The Prince and the Pauper

 Warnings: Sympathetic Remus, Remi, Virgil, and Logan; lots of angst,  blood, multiple deaths, and other miscellaneous  violence. I can’t put all the warnings here, otherwise there would be no fic, but just know there are a lot of character representations that may be skewed, and multiple two-faced idiots. Also a lot of dramatic buildup. I’m a drama fanatic, and it’s my strong point. You have been warned, and please don’t @ me if you don’t agree with character representation. I do what I can to make a great story, not everyone will agree with me. 

I just hope y’all enjoy and leave kudos/comments in the comment section if you wish. 

Love ya and enjoy!

Disclaimer: Remus has no white streak in his hair or mustache in this fic.

*Any flirting/romantic gestures can be taken any way you want to take them, but was intended mostly as platonic ships, nothing more (kind of)*

(I have color coded the Sides to clear up a little confusion, there are points when colors don’t line up with the name typed and the actual Side that is being referred to is the one that corresponds to the color. For example: Roman is red, Remus is green. If I have it typed as Roman, I am actually referring to Remus’s character.)

Themes of depression, excessive anger, suicide, self-deprication, and other categories not mentioned may appear in the Fic, these were mostly unintentional. If it is taken that way, just know that I am not supporting those thoughts and if you struggle please reach out to someone. If you need someone to talk to or feel uncomfortable talking to people you know, my email is

 godgirl27404@gmail.com

I promise that it will get better in time, and if you do reach out to me that all information you may give me will remain confidential and secure. I know what it feels like, don’t wait until it is too late to try and reach out. We are extremely supportive and are here to help if you need it. Please reach out to someone if you need it.

Now Presenting:

✴The Prince and the Pauper✴

Roman Serendip was tired of being Prince. If even for a single day, he wanted to be someone normal. Someone who didn’t have to look impeccable every second of every day. He wanted to not be looked at with reverence because he was born a prince, but to be looked at with respect because he earned it. He wanted for a day to just be Roman. Not Prince Roman, not Your Majesty. He wanted to walk into a room and not have all of the people inside it bow and curtsy. A prince's life was difficult, and he wanted to run away from it. In fact, that’s exactly what he did.

Remus Laurens was tired of being poor. He would take odds and end jobs, if only to live a day longer. He worked in the sewers most days, but he didn’t work a day without wishing he was a Prince. Princes never had to work, were given everything. He would be looked at in reverence, he wouldn’t have to work for respect. But that was impossible, he wasn’t born royal. He would never have a chance at royal life, or so he thought. He wasn’t thinking about royal life the day he got let go of all of his jobs, he was only thinking of how he was going to get another. Which is why he went to the Town Square, to ask around for odds and end jobs.

Janus Dolus hated royalty, and it really didn’t matter how much they tried to help the commoners. He had been planning an attack on the castle, and was going to follow through with it even if he killed himself trying. He wanted to attain even a small amount of gold from the treasury, to try and help the paupers. They deserved a buffer if they got sick or injured. They didn’t deserve to live the poor quality of life they did. So he decided that the Gala the following night was when he would attack. It would be the perfect opportunity to thumb his nose at the upper class. He had but a single day to infiltrate the castle. It was decided, and so he went home to perfect his plan. He would break in that very morning.

Virgil Timor, Prince Roman’s personal bodyguard, had lost track of the Prince yet again. Whether or not the Prince had given him the “slip”, Virgil didn’t know. He had been distracted all morning with all the guests that were already arriving for the Gala. But now, as he was doing a complete sweep of the grounds in search of the Prince, he was getting more anxious with thoughts of what  may have happened. Then he caught sight of Roman in the distance. Bless that stupid red sash. But why he was heading into town without an escort, Virgil didn’t know. He did know that he had to catch up with the runaway prince, or Patton and His Royal Majesty Logan would have his head. So he set off after the Prince.

King Logan Serendip hated himself for lying to his son for all these years. He had told Roman that his mother had died in a tragic accident and that he was the only heir to the throne. He never wanted to talk about his late ex-wife, Melissa Laurens, but as the years went by Roman wanted to know more about her. Roman never questioned that he was the sole heir to the throne, but he still never wanted to see that day come. Roman didn’t want the responsibility, that much was clear. He wanted as little responsibility as possible. Roman was never told that his mother had left with his twin brother, or that he was actually the younger twin. Logan wasn’t even sure if Remus, Roman’s twin, was even still alive. One thing was for sure: Roman needed to know the truth, and no time like the present. Especially since his eighteenth birthday was the following day. So Logan went to find his son, to tell him the truth at last.

Patton Lockheart, Prince Roman’s nurse/nanny, didn’t know what to do. When he had gone to wake the Prince that morning, he was shocked to find that Roman was already gone. Normally the Prince wasn’t an early riser, so Patton was worried. But since he hadn’t seen Virgil that morning either, it was possible that Roman had gone out to the village. Then he ran into His Majesty The King, who was looking for his son. That was the odd part, His Majesty would have known that Roman had gone into town. After telling the King that he hadn’t seen the prince all morning, they both hurried off to find him. And since Virgil hadn’t been seen either, they had no leads. As Patton frantically turned a corner in search of the Prince, he was grabbed from behind and dragged into a rarely-used servant’s tunnel while under threat of death. He was then dragged down to the dungeon (which hadn’t been used since King Logan took the throne), locked in a cell, and left without food, water, or a second glance from the infiltrator. There was nothing he could do but sob helplessly while the Prince was still missing and he was trapped in the last place anyone would look for him.

***

Roman  hated to have to take off his sash, as it was supposedly a gift from his mother, but if he was going to fit in while he was in town, he had to change. He found an area of wall not too far from town that he ducked behind, changing out of his normal outfit and sash, and changing into a set of clothes he snatched from the servants’ quarters. He looked more like a lower class citizen than he wanted to, but stuffed his other outfit and sash into the satchel he brought. He entered town and was dumbstruck with how poor the commoners’ level of living was.

Remus saw a man he didn’t recognize enter town, but he seemed familiar for some reason. He had no idea why, but something with his face… It reminded him of himself? All of a sudden, someone ran towards the man, grabbing his satchel, and kept running. For whatever reason Remus ran after the man, tackling him to the ground and taking the satchel back. He returned the satchel to its owner, and they introduced themselves. So his name is Roman, like the Prince. Like the brother my mother said died in childbirth of whom she named anyways. Was she lying? This man looks so much like me, and my mother never talked about my dad… There’s no way. She would have told me if I were royalty. Remus talked with the man, Roman, for hours while wandering around town. Remus talked about the various jobs he held over the years, about his hopes and dreams. He slipped up and accidentally said something about wishing he were a Prince, and Roman stopped him abruptly, very seriously asking if he was joking. Almost like Roman himself could make that dream come true. When he told Roman that he wanted to be royalty since he could remember, Roman did something odd. He handed over his satchel and told Remus that it was his lucky day. He said that even though it pained him to give away the only gift his mother gave him,  he wanted more than anything to be normal. This was a chance for both himself and for Remus to get what they wished for. Remus looked at Roman skeptically before opening the bag and gasping as he did so. He stumbled for words, throwing in a few “Your Majesty”s and “you really don’t know how much this means to me”s. When Roman brushed it off and told him to change and head towards the castle, and that his bodyguard would probably find him on the way, he finally realized that this was no joke. Roman was serious, and both of them were going to get their wishes granted. They bid each other farewell, and went their separate ways.

Virgil was furious at Roman when he finally caught up with him, dragging him back to the castle by his tunic collar. The King was waiting for them at the front gates, and Virgil was sure that his neck was going to get wrung for the little stunt Roman had pulled. But instead, the King took his son on a walk around the grounds, telling Virgil that they would be fine but that they were going to have a little heart-to-heart. So Virgil set off to find Patton, to make sure that he knew the Prince was alright. He was sure that Roman’s disappearance caused quite a fiasco, especially to Patton. He looked everywhere for him, but couldn’t seem to find the Nanny anywhere. Why is everyone wandering off today? I can’t deal with all this right now, I need to go check in with the Captain. Maybe he knows where Patton is…

Janus had snuck into the castle that morning, jumped a servant, and ended up locking them in the dungeon. All he had to do now was lay low and wait for his chance to strike. But to do that, he had to stay in the castle. He went to the one place where he knew he wouldn’t get caught: the kitchens. He knew how to cook, and had served in the castle itself until he was framed for trying to poison the King’s wine. Just because he had a face that made him look guilty. When he was thrown out of the castle he was beaten and flogged, and had been dragged to the town by his feet. He had major scarring on his face, making many people distrust him and making it hard to hold a job because of the levels of distrust people had for him. He hated those scars, but they made for a perfect disguise now. No one would recognise him, and he would fit in with the staffers now, since they all had been punished severely when he was taken from the castle. He was the only one that was banished, and it was better this way. Now the whole world could see the cruelty of the kingdom, and he wouldn’t have to be seen by any of the royal family to exploit them. The King created the monster that will destroy him. He created this vengeance in me when I was thrown out, all because of the face I had then. I had no trial, he just decreed over dinner that one of his best cooks be exiled from the castle. All because of a face that no longer exists. I promised that day that I would have my revenge, and I will. Not only by stealing money from the King but by taking something precious to him, like he did to me. I promised to get my revenge, and sweet revenge it will be when the Prince lies dead at my feet.

King Logan felt shame for the first time since his wife left seventeen years ago. The shock and grief on Roman’s face made him feel terrible for lying to his son. Then Roman did something odd. He started laughing. He immediately realized what he was doing and stopped, looking ashamed. The King had no idea what was really going on with his son, but he figured that it must be a combination of nerves and disbelief. When King Logan had said what he needed to say he sent Roman to his tutor,(who also doubled as his therapist when he needed one) Emile. That was when Logan thought he knew his son best, and Remus realized how terrified he actually was. Because Remus didn’t know anything about the castle, especially his way around.

 Emile Picani was a kind man with too many references to fairy tales, in Roman’s opinion. Remus on the other hand absolutely loved him(after he found his way to the study by confusing at least a dozen staffers). This threw Emile for a loop, because he had never seen this passion in the Prince before. So at the end of the day’s lesson, Emile kindly asked what was on Roman’s mind. At which point Remus spilled the beans on the plan Roman and he had made. Remus explained everything, and Emile didn’t seem shocked or dazed by what he heard. He offered Remus assistance during his indefinite stay until he got the hang of things, which Remus accepted gratefully. He eagerly learned years’ worth of knowledge in mere hours, and Emile was greatly impressed. By early evening, Remus had learned the basics to behave as Roman did, and had (for the most part) learned his way around the castle. Emile sent him on his way with a kindly smile. He didn’t realize it at the time, but that would be the last time he would ever see either of the Serendip twins. For when the kindly tutor returned to his office, he didn’t notice the figure behind the door. (Violence warning) Emile returned to his desk to finish some prep work for the following day, when an arrow thudded into the wall, the shaft not two inches from the bridge of his nose. He grabbed his rapier from its place next to his desk, brandishing it in the process, and faced his would-be assassin. The man already had his rapier drawn as well, having thrown the bow aside for lack of another arrow. Emile thought he recognised him, but he wasn’t sure and the assassin didn’t look like he wanted to answer any questions. So, the men connected swords, a fair matched fight, until Emile got backed into a wall. The assassin tore Emile’s rapier out of his hand with one sweep of his own blade, and pinned Emile in place by placing the point of his sword at Emile’s throat. After asking if Emile had any last words, Emile finally had the chance to ask the man’s name. The man responded with “Oh, Emile, you don’t remember me? I’m so devastatingly crushed. You would think one would remember the man that they had banished from the castle. I know that you never liked me, and that you were the one who whispered in the King’s ear about the poison. Yes, indeed my revenge is coming. But killing you is only the beginning, the Prince is who I’m really after. Indeed it is I, Janus Dolus, come to seek revenge and steal back what is rightfully the villagers’. A sense of peace, and the money that they need to survive. The King has abandoned them, and so I have come to give them the freedom they so rightly deserve.” With that having been said, Janus thrusted his blade through Emile’s throat. He crumpled, and was dead before he hit the floor.

Remie Dormir was dozing in his office when Virgil came to give his report. Being woken up by the Prince’s anxious bodyguard was one thing, but Virgil was more on edge than normal. When asked if he’d seen Roman’s nanny, he was at his wit’s end. “Do I look like I know everything that goes on in the castle, kid?” he asked Virgil after taking a large gulp of his now-cold coffee. Intimidated as always, Virgil stumbled over his words for a few minutes, gave his report and left. Thank the Lord, finally I can get some more sleep.

***

Virgil was getting extremely worried. Not about the Prince, he was fine. No, he was worried that something had happened to Patton. The last anyone had seen of him was early that morning, and even then that was a select few people. He went to ask Roman’s tutor if he had seen Patton today, but when he got to Emile’s study he screamed at the sight. Someone had murdered the kind tutor, mutilating the body to almost complete unrecognition. The worst thing was the message painted on the wall in his blood. First comes the teacher, next comes the student. Virgil ran to find the Prince, and to raise the alarm that there was an assassination already but another may ensue.

Remus was confused and tired. He had a hard enough time keeping up with the ever-changing village, let alone the castle. It was absolutely humongous. Thankfully, there were staffers that took pity on him, and helped him on his way, but still. It was a lot to take in. He finally found his room, and what-the-ever-living-heck, it was more like a small house inside. Like, literally multiple rooms that were all his. The closet was larger than his cottage, which honestly wasn’t saying much since the cottage was more like a tool shed than a home, but still. It was all just stunning. He could have spent hours just exploring the room, but Virgil came running in his door frantically looking for him. Remus didn’t know exactly what he was muttering about, but it was along the lines of Thank god, he’s still alive. We all would’ve lost our heads if not for- And then Virgil seemed to realize that Remus was looking at him strangely. “Roman, I’m so sorry.” his breath seemed to hitch a little, why was that? Virgil continued, “Dr. Picani- Emile, well…” he didn’t seem to know how to spit his words out. “Your Professor, well, he’s dead” Remus’s mind was reeling. What happened? I talked with him not an hour ago. Virgil looked awkward, and seemed as if he wanted to continue. Remus, mind still spinning, asked as kindly as he could. “What else is on your mind, uh-Virgil?” Remus hoped that the guard was too preoccupied to notice the hesitation. “It was- it was an assasination.” Vigil looked really anxious, not wanting to say more. Remus prodded at him, “And?” Virgil looked away, saying in a hushed tone, “And the assassin wants you dead, too.” With that, Virgil swayed and crumpled. Remus caught him, just barely, and accidentally stumbled into a vase. It promptly fell over and shattered, making the floor a minefield to walk on. Welp, guess we’re doing this now. Deciding that the vase could wait until a later time, Remus picked up Virgil in a bridal carry, and taking him over to a reading sofa, set him on it to rest. Not knowing what else to do, Remus took a rapier from the selection carefully hung on one of the walls and went to find the assassin, who he knew had to  still be in the castle.

***

Roman was happy for the first time in a very, very long time. Without guards or anyone else to follow him around, he felt free. He missed some things about the castle, like the nice staff and his personal library, but he loved the freedom to just roam. The village was beautiful in a small, homey kind of way. Not elegant like the castle, but beautiful all the same. He had thought ahead enough to bring a small sum of money with him, and he was itching to explore some more. While he was wandering around the village, he caught some disturbing whispers. Some saying “-the poor prince-” others “-he was too young-” and the most disturbing was the one whispered to him. “Did you hear that the Prince’s tutor, Doctor Picani, was murdered last night? They say the assassin is after the young Prince as well. Hopefully the man is caught…” Roman’s face blanched, and he promptly stumbled against the nearest wall and vomited. “Hey, buddy. Are you alright?” “N-no, I’m not. Now if you excuse me, I need to go. Duty calls.”  He walked around the corner and then ran towards the castle, tears streaming down his face.

Patton had given up hope. Being locked in the dungeon was one thing, but being locked in a dungeon that hadn’t been used in at least twenty years without so much as food and water was another. Between the rats and the rumble within him from hunger, Patton wasn’t sure that he was going to make it out of the cell alive. Then he heard something. Something new, and not natural. Is that...footsteps? Patton tried to see if someone was coming, but it was too dark to tell. Then, out of the darkness came running a grey silhouette. He fell against the bars, rattling them, trying to catch the attention of the person approaching. He, yes it was a he, startled and fell against another cell door. “P-patton?” Patton squeaked, he recognised that voice all too well. “Roman, what are you doing down here?” “Doesn’t matter now, where are the keys? We need to get you out of here.” “The perp took them with.” “Pat, stand back.” “What are you-” Roman gingerly moved forward, pulled a handful of small, metal were those lockpicks? “Roman… what are you doing?” He didn’t answer, instead expertly inserting picks until he gave a small smile. “So simple, this won’t take long.” “When did you learn-” but he was interrupted by a loud click and Roman swinging the door open. “Pat, tell me what happened and why you were in there. I know my father wouldn’t have put you down here.” Patton told him what he knew as they ascended into the main castle, ending with “-it was this man, I only got a glimpse, but he had this terribly mottled face, he was wearing yellow rags so dirty they were almost grey.” “Oh, oh shit.” “Roman, language. But what is it?” “That man attacked me in the village. If that’s who I think it is, my school teacher isn’t going to be the only one dead by sunset.” “What? What are you talking about? Emile is-” “Dead.” Roman let that sink in for a moment. “He was assassinated last night. You would be surprised how fast the word travels in the village.” “And you think you know who it is? The assassin?” “Yes. I think the old Head Cook is back in the castle. He’s furious, and is planning another attack. On me. But I’m not the one he’ll target… well, it’s complicated.” “Can you try to explain?” “It would be easier once we find the other me.” So, they went to find the other Prince Roman.

Logan was worried out of his mind. He was scared for himself, but even more so for his son. He didn’t know what he would do if he lost his son. His precious boy. The very idea -- no, he couldn’t bear the thought. Logan was jolted from his thoughts when Remi, looking tired as ever, burst into the throne room with his usual dramatic flare. He bowed low, and towards the King asked “Your Majesty, do you know the whereabouts of the Prince? We would like to send extra guards his way.” “Remi, I’m sorry, but I do not. Have you checked his room?” “We did, Your Majesty. All we found was his personal guard, Virgil, unconscious on one of the couches.” Logan feared the worst, but hoped for the best. “Have you perhaps checked the kitchens?” “We haven’t, Your Majesty, but why would he be there?” “It gives him something to do, he loves helping the cooks. I think it gives him a sense of peace.” “Thank you, Your Majesty. We will not stop until we find him.” Remi bowed again and smartly turned on his heel and sauntered out of the throne room. Logan felt panic well up within him, and he hoped the guards would find his son before… well, before it was too late.

Janus had caught sight of the Prince many times during the day, but he was either escorted by his guard or too far away. He thought it best to strike when they all least expected it anyway, at the Gala. He would have to lay low until then. It took all he had within himself to not burst into the Prince’s chambers sword blazing, but he thought that the Gala would give the guards and the King a distraction. He wanted to have the full effect of the murder on all the guests, not just the castle’s staff and the King. He wanted all the kingdoms to know that the villagers would fight for justice, that the nobles weren’t entitled to anything. That the world deserved change, and he would start the chain reaction. All of the world will know just how powerful the villagers are, and King Logan will watch as his son meets his demise to the likes of a “measly villager”. This is a message that needs to be heard and I don’t care if I die, as long as the message is heard by all the people of the world.

***

Roman and Patton didn’t have to go far to find Remus. That is, Remus more or less found them. Well, running into them was the more truthful description. Quite literally. Once they had all recovered, Roman embraced Remus and said: “Thank god you’re still alive Remus.” Then, realizing Remus was another man short, he asked: “Where’s Virgil? Is he alright? What happened? You realize that someone is after you -- after us -- right? Why are you out on your own? It’s dangerous!” Patton put a hand on Roman’s shoulder, and jokingly added: “Sorry for the nanny-cop Prince, dear. He acts more and more like me each day. I take it that you’re Remus, Roman’s twin?” Roman looked at Patton questioningly, but Remus replied: “Indeed, but how exactly did you know we were twins?” Roman, tired of being confused, butted in: “Wait a minute. What? Remus, when did you- how did you- we’re twins?” “Indeed you are,” answered Patton, “separated at birth.” “I-what? I need to go find Dad.” “Roman! You know better than to call His Majesty that!” “Sorry, I need to go find King Deadbeat. Is that better?” Remus busted out laughing, but Patton gave them both a serious look. “Do neither of you understand just how much political power your father possesses? You need to treat him with respect, even if you don’t see much of him. He loves you very much, even if he doesn’t show it often.” “I still need to go talk to him. I feel like both of you are pulling a huge prank on me. So I will go visit him in the throne room, and then I will retire to my room. Don’t try to stop me.” Remus cautiously called to Roman: “You might want to use caution when you enter your room-” “What did you do to it?!” “Um, Virgil is unconscious on your couch…” Roman, annoyed and blushing, said “Patton, take him and go help Virgil please.” And to Remus, “Don’t fuck him up, I rather like him as my guard.” “Roman, Language!” Roman rolled his eyes. “Sorry, Pat.” The duo went to help Virgil, and Roman watched them go. Then he went to find his father, who was going to get the surprise of his life.

Roman took the servant’s tunnel that led out just behind his father’s throne. After a moment’s hesitation, he tip-toed up directly behind the throne, leaned around so he was close to the King, and whispered urgently in his ear “Dad, we need to talk.” Logan physically jumped, spinning around to face his son. Taking in the figure with a look of confusion, he motioned for his guards to stay and got up to follow Roman. Once they had made it back into the servant’s tunnel, Roman immediately crossed his arms and looked angrily at his father. “You told me I was an only child. How is it that you didn’t even notice my twin entering the castle right under your nose? You told him but yet never told me?” Roman looked hurt. “I thought that you loved me. I guess I was wrong.” “Roman, what are you talking about? Your brother, well, I haven’t had tabs on him for years. What do you mean he’s in the castle?” “Don’t feign ignorance, dad.” Roman looked like he was about to cry. “I thought he just looked like me, and I wanted to have freedom, and I sent him back here in my place, and now Emile is dead, and I think I know who killed him, and I don’t have enough time or emotions-” “-Roman, calm down. How about you tell me what you know, and I will fill you in on... what I must’ve told your brother. But let me get one thing straight (even though I’m gay). I love you very much, and nothing will ever change that. Now, start from the beginning. What exactly happened yesterday?” “I-It all started when I gave Virgil the slip…”

Janus spotted Remi across the grounds, and decided  old friends should probably catch up. He was a little surprised that Remi had stayed at the castle after the whole poison-in-the-King’s-goblet thing had gone down, but honestly Janus didn’t blame the man. It was a great job in a coveted position, and it had helped him sneak into the castle earlier in the day anyway. Remi was the perfect spy, and Janus used him as such. Once Janus had made it over to Remi, he started a casual, coded conversation with his old friend. “So the Gala, it’s gonna be a blowout, no?” Remi gave him an odd look. “Jan, you’re going to kill yourself. Don’t try, it isn’t worth it.” “Since when is evening the social scale not worth it? What are you trying to say, that my cause isn’t valid?” “That isn’t what I meant, Jan. I’m just saying that you went overboard. You were never one for theatrics and heavy dramatic flare, so what are you playing at? It’s a dangerous game, and I don’t want to lose you, Jan-Jan…- Janus cut him off. He didn’t know what to say. “Rem, I thought you of all people would understand the cause I’m fighting. Logan decimated me and my reputation. He deserves to pay.” “By wiping out his sons? How is that going to benefit you?” “Wait, sons? plural?” “I didn’t misspeak. I overheard the King talking to one of them, and he said that there was another. A twin to our precious Prince Roman.” “Well, I’ll be damned. I could cause double the pain and bloodshed.” “Janus, no. This isn’t benefiting you. You’re causing violence that isn’t necessary. You’re going to get yourself killed.” “I don’t care. Justice is worth it. And in a mere few hours, I will have my revenge. Whether you like it or not.” Janus sauntered away, leaving Remi to his thoughts. I wish that I didn’t have to stab him in the back, but he won’t listen. That throne will be mine, and I will step on anyone necessary to get it. I will rule justly, not like Logan. I will rule in a way that the people will be free, and I’ll be one of them. I won’t be a monarch. I’ll be a King unlike any who came before me. I’ll let Janus have his revenge, if he must, and then I will take the throne while he leads the people. He’ll never know what hit him.

***

Virgil woke up to a knock on the door, and then started freaking out. He had forgotten about being so freaked out over Emile’s death, and had definitely forgotten passing out on his beloved Prince. He was definitely not blushing when he remembered that small detail. He had actually passed out on the Prince. He was torn from his thoughts when he heard the door open and a familiar voice enter. “Virge? Are you alright? Are you awake?” “Patton?” “Kiddo, are you alright? Remus told me what happened.” “R-Remus? Pat, I think that you’re confused. That’s Roman. The Prince.” “Oh, no. I’m not confused. This is Remus, Prince Roman’s long-lost twin. Roman is perfectly fine, though. Don’t be too worried about him. I’d honestly be worried about the King right about now.” “What exactly is the King doing that would provoke danger? He’s normally pretty rational and doesn’t do things that might cause harm.” “Roman has, well, some bitter feelings towards his father right now. It’s best they work them out on their own.” “Does it have to do with”, Virgil nodded toward Remus, “him?” Patton took a moment to consider, then said “In part. Roman also has some valuable information that may save several lives and, hopefully, right a few wrongs. If all goes right, the Gala will be a success. Not a soul outside of this castle will know the identity of Emile’s assassin, and the Princes will remain unharmed. Now then, are you alright, or do I need to take you to the infirmary?” “I’m fine, but we may need to go stop Roman from murdering the King.” “They’ll be fine. We may as well stay here anyway, Roman said he would come back here when he was finished.” And so they sat and awaited the return of Prince Roman.

When Roman had finished explaining his day in the village and the valuable information that he had, with a lot of embarrassment and regret, all Logan did was nod. He didn’t say anything, just a nod was all Roman got. Logan then explained Remus’s connection to the family. From Logan’s late ex-wife, to the reason the boys had to be split up, he told Roman every detail. As Roman listened, his expression changed. First he was curious, then confused, and finished dumbfounded. As Logan slumped his shoulders in regret, Roman stumbled into the wall behind him. “Dad, what exactly do you mean by saying Remus and I were born with magical powers? I’ve never noticed anything before… nothing out of the ordinary at all.” “In due time, my dear son. In due time. But one question, where is Remus at the moment?” “With Patton, they went to check on Virgil.” “What’s wrong with Virgil?” “Remus said something about him… passing out on my couch… or something…” Roman was blushing profusely. “Son, are you crushing on your guard?” Roman’s face flushed a deep red, and he responded, “What? No… that’s… that’s  ridiculous, Dad.” Logan only smiled and sent him on his way.

When Roman returned to his room, he could feel the nervous tension between the three waiting inside. “W-why is everyone looking at me like that?” “Ro, my bro… you look like you’re gonna be sick.” Patton got up from his position on the couch and came over to gently embrace Roman. “Remus is right, why don’t you go lay down and rest?” “No!” Patton flinched. “I-I’m sorry, Pat. I… everything’s been a disaster, and it’s all my fault.” Roman hung his head, tears slipping from his eyes. Virgil got up and gently held one of Roman’s hands, kneeling down and kissing it. “Today’s not over, Roman. You have your Gala tonight, and none of this is your fault. This is… this is no one’s fault. Except maybe Emile’s assassin’s…” “Janus. Janus Dolus.” All three of the others looked at him, startled. “What?!” “He craves revenge. I don’t blame him. What Dad did… well, we all make bad decisions sometimes. It’s what makes us human.” “Then...oh. Oh shit.” “Remus! What did I tell you about the language?!” “Sorry, Pat. Anyway… he’s the one who stole your satchel in the village, isn’t he?” Roman nodded, frowning. “But thankfully he didn’t recognize me, or I’d already be dead.” “But he, like I, saw that you came from the direction of the castle. He assumed that there was something in the bag that could get him inside.” Patton looked nervous. “What no one knows is that he already had a man on the inside…” “What? Who?” “Remi.” Virgil looked at him, dumbfounded. “I know, Virgil. It’s a shock, but when Janus was Head Cook here, he and Remi were almost inseparable.” “It isn’t a surprise… Remi’s been acting off all day. Happier, which for him is odd. But I never thought him a traitor. There has to be another explanation.” “There isn’t one.” The three looked at Roman again. “The sewer gate in the dungeons was open. That’s how I got back into the castle when I returned from the village. How I found Pat. But that can only be opened from inside the castle… from a passage few people, including Remi, have access to. The only thing I can think of is that someone forgot to shut it. Someone who has a knack for napping and forgetting about important things. Now then, I have a Gala to prepare for, so if you would all excuse me…” The three moved to leave, when Roman called over his shoulder. “Actually, Remus, you need to stay. You’re coming tonight too, and you need the proper attire. Patton, I need THE box from my studio.” “Are you sure-” “-Yes. And Virgil…” Roman blushed, “make sure no one gets in here but Patton.” “Yes, sir.” Roman grabbed Remus’s wrist, “Come on, we have a lot of work to do.”

***

After an hour of Roman working his magic on his twin, he finally gave a smile and let Remus see himself. All Remus could do was gawk. He had never felt so uncomfortably comfortable in his life. Roman had dressed him in a shimmery black jacket with shoulder wings trimmed in silver, the epaulets trimmed with green tool and silver sequins. The cords were silver, and his sash was forest green. The pants were edged with silver, tucked into shiny black knee-high boots. Roman had placed a thin silver crown on Remus’s brow and it shone brightly, complimenting his brunette hair. Roman had even gone as far as to do his makeup, lavender eyeshadow complimenting his hazel eyes. Remus had no words. “Rem, you look dazzling. And here-” Roman picked up the morningstar he had sent Patton to retrieve, a spiky silver ball connected to a metal handle wrapped in forest green leather, “This is what I had Patton collect for me. Take it, as my gift to you. Stay safe tonight, I don’t want to lose you after I just found you.” Remus gingerly took the morningstar, tears threatening to roll down his cheeks, “T-thank you. I- I don’t know what to say.” “Then don’t say anything. Just don’t cry. I spent a lot of time on that makeup, bro.” “Okay, okay, I get it. Now hand me a tissue so I can soak up the tears.” They both chuckle, Roman tossing the tissue box at Remus. Roman proceeds to go change, much faster than Remus, and return to do his own makeup. His attire was almost completely white, the polar opposite of Remus’s. Gold trim and red tool stood where silver trim and green tool were fixed on Remus’s outfit. A crimson sash instead of a green one, and a gold crown on his brow. Roman dusted his eyes with an orangey eyeshadow, and put a crimson color on his lips. He attached a ruby-encrusted rapier to his waist, before finally slipping into an identical set of boots as what Remus was wearing. He gloved his hands, handing Remus the other pair, and took one last look in the mirror. “Oh wait, I almost forgot!” Roman rummaged around his wardrobe a bit, and found what he was looking for. “Our capes!” Remus rolled his eyes as Roman fastened a forest green cape to Remus’s epaulets. “Are you always this… extra?” “No, but it’s rare to find me when I’m not.” Roman turned around for Remus to fasten his cape and fired a question back at his brother, “Is this what you thought it’d be? The life of a prince?” Remus finished up and Roman strolled to the mirror to examine the handiwork. “Yes, and no… I expected the extravagance, but I didn’t expect… I dunno. It feels so much more… mature than I thought it’d be.” “Touche, bro. The village life seems almost tame compared to this.” There was a knock on the door, then Virgil peeked his head in. “The King wants to see you, can I let him in?” “Yeah, go ahead, Virge.”

The King entered Roman’s quarters, not sure what to expect. What he found was definitely not what he was expecting. Both of his sons, exquisitely dressed, each cleverly armed with extravagantly decorative weapons. He was so stunned that he put a hand to his mouth in awe. “D-dad? Are you alright?” “Y-yeah. You both look so stunning. I’m proud of you. Of you both.” Remus looked down, uncomfortable. “Remus, my son. What’s the matter? I know that I haven’t really known you long, but I’m proud of you no matter what. You were brave to stick around after hearing the truth.” Remus looked up, stunned and unable to respond. “You don’t have to say anything, son. I know it’s a lot to take in. But I came here to ask you both… have you had any breakthroughs? Any… breaches of magic?” The twins nodded slowly, but Remus was the one to speak first. “We both have individual powers, but we also have a… “twin power” if you will. We did a bit of experimenting this afternoon, but it seems we have to be fairly close to each other to use any of them. We get more than arm’s length apart and we can’t do anything.” “But if used right, we can prevent multiple deaths tonight.” “You are indeed brave, my sons. I believe in you both and know that when the day comes for you to take the throne, our people are in good hands. Now then, I have a Gala to host. Whenever you both are ready, the Ballroom is waiting for you.”

The King made his way to the Ballroom, and so did the dark duo. Janus and Remi were set up for takeover.

***

When the Serendip twins made their entrance, everyone stopped in their tracks. There was a moment of complete silence, and then the whispers started. ~I thought there was only one~ ~who’s that with the Prince~ ~which is the real Prince~ All of the whispers ceased when the King cleared his throat. “I know many of you have questions, if you are still doubtful after my toast, please approach me and ask. I have no reason to decline a kind conversation from any of you. Now, a toast! A toast to my twin sons, who have come of age and entered manhood! Let us drink for their many years ahead!” Logan raised his glass to drink, but stopped short. He caught sight of Janus, and so too it seemed, had his sons. They both gripped the hilts of their weapons, waiting in anticipation for the assault. As Logan made his way to his sons, he caught another figure looming. Remi. But… he should be manning the guard station, waiting for my command. Why is he here? Before Logan could ponder much, he saw Remi begin to slip through the crowd towards the twins. There was no time to warn them, but the King frantically dashed towards his sons, eager to save them. As Remi broke through the crowd, the glint of a dagger in his hand, Logan had made it to his sons. Just in time… to be stabbed in the stomach, saving Remus’s life. Roman grabbed Remus’s hand willing time to stop, and it did. “Remus, do your thing. Change their memories and fast, we have to get the King out of here.” “I- I can’t do this many people, Ro. Not with something like this. I can’t erase something this tragic…” “But… Rem! We have to save him! We have to save Dad!” “I-it's too late, Ro. We can’t save him, not from this. But I can get revenge.” Remus let go of Roman’s hand, dashing forward towards Remi. “Rem, no! Violence isn’t the answer!” Remus clenched his hand on Remi’s knife hand, and swiftly stabbed Remi in the chest with his own dagger. “We’re even now, bastard.” Remus strode back to Roman and took his hand, unfreezing time. Roman collapsed next to his father, tears streaming down his face. He was completely unprotected. “Guards! Medics!” “Please don’t die, please don’t die, please don’t die…” Virgil and Patton came running, as well as a skeleton crew of medics. “Where are all the medics?!” “We’ve… had a lot of incidents in the last few hours… a ton of guards passed out or wounded. We can’t figure out why.” “Virgil, we know why. Janus wants me and Ro dead.” “Yeah, I gathered. Patton, get Ro moving and get the King to the infirmary. Take Remi if you can.” “Got it, Virge.” “Remus, get these people out of here.” “On it, Captain. You heard the man! Get moving!” With Remus’s back turned, Janus found the ample opportunity to strike. Virgil saw him a moment too late to warn him, instead lunging forward to parry the blow… and not a moment too soon. Janus sneered, and engaged Virgil in combat making wild slashes at any exposed area he could find. Remus gave them some room while the stragglers made their way to the exit. Patton and Roman came running back in as the last few partygoers were leaving. They all made a dash to get closer to Janus and Virgil, to offer Virge support if he needed it. Patton was the closest when Janus made a connecting blow. Virgil fell to his knees, and Patton didn’t think before rushing to care for him. Janus raised his blade to strike, but Roman knocked Janus’s feet from under him. Unfortunately, Janus was closer to Pat and Virge than Roman thought, and the blade cut through Patton’s tunic and bit into his skin. Fortunately, it wasn’t a deep cut. Roman and Remus stood together, blocking Janus from the other two. Janus clambered to his feet, and was on them just long enough for Remus to slam him on the head with his morningstar. Janus promptly crumpled to the floor, knocked out.

***

In the following days, the castle was quiet. Many of the staffers were injured, the guard was scarce. 

Janus had been locked away, the only safe thing to do with him for the time being. 

Neither Logan nor Remi survived the blows they were dealt. Logan’s funeral ceremony was to be held in the following days. Remi, well, he’d have a ceremony too. Just without all the publicity.

Patton and Virgil were still healing, though out of the infirmary and still on bedrest. 

Roman finally confessed his feelings for Virgil, after Virgil risked his life for the sake of him and his brother. 

Remus didn’t know what to do with himself. He felt out of place in the castle, but even more out of place in the village now. He had no clue what he wanted in life, but he knew he wanted adventure. Roman and Remus were to be crowned Kings as soon as things died down, but Remus didn’t like the idea of that. Roman was wary, but knew that he must for the country. So, one night over dinner, Remus brought up an idea for the both of them. 

They had been wary of running the country together, because if/when they got married there would be four rulers. Neither of them thought that wise. So Remus presented an idea, the idea of him becoming Duke Remus Serendip. Prince Roman Serendip would become King Roman Serendip, and would one day take a spouse to rule with him. Remus would travel to other kingdoms seeking alliances and trade partnerships, while Roman kept the peace within the country. They both decided that was the best they could do for the welfare of their country.

*One year later*

King Roman Timor-Serendip is happily married to King Virgil Timor-Serendip. They are ruling the country wisely. Virgil, along with being King, is also Head of the Guard.

Duke Remus Serendip is happily traveling and creating peace between the nations. He is finally free to travel like he always wanted to.

Patton Lockheart is happily caring for the Kings, advising them as best as he can. He loves his famILY and his job as the Royal Advisor.