I caught my breath inside the farmhouse, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins, when I noticed a familiar figure standing by the door. It was Sir James, my brother's best friend and fellow knight.
"Sir James!" I exclaimed in surprise.
His eyes widened in surprise at the sight of me, clearly taken aback by my presence in such an unfamiliar village.
"Lady Emily?" he exclaimed, his voice laced with shock. "What are you doing here?"
I straightened myself, trying to regain my composure after the thrilling chase with the dogs and meeting a familiar face. There is no doubt I am in the right village.
"I came looking for William. My mother disappeared last night and she last talked with my twin. He mentioned Ashbourne Village in the last letter he sent and... I just know I had to find both of them"
His concern softened his features, and he took a step closer. "I understand. But how did you end up here? It's not an easy journey, especially for someone unaccustomed to the countryside."
"I take the risk of traveling" I sighed, feeling the weight of the long night's travel, "I took a train and then a carriage. It was... quite an adventure"
Sir James chuckled, clearly amused by my candid response. "I can see that. You always did have a talent for finding excitement wherever you went."
"I don't" I blushed, recalling the misadventures of the day, but then I remembered the reason I came here– to find my brother. "Right. Do you perhaps know where my brother is?"
He chuckled, "Of course, I know where are they, after all, Thomas and I are staying in the same house"
"Oh, thank goodness!" I exclaimed, a weight lifted off my shoulders. "I was so worried. Is he safe?"
Sir James nodded, his eyes conveying reassurance. "Yes, he's safe, Emily. We are staying in a cottage for a month now. It's a bit of a travel from the village, but we wanted to keep away from any knights as possible"
"Is our mother with him as well?" I asked, my heart fluttering with hope.
Sir James nodded again. "Yes, she's there too. She arrived earlier at dawn, worried about Thomas"
I frowned as concern bubbled up in my chest "Why? What's wrong with my twinling?"
Sir James scratched the back of his head and looked away for a second doubling the worries within me.
"He is a little injured, I must say"
My eyes widened, "What?! How injured? Close to dying kind of injured?"
"Oh no, you're mistaken. His wounds are almost healed now aside from a few bruises but the doctor assured me that he was fine" he explained in a heartbeat.
I sighed in relief, "That is good to hear because if not, I swear I will punch that hard-headed man"
He simply chuckled at my joke towards my twin brother, proof that she was so used to my behavior that only a few people had witnessed this side of me. But my thoughts turned to the questions, I couldn't help but voice my confusion.
"Aren't you two supposed to be in the capital now?" I asked, "Why are you still staying in this village?"
Sir James hesitated for a moment, his gaze briefly flickering away before meeting mine again.
"There have been some changes in plans," he replied evasively. "Your brother and I decided to stay here for a while."
His response only fueled my curiosity further, but I knew better than to push for answers. I trusted Sir James, and I understood that there might be reasons that they cannot reveal because they are knights.
"I see," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "Well, if they're here, then let's not waste any time. I want to see them as soon as possible."
Without waiting for his response, I set off towards the horse behind him which I presumed to be his.
As the sun began its descent, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape, Sir James and I rode his horses through the winding forest path. With each passing moment, the anticipation of seeing my brother and mother grew and I could feel my heart beating with excitement.
The forest canopy above filtered the sunlight, creating dappled patterns on the forest floor. Shafts of light danced through the leaves, painting a picturesque scene that seemed straight out of a fairytale.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. Soon, the forest cleared, and we came upon a clearing, where a charming house stood. It was nestled amidst the tall trees. The house had a rustic charm, with ivy crawling up its walls and a thatched roof.
"This is it," Sir James said softly, a mix of emotions in his voice.
I dismounted the horse, my gaze lingering on the small house before me.
"We're here," I whispered, my voice barely above a hush.
I looked at him and he just gave me a nod. In that second, I ran towards the house and gently knocked, the sound echoing in the stillness of the forest.
Seconds passed, feeling like an eternity, until the door creaked open, revealing my mother's worried face. Tears welled up in her eyes as she saw me, and she pulled me into a tight embrace.
"Emily?! Oh my god! Emily, my daughter!" she said, her voice filled with relief. "I knew you would do this! You are just as stubborn as your brother"
And there it is her lecture. I ignored her words and hugged her back, "I knew you have such confidence in me"
"I'm sorry I couldn't left any message to you. I was just worried for you brother after he called and informed me he was engage in a fight" she added.
"I understand, Mom. You have sometimes a silent impulsiveness in you just like what Dad always mentioned"
She smiled through her tears, and my eyes fell upon the man who appeared behind Mom, and my joy turned to shock.
There standing was my identical twin brother—Thomas Bennett Hamilton. He mirrors my appearance in almost every way. Our resemblance is so uncanny that even close acquaintances may struggle to differentiate between us. William's eyes share the same shade of hazel as mine but he was darker, though his gaze holds a quieter, more contemplative demeanor. His eyebrows bear the same elegant arch.
The only thing anyone can distinguish us from is the color of our hair and complexion. He has midnight black hair and I have an auburn color which is often a distinguishing factor. His golden complexion differs from my pale one that Amelia sometimes asks if I even have blood in my veins. His posture exudes an air of authority, a reflection of the responsibilities he shoulders. While our appearance may be strikingly similar, his demeanor and aura carry a sense of seriousness.
"Just like I expected from you" Thomas grinned widely, his voice laden with expectancy.