Arjuna returned a small, quivering smile, trying his best not to be overly sorrowful. Alder placed his hand on his brother’s back and gave it a gentle rub. Wearily, Arjuna rested his head on his sibling’s shoulder, taking a moment to rest his tired soul and feel the comfort and safety he always felt in the presence of the redheaded prince. When he felt a little better after his silent respite, he lifted his head and was able to muster a more glowing smile.

Alder smiled back at his brother and pressed his brow to his. “Better?” he asked, to which the blue tom nodded. “That’s good. I was worried.”

He took a step back and turned to the rows of bodies that they stood before and kneeled down. He reached for the bindings of a wrapped body that lay in front of him and began to undo the ties. It wasn’t long before the cloth covering began to unwrap and slowly revealed the golden hair of the sleeping woman within. When Arjuna beheld the shining locks of the sleeping beauty, his heart stopped and tears began to sting his eyes. Alder looked up at him, his eyes filled with empathy and warmth.

“Come, you should pray as well.” he said, looking up at his blue brother.

---

✧ PREVIOUS PAGE ✧ FIRST PAGE ✧NEXT PAGE✧