Blades of Desire

Abigail crossed her arms, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Well, well, Avery. Is that what we're calling swordplay these days? Because from here, it looks more like a very elegant way to surrender." she said teasing her sister.

Avery spun around, her cheeks flushed. "Abigail! You know I'm still learning! And Rowan isn't exactly holding back." Rowan chuckled, lowering his sword. "I wouldn't be doing you any favours if I did. You want to learn, don't you?"

Abigail stepped closer, her tone mock-serious. "Oh Rowan, the mighty conqueror. Tell me, does defeating your little sister bring you so much joy?"

Rowan smirked, wiping his blade with a cloth. "Defeating her? Hardly. This is training. If she can't handle a little sparring loss, she's not ready for anything real."

"You two do realize I'm standing right here?" Avery interjected, her voice edged with exasperation. "And Abigail, if you're so clever, why don't you grab a sword and show us how it's done?"

Abigail raised her hands in surrender, laughing hard and forgetting her worries, even if it was for a moment. "Me? Oh no. I'm far too delicate for all this violence. Besides, I'd hate to overshadow Rowan with my superior skills."

Rowan rolled his eyes. "Right. Because you're such a legend with a blade. Remind me, when was the last time you even held one? Never?"

Abigail tapped a finger against her chin, pretending to think. "Let's see… Ah, yes! The last time was when I had to fend off a very determined goat from the herb garden. That counts, doesn't it?"

Avery burst out laughing despite her earlier frustration. "You're impossible."

Abigail grinned. "And yet, here I am, adored by all. Now, if you two are done pretending to be knights of legend, I need to talk to you. It's important."

Rowan slung his sword over his shoulder, his expression shifting slightly. "Important enough to pull us away from training?"

Abigail nodded, her smile fading a bit. "It's serious," she said. "But first, I've missed you both so much. Let's walk in the gardens. I want to hear about what happened while I was away. What did you two do? I want to know everything." She smiled warmly. "Then we can discuss the other matter."

Rowan and Avery exchanged a glance and followed Abigail. They walked away from the training ground, their boots crunching on the gravel path. The gardens were beautiful, full of colorful flowers and trees. The morning sunlight shone through the leaves, casting shadows on the ground.

As they strolled, Rowan told Abigail about his growing responsibilities as the future king. "It's a lot of pressure," he said, "but I'm learning to handle it." Abigail listened attentively, asking questions and offering words of encouragement.

Avery, excited to share her own news, chimed in, "And I had my first duel with a palace knight! Can you believe it?" Abigail's eyes widened in surprise. "That's amazing, Avery! How did you do?" Avery beamed with pride. "I won! Father was there to watch, and he was so delighted. He said I'm a natural." Abigail smiled, hugging her sister. "I'm so proud of you, Avery!"

They found a cozy stone bench among the flowers and sat down, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and each other's company.

Seated comfortably between her siblings, Abigail felt a deep sense of relaxation wash over her. Her time away in Elmont had been marked by a constant longing for the warmth and familiarity of her family. Although she had been summoned back earlier than expected, and despite the disturbing news that had greeted her upon her arrival, she couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and relief at being home. The love and comfort of her siblings was a balm to her weary soul, and she felt grateful to be surrounded by those who mattered most to her.

"Brother and sister" she began, her voice calm but laden with seriousness, a stark contrast to the playful tone she had used earlier. "The situation is far more complicated than it seems. You both know I would do anything for our kingdom and marrying one of the Princes of Everia is a sacrifice I am willing to make to secure our alliance. However..." She paused, her voice faltering slightly, "there is something I couldn't bring myself to tell Father. During my stay in Elmont, I fell in love with Prince Riven."

Abigail's gaze dropped to her hands, and her emotions laid bare before her siblings. She knew the weight of her duty and the importance of uniting their kingdoms through marriage, but her heart clung desperately to Riven. Opening up to her brother now was her only hope, perhaps he could help her find a way to navigate this impossible choice.

Prince Rowan let out a deep sigh, his brows furrowed as he looked at his sister. "Abigail," he began gently, his tone a mixture of pity and resignation. "I can see how much this pains you, and I wish there was another way. But you and I both know the stakes. Our kingdom's future depends on this alliance. If there were anything I could do to change your fate, I would. But my hands are tied, just as yours are."

He reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I can only ask you to stay strong. You have always been selfless, putting our people above your desires. I'm certain Father wouldn't force this on you if there were any other way." His voice softened further. "Sometimes, our duties demand more of us than we think we can give."

Avery, who had been silent the entire time, shifted uncomfortably. Her usual confident demeanour seemed to falter as she stared at her sister, her thoughts elsewhere. Deep down, she couldn't help but imagine herself in Abigail's position someday, forced to make a similar sacrifice for the kingdom.

Finally, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "Abigail... I hope your heart finds peace in all of this. And I pray that... I pray I never have to face a choice like yours."

Abigail took a shaky breath, her hands trembling slightly as she clasped them together. "There's more," she said, her voice breaking. "During my time in Elmont, Riven made his feelings clear. He loves me, too. He's planning to come here... to ask for my hand in marriage."

She raised her gaze to meet her brother's, her eyes brimming with both hope and fear. "Elmont is an ally kingdom, Rowan. If we deny their crown prince, it could damage our alliance with them. They've been loyal to us for years, and their support has been crucial. But at the same time, Father is set on this union with Everia."

Her voice cracked as she continued, "I feel trapped. I don't want to be the reason for a rift between us and Elmont. I don't want to fail my duty to the kingdom. But how do I turn my back on Riven?"

She looked desperately at Rowan, hoping for answers, for guidance, for anything that might untangle the web she found herself ensnared in. Avery remained silent, her expression a mixture of sympathy and dread, as if Abigail's struggle mirrored a nightmare she feared would one day become her own.