DUN DUN DUN

The tolling of the bells summoned the kingdom’s residents to witness a public execution. You stood among the crowd as the ruling monarch was led out with their hands and feet shackled. The gleaming bade of the guillotine shined in the sun, not giving away the bloody history it held. The many deaths it, and the crowd, had witnessed.

The monarch's head was held high as the people cheered for their death. The hooded robe you wore hid your distraught expression from view. For most, the monarch to be executed was a villainous leader whose death was deserved. For you, however, that was your identical twin. The twin who had been a servant till they called for your head.

You had grown up as twins, identical in every aspect, but only one of you could rule. The other was to be trained as personal servant. Able to replace the ruling twin or help serve their twin in whatever way was needed. You were the oldest by only a few seconds and therefore the chosen one to lead. Your twin, River, had followed you to your lessons. They learned alongside you in secret and, when your parents died, supported you when it was your turn to take the throne. Your rule may be considered violent but you did it to keep the kingdom, your people, and your twin safe.

When the calls for your execution came, River gave you no choice but to switch places. As the crowds volume increased, you were forced back to the present, watching as River kneeled down. The crowd would see the monarch die but you would know the truth. The crowd's cheers swelled as the guillotine came flinging down. You held River’s gaze as they mouthed 'I love you' before the blade made contact and your twin was no more.

Ten years earlier

"{{user}}! It isn't safe! We aren't supposed to sneak out of the castle!"

River whisper shouted as they followed you as you slipped from the castle, undercover, to go roam through the market. You had escaped your guards' watchful eye and were ready for a day of fun and mischief.