"The research will convince you. When your mother was pregnant with you, there was another baby there, a boy. Some months passed, and your mother checked and saw twins, a boy and a girl. She kept the genders of her children to herself, especially when she found out that King Michael would use her baby boy for bad and horrible things. She hid him. When she was giving birth, only the doctor and her trustee maid, who I heard was named Lili, knew your mother gave birth to a boy. So she gave the baby boy to Lili, who went far away with the child and kept you in her care," Jessica explains.

I looked at Jessica in disbelief, then at my newfound brother, but he looked at me coldly.

Actually, he is very handsome, but he has my mum's eyes, while I have my dad's eyes, which I have never seen face to face.

I wave at him shyly, still trying to grasp the concept that he is my brother.

"My name is Andrew, but you can call me Andy. What is yours?" He asked coldly.

I found myself feeling timid, which is unlike me, except when I am afraid.

"I... I... I am Alicia," I stuttered timidly.

I am so embarrassed. How can I be timid? That is so unlike me. I am so embarrassed.

"Are you afraid of me, or are you always so timid and afraid?" Andrew asked, figuring me out, but his face showed he didn't care.

I am so weird. I should answer him, right? Oh God, help me. What should I do?

"I am still trying to process the information that I have a big brother," I said, forcing out the words.

"Let us get to know each other then. So would you want to know the castle more? I would show you around. Is that allowed?" He says, and I find it very nice, but his face still says 'I don't care.'

"Sure, I would love to, especially when it is my elder brother showing me around," I say, a little excited that I will be knowing more about my brother.

"Excuse me, both of you. Andrew, remember that your sister is a slave here, so she will be busy, and you have to guard the palace more often. But I will give you guys this evening and tomorrow to know more about yourself. But don't stay up past eight pm, Alicia. NOW BEGONE!!!! Andrew, wait. Alicia, you can wait outside for your brother," she says smiling. Two minutes later, he was out with a smiling face. Did Jessica talk sense into him? She also came out and smiled at the both of us.

It made me happy that we made her smile, and I finally have two people I can call my relatives. I have courage now that I can talk more to Andy.

We were outside the palace, talking about random stuff.

"Who is Lili? She is the one who took care of you, right?" I asked curiously.

"Yeah, she was mother or so I thought, but she revealed the truth before succumbing to cancer," he said.

His revelation saddened me; he seemed like someone in need of family, much like myself. Discovering our shared experiences felt akin to finding a long-lost twin.

"Did you attend school?" I inquired.

"Yes, but my education was unconventional. I pursued advanced studies from a young age and have since left formal schooling," he replied, his pride evident.

"We share that in common - being exceptional children. At five, I was already in 11th grade, so schooling is behind me now," I shared.

Later that night, as we conversed, I realized we had grown close, but the time had slipped away - it was already 8:56 pm. Reluctantly, we parted ways, with him escorting me back to the slave building, a kind gesture from him.

"Goodbye, Alicia. You're a wonderful sister - the one I've always wished for," he said warmly.

His words touched me deeply; I hadn't even wished for a sibling, yet here was a brother who valued me.

"I'm equally grateful to have you, Andy. You're a fantastic brother," I replied sincerely.

Life's mysteries unfolded before us as we hugged and went our separate paths.

I had to sneak into my room, but someone had to come out. Why?

I concealed myself behind a fake tree for cover.

I prayed she wouldn't spot me. The lady emerged, sneaking out herself.

A paper slipped from my hand in fear; I didn't know who the woman was, and I remembered the paper Andy gave me, hoping this wouldn't happen. Why?

The woman glanced my way; thankfully, she mistook it for a passing rat. Didn't she see the dropped paper? Yet, she ran, causing a ruckus. Fool.

"Forgive me, Lord, for the vulgar word, which I didn't mean to say, and please save me from this trauma," I confessed.

I hurried silently to my room, but something terrible happened... LIFE!

I froze when I heard someone speak to me.

"Why are you still awake?" The man inquired.

I turned to see the leader of the guards, clad in armor and armed, looking familiar.

What was he doing here? Well, he had access to every part of the kingdom being close to the king, but why now?

"Why are you still out?" He repeated, his voice cold this time.

"I was just taking a walk outside with my mistress's permission, but I returned to the slave building late because I lost track of time... I am so sorry," I explained hastily, but it didn't sway him.

He regarded me with merciless eyes; I looked away, reminded of the man who killed my mother.

"Why are you lying? A slave can't go to any authority unless summoned for something crucial. Tomorrow morning, we're going to her office, and you'll face punishment in front of the kingdom. Even if you're telling the truth, you'll still be punished for being late," he declared, disbelieving my words. Why couldn't he just believe me?

I searched his eyes for mercy, finding none, and looked away again.

"Now, get out and ensure you're awake by five am, or I'll personally torture you until you can't breathe," he threatened. This guy needed therapy.

I bowed and hurried to my room before he changed his mind for the worse.

As soon as I entered, I bathed quickly and jumped into bed, offering a brief prayer before drifting into an uneasy sleep.

My alarm blared, jolting me awake; I couldn't risk being tortured to the point of suffocation.

I got up, said a short prayer, and attended to my morning routine. With only six clothes thanks to the palace, I wasted no time in dressing.

Checking the clock, it was 4:50 am. I left the slave building and arrived outside just in time for the man's appearance. Thank you, God!

I stood and bowed in greeting.

He seemed happier than yesterday; he could've killed a bear at that moment.

"You're lucky you're early; I won't punish you as severely as I intended. Though I've learned you were telling the truth, you'll still face consequences for being late," he said, showing a hint of kindness.

I was grateful for his mercy.

"Thank you, sir. I'm glad you showed mercy," I said, finding my voice at last.

We walked to what I assumed was the king's palace. The palace was grand, adorned with beautiful decorations, and attended by elegantly dressed maids.

"This way, slave," the man instructed.

The word "slave" embarrassed me, and I felt annoyed; I knew I wasn't a slave but a princess.

We entered an enormous living room. A proud, imposing man sat on his chair, watching something on a giant TV.

"Stop bowing, slave," the king commanded.

I obeyed, stealing a glance at his handsome face with its dark blue eyes and oval features. He had a broad body, long legs, and fair skin.

I realized "slave" was my designation.

The king faced me, and I felt nervous being scrutinized by royalty.

"Rudolf, flog her ten strokes in the dungeon, not in front of anyone," the man bowed again.

His name was Rudolf, the man who killed my mother and upended my peaceful life.

"Is something wrong, slave?" Rudolf asked as I walked away.

When we were out of the palace, I recognized Rudolf as the man who killed my mother. What was he doing here? I thought he was a harbinger of misfortune, not to mention a murderer.

FLASHBACK

*Clang*

Swords clashed, and Rudolf seized the opportunity to kill her.

He took me and everyone else in the village. Weeks later, he sold us to a kingdom who separated me from Charlie, who later died.

FLASHBACK ENDS

"Slave!!! Hold that rope, or I'll cancel your punishment," Rudolf ordered.

"Stupid and wicked man," I thought as he mercilessly flogged me, reminiscent of the morning's ordeal.

After his brutal flogging, I returned to the slave building, nursing my wounds.

My colleagues watched me, but I ignored their stares, heading straight to my room for a hot bath and then to my duties.

*******

For weeks, I maintained my routine, rising early and retiring late, except on Fridays when we could rest until noon. On Saturdays and Sundays, we worked late into the night.

After my bath, I found Andrew chatting with a guard. He'd been acting strangely lately. I completed my duties, glad it was Friday and we could finish early.

While washing dishes, two ladies entered-a timid girl, Nani, and a proud woman, Anisa, who would oversee us until we proved trustworthy. Ms. Jessica introduced them before leaving.

We greeted them, and Nani seemed lost, so I offered to help.

"Your name is lovely," I said, attempting to boost her spirits.

"Thank you," Nani murmured shyly.

Her reluctance concerned me, but later she confided in me and I learned she was a princess from a wealthy family who finished her education early but hadn't attended college. She was a pretty girl with olive skin and small brown eyes.

"Let me show you around and where you'll be sleeping," I offered, and she accepted.

FOUR HOURS LATER

At 6:00 pm, I headed back to the slave building to avoid a repeat of the previous night's incident.

Nani also told me that evil people attacked her, and she became a slave.

Andrew approached me, then spotted Nani, their surprised expressions confusing me.

"Do you two know..." I started to ask, but their hug answered my question.

"So, Nani, you know my lovely sister?" Andrew asked sarcastically, finally acknowledging me after weeks.

"This is the Andrew you were talking about," Nani said excitedly, surprising me.

"I'm thrilled to reunite with my best friend of three years," Andrew exclaimed, and I smiled at both of them.

I left them to catch up, feeling like Nani had a best friend, while I'd been wasting time.

"I finally meet my best friend of three years," I grumbled in frustration.

Now I was upset with Nani and Andrew. Nani returned by 7:29 pm.

Since all the rooms were full, Nani had to sleep in mine. Fortunately, she was Christian, which made things easier for me.

We prayed, and then I drifted off to sleep, unsure about Nani.

IN THE MORNING

Nani POV

I woke up with a smile, having found my best friend and his beautiful sister, who became my new best friend. Wow!

When she approached me yesterday, I thought she might mock me, but she genuinely wanted to know me better, mirroring her brother's character.

I woke after her; when I got up, she was already in the bathroom. I wondered about her waking habits.

She emerged and saw me awake, smiling. I returned the smile.

"Good morning, sleepyhead. Get ready fast; we have a meeting," she said, her smile masking a hint of coldness, indicating her unhappiness.

I had the gift of reading people's emotions through their facial expressions.

"Are you okay?" I asked her, and finally, she looked at me.

"Why didn't you tell me you had a best friend? Why? I could have kept my distance," she frustratedly replied.

"I'm sorry. I didn't expect to see him again. I thought he died or something," I explained, but she ignored me and left the room.

"I'm sorry, Alicia." It was the first time in two years I had a true friend, and I messed it up.

I was surprised by Alicia's sadness because of my long-time best friend. She should be happy; it would make things easier since he's her brother... sighs. Humans.

I quickly bathed, dressed, and checked myself in the mirror, looking like a new person compared to yesterday, when I felt neglected.

I stepped out and saw Andrew smiling with a maid. I felt a pang of jealousy but quickly dismissed it, knowing Andrew was friendly, though he shouldn't abuse it.

At the dining area, I saw Alicia sitting alone, looking sad.

As I approached her, she seemed like she wanted to leave, but I caught up and begged her to stay so we could sort things out. Thankfully, she sat down, ready to listen.

"I'm sorry, Alicia. I didn't mean to hurt you. You're the first person in two years to seek my friendship, and now you're the only one I want as my best friend. Andrew is a boy, and I'm a girl, but you and I are girls, and we're friends. All that's left is trust. Please, Alicia, forgive me," I pleaded.

Alicia smiled at me.

"I forgive you; I overreacted. Let's finish our food and go to the meeting," she said, and I smiled back.

"I noticed you've been avoiding your brother lately..." I started, but she cut me off.

"Can you keep a secret?" she asked, and I nodded immediately.

Sighs.

"I'm angry with him because whenever I'm near him and he's talking to fellow guards, he acts like a bad boy, which annoys me," she explained, and I smiled, leaving her confused.

We attended the boring meeting, where they discussed rules, leaving us famished and tired. Thankfully, it was Saturday, allowing us to rest until nighttime.

As we returned to our rooms, Alicia's avoidance of her brother made sense, considering what she'd told me.

"We should take a stroll."

"Yeah, good idea. The weather is windy, and it'll soon rain heavily," Alicia added.

We bathed, took a 10-minute stroll, and returned refreshed. Changing into our nightgowns, we settled into bed.

It started raining heavily, which I welcomed, hoping for pleasant dreams.

As we lay in bed, Alicia drifted off quickly, while I stayed awake for a few minutes, praying for Andrew and everyone else, before falling asleep too.

EARLY IN THE MORNING

Alicia POV

Suddenly, we heard a loud, urgent knock, and Nani and I jerked awake, rushing outside in our nightgowns. We found an empty scene, as if everyone was still asleep, both of us wearing confused expressions.

Then, we saw Jessica. We both bowed, but she interrupted us.

"Have you seen Andrew?" Jessica asked worriedly, her concern stemming from him being her nephew.

We shook our heads.

"No, what happened to him?" I asked.

"He's missing. This morning, the head guard went to wake them up but found Andrew's room empty. No one was inside, but the room looked like there'd been a serious fight," Jessica explained.

I looked at Nani, terrified, and she mirrored my expression.

What happened to my brother...

*************

This is interesting. To be frank I love books that keep you in suspense.

What do you think; where is Andrew? What happened?

Vote, comment and share.

Thank you😍,
giftedFortune