Aurora Magazine 2019

“Everly? Where am I?” Everly couldn’t believe her ears, or more, her mind; the --- Although Xavier tried everything in his powers to separate his daughters, they appeared to be stuck in this state for years. The girls learned to coexist; Everly controlling day to day action, Aileen interfering when she deemed necessary. This continued until June the First, their fifteenth birthday. Xavier called the girls down, and spoke. “Girls, you are fifteen now, and I am old and mad. True, I have ruled for centuries wisely and justly, but I can tell my time on earth is short. Tjolfdin law forbids young girls to rule by them - selves, so you must wed before I pass.” Everly, who saw the wisdom in her father’s words, was nonethe - less overwhelmed by Aileen’s upset response and was compelled to speak. “Rule! I was not aware that I would have to stay in this Hell for the rest of my life, just waiting to die! And rule no less.” Xavier, who knew his daughters well, chuckled. “Oh Aileen,” he fawned. “I never intended for both of you to rule in... this way. I always thought the one who desired the throne more would be allowed to have it with the husband of their choosing. Now that you are one... the kingdom needs a ruler, and I will not live forever.” Aileen grew silent, and Everly accepted her father’s charge. She met suitors from as close as Alcoatl, and as far as Xinjia in the north. Finally, a caravan from the Far East arrived in Tjolfdin. Out of the parade stepped a prince, from a land called Ghaul, Francis. He was sweet, and kind, in a way none of the princes had been before. He stayed in Tjolfdin for months, meeting and befriending Everly. Soon, Everly realized that she had fallen in love with Price Francis. She spoke with her sister on it one night. 87 two girls were now one.