The morning of their sixth birthday was a flurry of activity. The palace was alive with the sound of servants rushing to and fro, their arms laden with decorations, trays of food, and gifts wrapped in shimmering paper. Kaelith and Elara sat in their shared bedroom, their small hands fidgeting as maids fluttered around them, dressing them in their finest gowns.
Kaelith's dress was a deep crimson, the color of her eyes, with delicate gold embroidery that shimmered in the sunlight. She squirmed as the maids tightened the ribbons around her waist, her restless energy making it hard for her to sit still. "Do I have to wear this?" she complained, tugging at the fabric. "It's too tight!"
Elara, seated beside her, giggled. Her dress was a soft, pale blue, the color of her eyes, with silver accents that made her look like a little princess from a storybook. "You look beautiful, Kae," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "Just hold still."
Kaelith pouted but obeyed, her crimson eyes darting around the room as she watched the maids work. She hated the fuss, the endless primping and preening, but she knew it was important. Today was their birthday, and the entire kingdom would be watching.
When the maids finally finished, Kaelith and Elara stood side by side, their reflections staring back at them from the full-length mirror. Kaelith's golden curls were pinned back with a small gold clip, while Elara's cascaded down her shoulders in soft waves. They looked like a perfect pair, the sun and the moon, their contrasting colors and personalities complementing each other perfectly.
"Ready?" Elara asked, holding out her hand.
Kaelith grinned, her energy momentarily subdued as she took her sister's hand. "Ready."
The grand hall was a sight to behold. The high ceilings were adorned with banners in the royal colors of gold and blue, and the long tables were laden with food and drink. Nobles from across the kingdom had gathered to celebrate the twins' birthday, their fine clothes and glittering jewels a testament to their wealth and status.
Kaelith and Elara stood at the entrance, their small hands clasped tightly as they took in the scene. The moment they stepped inside, the room erupted into applause, the sound echoing off the walls and making Kaelith's chest swell with pride. She loved the attention, the way everyone's eyes were on them, but she could feel Elara's grip tighten, her sister's calm demeanor faltering under the weight of so many eyes.
"It's okay," Kaelith whispered, squeezing Elara's hand. "Just stay close to me."
Elara nodded, her blue eyes wide with a mix of awe and nervousness. Together, they made their way through the crowd, their small figures dwarfed by the towering nobles who bowed and curtsied as they passed.
"Happy birthday, Your Highnesses," a noblewoman said, her voice dripping with false sweetness as she handed them a small, intricately wrapped box. "May your day be as bright as your futures."
Kaelith took the gift with a polite smile, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly as she studied the woman. She didn't like the way the nobles fawned over them, their smiles too wide and their words too sweet. But she knew better than to say anything. Today was about appearances, and she would play her part.
As they continued through the crowd, they were approached by a girl about their age, her platinum blonde hair and icy blue eyes making her stand out from the sea of nobles. She curtsied gracefully, her movements precise and practiced. "Happy birthday, Princess Elara, Princess Kaelith," she said, her voice calm and measured. "I am Serenith Arvendell. It's an honor to meet you."
Elara's face lit up, her blue eyes sparkling with curiosity. "It's nice to meet you, Serenith," she said, her voice warm and genuine. "Thank you for coming."
Kaelith, on the other hand, felt a flicker of annoyance. She didn't like the way Serenith's eyes lingered on Elara, the way her smile seemed too perfect. But she forced herself to smile, her crimson eyes narrowing slightly as she nodded in greeting.
Serenith and Elara quickly fell into conversation, their voices soft and animated as they discussed everything from their favorite books to their lessons. Kaelith stood to the side, her energy fading as she grew more and more bored. She hated these formal events, the way everyone talked in circles and never said what they really meant. She wanted to run, to explore, to do something—anything—other than stand here and listen to Elara make friends with some noble girl.
Finally, she couldn't take it anymore. She tugged on Elara's sleeve, her crimson eyes pleading. "Ela, can we go to the garden? Please?"
Elara hesitated, her blue eyes flicking between Kaelith and Serenith. "But we're supposed to stay here," she said softly. "What if Mother and Father need us?"
Kaelith pouted, her bottom lip jutting out in a way that always made Elara sigh. "Just for a little while," she begged. "Please? I'm bored."
Elara glanced at Serenith, who smiled politely. "It's okay," Serenith said. "I'll see you later, Princess Elara."
Elara nodded, her face lighting up with gratitude. "Thank you, Serenith. I'll see you soon."
With that, Kaelith grabbed Elara's hand and dragged her through the crowd, her energy returning as they made their way to the garden. The cool air was a welcome relief after the stifling heat of the grand hall, and Kaelith breathed deeply, her crimson eyes sparkling with excitement.
"See? Isn't this better?" she said, grinning as she twirled in the sunlight.
Elara laughed, her blue eyes shining with amusement. "Yes, Kae. This is much better."
They wandered through the garden, their small hands clasped tightly as they admired the flowers. Kaelith loved the vibrant colors, the way the petals seemed to glow in the sunlight. She reached out, gently touching a red rose, her fingers brushing against the soft petals.
"It's beautiful," Elara said softly, her voice filled with wonder. "Just like you, Kae."
Kaelith's chest tightened, and she turned to Elara, her crimson eyes wide with surprise. "Me?"
Elara nodded, her smile warm and genuine. "Yes, you. You're my little spark, remember? Always lighting up my world."
Kaelith felt a flicker of warmth in her chest, and she grinned, her energy bubbling over as she threw her arms around Elara. "I love you, Ela," she said, her voice muffled against her sister's shoulder.
Elara hugged her back, her heart swelling with love. "I love you too, Kae. Always."
For a moment, the world was perfect. The sun was warm, the flowers were beautiful, and they were together. But then, without warning, an arrow whizzed past them, embedding itself in the tree just inches from Elara's head.
Kaelith's heart stopped, her crimson eyes widening in shock as she turned to see where the arrow had come from. But before she could react, Elara grabbed her hand and pulled her behind a nearby bush, her blue eyes wide with fear.
"Stay down," Elara whispered, her voice trembling. "Don't move."
Kaelith nodded, her energy replaced by a cold, creeping fear. She clung to Elara, her small hands trembling as she peered through the leaves, searching for the source of the arrow. The garden, once a place of beauty and peace, now felt like a trap, the shadows hiding dangers she couldn't see.
The weight of their innocence was gone. In its place was a harsh reality, a reminder that even in their perfect world, danger lurked just out of sight. And as Kaelith held onto Elara, her heart pounding in her chest, she made a silent promise. No matter what, she would protect her sister. No matter the cost.