Ashton scratched his palms nervously as he and his sister walked, side by side along the gravel path through the garden. It was a secluded area they wandered now, and for the briefest of moments, Ashton and Alicia existed alone in their little world together. Just the two of them. And that is how he liked it.

‘This was the most wonderful surprise’ Ashton spoke after a time, breaking the silence.

His sister turned to face him then with a smile, her eyes shining brightly.

‘The truth is I was a little nervous at first, maybe even a little scared’ Ashton admitted to her. ‘I was wondering who on earth it could be inside my bedroom. I didn’t think I would be seeing you again anytime soon. You really caught me off-guard.’

Alicia laughed a little then, her voice so beautiful and tranquil as she touched a hand to her chest lightly.

‘Oh you. You always did amuse me’ he chuckled.

‘What did I say?’ Ashton fumbled, speaking a little nervously now.

‘Nothing my dear’ Alicia sighed, reaching her hands out towards him.

She grasped his face lightly, leaning forward to kiss him gently on the forehead before turning away again and continuing to walk.

Ashton walked by her side.

‘You still have not yet met my children’ Alicia said to him, head a little dipped now as she held her hands together before her.

‘No’ Ashton spoke forlorn. ‘I have not.’

‘One day you will see them’ Alicia spoke enthusiastically then, eyes lighting up with joy. ‘It is such a long way to travel to my home but….’ She frowned slightly. ‘I think it will be worth it. They really are wonderful children.’

‘Well’ Ashton said, looking askance towards her with a smile. ‘If they are related to my sister, then I know they would be wonderful.’

Alicia grinned widely at her brother then, looking ever so beautiful in the light.

‘They are both very lively’ she went on. ‘I am afraid that they are going to grow up with the same level of energy as our parents.’

‘Then they would be a handful’ Ashton laughed lightly at this.

‘They are already a handful now’ Alicia grinned.

Ashton smiled widely at his sister. He had not seen her in the longest time, but being by her side like this brought back all the old and familiar memories and feelings.

He felt suddenly more at home.

‘Ah I really wish I could see them’ Ashton grumbled, turning away, a slight frown upon his lips. ‘I feel really sad that I have not met them yet, guilty even.’

‘Don’t feel like that’ Alicia spoke softly, reaching out to him and brushing a strand of hair behind his ear. ‘It’s just the way things are. You will see them one day. I’ve told them both a lot about you. All wonderful things of course.’

Ashton smiled at that, eyes shining bright.

‘They are still babies’ he said to his sister doubtfully. ‘They won’t understand what you are saying.’

‘They will one day’ Alicia gleamed at him, leaning forwards towards him playfully with her hands upon her hips. ‘I want them to know about you as early as possible. I talk about you every day.’

Ashton smiled warmly at her, Alicia smiled lovingly back.

Then her smile dropped a little.

Ashton felt a little twinge in his heart, a little nervous and uncertain now.

‘What’s wrong?’ Ashton voiced.

‘I have some news for you’ Alicia explained. ‘It’s the reason I came all this way. Just to tell you. Mother and father plan to marry you off soon, within the next few weeks.’

Ashton felt like he had been stabbed in the heart, his throat suddenly went dry.

He knew this day would come, it was expected of him, as it was expected of his sister when the time had come. Because of was a highborn of purple blood. He was to be used as a piece to marry off, like a pawn. Ashton knew he would normally have been married by now, but because of his preferences, this had been held off.

Now, inevitably, the moment had caught up with him.

Ashton slowly raised his hand, running his fingers slowly through his hair.

He wondered who on earth his parents had found, and as he drew a slow and steady breath, he raised his head to his sister again.

‘Who…’ he uttered, voice fragile and barely audible. ‘Who is it?’