My Dear Traitor

Episode 2

I glanced over my shoulder to see my twin brother standing behind me. I wasn’t surprised that he was able to sneak up on me between the sound of the waves and the wind blowing so fiercely today, but it was interesting that I hadn’t been able to sense his presence like usual until he’d startled me.

As Elwin plopped down on the sand beside me, his triumphant smirk was doing wonders to lighten his usually very serious face. He seemed more relaxed than he had been in a long time.

I chuckled softly at him as I tucked a strand of his long, deep red hair behind his ear, saving his sky-blue eyes from a whipping. “Of course you did, Winnie.” I stuck out my tongue at him playfully as I tossed the same nickname back at him.

He rolled his eyes and gently shoved my shoulder, though a gentle push from his warrior’s frame was enough to almost send my willowy form sprawling into the sand.

“Hey!” I squealed as I barely kept upright.

“I was promoted today. I’ll be commanding over 400 men.” He said abruptly, too proud of the news to keep it from me one second longer.

My eyes flashed to his face, understanding dawning on me like the sun breaking over the horizon earlier this morning.

“Well done, Win. You’re earning your nickname more and more every day.” I said as I stood up and started stalking away from him toward the water’s edge. My fleeting moment of peace dried up like the sea’s water on my skin, leaving me irritated and raw.

Before I could get too far, he caught my arm and turned me towards him. “Why are you upset? This will be good for me and you both! It’s a chance for me to make a name for myself other than remaining the scrawny brother of one of the most beautiful young women in our country. And, with my new rank, I’ll be able to introduce you to more important men than the mere boys who are tripping over themselves trying to vie for your attention.”

I shook my head slightly at his exaggeration and slipped my arm from his strong grasp. “You haven’t been that scrawny boy in years.” I sighed. “I know you are doing this for us, but I hate that your ambitions have put you closer to danger.”

He barked out a surprised laugh. “Danger? It’s been over a hundred years since our warriors have seen real action. They’ll have to send me clear across that ocean you love so much for me to be in any real danger, and trust me sister, they don’t plan on sending us anywhere.”

“Careful brother,” I said as I gazed up into his handsome face, placing a hand on his lightly freckled cheek. “The fates may choose to mock your over-confidence.”