve gotten permission from the Holy Mother herself. In my stead, my usual party will stay behind and attend to any quests issued in my absence.”
“Your party?” I question, raising a brow. “Are you part of the guild?”
“Not exactly. I’m a special case. Although my party is registered with the guild, because I’m the Hero of Celestia, I cannot register. Instead, the Holy Mother accepts specific requests and sends me when she deems it necessary. I bring my party along by my choice, not by command.”
“So, do you usually escort people to other countries?”
“That is a common job sent my way,” Daelia says, her smile faltering. “It’s necessary for me to accompany any religious officials or mages on their journeys, and sometimes, a high-profile member of the Church will need assistance getting to the other villages. The most excitement I see is a request to slay a particularly pesky high-level monster, and that happens once every few years.”
I whistle. “Sorry, we’re asking you the same favor as everyone else.”
“Oh, it’s not a problem! This is much different from my usual quests!” Daelia throws her arm around Alessia’s shoulders, patting her sister’s head. “I never get to see this one, so it’s nice to get some time with her!”
“Daelia, you don’t have to tackle me. I know you love me,” Alessia grumbles, fighting to get away.
“Oh, no you don’t!”
I cover my mouth to stifle a laugh as Daelia grabs Alessia’s shoulder, trips her from behind, then scoops her up and throws her across her upper back in one fluid motion. Alessia is stuck being draped across her sister’s back like a giant sack of potatoes.
“Daelia! Put me down!”
“Nope! I express affection through terrorizing my sibling. You’ll have to deal with it!” She gestures for me to follow. “Come on, lover boy. I have to pack this thing into my suitcase.”
