Aurora Magazine 2019

and simply sat and wept. Everly, who was exuberant to be free, was also the first to notice her sister. “Hello?” Everly walked to Aileen and waited for a re - sponse. Still, simple weeping. “Are you okay? I am Everly, and I believe I am-” Raising her hand to silence her sister, Aileen stood and regarded Everly. “My sister,” she finished. “The girl who stole me from Heaven. These words and no others were said between the girls, who went their separate ways. Everly, whom Hell had taught ingenuity, laid on the rug and rolled the corner over herself like a blanket. Spoiled Aileen sat on the cold floor, cradling herself, until her head lolled from the exhaustion. It wasn’t until morning that Xavier, who roamed the halls at night to calm his raging mind, would find the girls. All at once, he recognized the twins as his daughters. In his first act of speech in nearly a decade, the mad king called for his servants. “All those who still serve the house of Tjolfdin come forth! Draw up a room... my daughters are home.” --- The girls were given a feast to celebrate their return, which both famished girls accepted heartily. For the first time in years, the royal hall opened its doors, and the castle railing with singing and laughter. No one did so louder than Everly, who danced and played until she fell asleep. Aileen simply sat and stared, more missing the kingdom of Heaven every day. When the party was over, Xavier woke Everly and walked the girls to their room. It was painted decadently with flowers and grass; a room for a princess, for sure. There were two beds, each at their own side of the room. The girls picked a bed and Xavier bade them goodnight, retiring to his chamber for the first time with a smile on his face. The girls sat in silence. Everly finally broke it. “Do you suppose every night will 85