“I hope I didn’t put you off, asking to join me for dinner.” Xanthus said as he cut the lamb meat in front of him. “Nyna had been worried about the two of you, especially with the scathing rumors and whisperings regarding your arrival and attendance to the coronation. I took it upon myself to clear the air.”

“It’s an honor to dine with the new King.” Somnus nonchalantly replied. “However, won’t this make more rumors about us instead?”

Xanthus chuckled before eating the lamb meat,  his eyes sliding over to Letum, who had been sitting there quietly as if he's trying his best to be invisible, so that he wouldn't partake in the conversation.

"Don't worry, they're merely curious as to why I asked you to come. It's another reason why I asked for the two of you to join me tonight."

Somnus stopped moving his utensils and placed them carefully back on his plate, while Letum slowed down his chewing.

Seeing that he has both of the princes' attention, Xanthus smiled at them, like any doting older brother would.

"I am…sending you back to the Empire. Forgive me if it took me fifteen years to gain the power and authority to do so. Also…I have a proposal for the two of you. Please do not feel burdened to agree to it immediately, as that is not what I want."

×××

Somnus threw off his coat and half cape to a nearby chair once they returned to their room after dining with the King.

The scowl and annoyance that he had been holding back on finally showed up on his face.

Letum, meanwhile, carefully removed his coat and half cape, his passive expression not betraying his inner thoughts.

"Sending us back but asking us to accept a marriage proposal that would chain one of us back here for the sake of a peaceful alliance was the last thing I expected to hear." Somnus huffed.

"It does sound preposterous and planned in a way we couldn't disagree without looking ungrateful for the things they've done for us." Letum agreed as he sat on his bed, leaning back comfortably and resting his back on the headboard. "However, we're not really given a choice on the matter."

Somnus rounded at him, pointing a finger in a menacing way. "Don't even think of accepting it behind my back, Let. I'll never forgive you."

"I don't want to be left behind here, but do we really have a choice?" Letum pouted at him. "Besides, my spare princely studies are not up to par to yours, so it wouldn't be surprising that they picked me. You did notice him glancing at my direction during dinner."

Somnus glared at Letum to silence him, making Letum raise his hands in mock defeat.

When the coronation day came, the twins were garbed in burgundy and sage green respectively, escorted by Urien who's wearing his best ceremonial knight uniform.

Letum stared at the back of the knight's head, amazed by how he's more regal than any noble present in the Great Hall, making questions pop up to what fallen family he was really from.

Eury approached them, followed by a young lady with the same flaxen hair of the royal family. Her face is gentle and kind, her dress being simple yet still luxurious.

Somnus blinked at her, at a loss for words as he noticed her similarity to Eury, down to the white wings and cerulean tips.

Urien was staring as well, before looking at Eury with raised eyebrows.

"My niece, Pasithea." Eury informed them. "You remember seven years ago, a group stopped by the estate before continuing their pilgrimage to Caladrius's nest to receive a blessing. Pasithea has been blessed and chosen to be the next Hierophant."

Pasithea lowered her head at that, and Somnus immediately noticed the upset expression she quickly hid behind a small smile.

"Everyone, please return to your positions. The coronation is going to start in a few minutes." The old Minister of the Crown called out to the large assembly before him.

The twin princes stood by the sideline, away from the center, along with Urien, as they watched the coronation proceed smoothly.

With the gold wreath crown adorned with small sapphire stones and diamonds, the symbol of the first Heron King, was finally on Xanthus's head and the scepter of the King in his hand, the crowd raised their voices to cheer and welcome the new King.

Letum glanced at Urien, whose regal demeanor made it hard for others to approach the twins, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"Sir Urien."

"Yes, Your Highness?"

"Are you…by chance, from an Imperial branch?"

Somnus turned his head to look at them curiously. Urien let out a fake cough, avoiding their gazes.

"Now is not the time or place to discuss that." He muttered before his eyes locked on two approaching figures.

Nyna and Pasithea.

Nyna happily threw herself into Letum's arms, her own arms wrapping around his shoulder and her wings slightly spreading open that Urien had to move away before he got hit.

"Let's dance, Letum!" Nyna coaxed him as her feet slightly dangled from the floor. "My brothers had given me permission to dance with you all night."

Letum sighed at her words. "Princess Nyna, you should mind your manners. We are at an official function."

Nyna grabbed his face, turning it from ear to ear. "You're definitely Letum, but why do you speak like that boor of a brother of yours?"

"I can hear you, Nyna." Somnus sighed tiredly. "Go with her, Letum. We won't hear the end of it if you don't."

Letum grimaced as he let himself be dragged to the dance floor, passing by Pasithea who politely bowed her head to them.

Somnus raised an eyebrow at her once she's close enough. "You're not planning on asking me for a dance, right?"

Pasithea smiled at him before turning to Urien. "Aunt Eury asked me to relay a message to you, sir."

"She's not busy, so why would she send you?" Urien grumbled.

"She wanted to have a dance with you, sir. However, she didn't want to be seen like…uhm…" Pasithea smiled at him awkwardly, and Somnus took that chance to nudge the grumpy older heron away from them.

Pasithea giggled at the proud look on Somnus's face as he watched Urien wade through the crowd, looking for Eury.

"You're not going to ask me to dance too, right?" Somnus warily asked her.

Pasithea shook her head at that. "King Xanthus has asked me to keep you company, Your Highness."

"Ah, I see." Somnus scratched his earlobe at that, glancing at Xanthus who was watching them intently from afar. "Shall we go to the garden? It's too crowded and noisy here."