Prince Solomon, ruler of Tharros, woke to an uneasy feeling. His parents' business trip had exceeded its expected duration. The agreed-upon date of return had passed, and silence filled the void.
Concern etched on his face, Solomon dressed swiftly and summoned his trusted advisor.
"Prepare my horse," he instructed. "I ride to Avalon."
The advisor's eyebrows rose. "Unannounced, Your Highness?"
Solomon nodded. "My brother must be informed."
The castle's portcullis creaked open, admitting a lone rider. Solomon, ruler of Tharros, dismounted his steed.
"Summon my brother," Solomon ordered.
Henry, caught off guard, welcomed his twin brother warmly.
"Solomon! What brings you to Avalon?" Henry asked, ushering him into the dining room as he was about to have his breakfast.
Solomon's expression turned grave. "We have a little problem brother."
Henry's brow furrowed. "Let's discuss it over breakfast."
"Solomon! What's this problem you speak of?" Henry asked.
"I come seeking aid, brother. Our parents' caravan has vanished."
Henry's brow furrowed.
"Vanished?"
Solomon nodded.
"Their expected return date passed. No word, no messenger."
Henry's face darkened.
In the dining room, the brothers sat at the long, polished table.
"I've sent scouts to investigate, but none have returned" Solomon said, his voice low.
Henry nodded. "I'll dispatch Avalon's men to Zorvath, I do not like what I'm hearing."
Just then, I entered the dining room.
"Ah, Ariel," Henry said, rising from his seat.
Solomon stood, his eyes locking onto mine. "Is this your wife?"
Solomon asked glancing at Henry with a more amusing look.
"Ariel, please join us," Henry invited. Ignoring his brothers question, knowing fully well where he was heading to with such a question.
I took a seat beside Henry.
"How was your night?" Henry asked, smiling.
"It was lovely," I replied. "The gardens are blooming beautifully."
I couldn't help but stare at Solomon too
"This is my brother Solomon," Henry introduced, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Solomon's deep voice surprised me, and I couldn't look away. "Hi," he said, his gaze locking onto mine.
"I think your wife is interested in me too, brother," Solomon teased, glancing at Henry.
Mortified, I stuttered, "Oh no, no, it's not like that." The brothers erupted into laughter, and I hid my face.
Henry's gentle touch on my shoulder reassured me. "Don't mind Solomon; he's just joking."
Solomon's gaze lingered on me.
As breakfast progressed, the conversation turned to lighthearted topics.
After breakfast, Henry excused himself.
"I'll join you shortly," he said to Solomon.
Henry suggested a walk in the castle gardens. The sunlight and fresh air revitalized me, and I strolled beside him, feeling more at ease.
As we walked, Henry pointed out various landmarks and shared the castle's history. His passion for his kingdom was evident, and I found myself captivated by his dedication.
Upon returning to the castle, I spotted a group of ladies-in-waiting gathered in the hallway. They curtsied as I passed, their eyes filled with curiosity.
"Who are they?" I whispered to Henry.
"My sister's ladies-in-waiting," he replied. "They'll be attending to you as well."
"I have something to discuss with my brother," Henry said, his voice soft and soothing. "I'll be with you shortly, okay?"
I nodded, sensing urgency in his tone. "Okay."
Henry's eyes lingered on mine before he turned to summon the castle staff.
"See to Ariel's needs," he instructed. "Provide her with refreshments and attend to her comfort."
Two maids, Elara and Lirien, curtsied.
"As you wish, Your Highness," Elara replied.
With a reassuring smile, Henry departed to meet Solomon.
Elara and Lirien flanked me.
"Shall we take a stroll in the gardens?" Elara asked.
I nodded, following them.
Their gentle chatter filled the air as we walked.
But my thoughts drifted to Henry and Solomon's mysterious meeting.
In the throne room, Henry turned to Solomon, his eyes burning with urgency. "Now, tell me more about what happened."
Solomon's expression darkened, shadows dancing across his face. "One of my men, returning from Dragonstone, passed through Zorvath. He overheard war chatter—screams, like they were preparing for battle."
Henry's grip on the armrest tightened.
Solomon's voice dropped to a growl. "I sent men to retrieve our parents three days ago. Traveling to Zorvath is a one-day trip; they should have returned by now. But nothing. No word."
Henry's brow furrowed.
"Yesterday, I dispatched scouts to investigate," Solomon continued. "None have returned."
Henry's face fell, his jaw clenched.
"If anything befalls Father and Mother," Solomon vowed, "Zorvath will pay dearly."
"We must investigate," Henry declared, determination etched on his face.
As night descended, casting the throne room in a somber glow, the brothers strategized.
"Tomorrow, we ride," Solomon said.
Henry nodded.
"Together," they echoed.
Their resolve hardened, forged in the fire of uncertainty
Little did they know, darkness loomed.