Halos and Horns: Dark Embrace

After speaking with her father, Amanah went in search of her sister. It took thirty minutes of hunting before she found Serenah outside in the rose garden.

Several birds hovered around her sibling. At her approach they scattered.

"Hello, Amanah," Serenah spoke without turning around to confirm who was with her.

Amanah felt a twinge of annoyance. Nothing seemed to rattle her younger sister. Just once she would love to see Serenah lose her composure.

"Greetings, Serenah. Why are you outside without your guards or maid?"

"Today is a safe day."

"Safe day?"

"Yes, I knew no danger would befall me today."

This was the second reason that her younger sister aggravated her. Serenah's sixth sense about situations and people was extremely accurate. It galled Amanah to no end how good her sister's intuition was.

"One day, you're going to be wrong and I hope I'm there to see it."

Serenah finally turned around, her violet eyes focused on Amanah's face.

"Maybe. Then again, sister, you'll probably be busy with other things."

Amanah felt a chill at Serenah's words. The air felt heavy, just like it did after the priests had received a divine message.

Serenah smiled serenely at Amanah.

Amanah scowled. She would lose if she kept prodding at her sister. She decided to try a different angle. "Father spoke with me today. I will be participating in the battle two weeks from now."

Serenah frowned. "Wasn't there a battle last month?"

"Yes, but the priests are declaring our victory against the Cornibus."

Serenah's frown deepened. "Sister, you and Father should be careful. This situation feels wrong."

"Wrong? You're upset Father doesn't trust you with important war information."

"Amanah, I'm not like you. I don't like fighting and bloodshed."

"And that, dear sister, is why I'm the Crown Princess. Our people desire a strong future leader, not a weakling. If you wish for Father to choose you, you'll have to do something spectacular to topple me."

Serenah shook her head. "Killing others isn't strength, Amanah. Making peace and striving for harmony makes one strong."

"Your pacifist ways will leave you alone and friendless. It also shows how naive you are to believe such drivel."

"Perhaps. Only time will prove which one of us is right."

Amanah smirked. "Time will call me victor in this matter. Well, dear sister, enjoy your peace. I'm going inside to get ready for dinner."

Without giving Serenah a chance to say more, Amanah left the garden.

~***~

Serenah watched as her sister left. Amanah was always full of passionate energy and a fighting spirit.

Unlike her sibling, Serenah preferred calmer pursuits. Her favorite hobby was reading. You could learn so many things from the written word. For example, the two kingdoms of Poten and Cornibus had not always been at odds.

When the two races came into existence, they were united. That harmony was torn apart by a betrayal. What that betrayal was, none of the manuscripts explained the details.

She had always wondered what the truth was. One day she hoped to find out. Perhaps the answer could be found in one of the libraries in Cornibus. The royal scholars in Auerola had gotten upset when she questioned the country's history. She had been hushed and sent on her way. She wasn't sure what her reception would be if she tried to contact Cornibus. Would they be hostile or would they be willing to take a chance and maybe have a friendly, nonviolent exchange of ideals?

Serenah longed for peace. She didn't think she was naive to wish for such a thing. Life was precious and full of so many wondrous things. Why couldn't everyone understand that simple truth?

She glanced up when she heard the footsteps of an approaching guard.

"Princess, it will soon be time for dinner."

"Thank you, Sir Rolf. Will you escort me to my room?"

"Of course, Your Highness."

Rolf bowed and offered his arm. Serenah took it and let Rolf lead her inside.