No, my sweetheart, I don’t have a mate,” she answered after a few minutes of silence.
I wanted to ask more questions, but I could see the sadness in her eyes. I didn’t want to hurt her more. After all, I hate it when she or Xena keep asking me questions when I am sad and don’t want to talk about what’s bothering me.
Instead of asking what I really wanted, I switched it up. Will I get a mate?
Yes, both you and Xena will get your mates when the time is right, she gushed, as if she was excited about that day to come. Now, it’s time for you two to go to sleep.
We both jump to our feet and Mother leads us upstairs. That night, I fell asleep dreaming of the day I’d finally meet my mate.
***
I was in my room. Despite us being twins, we each had our own rooms. Our mother had everything and a bit more than she needed, so there wasn’t a need for us to share a room when the palace was being enough.
I was on my princess bed playing with my dolls. The man and woman were happily married and, in my head, they were planning to have a baby.
Honey, you forgot to give me a kiss, I imitated the woman’s voice as I imagined her pouting at her husband.
I’m sorry. I was so distracted. I made my voice deeper as I switched roles.
Holding the male doll firmly, I make it lean towards the female doll to give it a kiss.
I smiled as the fantasy in my head took root. I easily imagined that it was me.
Mother had explained to us what mates were, and I couldn’t wait to meet mine. I know I was still young and shouldn’t be dreaming of mates right now, but I couldn’t help it.
It was something I dreamed of. I could picture it. I would be in a princess dress when we met and he, my prince charming would be in a nice suit.
My sister would make fun of me though. She thought that it was stupid.
The knob turned, and before I’d had time to hide my doll, Xena walked in with an air of superiority.
Aren’t you too old to play with dolls? she asks with a mocking grin.
Mind your own business, Xena, and leave me alone
She scoffs and looks at my room in disdain. We were polar opposites, and it was clear in the way we preferred things. My room was full of colors, the main theme being light pink paint. I wanted something bright. In contrast, Xena’s room was dark and dull. I hated it because it gave me chills and made me feel like I was in a morgue. Not that I have ever been to one, but I assume dead people are kept in dark and cold places.
Xena’s room was exactly that. Dead and cold. It lacked any form of warmth. She hated my room and I hated hers.
What are you doing here anyway? I asked, putting my dolls away.
She paused a little bit before coming to sit on my bed. Nothing, I just wanted to hang out with you.
Why? I narrowed my eyes, trying to figure out what her end game was. I was honestly surprised and suspicious at the same time.
A frown covers her face as she stares down at me. What do you mean ‘why? Yes, why?
Can’t I hang out with twin? Has that become a crime?
I stayed quiet before responding. “We don’t have anything in common anymore.”
It was true. Our likes and dislikes
differed in so many ways. We clashed most of the time, argued, fought and had different interests. That’s why it was weird that She wanted to hang out.
I know, she sighed before putting her legs up on my bed and laying her head on my lap. But that doesn’t mean I don’t love you. You are my sister Nyx, and that’s never going to love for you.
change. Neither willing to
My heavy heart lightens and I melt as emotions take over me.
You promise,” I raised my pinky finger to her while running my other hand through her dark curls.
Pinky swear, she intertwines our pinkies.