The Duchess was busy nowadays. She was preparing for our first birthday so she was at the royal hall mostly to oversee the situation. The maids were also busy readying our outfits. They were going to and fro towards the designer and seamstresses to make our birthday clothes. I too was excited to set my sights upon the fancy clothes.

But I was left bored with Ethan in our room, and mostly it was in our crib and the play mat. I was training my legs today as I tried to stand with the support of the pillow fence. I practiced walking small steps in the morning, going around the playmat and I was satisfied with my improvement. Normally, Ethan was following in my footsteps as I guided him but today, he seemed to be out of it.

Maybe, he isn't in the mood.

Ethan was just sitting and staring at the toys. And as if someone pushed me, I attempted to talk to him and see a reaction from him so I could understand what was going on in his mind. We weren't exactly capable of talking properly but it seemed fine just babbling since we were babies.

But to my surprise, Ethan wasn't responding to me. He just blankly stared down at the toys. That's weird. 

He usually liked talking to me. I stared at him and he was breathing quite heavily. I tried to touch him but when my hand came in contact with his shoulder, he suddenly shouted as if he was in pain!

Ethan was now lying on his side, groaning as he closed his eyes. I was frozen in shock seeing him in such a state. What's happening? Is he hurt?

He was crying softly now while his hands were on his chest as if that area was hurting. I struggled to see what was wrong with him when abruptly I felt a sudden headache. My eyes unconsciously closed and I stopped myself from falling down. When it passed in an instant, I pried my eyes open, and what I saw further stunned me.

Ethan's whole body was covered in a black mist with red symbols. The symbols appeared to be glowing and I felt my heart skipping a beat. I was deaf for a second but then I could only hear the silent anguish of my twin brother. I need to call for help!

I looked at Ruby who was busy embroidering. I called Ruby loudly but she ignored me! She must have thought that I was playing with Ethan. I shouted for her attention once more but it failed. What do I do? Ethan was looking pale now and I felt myself panicking.

I needed to cry. Whenever I did something out of my usual expression, all of them looked at me. Cry for your brother, Emilia! I had to cry for Ethan. I didn't know why but Ethan was not making a sound and it made me more worried.

In just a few seconds, Ruby turned her head at us at the sound of me crying. As she looked at us, she suddenly lunged towards us. "What happened?"

When I cried a little louder, Ruby panicked and stared at Ethan who had tears in his eyes. Ruby dashed out of the room.

As the minutes went by, the red glow seemed to be much brighter and Ethan's face was paler than before. I could hear him sniffing, enduring the pain. What's happening to you?

All of the sudden, I heard my father's voice. "Ethan! Emilia!" He ran towards us and looked at Ethan. "Shh, don't cry Emilia," he spoke softly as he knelt and touched Ethan. "What's wrong, Ethan?" he asked.

Can't you see that black mist?

"He's in pain, Your Grace. Maybe a stomachache?" the head butler, Wallace, came in and inspected Ethan.

The duke shook his head lightly. "No, I feel something else." I tried to point at the black mist and the red symbols but no one seemed to notice it. Why can't you see it?

"I'll try to cast a spell," my father said after looking at his son for a few seconds, his amber eyes glistening with determination. Wallace widened his eyes and complained but the duke stopped him short.

The duke murmured something and a gentle glow came out of his hand. The moment the light touched Ethan, the black mist vanished along with the red symbols and my brother appeared to be in a calmer state.

Father took back his hand as I stopped crying and got closer to Ethan to touch him. His breathing seemed to be more even and his face free from pain. You're okay now.

"Your Grace!" I heard the head butler shout. As I turned my head, the duke was leaning on the butler for support. The head butler seemed worried. What now?

"I'm fine. Just a little dizzy." Father snatched away his hand from the butler's and touched Ethan. He inspected my brother before standing up. "Call for a priestess at the nearest temple. But make sure the physician is also here in less than an hour. Have Arthur on the fastest horse now!"

Without hesitation, Wallace bowed and went out of the room. My father sighed as he sat inside the play mat. He picked Ethan up who was now sleeping and cradled him in his arms.

He then reached for me, pulled me closer so I could settle by his side. "It's alright now, little Emilia. Your brother will be fine. You did a great job looking after Ethan."

As he said that, I realized my brows were furrowed and relaxed them. I now felt relieved to be at the duke's side. Father wiped off the tears on my face and also the snot in my nose with his handkerchief. Then, I leaned my head against him and closed my eyes, feeling a warm sensation inside of me.

But eventually, Ruby returned with more news. I opened my eyes at the commotion and looked at the maid. She looked so distraught. "The Duchess has collapsed!"