Viridian

Chapter 1

"To the Royal family of King Ramiel Dagon of Electa," Miss Gallio begins as Raiden and I sit in the throne room together. "You are formally invited to a celebratory ball in a fortnight's time to commemorate the engagement of King Blaze Lux and the Future Queen Dawn of Solis," she finishes, lowering the letter as my brother begins to laugh, falling back in his throne. "Can you believe it Adhi? The poor fellow actually found a broad to put up with him," he jests, making Miss Gallio chuckle lightly under her breath. "Yes I know," I retort. "Perhaps he can give you some lessons when we go, brother." Miss Gallio laughs again, reminding me of her presence. Turning towards her I inquire, "Will my father be attending?" She stiffens, wishing to save me from disappointment. "No Princess," she starts, shuffling nervously. "He only asked us to bring the letter here to make you two aware," she paused again, making nervous eye contact with my brother. "But he gave me a note particularly addressed to you, Princess."

Standing, I smooth my black dress, tucking the hair that escaped my knot behind my ear before making my way towards Miss Gallio. Pulling the letter from her apron, she hands it to me alongside the invitation before bowing and making for her exit. "Thank you, Dorathea," I call as she swiftly exits out the door, shutting it behind her. Turning on my heel, I meet the expecting eyes of my brother.

"Don't even ask," I start, making my way back to the throne.

"But—"

"She was very clear."

"But we're twins! You're supposed to share everything with your twin!"

"Since when?"

"Since 5 seconds ago?"

"Out," I point, sitting back down on my throne.

"But—"

"Now."

"I hate being the youngest," he garbles, easing out of the chair and slowly beginning his descent towards the door. "Here I go...," he exasperates, drawing out every word just as he draws out each step he takes. "Into the cold, unforgiving world," he continues. I roll my eyes and respond, "Into a palace full of servants to wait on you, hand and foot." He ignores me and continues.

"Betrayed by the only person I thought I could trust."

"Is it too late for me to be an only child?"

"There lies my path."

"Ancestors grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change."

"Halfway there."

"Or a weapon, either one would be great."

"Sigh."

"Did you seriously just say that?"

"BIG sigh."

"Oh. My. Ancestors. GET OUT!"

He chuckles, opening the door as he swivels back towards me. "See ya, big sis," he laughs, finally closing the doors behind him.

Looking down at the letter in my hands, I take a deep breath, flip it over, and open it. Adhira, it begins. If you're reading this, Dorathea has informed you of the engagement party you and your brother are to attend. I also have no doubt that you have asked if I will be attending. I will not. Things in our island districts have been tense. The darkness is creeping in and we don't know what to do. My people need me here to fend it off, but it is becoming clear that we need to find the source. It is for this reason that I write to you. Moros is overstepping their boundaries and have been for quite some time. Your mother, may she rest in peace, was a victim of the Moros, particularly, of the Mindrellians. They got inside her head, forcing her to take her own life. I'm telling you this because the darkness must be weakened. Prince Cato Atrixius of Mindrella is one of the most powerful sources of darkness of the Moros. You must kill him. I have met Princess Najiba and I am confident that she would make a far more peaceful ruler than her brother. You must make haste, my daughter. The Prince has been slow to announce his parents' death, but it will soon be five years since their disappearance towards Oblivia. He will soon be crowned, and then his power will be deadly.

King Blaze of Solis is a peaceful ruler. He does not understand the threat the Moros hold. For this reason, he is inviting royalty from every province to attend his ball, including that of Moros. This will be the time to act. With my absence, you and your brother shall be seated with the other single figureheads, including Queen Shyama Kamimi of Umbra and Prince Cato.

Weaken the darkness, Adhira. Weaken it before it's too late. Use the strength your mother gave you.

 - King Ramiel Dagon of Electa

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Bonjourno, readers! If you have made it this far, thank you for taking a chance on me as this is the first book I have published on Wattpad. So... thoughts, comments, concerns? Do we like the sibling banter? Do we like Raiden in general (I kinda do, not gonna lie). Let me know!

 - Nicole Winters