Darling Soul

Chapter Two

11:11 my forever wish

It's been three days since they last talked, and Atlas left the morning after that conversation. Astra has been lonely ever since.

The twins have been close all of their lives, they never fought because they always knew what each other thought and they always tried to put in each other shoes, and when they couldn't get the other's point of view they talked. They talked until the other felt understood. But what's so special about this pair of twins isn't the fact that they are close, instead what makes them a pair like no other is their souls. 

Astra spent a lot of her time studying in the library. Her mother said she needed to be graceful and intelligent, she needed to be considered an asset to the one she marries and not a pushover, so she forced little Astra to study and the girl learned how to feel comfortable in the middle of old books. When she was younger and hiding from her mother and her duties, Astra hid in the library and ended up finding a book she hadn't read before. It was a book about souls and relationships, there she found out about the existence of twin flames and soulmates, even if the book talked about it being rumours Astra found herself believing it. She told Atlas and he believed her. 

How could he not when their existence was proof Twin Flames did in fact exist? Atlas was set to be King of this kingdom and Astra was set to become Queen of a neighbouring kingdom, but what no one knew, what only they knew, is that Atlas and Astra are two souls living like a mirror to each other. If one has power, the other has that equal amount. If one is smart, the other matches their level of intelligence and knowledge with little to no effort. But the world isn't aware of Twin Flames and its people know only of Atlas power. Astra practiced all of her life in that balcony of hers, while Atlas had military training. 

It was something both of them agreed on, Astra's gifts would remain secret until she felt the need to use them, because the Twins were of Royal blood and were always in danger, Astra would have a bigger target on her back if the world knew she also possessed great power, and they could also use her to defeat her brother. 

"Lady Astra, the Queen has called for you.", a maid interrupts her nostalgic memories of when the twins made a pact and Astra is forced to snap out of her dream world. 

"Very well. Did Her Grace say what business she has with me?", the princess got up from her favourite chair, the light pink cushion chair that was the comfort she always seeks when her mind needs to rest, and walked inside her room, smiled to the maid and waited for a reply. 

"She did not... I'm sorry, Your Highness.", the maid bowed and Astra shook her head, there was no need for the maid to apologise. 

"Shall we see what Her Grace wants?", she smiled again and left the room. The maids couldn't have preferences in who they served, but they loved the Twins the most from the entire household. The Twins treated them like they mattered, like they were their equals; in their eyes, the maids were living beings like them. Atlas told the maids that they were only doing the bare minimum by treating them kindly, but the maids wouldn't change their minds about how special that pair was. 

Astra walked into the Throne Room with her head held high and the brightest smile on her face, her back was straight and her gaze was firm. She was taught from a young age not to show any emotion, it could be used as an advantage for her enemies if they knew what she was thinking so she learned how to hide with a smile. She was wearing a light blue mermaid dress, tight in her chest and legs but flowing near her shoes, and the Queen hummed in agreement with her dress choice. 

"Mother, you called for me?", she bowed to the Queen and the King. Both of them looked at her up and down until the Queen spoke. 

"I did, my daughter. In five days there will be a ball in your honour. I'm sure you are aware of the goal of this... well, situation." 

"To find me a husband.", it wasn't a question, Astra knew this day would come and she was prepared for it. She spent all of her life in preparation for this moment. 

"I'm glad both you and your brother are smart. It saves us time.", the King always spoke with a mocking tone. 

"As you are well aware, Father, I've been preparing for this moment ever since I was born. I certainly don't need a man to tell me what my duties are.", she replied with a smile and her mother gasped. Astra knew better than to be ill-mannered and she knew she would face the consequences later, but it angered that they waited until Atlas was gone to pull this stunt, just like she suspected. 

"And yet you still behave like a reckless child.", he spits and her stance doesn't falter. Show no emotion, she thought. 

"Now now, let's not turn this meeting into a sour one.", the Queen interrupted. "Astra, there are people coming from all over the world, including your five suitors. However, your Father and I have already decided who you will marry. We'll announce it in the Ball, he is already aware as well. In fact, he will arrive earlier than the rest so be in your best behaviour." 

"I understand. Is that all?", Astra asked and bowed, the Queen told her to leave and she exited the Throne Room. 

Astra thought of her brother, who took her conversation so badly, so far away from her and without knowing that she was right all along. She wouldn't be here when Atlas returned. 

The soft fabric of her dress ruffled against the polished stone floor as she walked the halls. Her fate was sealed, she was set to marry the man her parents chose and she had no clue who that could be. 

Astra took a turn and found the door to the garden. In the center of it, stood a small greenhouse made of birch wood and white tainted glass, there were all types of flowers but her favourites are the baby breaths, the gypsophilias. She walked inside and sat on a stone bench staring at the flowers. 

"Can I ask for you to lend me a ear? I'm afraid I don't have anyone to confide in.", she asked and the wind blew from one of the top windows so she smiled, because that's who Astra was, the girl who always smiled no matter what. 

"I couldn't properly say goodbye to my brother, because he left as soon as dawn arrived and since then I haven't heard from him. Now, my fiancée will arrive and take me away and the only person who cares about me isn't here to wish me well. I feel alone, so utterly helpless and alone." 

She got up and walked around, Astra noticed a ill flower in the flower pots near the back of the greenhouse and she sighed. 

"Do you feel like me? You look so pretty and yet feel so ugly?", she pat one of the flower's petals and a tear fell. "I feel like I'm being a crybaby. Maybe I'm a reckless child after all." She left the greenhouse, leaving behind her confessions and a healthy blue tulip, reborn from illness.