Dawn of Arcane Destiny

Chapter Eighty-Two

They stepped back into the drawing room and Caelum almost tripped in shock. A little girl sat primly on the chair Caelum had earlier occupied.

“Caelum,” His mother said. “Meet your sister, Kaelyn.”

Kaelyn stood immediately at the sound of her name and turned towards him. She glanced nervously at him and then down at her feet, her hands clasped firmly in front of her.

“Kaelyn.” Caelum tried the name out. “Sounds like my name.” He remarked.

Ruelle nodded. “She was born less than a year after you left. I…” She trailed off.

“You were feeling nostalgic?” Drayce guessed.

She nodded “Exactly.”

Kaelyn bobbed a curtsy, looking flustered that she had forgotten to before.

“Oh, none of that.” Caelum said. “We’re your brothers!” With that he squatted down and hugged her tight. She made a noise of surprise and the tentatively hugged him back.

Caelum could hardly believe it. He had a sister? He had a sister! She would be eight if she had been born less than a year after he had left. He released her and Drayce gave her a hug. When he pulled back she stared at Drayce with wide eyes.

“So, it is true?” She asked in a small voice. “My brother is the Crown Prince?”

Drayce chuckled. “Not by choice, but then again nothing in my life has been by my choice.”

Kaelyn gasped. “You’re going to be King!” She said incredulously.

Caelum laughed at her shock. “That is what eventually happens to Crown Princes.”

She suddenly looked miffed. “I wasn’t allowed to go to your wedding. I wanted to see the castle, but father said no.”

Drayce smiled. “We’ll have to remedy that. You’ll definitely have to visit.” He glanced at Caelum and they both realized that probably wouldn’t be advisable if things got dangerous. “Before the coronation.” Drayce added.

“Coronation?” Ruelle asked. “When is it to happen?”

Drayce turned to her. “Sooner than expected. My uncle passed a few days ago.” He gestured to the mourning band on his arm he was required to wear.

Ruelle covered her mouth with her hand. “I’m so sorry.” She said.

Drayce snorted ruefully. “I’m not. His reign of terror is over.”

“Drayce, you shouldn’t speak ill of the dead.” Ruelle scolded.

Drayce nodded but didn’t apologize. Then he got a smirk on his face, looking at Caelum. “But of course,” he said as if put out. “My promotion in rank, didn’t stop Caelum. He went and got promoted to captain of the guard. I can’t get rid of him!”

Caelum grinned, though he knew he must look hideous doing so. “Please.” He said. “We both know you would be dead without me.”

Drayce laughed. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. My cousins though, they were always helpless chaps.”

Caelum shook his head. “They were never as stupid though.”