My Doppelganger Mate

Chapter 4

"Aunt Kathy!" Aria greeted with a wide smile as she walked toward Adrian's wife and her cousins.

"Aria! How beautiful you look—breathtaking, just like your mother. How are you doing? Oh, forgive my manners, my princess," she said, slightly bowing.

"Oh, never mind, Aunt," Aria smiled. "I see you came with my cousins," she added, glancing at the 10- and 7-year-old boys beside her.

"Yes. And where's Aurora?" Kathy asked, looking around the ballroom in hopes of spotting her.

"She's with Uncle Adrian," Aria replied. "Come, Aunt, my parents are sitting over there," she said, pointing toward a porch that stood out before the large crowd.

As they made their way over, Aria complimented Kathy more and joked with the kids while their servants followed behind.

"Haha, Kathy! Welcome, welcome," Malick greeted as he and Gaia stood to receive them.

"My King, My Queen," Kathy said, bowing before them as the children followed suit. "Hope you’ve been well? And how is the kingdom?"

"The kingdom is well, and so are we. Your kids have grown quite a bit, I must say," Gaia replied with a smile.

"Yes, my queen. They've been a beauty to behold. I can't wait to have them all grown and manly," Kathy responded.

"Haha, soon enough," Malick chuckled.

"Adrian came in quite early today. He and his brother would’ve made better couples," Gaia joked. "Sometimes, I envy them," she added. "Come with me, Kathy. Let me introduce you to some family groups—some of whom may have prospective suitors for your sons. There are quite a few lovely young girls you may want to keep an eye on."

"Oh, that’s quite thoughtful, my queen," Kathy smiled. "I'm grateful as always."

"Aurora?" Malick turned to Aria.

"Perhaps still with Uncle Adrian," she replied, then returned to her post of ushering in guests.

***

The evening unfolded calmly and beautifully, much like the ambiance in the room. The guests enjoyed plenty to eat and drink. The younger ones, eager for connection, saw the ball as a perfect opportunity to mingle. Aurora and Aria moved around together, with their maids and servants close behind, making sure they didn’t come in close contact with any men outside the palace.

"Can you just let us breathe? We need some space!" Aria protested. "I can't even enjoy the ball!"

"I'm sorry, my lady, but we are only following the queen's orders."

"Ugghh!!" she grunted, rolling her eyes. She knew any further protest would lead to an early dismissal to her bedchamber. Aurora, meanwhile, engaged in meaningful conversations with the elderly women in town.

"Why are you so intrigued, as though you’re already married, my lady?" asked a noblewoman, probably in her 50s.

"My twin and I are of marriageable age. I’m only equipping myself for the future," Aurora responded.

"Hmm… you will make a good wife someday, my lady," the woman said, smiling.

"Thank you, Mrs. Smith. I’ll take my leave now," Aurora said politely.

"Aria!" Aurora called.

"What?" she replied dryly.

"I want to do it," Aurora said excitedly.

"Do what?" Aria asked.

"I want to try fence-jumping!" she announced.

"Okay," Aria replied, uninterested.

"Just okay? What do I have to do?" Aurora asked, confused.

"Be calm, sissy. Not today," Aria said, walking away.

---

"My King," a nobleman called, bowing before him.

"Speak," Malick said.

"Thank you, my king. It is in the best interest of the kingdom and its citizens that the royal legacy be secured. The princesses—Aria and Aurora—will soon be of age. A betrothal after their 18th birthday would bring great relief to the people, as it would clarify the future king. It is wise to prepare now."

"Hmm," Malick let out a small growl. "Are there any more grievances tonight?" he asked the crowd.

He paused for a few moments. Hearing none, he continued.

"It is my great pleasure to thank each one of you for gracing this ball. We are grateful you live and grow with us in this kingdom. The Queen and I promise to always prioritize the safety and legacy of our realm.

"However, the betrothal of the princesses is not a matter to be rushed. It requires patience and careful scrutiny. Any man stepping up must be worthy of bearing the crown alongside our daughters. Still, we acknowledge the urgency and will consider the matter seriously. Thank you."

***

"Lancelot!" the king called a guard from within his chamber.

"Yes, my lord?" the guard responded.

"Summon the princesses."

As the guard left, Malick turned toward Gaia, who lay on the bed, worry written across her face.

"Adrian advised we tell them. Aurora is beginning to question their confinement," he explained.

"We should. They're adults now," Gaia agreed softly.

***

Above the palace walls sat a modest middle-class home with a tiled roof and a cozy veranda—perfect for greeting customers or tending to small tasks. In front of it stood a wooden bench and table, a flowerpot neatly placed on top, and a lantern hanging above. To the side, near the right window, stood a small hut that served as a goldsmith's workshop. Black smoke rising from its chimney hinted that work was in progress.

"Thanatos," a pretty woman in her mid-50s called from inside.

"I’m coming, Mother," answered a young man from the hut.

He wore a grey apron, dulled by years of soot and metal. His rolled-up sleeves revealed lean muscles and lightly defined biceps. A faint stubble framed his sharp jawline. His jet-black hair flowed down just past his shoulders, half-tied in a low ponytail, the rest cascading freely. Despite the sweat from labor, he radiated a quiet, handsome charm.

"Mother?" he called as he entered the living area, but received no answer. "Taanay, have you seen Mother?" he asked the younger boy tending flowers, who looked much like him.

"She’s in her chamber," Taanay replied, eyes still on the plants.

Thanatos made his way to their mother’s chamber, knocking gently before entering.

"Mother?"

"Hurry, Thana," she called. "I can’t find the keys to the safe. Help me open it, please."

"Mother," he said softly, looking at her. "Are you sure about this? That safe held Father's belongings."

"Yes, I’m sure," she nodded. "I miss your father. I can’t keep avoiding this. I need it open before your 18th birthday. He left something for us in there."

"And what’s so secret that it has to wait till then?" Taanay, now standing by the door, asked.

"Only your father knew. He couldn’t tell me before he passed. But this… this was his dying wish," she said, her voice trembling as tears welled up in her eyes.