Brothers Obsession

Foreboding fear

The next few weeks were spent immersed in planning a grand ball. With my two devoted partners, Lucius and Alistair, by my side, the preparations were both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. We chose the most enchanting decorations, selected a sumptuous menu, and ensured every detail was meticulously arranged.

As the day of the ball approached, I couldn't shake a persistent feeling of unease. I tried to pinpoint the source of my anxiety but couldn't quite figure it out. Like I felt a sense of doom the closer the date of the ball came.

The night of the ball arrived, and I was in a breathtaking gown and flawlessly applied makeup. Alistair nor Lucius could take their eyes off me, and their adoration was evident to all. Throughout the night, they were always by my side, doting on me, ensuring I had everything I needed, and dancing with me as though the world outside didn't matter. At one point, however, Alistair was busy in a conversation with a few governors while Lucius was getting me a few more refreshments. I looked over to him and we made eye contact. He gave me a look that seemed like he saw the stars in the sky for the first time. It was followed by a knowing smile and turning his head away. This look wouldn't have affected me as much if it didn't bring back a memory.

During my time as princess of Eldoria a few years ago. I was newly 19 years old at one of our many parties. This one was particularly popular as it was for one of my many cousins engagement party. She was marrying a prince so many upper class and officials were there.

This particular party was important to me though, because it was when I first laid eyes on the beautiful brothers I live with today. I don't know if they knew about me before but it was still a significant day regardless. I was across the room not particularly socializing, or anything really.

As I scanned the room, my eyes met a striking figure across the dance floor.

There he was, a man of undeniable allure. Lucius stood with an air of confidence, his black hair perfectly coiffed, and piercing green eyes that seemed to capture the very essence of the emerald sheen in the room. He wore a crimson shirt, unbuttoned just enough to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of his strong chest.

In that moment, everything else faded into obscurity. I was captivated by his presence, like a moth drawn to a flame. He was the embodiment of elegance and charm.

It was then when I noticed he was staring back at me. I was caught off guard but couldn't look away.

He perfect lips then slowly stretched in the same knowing grin. Of course I found it enchantingly attractive but also creepy.

The enchanting memory of our first encounter at the ball would forever be etched in my mind, a moment when beauty and attraction converged in the form of Lucius, the enigmatic stranger with the black hair, green eyes, and a red shirt that revealed just enough to set my heart aflutter. But also one that changed my life.

What if I didn't go to the ball that day? Would I still be content as just the princess of Eldoria. I had no siblings and was always lonely. Or would I be dead along with everyone else? Which situation is better?

Despite the enchanting atmosphere and the love that surrounded me, my nagging sense of foreboding remained. I tried to push it aside and enjoy the magical evening, but it was as though an ominous shadow lingered just out of sight, and I couldn't escape the feeling that something significant was about to change in my life.

-

The event had finally ended. And we were unwinding in our shared room. I guess they weren't ready to end the night so they ordered the maid to bring snacks and tea. Personally I was very tired so I offered to bring them some wine to liven things up. But I was really doing it so they'd fall asleep easier.

As I left the room to fetch the wine Alistair and Lucius preferred, the air was filled with an eerie stillness, as if nature itself sensed the impending storm.

I hurried through the dimly lit corridors, my heart pounding as I heard the distant echoes of chaos and screams. A sinking feeling gnawed at my insides, and I couldn't shake the fear that something terrible was unfolding. The world outside the window was a chaotic swirl of darkness and shadows, but I had no time to consider it further. The first and only thing I could of though, was Alistair and Lucius. I turned back without giving it a seond thought.

Rushing back to our chamber, I burst through the door and found Alistair and Lucius sprawled on the ground, unconscious. My breath caught in my throat as I took in the sight of them, helpless and vulnerable. The sight of the brothers, in such a state, sent a surge of panic through me.

And there, a malevolent figure stood over them, casting a menacing shadow. It was the maid, the one we just sent for food and drinks. Her malevolent eyes glared down at the brothers, her lips twisted into a sinister smile. The teacups lay shattered beside them, and I realized she must have poisoned them.

My heart pounded with terror, but I couldn't allow fear to overtake me. I had to protect Alistair and Lucius. With every ounce of my strength, I lunged at the wicked intruder. We grappled, and the room echoed with the sounds of our struggle. Desperation fueled my actions as I reached for one of the pieces of the shattered teacups and lunged at her neck.

The next thing I knew I was standing over her as she grasped her neck. She looked at me surprised and slowly fell on her back and went limp as blood pooled around her.

In the dimly lit chamber, my heart pounded as I watched Lucius and Alastair laying there unconscious, victims of the maid's treacherous act. The air was heavy with tension, and the commotion outside grew louder, sounding like soldiers clashing. They weren't in the clear as the danger wasn't over. I knew I had to act swiftly.

With adrenaline coursing through my veins, I recalled some of the self-defense skills my father had taught me. I needed to disguise myself as the maid to ensure the safety of the boys and myself.

First, I removed my own clothing and carefully dressed in the uniform of the maid, doing my best to replicate the look.

I then noticed a vial of poison from the maid's apron and hid it within my borrowed uniform. This way, I could find someone who knew of poison and possibly cure them if it was bad.

As she heard the chaos outside approaching the chamber, I steeled myself and made my way to the unconscious boys. I checked their pulses and breathing to ensure they were stable. Satisfied that they were not in immediate danger, I sighed and noticed the cart the maid left earlier with our outfits for the ball. It seemed just long enough to carry and conceal bodies. But were would we go? I frighteningly thought.

What if everyone was dead? I started to panic and felt my vison getting blurry.

This is not the time to start crying. I chastised myself. Alistair and Lucius need me right now so I needed to focus and think. And that I did. I searched my mind for anything and eventually I remembered something.

It was one of my first days here when I got a full tour of the castle, and we came across the boys study. There was a hidden door that you had to pull a specific sconce on the wall to reveal. Francis, their butler, spoke to me about it's history and purpose. In case of emergencies the past generations used this as a secret passage to escape to safety. Few people knew about this door but it was told to me because Alistair made it clear I was to know about every detail.

I smiled blinking tears away. Thankful for Alistair.

The study was also down the hall. All I had to do was get the on the cart, hide them with a sheet, and hopefully make it there without running into anyone. At this point it was every man for himself and I couldn't trust anyone. The only people the boys themselves trusted were me and Francis. I hoped he was okay too.

I grabbed necessities, jewelry and money in case we had to run pretty far. We needed places to stay and food. Maybe even someone to cure them.

I gently picked up Alistair first, cradling his limp body in my arms. Lucius followed, and I managed to carry both of them to the cart.

Once they were both settled, one of them sighed and turned his head but still remained unconscious.

This is a good sign. I thought. If they're moving they just be sleeping hopefully.

With my disguise complete and my precious boys in my hands, I inched towards the door, trying to settle my breathing before I walked into the hallway.

The scene was horrible. Already there were bodies strewn about and bloody. Some even had stakes in their hearts. I looked around in horror until my eyes landed on the window where I could see flashes of fire.

Outside certain parts of the property were engulfed in flames. I also watched in horror as there were people outside participating in active combat.

I quickly turned my head back and forced myself to focus on the task at hand.

My heart raced as I navigated through the corridor, all the while, desperately hoping we could find a way to escape the danger that now surrounded us.