The Twins • Book One • Wattys2017

Prologue- The Dream

Song: Dream by Imagine Dragons

Author's Note: I hope you enjoy the story! Feel free to ask any questions, voice your opinions and point out any mistakes I make.

Carrying a baby, a woman swiftly moves through the forest so familiar to her. Her long brown hair flows behind her as she runs along the path to the clearing where so much has happened to her in the past. Checking behind her for followers, she carefully continues forward.

A stick cracks in the distance, making her freeze and clutch the baby closer to her chest protectively. Not moving, her blue-green eyes widen in fear as she looks and listens for any other signs of movement. She decides to go through the forest as rapidly yet quietly as possible.

As soon as she reaches the clearing, she breathes a sigh of relief. In the middle of the large space a man cloaked in black paces back and forth, his short blond hair glistening in the moonlight. Held in his arms, there is another baby. He hears the arrival of the woman, and his sparkling blue eyes lock onto her blue-green ones.

"Regina!" He calls out in relief.

"Marcus!" She replies. They run forward to each other, but are unable to embrace because of the two precious bundles they carry. Their eyes show the years of love and trust they feel towards each other across the space between them. One of the babies lets out a cry, and Regina calms her down, brushing the blond hair away from her bright blue eyes. The other baby smiles up at her father, her blue-green eyes shining.

"Are you sure you want to do this Regina?" Marcus asks with sadness coating his soft voice. Regina starts to silently cry and answers

"It must be done to protect them." Marcus somberly nods in understanding.

"I'm taking Antonia to my brother so they can take care of her, and you're taking Ivory to your trustworthy human friend, Marie." Marcus clarifies. Regina agrees sadly

"Yes. It's best to split them up. They'll be harder to find and bring together to be used..."

"To either unite or destroy this realm, I know. I was there when the prophecy was said as well." Marcus interrupts, speaking softly. "But just know, they will be reunited anyway when they're about 18, there's nothing we can do about that. I get what you mean though, we don't want anyone finding them and raising them to be evil." He maneuvers the baby Antonia into one arm so he can caress Regina's face, and pull her in for a kiss. The kiss is sweet and soft, yet over too soon. "I will see you soon my queen."

"And you too my king." Regina says, and runs out of the clearing, still cradling Ivory close to her. Marcus runs off in the opposite direction, heading to the outskirts of his kingdom, to where his brother and wife await.