You were tired. Unbelievably tired, even though your eyes were still closed. People were talking softly somewhere in the room. You slowly lifted your head up and looked at the pillow below you. You turned your head to see Connor and Aiden staring at you in both worry and anticipation.

"(Y/n)...How are you feeling?" Connor hesitantly asked as you stared at him.

You sat up and yawned, "Really tired."

"It's noon though." Aiden said with a laugh.

Your stomach growled, "Really? That explains why I'm hungry..."

Aiden stood up and smiled, "I'll go get you some soup then."

"O-Oh...Okay..." You said and he walked out of the room.

"What do you remember?" Connor asked softly as he sat down next to you.

You furrowed your brow, "A lot of crying...and Micah?" You looked at him sadly, "He really left didn't he?"

He nodded his head and pulled you into him, "I'm so sorry."

You sat there, numb. It still didn't feel real, like he'd come through the door any moment.

"(Y/n). We're worried." Connor whispered as he stroked your hair.

"About what?" You mumbled.

"You. When we found you on the floor...I thought that...well I don't know what I thought." His grip around you tightened protectively. "Something inside me shattered."

You looked up at him, confused, "Connor. You've never really cared about my feelings before, so why is that changing?"

He looked down at you, his cheeks a light pink, "I-I have cared about your feelings, but seeing you so distressed...Changed something. I'm not sure what it was but..."

You pulled away and looked at him. His face looked to be full of genuine worry, and you furrowed your brow. Did he actually mean it.

"Connor...You two have done so much that I don't think I-"

Connor cupped your cheek, "(Y/n). I am so so sorry about everything that's happened. I feel worse because your friend left. I don't expect your forgiveness, but please. My brother and I are both very sorry."

You analyzed his face, looking for any sort of indication that he was lying.

"Alright." You finally said and he sighed in relief.

"(Y/n)! I have your soup!" Aiden announced as he came through the door.

You took it from him, "Thank you, but why soup?"

Aiden sat down and smiled, "Isn't it a comfort food? It makes you feel better."

You said nothing as you stared down into the bowl. They were being really nice. It was weird...but you found some comfort it.

"What's wrong? Do you not like it?" Connor asked as he placed a hand on your leg.

"O-Oh! No. Its fine. I was thinking about how much you guys are being nice..." You trailed off, watching the steam coming off the soup.

"We're worried. We want you to be happy dear." Aiden spoke softly as he lifted the spoon from the bowl. You watched as he blew on it softly before raising it up to your lips. You didn't fight and let him feed you.

"Its good." You concluded as you swallowed it. Both twins smiled before Aiden filled the spoon again and fed you. Your mind drifted off, mechanically opening your mouth when the spoon was near without a second thought.

Could I learn to like them? They have a soft spot like everyone else. It's not there often, but maybe...it'll stay this time. You glanced at Connor to see his blue eyes filled with both worry and adoration.

If Micah betrayed me...maybe it is impossible for me to leave. It might be best if I start adapting to my situation rather than being miserable for the rest of my life. You bit down on the spoon to find nothing. You looked over at Aiden who was holding back a laugh.

"You've been doing that for the past three minutes. You already finished the soup. Spend your time with us, not in the clouds." He smiled happily as he placed the bowl on the nightstand.

You furrowed your brow for a moment before reaching out and grabbing one if his hands. Your fingers intertwined with his and he turned back to you, his face full of shock. You smiled embarrassingly before turning to Connor and doing the same.

"Thank you for taking care of me." You murmured as you looked at the ground, your cheeks turning pink.

"N-No problem...but why are you..." Connor glanced down at your hand.

You looked up and smiled, "I should start feeling more comfortable around you right? I mean, there's really no getting out of this anymore. I should make the most out of the situation."

Connor raised his eyebrows, "So you're not going to try to escape anymore?"

You thought for a moment before shaking your head, "If Micah thought that it wouldn't work, then I don't think it will. I'll get to know you guys before the masquerade and then maybe we really can have a happy life here."

Aiden squeezed your hand, "I know we can. I'm so glad you realized how useless it was to run away dear."

You nodded and looked down at his hand. Were you making the right choice? You didn't really see any other options. Micah had all the plans. You would also be able to continue being near Reed so you could protect him if necessary.

"Well. Is there anything you want to do today?" Connor asked as he looked at you expectantly.

You shifted and looked back at the ground, "Not really. I haven't thought about things I could do during my time here."

Aiden laughed lightly, "We can really do anything. Archery, swordplay. There's a small garden out back, horses. Anything you want."

Your head shot up, "Swordplay? You'll teach me how to use a sword?!"

"Well...now that I think about it, maybe not..." He guiltily looked away.

"Oh, why not!?" You asked as you leaned into him. "Please Aiden? Please!"

He turned back to look at you and went red. Your (e/c) eyes were wide and pleading. "B-Brother she..."

Connor sighed and pulled you away from Aiden, "(Y/n) dear, I don't know how much we can trust you with sword skills."

You turned your puppy eyes to him, causing him to blush slightly, "But Connor! How much can I truly learn in three days?"

You watched as he glanced away and wrestled with the idea in his head.

"Please?" You added as you let go of Aidens hand and wrapped both of yours around Connors.

A look of defeat crossed his face before he looked back at you, "...Just the basics. That's it. Nothing more."

Your face lit up as you stood up and jumped up and down. "Yes! Thank you!"

Aiden and Connor shared a worried glance before they stood up.

~~~~

The twins guided you down a set of stairs and to the right, down a similar blue hall. They stopped in front of a white door and slowly opened it. The room itself wasn't all that extravagant. The walls were made of white stone and the floor was made of sand . White lines were marked out along the sand and on the far wall of the room many variants of swords hung on the wall.

"Wow..." You trailed off as you stepped inside. The boys silently closed the door and made their way to the far end of the room, near the swords.

You slowly made your way to them, taking in the room.

"I think she should use a rapier." Connor said as he grabbed a white and blue sword off the wall. An intricate design wove its way around the blue handle. It seemed thin and light.

Aiden glanced back at you, sizing your strength up before nodding, "Yeah that's probably the best choice."

You huffed, "I'm right here."

Aiden turned back and stuck out his tongue playfully before he handed the sword over to you. You took the blade and stared down at it. It was indeed light and easy to maneuver. Connor leaned against the wall and Aiden went over to grab a similar rapier before walking to into the zone of white lines.

"Come on, dear. Get in bounds and we'll explain the basic motions." Aiden grinned as he tossed the sword from hand to hand a few times.

You hesitantly stepped over the white line and looked at Aiden. Hands rested on your arms from behind and you moved your head, panicked, to see who it was.

"Relax. Its just me." Connor smiled. "Now. Hold the sword like this." He maneuvered your fingers so that you were gripping the sword in a more comfortable way.

"Good. Now bend your knees slightly and hold the sword here." He instructed as he held the sword out away from you slightly. You bent your knees, feeling awkward.

"Not that far dear." Aiden called. "Only a little."

You nodded and brought yourself up a bit. He nodded happily.

"Alright now. You want the sword to move first, not your body. So when you go to attack move the point before anything else." He moved your arm forward in a stabbing gesture, illustrating the move.

You nodded, trying to remember everything that was necessary.

"I'm going to come at you (Y/n)." Aiden said calmly, "I'll be slow though. Try to parry my sword."

"Wait you didn't tell me how to do tha-" Aiden shot at you from the other side of the zone, his blade pointed towards you.

Time slowed down as you focused on the blade. You looked at it in fear as it came closer and closer.

I'm going to die already....

It stopped a few inches from your chest, and you looked up at Aiden who was smiling devilishly.

"You didn't parry it. Why if I was an attacker, you'd be dead dear." He teased as he pulled the sword away and leaned on it. "Were you scared?"

You looked up at him wide-eyed before you glared at him, "You didn't tell me how to parry it you idiot! How am I expected to do something that wasn't taught to me." You pointed the sword at him.

He laughed, "Careful (Y/n). I might feel threatened and actually start fighting you." He leaned towards you, "Or I might take a hostage."

Your cheeks burned as you turned away. "Just teach me how to parry."

Aiden laughed and walked away from you, Connor taking his place. He took your arms.

"When he comes towards you, block with this part," He pointed to a section of the blade close to the handle, "And go for this area." He tapped the upper part of the blade. "Then push it away and either jump back or attack." He smiled down at you.

You examined the sword before nodding.

"Ready dear?" Aiden called as he sank into position. You nodded, doing the same.

"Okay. You can do it!" He smiled before he ran towards you again. The sword caught the light, sending a jolt of panic through you, but you shook it off. You narrowed your eyes and focused on the part of the blade you needed to hit. Slowly you put the sword up and watched as Aidens sword hit yours. Quickly you pushed it away and jumped back.

Connor whistled, "That was pretty good. Especially for your first time."

Aiden smiled and nodded as he returned to his side of the zone. He came at you countless times, you attempting to block his attacks. After your last unsuccessful attempt, you sat in the sand looking up at him.

"You weren't paying attention to my motions (Y/n). Just the sword." Aiden sighed as he pulled you back up.

You huffed and threw the sword down, "I'm done for today."

Aiden raised his eyebrows and a faint smirk tugged at his lips, "Did I hurt your pride?"

"No."

A little.

You walked over to the wall, "But if you're so amazing with a sword, I want to see you actually fight."

He laughed and ran a hand through his hair before turning to Connor, "How about it brother? Shall we give the beautiful lady what she wants."

Connor winked at you, "I think so. She tried and fought very hard, but now I shall avenge her." His tone was mocking as he went to grab another rapier.

Aiden came up beside him and took the rapier out of his hands, "No. We'll fight with the real ones. Let's give (Y/n) the show she deserves." You crossed your arms and watched as he pulled two longer and heavier swords off the wall.

Connor nodded, grabbing the sword before walking over to you. He propped the sword against the wall and started unbuttoning his blue suit.

"C-Connor?!" You exclaimed, stepping away from him.

He looked up at your blushing face and laughed, "I can't fight in stiff clothing. Relax. We have shirts on underneath."

You nodded as he pulled the suit off and revealed that there was indeed a white cotton shirt underneath. A sigh of relief escaped your lips.

He handed the jacket to you, "Could you make sure it doesn't get dirty milady." His eyes sparkled.

You shook your head and took it from him, "You're getting way too into this."

He shrugged and turned to look at Aiden, who had tossed his suit jacket to the ground, "Anything to avenge you." He called back

"But I'm not dead!" You exclaimed. He turned around held a finger to his lips and winked.

Aiden smirked, "You think you'll be able to beat me. You're sorely mistaken. I'll defeat you and take her as my prize." He looked at you, eyes trailing down your body.

"Aiden!" You hissed, cheeks completely red, "Just fight. Stop playing around!"

He frowned, "But it's fun!"

You rolled your eyes and watched as they both positioned themselves at the far ends of the zone.

"(Y/n). I think its only fair if you count us off." Connor called, his eyes never leaving Aiden.

You nodded, "Okay. Start in three...two..." You watched as they both tensed, "one. Go!"

They both ran at each other, meeting in the middle. The sound of the swords clashing echoed around the room. They pushed against each other's blades before Aiden attempted to kick Connor in the stomach. He hopped away.

"That was a little dirty don't you think?" Connor asked as he shifted from foot to foot.

Aiden smiled, "Anything to win in front of (Y/n)."

He scoffed, "At least we're in agreement then."

You watched with wide eyes as the twins swung and blocked the sword with insane agility and balance. Each brother would aim an attack with accuracy and precision only to have the other one narrowly miss or block it.

The fight had to have been going on for at least ten minutes and neither brother was breathing heavily or sweating.

They ran at each other again, locking swords.

"Say," Connor said as he ducked and rolled away from one of Aidens swings, "Who do you think is the better swordsman currently?"

Aiden shifted his weight and sprang back as Connor shot up and attempted to attack, "I'd say you. You're the better swordsman and I'm the better rider. However, it changes constantly, and I'd like (Y/n) to have the memory of me winning this fight." He blocked Connors sword and attempted another swing.

Connor anticipated it and rolled out of the way again, "I don't think its going to change today brother. I want to win (Y/n)s affection." He blocked another attack.

It went on and on. You tried to keep up with the speed and sound of the fight, but it was hard. They were moving extremely fast.



"Whoopsies!" Aiden said as he kicked sand up at Connor. Connor covered his face and Aiden shoved him to the ground, sword pointed at his chest as he breathed heavily.

"Do I win?" He beamed.

Connor looked up at his brother stunned for a moment before grinning. He swept his leg under Aidens feet causing him to stumble down to the ground. He laughed and slowly sat up, looking at you. His blue eyes seemed brighter than normal.

"How about you give both of us your affection dear." Connor called out as he glanced at Aiden.

"What? Getting tired?" Aiden asked jokingly as he sat up.

"We're both tired brother. Just call it a tie for today." Connor nudged Aiden and they both laughed.

"Odd..." You murmured as you watched them.

Aiden stopped and looked at you curiously, "What's odd?"

Your eyes widened, "Oh! Did I say that out loud...I'm sorry!"

Connor smiled, "What were you thinking?"

You tapped a finger to your chin, "That you two almost looked normal."

Aiden laughed again, "Normal? We're perfectly normal."

You shook your head quickly, "Far from. You're princes for one. I think you're also very bipolar, but just then you almost seemed like normal brothers." You smiled slightly, "It was nice."

Both of their eyes widened as they got up. They quickly walked over to you.

"What? What's wrong?" You asked as they stared at you.

"You smiled...It was genuine." Connor whispered as he looked at you in sheer happiness.

Aiden grinned, "Just practically lose a swordfight. That's all it takes for her to smile."

You laughed slightly before looking away from them.

"Can we have our prize?" Aiden asked as he pushed a stray strand of (h/c) hair behind your ear.

"Prize?" You inquired, looking back at them.

"For us winning. I believe one kiss each is in order." Connor explained, his eyes filled with amusement.

"Wait I didn't agree to-" You were cut off by Aiden pressing his finger against your lip.

"It's a small price for watching us fight. And you didn't run away either. The prize goes two ways." Aiden looked at you, smirking.

"Now dear. It's just one. You can get it over with now or run the risk of us asking for it at...less than desirable times." Connor winked.

"Less than desirable?" You asked.

"Like when you go to get a shower or change." Aiden winked.

Your eyes widened, "What no!?"

Connor lifted your chin up to him, "Then give it to us now."

You wrinkled your nose for a second before lightly brushing your lips against his. He looked at you.

"Now was that a proper kiss?" You bit the inside of your cheek and shook your head.

"Again." He said. You sighed and pressed your lips against his. He wrapped his arms around you and you slowly sank into his grip.

Slowly he pulled away, "Now that was a true kiss. Thank you dear." He grabbed his jacket from you.

"My turn." Aiden mused as he turned you toward him. You blushed and pressed your lips against his. You felt his arm wrap around your waist and his hand rest behind your head, pushing you into him. He nibbled your lower lip before pulling away and sighing.

"How are you so perfect dear?" His green eyes were filled with lust.

You pressed yourself further against the wall.

"We can't brother." Connor said quietly as he made his way towards the door.

Aiden sighed and turned away, "Yes. I know." They opened the door and motioned for you to follow.

You silently followed them up the stairs and back to your room, your lips tingling.







A/N: I felt bad that I'd only get to make one update tonight so I wrote a longer chapter! I know I say it a lot, but some of your comments are so unique and hilarious that I really enjoy reading them. The support a lot of you are showing really makes me happy as well. I'm glad people are enjoying my story! I'm sorry but can't guarantee an update tomorrow. I'm going to try really really hard, but sleep might get in the way of me writing it. Stupid human necessities xD.