A year and half later
I'm now the military strategist to the largest alliance in the history of our kingdom's existence. It's been six months since I left the comforts of my home in exchange for the harsh battlefield. A lot has changed in this year. My sister is helping deal with politics back at home, Kellan and his uncle are training more soldiers to send to the battlefield, Amali is working with the mages to prepare them for the harsh reality of war. Clearly we have been at peace too long for my clansman thought they could come out unscathed because of their agility and magic prowess. They were proven wrong that first day of battle. They fight just as hard as the dwarves. I forgot to mention my brilliant sister convinced the dwarves and beast kingdoms to join us in alliance. She's a hell of a politician.
I've been called to front lines to help the general make a major blow against the demons. As we are going over I receive a magical transmission said to be from my wife. I leave and head to my quarters to receive the news. I make my way to the tent with a makeshift bed with quilts and padded bedding. I sit down and play the message.
"Hello Andor, I hope all is well. I have some news to share about your sister, Kellan and myself. First I was told to tell you that they both love and miss you and wish you success in battle. Now as for the news. Your sister is with child, twins in fact, they wanted you to be the first to know. On the news of myself, as you know we've been trying as well to conceive a child but currently have had no luck. I've even begun sneaking to see you so we could but to no avail. I then went to the elder healer and midwife, 2 days ago they brought news. I'm sorry to announce that I'm barren. My body can not carry a child. I did not tell you as to not to get your hopes up but I've lost 2 children as we've been trying. I'm sorry Andor. I've talked to my father so that we could begin the divorce process. Thank you for being a caring husband and I pray we stay friends."
I sat there processing all the news at once. I debate how to respond to the news. I'm happy for my sister that her dream of one day being a mother would be realized but heartbroken for not only myself but my poor wife Amali. We went into this marriage agreeing that we were going to behave as we had with the only change being us living together in our own wing of the palace. My sister and Kellan were acting as if they had been married for years and showing off as a perfect royal couple. Now Amali not only had to deal with an unwanted marriage, the constant comparisons of her to my sister but now the gossip of others that she cannot do her duties as a wife. I will not allow anyone I care about to be subjected to rumors. Moreover abandoned for something out of her control.
"My dear Amali, I'm so sorry for our loss but I'm more sorry you felt you could not share this information with me when the tragedy occurred. Please stop the divorce process. I will not abandon my wife over something that's out of her control. If we do or don't end up having children will not determine your worth in this marriage. So wait for me, I'll be home at my earliest convenience. Tell my sister congratulations. Andor out."
The next day I received a message from the prime minister. He was thanking me for sticking by Amali regardless of the news. It was humbling to such a proud man now his head for his daughter. I also received a message from a in expected sender, Xander. He was filling me in on palace gossip. He also said that he has been watching the interactions between my sister and Kellan. He says I should be on guard should they want to stay a real family and not fake it. This made my heart squeeze in pain because the experience of bringing life into the world can bring people close in ways non thought possible. So I sent a message back saying I'll be surprising everyone with a quick visit and to tell anyone.
Three weeks later I finally got a chance to visit. We got a huge victory the day before, I used this as an excuse to come home and give my report in person. As I give my report to my father he smiles and says that he couldn't be prouder and with me there the war will be over sooner rather than later. As I walk from my father's office to find my mother and sister. I decided to take a detour to my and Kellan's special place for some time alone to think. On my way there I see Kellan and my sister. I start to walk over to say hello, they begin to embrace and share a kiss as intimate as lovers. How my heart shattered, once they finish I begin to make way over to them. They see me walking over both with a startled look on their face. Probably hoping I didn't see the exchange between them. I reach them and exchange hellos.
"I see you two are the epitome of a happy couple." Kellan was the first to react. He looked as if struck him.
"We are as we always were." claimed Irene. I scrutinize her with a look and she crumbles.
"I see everything you two had to say about this marriage was a great lie to get me to go along with it. So everyone can get what they want." I say through ground teeth.
"That's a damn lie!" Kellan shouts. "I have always loved you. It's just that I love her too. It's not the same but it's equally important. She's pregnant with my child! How can I treat her as anything but that!" He screams at me.
I look at him with an even, calm look. "You say you still love me but these 7 months I've been gone I haven't received not one message or letter. So this love you say you have for me I cannot see it. On the matter of messages or letters, my dear sister, you didn't send any either." I say looking at them with disgust.
"The other half to my soul you used to call me but you can't spare 5 minutes to tell your soulmate that you're expecting or to be safe on the battlefield!" I shout. I laugh harshly and villainously. "I see what it is, you would rather die on the battlefield so I can no longer stand between you and your husband. Then let me give some reprieve dear sister. Till the war is won. I will not speak to or about you. You are both dead to me. If I manage to come home in one piece I'll play the perfect sibling and friend in public but I want nothing to do with you both in private. I will make no more visits home either. I'm sure you Ms. Politician can think of something to tell our parents. Goodbye Kellan. Goodbye Irene."
I walked out of the garden and walked back to my chambers to cry and mourn the loss of my sibling and my love.
Too bad Andor never looked back to see the heartbroken faces of his sister and lover. He also didn't see the smile of someone else lurking nearby.
After a night's sleep at home I returned to the front lines buzzing with rage and hurt. I needed someone to take it out on and the enemy was the perfect place to put it. Those around me on the field said they never saw such an elegant massacre. I earned the nickname Prince of Carnage. I wasn't the only royal who earned a nickname on the battlefield. The two sons of the dwarf king were very impressive. Ragnar Arvon, first prince of Arvon, got the nickname Thunderfury because watching his war hammer clash against the enemy was like hearing thunder clap. Vidar Arvon, second prince of Arvon, got his nickname Boneflayer from breaking bones by throwing his javelin. Somehow we become a trio on the battlefield. As I lost everyone close to me they became my brothers. Comforting me, taunting me, teaching me, keeping me safe, and vice versa from me to them. Our blood could not make us more family than we already were, being with them time seemed to flow by and after 6 years the war ended with us victorious.
Time to head home.