The time had come for our return to the Capitol, and a bittersweet feeling washed over me as we prepared to leave the small house behind. I knew that our departure marked the resumption of my role as a knight.
As my mother and I packed our belongings, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the simple life we had briefly experienced in the countryside.
As the day of our departure arrived, the cottage felt both emptier and fuller at the same time. My heart swelled with pride as I saw my brother and James prepare to embark on their mission to investigate the group of men that was connected to the planned rebellion.
"You take care of yourself, Emily," Thomas clasped my hand in his. "And remember, you're the best stand-in a knight could ask for."
I couldn't help but smile at his words, "You take care too, twin brother," I replied, trying to sound as brave as I could. "And make sure to stay out of trouble."
He chuckled, "I can't make any promises on that," he said playfully. "But I'll do my best. And I'll make sure James stays out of trouble too."
My mother hugged both Thomas and Sir James tightly, her voice trembling with emotion. "Be careful always," she said, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"We will, Mother," Thomas said, his voice steady, "We'll be back before you know it."
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my own emotions.
"And I'll do my best to fulfill my role as a knight," I said, determined to reassure my family even as my heart felt heavy with worry.
My brother pulled me into a hug, holding me tightly. "You're going to be amazing, I know you can handle anything that comes your way."
"Please come back to us soon," I said to my brother, my voice tinged with both longing and determination. "I don't want to stay a knight forever, you know."
Thomas smiled, understanding the emotions behind my words. "I promise, Emily, I'll do everything in my power to make sure we're all reunited soon."
"I know you have an important mission to fulfill," I said, trying to be strong, "But don't forget that we'll be waiting for you, eager to welcome you back with open arms."
I already lost my father and I don't want to lose my only brother as well.
"I won't forget," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.
As I looked into my brother's eyes, I knew that our bond was unbreakable. As we said our final goodbyes, I watched my brother and James ride off into the distance, leaving us behind.
As I looked back at the cottage one last time, I whispered a silent prayer for my brother's safety and the success of our shared mission.
"Let's go Mom" I softly said, squeezing my mother's hand.
She looked at me with a sad smile and entered the waiting carriage for us that my brother brought. I followed her inside and the coachman gently closed the door.
Sitting inside the carriage, I watched through the window as the familiar figures of Thomas and Sir James grew smaller and smaller, eventually vanishing from sight as the carriage rumbled on. Beside me, my mother sat in solemn silence, her gaze fixed on the path ahead.
The air inside the carriage was heavy with a mix of emotions – concern and a touch of anxiety. The events of the past days had left us all in a state of heightened awareness, a realization that danger loomed in the shadows and that the safety of our loved ones was not to be taken for granted.
As the carriage rolled forward, my mother and I sat side by side, the gentle sway of the vehicle providing a soothing rhythm to our journey. My heart went out to my mother, who looked both proud and broken.
"Everything will be alright, Mother," I said, wrapping my arm around her shoulders in a comforting embrace. "Thomas and James are skilled knights, and they have each other to rely on."
My mother nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I know," she replied, "But I can't help but feel anxious for them, for your brother"
"I understand. But they are strong and capable. They will succeed in their mission, and we'll see them again soon."
She looked at me with tearful eyes, her heart torn between wanting to hold her son close and knowing that they had a duty to fulfill.
"You're right, my dear," she said, her voice softening. "I just miss your brother already."
"I miss him too," I admitted, my own emotions catching up with me. "But we must be strong for them and ourselves."
My mother nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "You're right, Emily," she said, her voice gaining strength. "We have to be strong for each other"
As the carriage continued on its journey, we settled into a companionable silence, finding comfort in each other's presence. Before we passed the Ashbourne Village, I whispered a silent prayer.
"Be careful and safe, Thomas"
...…..
Inside the confines of my room, I busied myself with preparations for my impending mission. The weight of responsibility rested on my shoulders. Three days have passed by since we reached the Capitol. With the help of the right hand of my mother who was left here without my knowing, my mother managed to sneak me out inside our mansion. Since then, I have been locked in my room. I never dared to come out even though my mother assured me that no one would come up to the upper floors because she gave orders to the servants in advance.
I spent my days meticulously arranging my knight's attire, inspecting every inch of the armor to ensure it was in perfect condition. I practiced wielding the sword in the spacious corners of my room, honing my skills with every swing, determined to be the best knight I could be when the time came to face the challenges that awaited. I also memorize every important official and person my twin brother told me about, instilling their faces in my memory. I even go to the length of studying books about knights.
I am so nervous.
Occasionally, I would glance out of the window, catching glimpses of the vibrant life beyond the mansion's walls. The world outside was a stark contrast to my secluded sanctuary, filled with laughter, bustling streets, and the melodies of life. But for now, I remained hidden, following my brother's careful plan to keep my true identity a secret until the right moment.
As the hours passed, my anticipation and nerves grew. The weight of the task before me loomed large. My mother never fails to visit me, bringing me meals and filling me with her reassuring words.
"You're doing wonderfully, my dear," she would say, her eyes filled with pride. "Your brother would be so proud of you."
In just two days, my life would take on a new path as a knight. Just like Thomas instructed me, I need to report to Lieutenant Lancaster for the legalities of his coming back from his last post. Unfortunately, it was not General Helmer who took care of those things, so my disguising and acting skills were to be put to the test rather early.
With a sigh, I went to the window near my bed. However, my heart skipped a beat as I saw Amelia wearing her bright smile early in the morning, approaching the mansion from my room's window. Panic gripped me, and I hurriedly tried to think of a way to avoid being seen. My brother had made it clear that no one should know of my presence here, and the consequences of discovery could be dire.
I could hear the muffled voices of the servants outside, welcoming Amelia with warm greetings.
Amelia's laughter echoed through the halls, and I couldn't help but smile despite my anxiety. Her cheerful presence always brought joy to any gathering.
The minutes felt like hours as I remained hidden, my mind racing with thoughts. My brother's plan had been for me to stay hidden like a ghost, invisible to everyone except those who needed to know of my disguise. Our plan involves Lady Emily Hamilton being away for a vacation.
As the voices outside gradually faded, I exhaled a sigh of relief, realizing that Amelia had likely entered the mansion's main hall.
I heard my mother's voice outside my room. I strained my ears against the door of my room, trying to catch every word of their conversation.
"Amelia, my dear, how delightful to see you," my mother greeted Amelia warmly and rather loudly.
"Good morning, Lady Thalia. I apologize for my sudden appearance but I just got excited after hearing that you finally came back after your sudden vacation?" Amelia's voice sounded reluctant.
"Oh, my dear, is that what the others were calling my sudden disappearance?" My mother's soft chuckle echoed.
"Well, uhm, that's what they said, Lady Thalia"
"And I am grateful to anyone who comes up with that idea. But I cannot help but be amazed at how the news spread so fast"
"I'm sorry, I just heard it to some nobles in one gathering the other day"
"No need to be sorry dear, gossip and rumors always end up being the main menu of social gatherings among nobles and I am very much aware of how my family can be very much intriguing"
I smirked after I heard my mother. I am sure she is making her voice loud for me to hear and they are standing close to the grand staircase.
My family was rather famous among nobles aside from holding the title of a marquess of Eldermont, the nobles had their eyes on us since my mother is not yet announcing the possible marriage of her two children especially Thomas who was the heir of our family.
"Oh right! Can I see Emily?" Amelia asked.
My heart breaks when I hear the excitement in her voice.
"I apologize, Amelia but it was not possible. You see, Emily is away on a well-deserved vacation. She needed some time to unwind and relax." My mother smoothly excused me, which made me surprised at how she could deliver the lies so effortlessly.
"A vacation?" Amelia sounded surprised as she replied, "Really? That's wonderful! But I didn't know she had plans to leave. Where did she go?"
My mother chuckled lightly, and I could almost picture her gentle smile. "Oh, you know Emily. She's always been a bit spontaneous. She didn't tell me exactly where she went, just that she needed some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city."
I held my breath, my heart pounding even louder. My mother's quick thinking and smooth words saved me from Amelia.
Amelia seemed to accept my mother's explanation, but I could sense a hint of skepticism in her voice. "Well, I hope she's having a good time wherever she is. I'll miss her at the social gatherings, though. She always knows how to liven up a party."
My mother laughed softly, "Indeed, she does," she agreed. "But I'm sure she'll be back soon enough, and she'll have plenty of stories to share with us."
As the conversation continued, my heart gradually returned to a more steady rhythm. My mother's quick thinking had averted disaster, at least for the moment.