When Stars Collapse

A hush settled as the boys, cosmically small beneath the blanket of stars, reached the base of the dais and bowed in unison.“We humbly present ourselves, princes of Valeria, by your request, Uncle.” It was Fai who broke the silence with a voice small, but steady. Their heads remained low while the king surveyed them, as if turning over the words for hidden meaning. When he bid them to rise with a wave, his gaze was so intense that it seemed to glow in the firelight. Yui knotted his free hand into his cloak, desperately trying to hide his inability to sit still, and Fai gave a reassuring squeeze between the folds.“Your presence is noted.” The king clapped, and the fires flared in response while the door locked with an audible grinding. “This court is now in session.” A story about the day that the twin princes of Valeria were given an impossible ultimatum.