The Four Swords

Chapter 19: Sisters

One of the doors that had been a mystery to me moments before slowly opened. Alina entered from what I guessed were her chambers. This was after all her parlor.

Alina had changed into a more regal dress. The silver and cream tones in the dress did make Alina look almost bridal. It was fitting for a celebratory engagement dinner. The bodice was fitted and the skirt was more substantial. I'm convinced that noblewomen make their skirts larger simply to let noblemen know that those dresses are fancier.

Liliana squealed with delight and ran over to Alina. Although I saw Alina frequently, Liliana rarely was in situations that allowed her to interact with our princess. "Princess Alina, is it true that you're going to be my sister? I've always wanted a sister" the anticipation in Liliana's tone sweetly resembled a loyal canine companion waiting for their beloved owner.

Alina's eyes sparkled. "I suppose in a way, I am." She leaned in close to Liliana and turned her voice into a mock whisper . "Would you like to know a secret? I've always wanted a sister too"

I can say that I lived the majority of my life without siblings. Life was better with them in it and now I could not imagine going back to being an only child. Hugs and laughter were never in short supply. Mischief and misbehavior also were not out of the realm of possibilities, but those tended to teach me patience and understanding. These are traits I always needed to practice.

Peals of laughter came from Liliana. She twirled her dress around in delight, unaccustomed to such a fine gown. The skirt flowed outward from her body resembling petals of an overturned rose. Tonight was an evening she would not soon forget. I smiled too. Maybe, just maybe, everything was going to be alright.

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"Good! Games are more fun with more people!" Abrin announced.

"I hope I can play many games with you then! I love to have fun" Alina moved on to enchanting the youngest member of my family.

Abrin nodded enthusiastically. His mind was at work trying to think of a game we could all play. The wheels in his head turning was apparent to all and my mother took control of the situation.

"Thank you so much for inviting us to your home, Your Highness. We are overjoyed for a reason to celebrate." My mother was an expert at decorum. Somehow I think that awareness of propriety skipped my generation.

"The pleasure is all mine. If everyone is ready, I can lead us into the dining room. My parents will meet us there" Alina radiated joy. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I had hope that our marriage had some impact on that.

"I'm ready! Can I hold your hand on the way? Mom always makes me hold her hand when we go to new places at the market" Liliana announced while intertwining her fingers with Alina's.

"Sweetheart, maybe you should hold my hand and not Her Highness' hand " my mother's pleading tone emphasized 'Her Highness'.

Liliana wilted. "Did I do something wrong?"

Alina cut in before my mother could correct my sister's informal behavior. "Not at all, dear sister. I'd be honored to hold your hand. This way everyone." Alina led on through the door I originally came through, leaving the final door a mystery to me.

Abrin, not to be outdone, grabbed my hand with a large grin. We walked from the room hand in hand. I glimpsed back to see my father take my mother's hand and link it through his arm in a moment of tenderness.

When we entered the royal dining hall, the space intrigued me. I had always thought the royal hall would be comparable to the banquet hall in size. Although this room did compare in the ornate details around the room, the room itself was not much bigger than the 10 person table that it held. The table legs were carved into birds coming from flames that flickered from the floor. Below the table was a carpet that weaved together hues of yellow, orange and red that reminded me of the gnomes except for the hint of blue and white that tickled the edge of the flames that surrounded the feet of the table.

Liliana awed in the splendor. Alina's face was glued to my little sister's expression. I can't imagine Alina had many chances to show such an enthused guest part of her home. We all stood near the fireplace on the far side of the room. It would be improper for us to be seated when the king and queen arrived.

"Jack, are you sure when you get married that I won't be a princess, too? This place is amazing!" Liliana repeated her earlier query. Alina slightly winced when she mentioned the word married. I guess the idea was still fresh. It had only been a day.

"That's not exactly how things work, my sweet sister." Alina graciously answered and looked at me with sad eyes. Alina hated disappointing my sister.

I'm not quite sure what was said next because a realization hit me. I had been so worried about the fact that one day I would have to rule that I had not considered the fact that after we married I would be a prince with all the duties that entailed. I know Alina had responsibilities but I couldn't recall what they were. Would my list resemble hers? Was there a book I could study?

A prince could have more military responsibilities. Would my training not be a waste? My mind ran back to the maid I saw earlier. She did not know how to interact with me. Did anyone know what I was supposed to do?

It was then that the double doors at the far end of the room sprang open and two servants held them open for the king and queen. Guess all my questions would have to wait