A Guardian's Fate (Book #2)

Prologue

Ameril 21, 1566
(4/21/1566)

"Edward? Edward!" She picked up her thick skirts and skipped through the tall grass. Then after a moment, she paused and observed the area for any signs of movements.

There was nothing for what appeared to be miles. Miles of empty green fields and wildflowers.

Frustrated, she scowled and promptly turned, deciding it was best to return to the castle anyway. But she was immediately met with her brother's deep blue eyes instead. She yelped and stumbled backwards, releasing her lace skirts and nearly tripping on them.

Edward reached out and caught her hand just in time. After she regained her balance, he burst into a fit of laughter. Loud and obnoxious as usual. How did so many men and women find that so attractive?

"That was not funny!" she scolded him, yanking her hand free from his grip. Then she rushed past, determined not to speak with him for the rest of the day. Silence bothered him more than anything.

"Oh, come on, Tatianna!" Edward whined, chasing after her. "You must learn to have some fun. Castle life is so dull without a bit of humor. Tati, please. Forgive me." He leaped in front of her and pouted, clasping his hands beneath his chin. And it was quite unfair. He knew she couldn't say no to that face.

"If scaring your own sister out of her wits is fun for you, then I suppose we do not have as much in common as our parents were led to believe." Still, her lips curled upward as she replayed the scenario in her head.

"Oh, alright," she relented, and they began walking together. "Did you notice my scream? My goodness, I could compare myself to Rover whenever he's frightened by the guards at night."

Edward wrinkled his nose. "That's such an insult on an innocent animal, Tati." Tatianna clenched her right fist and delivered a quick blow to his arm. He clutched the area and laughed again.

"I often ask the Great Holy Deity why I was cursed with having to be your twin," she shot back.

"You are older, though, which makes you the rightful heir to the throne. I am merely here to amuse." Edward then jumped in front of her again and spread out his arms. "May I remind you how grateful I am for that? I am not plagued with the responsibility of marriage and having heirs, and the pressures of ensuring the first child is a girl. Oh! And of course, dealing with every little problem that pops up within this kingdom. Nope! None of my worries! I have free will!" He spun on his heel and walked again.

Tatianna lingered behind and rolled her eyes. "You are not getting off easy, Eddie. I have many ideas for you. And I also do not find the duties of being the future queen as much of a chore as you make them out to be. Yes, everything you said will be tiring and difficult, but think about it! I get to be queen. Our people will bow to me and look to me for comfort and protection. It is such an honor!" She dropped her dreamy gaze to the grass below and spotted a few yellow wildflowers hidden in-between.

Tatianna smiled as she crouched down and picked out a few. She held them up, examining their beauty up close. "And I believe I could be a wonderful ruler," she added quietly as she stood.

"And a wonderful wife," she continued, running past Edward, "and a wonderful mother!"

Edward caught up with her. They ran together until they were in front of Starset's gate. Their accompanying knights were awaiting them there, as instructed by Tatianna.

Edward groaned when he glanced at her. "Oh, could we change the topic already? We're merely sixteen! Do not waste your young years dreaming about your future family. You have me, you know?"