Aurora Magazine 2019

“Absolutely not,” said Aileen. “I will not let our father force a man onto us so that we can rule a throne we never want - ed.” “Maybe you do not desire the responsibility,” Everly chid - ed, “but I do. Ever since we came to this land, I wanted to rule our father’s land. I am sorry that our situation has forced this injus - tice of choice upon you, sister.” “If only you could have seen Heaven, sister.” Aileen began to wax poetic, as she often did in the nighttime hours. “It was a land of happiness. No clouds were in the sky, only under our feel. At night, every star shone like a candle, and the air was calm. No one was dirty, only spotless white robes.” She paused, and Everly could feel the longing in Aileen’s soul. “I do so wish to go back soon.” Everly laughed. “Well, I don’t! Hell was the opposite. Pain and fire everywhere. The screams of lost souls, echoing throughout eternity. I don’t ever want to return. Besides, to return to Heaven, we would have to die! You wouldn’t want that, would you?” Aileen was silent. --- As the weeks trudged past, Aileen spoke not a word, and Xavier grew more gaunt and haggard. He bade the girls come to his room. “Everly, Aileen, every day I regret what happened to you. If I had known for even a moment that the witch would have put this great curse on you, would never have sent you to her. Now, I must burden you fur - ther, for I am dying, and quickly. For the good of Tjolfdin, please put aside your differences, and choose a suitor.” Everly was quick to agree, but Aileen remained silent. Lat - er that night, Everly bade her sister goodnight, and was not met with a response. She fell asleep troubled. --- 88