Atheline looked out at the falling snow. The coincidences weren’t something he could ignore. If the princess marries into the Dusk family, their status would increase although it would still be below his family’s.
It just didn’t sit right with him. He trusted his instincts more than anyone.
Helther looked at him.
"You’d better come."
"I’ll certainly try to attend."
"You’ll be expected."
"I know."
Helther gave him a sidelong glance.
"I imagine bringing the Queen will cause quite the stir."
Atheline laughed.
"Probably."
"I can already hear the nobles panicking."
"They’ll survive."
Helther wasn’t so certain, but he wasn’t one to voice it out. They continued walking silently, towards a destination that Atheline was familiar with.
Eventually, they reached one of the older observation terraces overlooking the capital, built on one of the tallest trees second to the world tree.
The entire city stretched beneath them. Atheline rested both hands on the wooden railing.
"It’s beautiful."
Helther stood beside him.
"It always has been."
They remained there for several minutes, quietly watching the view. Helther eventually broke the silence.
"Do you miss it?"
The question lingered between them as Atheline thought carefully, then nodded.
"Sometimes."
Helther smiled knowingly.
"I thought so."
"I miss the peace," he looked across the city, "The familiarity and simplicity." A small laugh escaped him. "Though I suppose it never felt simple while I lived here."
Helther nodded.
"Everything seems simpler once you’ve left."
Atheline couldn’t disagree. Helther looked toward him.
"But..." Atheline smiled before he could finish," I also miss home."
Helther looked confused.
"You are home."
He slowly shook his head.
"I have two homes now."
The words surprised even himself. Yet... they felt true. The Dark Elven Kingdom, the palace, Lilith, their room, the fox sleeping between them every night, the councillors, the endless meetings, and the gardens where they drank tea together. That place had become home because of the people.
Helther studied him quietly then smiled.
"You really love her," he said, more firmly than the previous time.
Atheline looked toward the snowy sky.
"I do," he replied with certainty.
Helther laughed softly.
"You’ve changed."
"I know... I hope for the better."
Atheline looked at him. Helther smiled warmly.
"I’m proud of you."
The words landed harder than expected. Atheline looked away.
"...Thank you."
They stayed there for a while, just enjoying the winter breeze when Helther gestured for them to leave. Atheline nodded and followed him back quietly this time.
Dusk had begun settling across the countryside by the time they returned to the estate. Crystal lights lit throughout the gardens and warm light spilled from every window.
His father remained in the pavilion reading. Their mother stood on the veranda speaking with several attendants. The moment she noticed them she smiled.
"You’re back."
Helther nodded.
"For now."
She immediately noticed the wooden practice swords still tucked beneath their arms.
"Oh?"
Her eyes sparkled.
"Training?"
Helther smiled.
"It’s been a while since we practiced together."
She looked toward Atheline.
"Don’t break my garden."
He looked genuinely offended by the implications.
"I’ve never broken anything in the garden."
Helther coughed loudly.
"The east wall."
"That wasn’t part of the garden."
"The fountain."
"That was one time, an accident; and you’re the one who said we should train there."
"The greenhouse."
"..."
Their mother folded her arms. Atheline sighed.
"...I’ll try."
Their mother laughed.
"I’ll have the healers ready."
Helther rested a hand on his shoulder.
"You’ll need them."
Atheline grinned.
"We’ll see about that... I’m not fifteen anymore."
Together, the two brothers crossed the courtyard toward the family’s private training grounds as night settled over the High Elven estate. Behind them, their parents watched in comfortable silence.
His father eventually smiled.
"They’re finally acting like brothers again."
His mother nodded softly.
"Just like when they were children."
A loud crash echoed from the training grounds. Several birds flew into the air.
His mother closed her eyes.
"...Perhaps this time Atheline might win."
Another explosion followed. His father calmly took another sip of tea.
"I do hope. It will be different this time for Helther... Atheline has grown considerably."
"I hope."
.
.
.
The private training grounds lay behind the main estate, separated from the gardens by a dense grove of ancient silverleaf trees.
Unlike the family military training grounds, this place had never been built for spectators.
It was where the family had trained since childhood. Where the two brothers had spent countless afternoons being bruised by swords and other weapons from their instructors. Where their father had corrected their stances until their arms refused to lift another blade. Where victories were celebrated with laughter instead of applause.
Fresh snow covered the circular training grounds. The footprints of servants disappeared around the edges where they had finished clearing the paths. Everything else remained untouched.
Atheline stepped into the centre of the field. Helther stood opposite him. Neither carried a practice sword anymore. Against ordinary opponents, wooden swords would have been sufficient. Against each other... Not a chance.
Helther slowly drew his sword, a beautifully forged silver blade; simple and elegant without a single unnecessary decoration.
Atheline smiled before drawing his own weapon. The blade shimmered faintly. Although he possessed numerous elemental affinities and mainly used an arrow, he wanted to use his sword to match his brother.
Helther rested his sword on one shoulder.
"So..."
Atheline rolled his shoulders.
"So?"
"Why aren’t you using your bow... scared I’ll split the arrows in half like always."
He sighed dramatically.
"Must you brag about winning a fight against someone with half your strength?"
Helther grinned.
"A win is a win, right?"
"I can’t argue against that. Your shamelessness knows no bounds."
"Welcome to the real world my little brother."
Atheline chuckled.
"It seems you see me as a child... I’m already married while you remain an old bachelor."
Helther’s eyes narrowed with complete seriousness.
"Marriage is not for me. I’m too young to get tied down."
"..."
"...Excuse me? Are you serious right now?"
"I don’t have to share anything, inform anyone of what I’m going to do and I can do whatever I want... what’s there to lose?"
Atheline couldn’t argue with that. Helther planted his sword into the snow for a moment.
"But."
He looked directly into his younger brother’s eyes.
"Don’t let my words get into your system."
The joking tone disappeared.
"You’re one of the lucky ones. Be content with that."
Atheline didn’t answer. Helther smiled.
"Forget about that. I want to see how far you’ve gotten. "
Atheline slowly nodded.
"You will."