"Are you serious?" I blurted out, unable to hide my shock.
"Yes, I am," He replied. "It's the only way we can get close to the dangerous group without arousing suspicion. If they see you as me, they won't suspect a thing."
I stand up and take a step back, my mind racing with all the reasons why this was a terrible idea. Mother immediately tried to rush to my side but I shook my head.
"But... but I'm not good at combat!" I protested, waving my arms in the air for emphasis. "And I have so many trivial fears! What if I trip over my own feet and ruin everything?"
Thomas tried to hide a smile as he reassured me, "You're more skilled than you give yourself credit for, Emily. Besides, we'll make sure you have enough training before you go."
I bit my lip. It was a risky proposition.
"But what if they find out? It could put both of us in danger." I continued my rant, my voice getting louder with each objection. "And what if I accidentally sneeze in front of them? Or spill something on me? I'm not cut out for this kind of undercover work!"
My mother chimed in, trying to calm my nerves. "You're the best candidate for this mission. We know you can handle it."
"But disguising as Thomas? It's just asking for trouble!"
Thomas stood in front of me, "I know it sounds daunting, but I know you can do it"
"Can't we come up with another plan?" I pleaded. "Maybe one that doesn't involve me pretending to be you? Like asking General Helmer to just tell them that you have special missions?"
"That's not possible. We do not know who was the Ally or a foe among our commanders so suddenly appointing missions especially to us who just finished one will become suspicious"
"How about we tell them you both are sick?" I pressed.
Thomas tried to calm my hysterical outburst. "You won't be away for long, and you'll be stationed at the Capital, not in some far-off land for training. You won't be given any missions because Knights were given free time after their missions. I also told General Helmer and he promised to look out for you there. It's just for two months, and then you can stop pretending"
I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, but my mind was still racing with worries and fears.
"Two months? That's still a long time! What if something goes wrong? What if I mess everything up? What if I forget my lines or mix up my cover story?" I fretted, pacing back and forth. "And what about all those people watching me? What if I accidentally say or do something that gives me away?"
Thomas held my shoulders, his eyes filled with warmth and encouragement. "You're my twin. There is no person that can disguise as me compared to you"
"I know you all have faith in me," I admitted, "but what if I let everyone down? What if I ruin everything?"
"You won't let anyone down," he said firmly. "If anything, it was me who was afraid I would let you down. I was just obviously asking you to put your life in danger which is far from the promise I made with Dad"
My lips trembled and I stormed outside, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. My mind was still spinning with doubts and fears, and I couldn't shake the feeling of panic that had overtaken me. I needed some fresh air, some space to clear my head.
As I paced back and forth in the moonlit clearing, I heard footsteps approaching from behind. I knew it was Thomas without even turning around. He always had a way of finding me, no matter where I went.
"Emily," he called gently, his voice filled with concern.
I turned to face him, my frustration is evident in my expression.
"I just don't understand why you're so insistent on this! It's crazy! I can't possibly pull off pretending to be you."
Thomas stepped closer, his eyes meeting mine with understanding "I'm sorry"
I hate it when he apologizes when his intentions were purely for the greater good.
I shook my head, "Don't apologize. I am not scared to disguise as you, Thomas" I whispered, my voice cracking with emotion. "It was at the possibility that I mess everything up and put you in danger I am afraid of"
Thomas reached out, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.
"You won't fail," he said gently. "I have complete faith in you, Emily. You're strong, capable, and skilled. I know you can do this because you are a Hamilton through and through—brave and resolute."
Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at my brother, "I just don't want to put you in any danger"
Thomas pulled me into a tight embrace, holding me close. "I will be fine. I promise"
As we stood there in the moonlit clearing, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. He was putting his life in line for his duty as a knight. And I was so proud of him. The least I could do was to help him.
"I'll do it," I said finally, my voice more steady. "For you, for the Kingdom. I'll stand as you, no matter how difficult it may be."
"Thank you, Emily," Thomas smiled, his eyes filled with pride. "I know it won't be easy, but I promise I will make sure that you will be safe there."
I wiped my tears and we started to walk back to the house. "I trust you"
"And you won't be alone," Thomas continued, a smile playing at the corner of his lips. "James will also have a stand-in. You'll have each other's backs, just like we always have."
"Really?" I asked, feeling relieved. "Who is it?"
"You will eventually meet him, don't worry" he shrugged.
"Oh come on, Thomas!" I exclaimed, annoyed "You can't just leave me hanging like that. Tell me who it is!"
My brother chuckled, his grin widening, trying to suppress his laughter.
I huffed, crossing my arms in frustration. "Well, who is it then?" I demanded, feeling like a child throwing a tantrum.
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
"Yes, I would like to know!" I retorted. "This is serious business, Thomas. We can't have secrets between us now."
He sighed dramatically, feigning reluctance. "Fine, fine, it's a noble as well, a trusted cousin who bears a striking resemblance to James."
"Really?" I asked, my frustration starting to fade.
"Yes, really," Thomas replied, his voice serious. "He's skilled and trustworthy, just like James. You'll be in good hands."
"Okay then," I said, trying to sound composed. "I guess that's not so bad."
Thomas laughed, pulling me into a playful hug. "See? Everything will be fine," he said. "You're not alone in this, Emily. We're all in this together."
With his reassuring words and his playful grin, I couldn't help but smile. Maybe, just maybe, I could face this mission.
I tried to blink away the tears forming in my eyes, "I'm sorry," I sniffled, trying to wipe them away. "I don't know why I'm crying. It's just all so overwhelming."
Thomas chuckled, "How can you be a knight if you cry at the drop of a hat?"
I managed a weak smile through my tears, playfully swatting at his arm.
"Hey, it's not my fault!" I retorted. "I'm just a sensitive soul, that's all."
Thomas gives me a playful nudge. "I can see that"
"Whatever" I rolled my eyes at him, composing myself. "But since this is a very hard favor, now you need to hear my end of the bargain"
He laughed as if expecting it. "I am listening"
I couldn't help but chuckle through my tears at the thought of making Thomas promise to give me his salary and bake me cakes.
"Alright, Thomas," I said with a playful glint in my eyes, "if you want me to go through with this crazy plan, you'll have to agree to my demands."
"And what are these demands, my dear twin sister?"
"First," I said, holding up one finger, "you have to promise to give me your salary for the entire year."
Thomas laughed, shaking his head in mock disbelief. "You drive a hard bargain," he said, feigning reluctance. "But alright, you have yourself a deal. My salary is yours for the year. Where will you even use it for? Just a reminder, you are a daughter of the Marquess of Eldermont and the granddaughter of the Duke of Belford"
"You should not worry yourself on that one" I retorted.
My family holds a position of both prestige and responsibility within our realm—Marquess of Eldermont. The title itself carries an air of distinction, marking us as one of the upper echelons of nobility. Our position as Marquess brings with it not only the privileges of wealth and land ownership but also the weight of responsibility. Our duty to the people of our lands is paramount.
Since my father—Edward Hamilton died due to a heart attack 10 years ago, my mother decided to stay in our estates in the Capital. I can understand her as our Mansion in the Eldermont holds so many memories of my father. My mother usually travels there four times a month to oversee the land. And since Edward was the oldest between the two of us by 2 minutes and being a son, he will inherit the title. That's why he entered the military as part of his duty. It was not only that, but my mother—Thalia Hamilton was a daughter of the Duke of Belford making us a little famous among the nobles if I am being completely and utterly honest.
"Grandpa will be happy to hear you asking for my salary"
"Shut up, Thomas" I continued, holding up another finger, "And second, you have to bake me a cake whenever I ask for it. You know how much I love your baking."
He chuckled, "Deal, you'll have a lifetime supply of cakes from me."
I hugged him tightly, "Thank you, I'll do my best Thomas," I said softly, my heart swelling with love for my brother.
He pats the top of my head, "I am too"