The Guardian

Chapter One

Pale hands are immersed in the water bowl in front of me, the water turning a deeper shade of red with every second as I wash the blood from my hands. I rub my nails roughly, getting the dirty substance off.

"Adelaide, you're back sooner than I expected," the voice behind me isn't entirely unexpected, so when I look up into the mirror and am met by the same dark blue eyes as my own, I'm not surprised. His hair chocolate curls are messy as he runs a hand through them. Our faces are both sharp-eyed, yet soft-featured and my mouth is usually settled in a scowl, his usually in a smile. I turn around to face my twin brother, my chocolate braid swinging around with me.

"Well, it was easier than I expected," I give a tiny smirk as I dry my hands on the sides of my loose brown pants, that are tucked into my soft leather boots. My loose white tunic has a slight pink tinge around the cuffs, but I hide them by rolling my sleeves up as I stand with my hands on my hips.

"Oh, was it, dear sister?" He gives a small and cheeky smile, and I roll my eyes.

"Yes, Aedrioch, it was," I give a small laugh and walk over to the breakfast table by my window, plucking a few grapes and throwing them in my mouth. "The guard even fell asleep before I got there, so I didn't need to remove him."

"Well that was an extra piece of luck for you," he joins me by the fruit and grabs an apple, taking a large bite from it.

"Yes, it was, anyway, get out of my room and don't come back until I'm ready," it's his turn to roll his eyes as I usher him out past my huge purple and silver bed.

Once he is out, I walk into my bathroom and run myself a steaming hot bath, stripping off my clothes and climbing in. I lay in the water, scrubbing at my hands once more. I lean my head against the back of the tub, closing my eyes for a moment. I can remember it all perfectly, his mouth opening in a small O as the blood spilled from the thin slice through his neck, staining down onto his white bedsheets. And then I climbed out the window and ran across the town roofs and then back to our estate. I open my eyes again and rub some raspberry body oil on my skin and then quickly climbing out of the water and drying myself with a towel. I saunter across my room to my closet and find the gown I wanted, pulling it out with me.

I rest it on the ground in front of the floor-length mirror and then step into it, pulling it up around me. Somehow I manage to tighten the corset myself with a small wince and then adjust everything in the front. The dress is a deep plum with silver adornments along the cuffs, neckline, waistline and hem. It was the colours of my house, the Livingstones. I concealed a tiny dagger in each of my sleeves before stepping into my small heels. A moment later I sit in front of my vanity, pinning my loose curls up into an elaborate twist and then smudging some makeup on. The pearls I tie around my neck rest above the low neckline and match the bracelet I slide onto each wrist.

I give myself a small smile as I dab on some raspberry perfume and stand, just before there is a knock at the door. I open the door to find Aedrioch dressed in an outfit matching to mine. I silver pants tuck into black boots and sit under the plum tunic, the silver detailing on the sleeves and high neckline matching my own. He's done his hair and it sits nicely on top of his head. I know that is bound to be at least 6 weapons hidden on his person at that moment, but they go unnoticed as I take his arm and he guides me down to the entrance hall.

We enter the hall at the same time as our parents, dressed in similar attire to our own and stand by the door, waiting for our guests. Not a single word is murmured from any of us, the only sound is that of the grandfather clock down the hall. I glance over at my mother, where my brother and I got most of our features from. Our faces and hair are the same, yet we don't have her green eyes. We have our father's. I meet his gaze as he gives me a small smile before returning his attention to the door.

A moment later we hear the clattering of hooves and wheels on our drive and we all straighten our posture, our chins raising a little. The huge front doors were hauled open by a few servants a moment later to reveal the royal party to us. I scanned through the crowd to find the King and Queen of Andon emerging from their carriage. The Queen wore a red and gold travelling gown, and her black hair was loosely curled back behind her head, with a delicate gold band sitting across her brow. The King was in clothing just as mighty, a tunic and pants covered with a thick red robe and his shoulder-length blonde hair was curly and held back with leather cord. Both the King and Queen looked relatively happy to be here, and they were both strongly built as they marched towards us, heads held high.

They quickly climbed the stairs and stopped in front of us as mother and I curtsied low and father and Aedrioch bow just as low.

"Rise, my friends," the King's booming voice echoed around the hall and we stood, the Queen smiling at each of us in turn and the King positively beaming at my parents. "Lord Alan, Lady Victoria, good to see you as always."

"And you as well, King Joseph," my father and mother both smiled at the King.

"Oh, Alan, drop the formalities would you, we grew up together, it simply isn't necessary," the King gave him a friendly clap on the shoulder and then turned to us. "Oh my, Adelaide and Aedrioch, how you've grown from the young twins I remember."

My brother and I smile widely, looking between the King and the Queen, but only Aedrioch speaks. "It is good to see you again King Joseph, Queen Evangeline."

"Yes, it is," the Queen smiles kindly at us, her voice petite and delicate, but still loud and clear.

"Why don't we go talk further in the parlour? I'll have the servants take everything up to your room," my mother speaks for the first time as the King and Queen nod and we walk for the parlour. My mother gives the servants a few instructions before she follows us quickly.

As we all walk into the parlour, everyone sits around a low, mahogany table on black chaise lounges and the King and Queen look at each of us in turn in the silence. I'm sitting beside beside Aedrioch and across from my mother and father, and the King and Queen sit right to my left. I twist my hands in my lap and only look up when the silence is broken.

"So, Adelaide, if I remember correctly, it is your's and your brother's birthday soon?" The King gives me a friendly smile, which I return but I'm confused as to why he is asking the question.

"We're turning 17 in two days," I give a small smile and keep my manner polite, as does Aedrioch, but I can sense him brimming with questions by my side.

"Well, that is wonderful," he smiles widely, as does Evangeline next to him.

"Yes, yes it is," I smile widely, but can't stop the question slipping from my lips. "If you don't mind me asking, why do you ask, your majesty?"

"You needn't address me as your majesty my dear, much too formal," he gives a small nod. "But I believe you have services and skills that I require."

My entire family lets out a small breath as my father waves his hand and the servants stationed at the door leave and close the door behind them.

"I know what training the pair of you received over the ocean, your father did confide that information in me," the King speaks quietly and quickly, whilst the Queen folds her hands in her lap and looks at the floor.

"And what would be my task?" I tilt my head to the side slightly, raising an eyebrow in question. Hardly anyone knew about what had happened when Aedrioch and I went over the sea for 2 years and returned as members of the Assassin's guild.

"There has been a threat on one of my highest standing Lord's life and I require someone as skilled as you to protect him. And it is easier to conceal a new woman coming to court than a new man, that is why I have chosen you and not your brother," he gives a grave smile towards my brother. "You would live in his home and make sure nothing was to happen to him."

I give a small nod. "Of course."