Despite everything, Felix had somehow managed to get some sleep in the cell. His eyes stung from the dye but he could still see. His tutor appeared at the cell door alone. "You aren't André are you?" She asked quietly. Felix knew the charade was up so he just hung his head. "Hello Felix." Felix's head shot up at the sound of his name. "Is André safe?"
"Yes, he's safe with the Mages. How did you know I wasn't André and how did you know my name?" Felix enquired. The woman smiled.
"I have watched over André his entire life, did you think I wouldn't notice when you took his place yesterday?" Felix looked away ashamed. "As for your name, I would say I probably know you better than you know yourself, Felix Marcus Harold Tudor." Felix laughed.
"So you don't know me, my name is Felix Du Prae,"
"Du Prae was your mother's maiden name, we changed it for your safety, in case anyone found you," the woman interrupted. Felix frowned then shook his head.
"You're confusing me with someone else. Why would anyone care if my last name was Tudor," realisation hit him as soon as he had spoken aloud.
"Because Felix Tudor is meant to be dead." Felix startled, that was not the conclusion he had come to.
"Your father, in his grief, gave the order for all Mage born to be executed, forgetting that included his son. Your uncle and I smuggled you out of the castle. Your twin was spared as he had not inherited your mother's magic. Your uncle and myself made a pact, I would watch over André and your uncle would watch over you, neither of you would know about the other and you would never know your birthright," the woman explained. Felix recalled his encounter with the King, his father, if the story was true. "Why tell me now?"
The woman sighed, "because despite our best efforts, you two somehow found each other, swapped places and now you're to be executed at sunset at the mercy of Regent Bodgen who never cared for you or your brother."
"So I am to die then?"
"Unless your father makes a miraculous recovery and pardons you, yes." Felix slumped back against the cell wall.
YOU ARE READING
Gemini Reges - A Prince and the Pauper Retelling
Fantasy"How would you like to be the prince for a few days?" The other boy laughed, "if only." André remained silent. "You're serious?" Prince André needs an escape from his life, between his ailing father and his studies it all is too much for the young...
