Two Princes: Dark and Light (Prinxiety and Logicality)

Chapter 16

"Well you see, while I'm not interested in you romantically, I still wish to form an alliance between our two nations. Plus, I think this would really help strengthen our kingdoms. Also, my parents have no idea. In fact, the only others who know besides you guys is my brother Patton." Roman explained, going back to hugging his brother tightly. They were afraid that letting the other go would make them disappear again, and the physical touch helped comfort both men.

"So you were planning on going through with the wedding even though you don't love me?" Layla asked incredulously, looking at Roman for confirmation. Roman nodded nervously.

"A lot of arranged marriages aren't based on love, so I figured this could be one of them."

"Were you ever planning on telling me of this?" Layla asked, glaring at him accusingly. He awkwardly turned his head to the side so he wasn't in the direct path of her glare.

"No?" He questioned, laughing nervously as he awaited her reaction.

She huffed for a few seconds, but then turned her head in resignation.

"Fine, I suppose that's fair. I guess your wondering what they are doing here then huh?" She asked, waving her hand in the direction of the two intruders. Roman nodded, standing up and pulling his brother along with him, walking over to the bed to sit down.

Janus followed close behind, giving the two brothers space, but you could tell he didn't quite fully trust Roman yet.

"So your getting married?" Remus's asked, glancing between them and frowning. "Weird that you were sleeping on her floor then. And what about Damien?" He directed the question to Layla, and she visibly stiffened. Roman looked at his brother confusedly.

"Who's Damien?"

Layla sighed, before making her way over to them and joining them on the bed.

"Let me explain what they are doing here first, and then it will make more sense."

Roman nodded, and Layla began explaining.

"About a decade ago, the Ombré Kingdom and the Serpentine kingdom had a huge disagreement that lasted months. Blades were drawn, battles were waged, and eventually, this led to the split in our alliance. They became our enemy, and we were forbidden to intermingle with the opposite kingdom. This was fine until about two years ago." Layla took a deep breath and continued.

"I was sneaking out to the palace gardens at night when I stumbled upon two people from the Serpentine kingdom. They were sent as spies, or so I was told. Once I unmasked them though, I found out that they were around the same age as me. I threatened them and they eventually confessed that they weren't spies, but just curious people who had come to see if the rumors about us attacking were true. They weren't, and I got to know them. I guess I shouldn't have done that with the enemy but I was lonely and they were the only real people I could talk to. So we became friends."

She paused for a moment, letting Roman sink in this new information. After a second she continued.

"They would visit me at night because obviously what we were doing was illegal, but they never stopped visiting. I found out later that they happened to be royalty as well, and they were the two princes from the kingdom. Janus eventually introduced me to Remus and he became part of our little secret."

She smiled while recalling the memory, but cleared her head and got back on track.

"Eventually the eldest, prince Damien, became too guarded to sneak away, so I occasionally sneak to him. I had no idea they were coming tonight, otherwise I would have warned them you were here. I guess it turned out ok though right?" She giggled, before looking down at her folded hands.