Amber tiptoed along the cold, stone floor. She came to a stop outside James's room and knocked. She didn't worry about waking him up. She knew he would already be awake.
"James?" she whispered.
James sat up, his hair even more of a mess than usual and his eyes red. He said nothing, he merely moved to one side of the bed to let Amber in. She climbed under the warm quilt and buried her face into James's shoulder.
"Oh James," she wept, "I'm so frightened,"
James held her close. He knew what she was talking about. Although they were twins Amber had been born just before him. And unlike Aunt Tilly, he knew Amber would never abdicate. He knew Amber would be a good queen, just as Amber knew. But she was still frightened. Amber may have expected the crown, but not so early. She thought she still had time. They all did.
James gulped and pulled Amber tighter.
"I'm going to miss him so much,"
Both their eyes stung with the threat of more tears.
James started to cry first. Fat tears ran down his face and he broke into great, heaving sobs.
"It's alright," Amber murmured, "I've got you,"
Softly, she began to sing.
"I'm your twin, you're my twin. We stick together through thick and thin,"
James joined in, "No matter what I, I'm always stuck with you"
"And if trouble comes my way, I know my twin will save the day. Wherever you may be, you're always stuck with me,"
Amber's voice wobbled.
"When I'm feeling sad and blue, call my way and I'll find you,"
James wrapped his hand around Amber's reassuringly.
"We have a bond that's tried and true,"
Neither could sing by this point. They just spoke in a hoarse whisper.
"You and me, me and you. Two by two,"
Slowly; comforted by the other's embrace, they fell asleep. Soon they would have to get up and put on a brave face, but for now they could rest.
