LIVIUS POV
I groaned in boredom. Even though Harri had stopped me from being manipulated into this position, I still had to come and see what my uncle was possibly planning. I knew it had to involve Harri, since he kissed Nike thinking she was my fiancée. Was he after the throne? No... To much work... He disliked being Prime Minister, but it worked for him better than that of a King position.
Harri chuckled at my groaning. "His ability to wrap people around his finger without breaking a sweat hasn't changed..." I groaned. Harrri rolled his green eyes. My lips twitched. Harri looked beautiful as always. Though the formal clothes were too much at times, after all it was easy to see that Harri disliked the stuffy clothing. It would seem Neil and the maids went with only a jacket to match the shirt and slacks without the neck tie. Harri was enjoying the dinner, but paused to comment on my statement.
"That's what most likely made him a good Prime Minister." Harri stabbed his meat with a fork. "Though he dislikes that the people are fooled by his charms so easily. It's probably why he came back. To make sure that I, as your fiancée, stay loyal to you. Not to swayed by another." Harri plopped the meat into his mouth and chewed.
I sighed. I looked further down the table at my future sister-in-law. One of many from what I have heard from the twins. Nike was ignoring the two of us. Why she didn't apply herself more was confusing to both Harri and I. We both knew she had the potential to succeed and understand the games around us. She may not be able to apply herself like Harri does, but she could play being the lovable sister very well without trying, or noticing.
Harri finished his dinner and stood. He raised a hand to me with a small smile. His eyes full of affection. "How about we go to the balcony?" I placed my hand in Harri's. "It will give you time to forget your uncle somewhat. Time for us to get that personal time together." Harri winked, and I rolled my eyes.
"Ah, but what of your poor sister? We have neglected her with our lack of presence." I mock back as I stood. Nike rolled her eyes, and waved her hand in a shooing motion. We both chuckled and left.
When we reached the balcony, Harri sat on the balcony edge. I leaned against the stone railing. Harri looked up at the stars. "As Potter, his grandmother was from a family that named each family member after a star in the night sky. It was a family tradition. The Potters, on the other hand, didn't follow through on her family tradition. Potter's godfather was a cousin in some way I believe." Harri smiled. "The goofiest person and the least serious person one could meet. A true prankster at heart. It was ironic that his name was Sirius." I hummed at Harri's muttering. It was interesting to hear about Harri's past life, and it made me happy to see he trusted me with the truth, that he could relax.
In the beginning, I did push my luck a lot with Harri. Pushing for something he wasn't ready at first, but he was still patient with me. He was patient and kind, and a lovable person to have by my side. I was impatient for our wedding day, but it would have to wait a while. I was just happy he was officially my fiancée. The ring Shelia had given me before her death, proudly worn on Harri's left ring finger. I looked down at the plain ring Harri got me. He said he made it himself with the elements. That it took him a good two months to make. It was truly awing to wear something Harri worked hard on.
Harri continued to talk about his past life as Harry Potter. Or the memories he truly enjoyed to remember. Nothing of the worlds cruelty, but it's beauty. About the naive little boy and how he lived and helped Harri grow into who he is was today.
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NIKE POV
I sat to the side of the party. My shoes were hurting my feet. Though I was content to just watch everyone dance and talk. I was just happy that I didn't have to do any political discussions, like Harri and Livius did. As the sister-in-law of the King I would be involved in the political world, but I really didn't like the games involved. Even if I was involved in the political setting, I didn't have to get involved in the games. How Harri, her twin, enjoyed the games she could never figure out, let alone able to use word plays in such forms.
It reminded me of the time when I was ten, and Harri felt too sick to leave his room. Mother had just finished talking to Harri and walked out of his room. A room I waited outside of for the better part of the day, waiting to see my twin. Mother had sat down next to me and had told me that Harri wouldn't be coming out of his room for a long while, mostly likely days at that. Which turned out to be true, he stayed there at least a week. When I asked what was wrong, all he said was that 'he was organizing his thoughts,' and 'clearing his mind.' I wasn't able to get an answer from Harri or Mother. It was frustrating. It was due to this that our tenth birthday party never happened. Harri was sick and I was to worried about him that I refused to participate. It was the first birthday our birthday wasn't celebrated. Every year after Harri refused to participate, saying he didn't need anything. Confused I had followed his lead, and continued to practice my rain summoning.
Ever since then Harri and I weren't ever close. Sure we never had the same interests, or wore matching clothes like twins, or even looked like twins, but we enjoyed each other's company. Every free moment we had, Harri and I played and talked. Sure it was different after we found out he was an elemental, but we just didn't have as much time together. It hurt when Harri started to stop hanging out with her, no more talks or games... I had always relied on my twin, but my twin had never relied on me.
I was able to talk to him, and talk through my problems with his help, but he never did the same with me. I had always gone to him for help first. Harri had come to me on a rare occasion he had an issue, that is until our tenth birthday. When we had turned ten, Harri then relied on himself or Mother. Even his relationship with Grandmother was furthered strained when he turned ten. It was confusing as to what happened that day. Though Harri changed a little, more mature than before, he didn't change all that much. It was confusing to understand how his relations changed so much over the course of a few days.
I sighed, trying to think about the 'new' Harri I've been dealing with in the Sun Kingdom. I had never thought Harri as cruel or vindictive before, but the incident with the assassin and the verbal power plays... It showed a side I had never thought existed. Also I had never seen Harri in a relationship. It was weird to see my brother dating a... I tilted my head in thought. Actually how old was the Brat King? He looked to be around twelve maybe... though he could easily pass as fourteen... I groaned. Harri and I were only seventeen... Actual we had spent our birthday on the boat taking us to the Sun Kingdom. So the wedding between the two love birds would most likely happen when the Brat was seventeen or eighteen at least... but how long would that be?
"Is something wrong?" Said a voice to my right. I jumped in my seat, and held my breath trying not to scream. After I calmed down for a moment, slowing my racing heart, I turned to see the uncle of the Brat.
"Oh! It's only you... Don't Scare Me Like That..." I grumbled.
"What's happened? Why are you alone?" Asked the blond Lord.
"Oh, Harri and Livius went to the balcony. Didn't feel like watching them flirt with each other today. Or verbally destroy individuals that are brave or stupid enough to interrupt them." I stated in a bored voice.
"I see..." Lord Bardwin took a seat next to me. "You don't look to be enjoying yourself. Why is that? I've been told by many that your very lively and lovable. Most are surprised Livius picked Harri over you."
I snorted. "Like I would ever marry that brat." I paused in thought. "Actually it's better that Harri was chosen over me. Harri... he understands Livius more than I do. I feel like all I do is run after them to catch up, but it's never enough no matter how hard I try." I looked up at the ceiling. "Harri is the youngest, and the only male sibling I have. In total, counting Harri and myself, there are five of us. Harri has practically been our sisters' doll since he was born. So not only is he pushed around by our older sisters, he has a huge responsibility."
"Due to him being male, right? The heir to the Duke position," Bardwin said.
I shook my head in disagreement and looked at the Blonde. "Our Grandmother is the real ruler of our people. Father is just a figure head, but Grandmother was Duke before Father. So the position will go to who ever Grandmother believes will succeed her, not Father. If it was Father's choice I would think he would just give it to the eldest."
"Then why does Harri have so much responsibility?"
"Because he's not like the rest of the family. He's similar in that he can give birth to children, true, but he is the most powerful being in our family. You have heard about our abilities as Rain Summoners, correct?" Bardwin nods. "Harri isn't a Rain Summoner, but an Elemental. He controls the elements. When we were around six or seven, Harri started a huge storm, almost a hurricane. Then a few months later he started a forest fire. All on accident, because he was learning to control his abilities or frustrated."
Bardwin looked at the balcony in worry.
I chuckle. "Harri quickly learned control. It's not perfect when compared to me or our sisters, but for an Elemental of his power, Grandmother says it surprising that we still have an island to rule over." I focused on the people dancing. "Harri has been practicing his control and abilities since coming here in order to help his fiancée. Not only that, but Harri understands Livius... His pain, and cruelty... but he also shows Livius a better view of the world. I've come to realize that my brother sees both sides of the coin, the Beauty and Cruelty of the World. He understands the evils in the world, while... I practically ignore it, being a naive fool. I understand there is evil, but I have never really experienced it or know how to really deal with the concept of evil."
"What makes you think Harri does?"
I was silent for a moment before I softly replied. "Our first few days here... There was an assassination attempt on Livius's life. I stepped in the way, but Harry stopped the arrow from hurting anyone, and captured the assassin." I turned to look Bardwin dead in the eye. "My brother was furious, and almost killed him. First he almost burned him alive, but I had placed my hand on the arm he was holding flames. He almost drowned the man, but I had punched him and he lot focus. The guards then took care of the situation. Harry knew what he was doing, and it didn't bother him."
"Has he ever killed before?"
"No," I whispered. "He hasn't, but he acts like it was self-defense. That he would kill to protect, and I know I could not kill anyone even if my life depended on it."
"What of the life of your siblings?"
I looked at the man in surprise. "What?"
"Your life was put in danger, even if you weren't the original target. Harri saw that your life was in danger and needed to remove a treat. A treat to someone he loves. It wasn't about his life, but the life of those he cares about."
I looked down at my hands. I thought of it from that point. It made sense, but it didn't really change my view all that much. Even the situation with the church, I was so happy when Livius and Harri let the issue slide. Even though the church is closely monitored by the people and King. Then there are the word battles Harri has with high ranking officials. He tore them practically limb from limb, crying out the room, and I never really understood how it came to that with words alone.
"While I understand what your saying, I still find it hard to understand..." I tell the blond.
"When did you start to doubt your brother?" Bardouin asked.
I paused at the question. "When he stopped relying on me, I guess." I frowned. "Though Harri never truly relied on anyone but himself. When we were young we would talk and hang out, but with differences in abilities and need for control it was hard for Harri to fully rely on my help. But on our tenth birthday... We lost what little connection we had. He relied on Mother and no one else. Even his relationship with our Grandmother practically burned after a meeting about the change in his attitude."
"What do you mean?" Bardouin asked confused.
I hummed while I tried to think of my explanation. "Grandmother is very strict, especially when it comes to our abilities. I could create a hurricane, like Harri, and Grandmother makes sure the family understands this fact. That our abilities are dangerous and need to be controlled. But should not be controlled for others. The people of the world are not to be trusted with a gift that can destroy the world." I looked at Lord Bardouin. "Harri was the only of my siblings to rebel. He would tell her she was wrong, and that he would find his own path instead of blindly following her's."
"Do you blindly follow your Grandmother?"
"I wouldn't say we follow blindly, that is just Harri's opinion on the matter. Grandmother has a point about our abilities. What we do is a sacred right given to our lineage. Harri may see it differently, but I trust Grandmother." I sighed, and gave a soft smile. "I'm sorry, this is a depressing topic."
The blond Lord chuckled. "It's fine. I just see that your struggling to understand something... Something to do with your brother?"
I looked at the people dancing and chatting around the ballroom. "I just don't understand him, and it frustrates me that I can not. I don't understand the power he holds or how he struggles with it each day. I don't understand how he could use his powers for the King, when it is known to be a force that people wish to control and manipulate themselves. I don't understand where Harri learned to be not only kind, but cruel. Where did he learn to understand the Cruelty of the World along with the Beauty we were taught?" My voice cracked as the emotions rolled through me.
"Why don't we go for a walk?" The blond asked, while pulling me up to stand before I could protest. He only tugged me a little to take a step when my shoe caused me to flinch due to the pain. Lord Bardouin looked at me with worry. "Are you okay?" I was about to protest, and say I was fine before I was picked up. Livius's uncle cradled me into his chest while he carried out the room. Yelling out, "Nike-sama seems to be feeling faint, is there somewhere quiet I can take her?" I blanched at the ridiculous man as he carried me to a bedroom.
I growled in frustration. "Let me down!"
Lord Bardouin laughed as he placed me on the bed. "Let's continue our chat. Your brother. What do think of him?" He sat at the edge of the bed. I leaned against the head board.
I paused to think on my answer. "He's a genius. Growing up he was the kindest person, a true gentleman. As I said before he got pushed around a lot and forced into the role of our sisters' doll, but he never minded." I smiled and looked at my hands in my lap. "He would even give tips to help the outfit or hairstyle with our sisters while me and Kara watched. Harri would go out into town and gamble with the people, just to get to know them. If he won any money he would take the group out to eat, joking they paid for a good meal. Instead he would slip their own money back into their pockets, while he used his own to pay. He's sweet like that..." I frowned. "It's being here and seeing this political side of Harri that concerns me. I understood none of it when we got here, but Harri he was suddenly sarcastic, and a mask to hide behind with politicians arriving at the door."
"Well, what else changed?"
"While we weren't the closest, even though we were twins, I relied on Harri. Though he usually hung out with Mira and Nia, or Mother. Though he matured faster then the rest of us. Due to him being an Elemental Harri had to learn control. Though when we turned ten everything changed. He was more mature, and I guess his outlook of the world changed. When something was going on Harri was the first to realize if some wrong was happening. Like this one time a young boy had stolen food from a cart, and was caught. He would have been tried if not for Harri. He asked the boy who the food was for, him or someone else. The boy said nothing, but Harri waited. When he said his it was for his brother, Harri only paid for the boy and told him to hurry home."
"Doesn't sound so different from the time your brother paid a meal with his gambling buddies."
"Yeah, but Harri knew the boy was lying to him. He told me after the boy ran off. He said he would have given him more if he told the truth. I never really though on it, but maybe... Harri didn't change. It's just showing in this political atmosphere..." I whispered.
It was that moment that there was a knock at the door. "Nike?! You in there?" Yelled a voice.
I rolled my eyes at the blond lord. "Yeah, in here Harri!" The door opened and revealed the blond head of my twin. I waved at him form the bed.
"What are you doing here?" Harri asked while walking into the room.
"The shoes were hurting my foot," I said while pointing at my feet. "The Lord here was kind enough to get me out of the ballroom to rest."
Harri nodded and walked to me and kneeled on the bed. A ball of water moving from the vase on the dresser and moving toward the bed. Harri removed both of my shoes and tossed them onto the floor. Harri had the water cover his hands and then placed the water covered hand on the tender skin.
"What are you doing Harri?" I asked confused.
"Healing you," Harri replied has the water shimmered with rainbows. "Did you know that water has healing abilities?"
"No..." I said in awe. My foot was feeling better, and watched my twin amazed as he stood up.
Harri smiled. "How about we head back? Get some sleep?" He turned to the King's uncle. "It was nice of you to invite us, and I thank you for caring for my sister. If you wish to know your nephew's future consort, I am free to talk. I wish to be on good terms with Livius's family..." Harri chuckled. "Even though Livius would rather through you into a cell."
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HARRI POV
Bardouin had yet to approach me, and he didn't seem interested to talk at all. Instead he seemed more interested in talking with Nike. Which was fine with me, after all the man wasn't a real play boy. If he gave his heart to Nike, then he would give her everything... If she could get through all his walls that is, and knowing Nike there was a good chance.
It was around midnight. I watched out the window of my room as Nike and Livius's uncle walked in the court yard. Livius was still upset he couldn't put his uncle in a cell and was avoiding his uncle. Though he grumbled at the fact.
I continued to watch to two walk as they talked. The conversation looked heartfelt. Nike had even used her powers to cover the moon with clouds. I raised an eyebrow. For her to do that, this conversation must have done something for her to feel compelled to use her powers. I had to wonder what to two were saying...
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NIKE POV
"You're very kind. Thank you." Said Lord Bardwin.
I looked at the man with contemplation. "Hey... The reason you came back, was for Livius, right?" The blond looked surprised. "Coming back to a country you left behind must have been taxing."
"I was worried about Livi getting engaged." Bardwin
I chuckled. "So you came to see the type of person he was engaged to... Kinda missed the point on that one!"
Bardwin chuckled, but became serious quickly. "I'm no match for him. Livi and I... We've never liked each other since he was small, but the person we wanted to protect was the same."
My eyes widened in shock. The only person that Livi cared about at that time was his mother! "Was it Livi's —"
"My feelings were completely one-sided." He looked at the ground. "Livi and I couldn't save the person we wanted to protect. It was very painful. But we still had things to do and eventually forgot the pain." the blond sighed. "But after we conquered the world I couldn't bare it. So I ran away from Livi... from my memories..." He turned to me. "But then I heard that Livi got a girl. I was worried so I came back." He smiled mischievously. "I though that if she was a bad person, I would just play with her and than chase her out."
I chuckled. "With Harri being both a boy, and one that has not only a better political game, but the powers to kill you multiple ways... I think your assessment on the situation was different then you assumed."
Baldwin shook his head, a small smile on his lips. "That it was. There was no need for me to worry. Harri helps Livi and keeps him in check... for the most part. He's made Livius happy that's all that matters." Baldwin looked at me. "Age doesn't matter to that kid, and he has very strong willpower. But with that willpower he also has his insecurities. Harri seems to understand and steadies him the best I have even seen anyone do. That he can stand on equal footing and talk to Livi is a step in the right direction." Barbin looked away. "I believe I will go on a journey again."
"Why?!" I yelped. "You haven't faced him once! If you think he is in danger... If you understand that you should be the one by his side!"
Bardouin didn't answer me, but instead walked away.
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I was grumbling in frustration.
"Nike-sama?" Neil asked when he came across my path.
"It's no use..." I muttered in frustration. "Help me, Neil. I'm going to need you and Harri with those air-headed jerks."
