Through the glass doors we walked, my twin brother Cole directly to my right in a black suit with a silver tie, matching my gown. To his right is our younger cousin Ryden and to my left, our older cousin Riley; both in flawless black suits. I, in my silver evening gown, came to a stop in the middle of the massive ballroom, the men beside me halting to a stop as well.

Everyone silenced themselves and turned in our direction, some in awe, and some out of fear. It is quite normal for our people to be terrified of us. I hate that it has to be this way, but that's the way it must be according to mother and father. What is power without fear?

Men in tuxedos, waiters, ran to our service with freshly poured, expensive white wine in what seemed to be brand new wine glasses, as expected of course. We must have the finest of things always, but most importantly before our "business meetings". What kind of hosts would we be if we didn't?

Kings, Queens, and pretty much everyone with importance around the world make an appearance at such events. We must be gracious and presentable, for if we are not we would be taunted by nations, we would lose allies, and we would lose respect. Trust me, I know it sounds crazy to lose allies because of a "bad party", but we are expected to be the best, since that is what we claim to be.

Claim. We claim to be the best. But we are not. We are nowhere near the best, but I am not to say anything but what I've been trained and coached to say. I am not to speak of the flaws, the cruelty, the horror of what it is to be a "leader", of what it is to be a part of something so awful. We are supposed to be feared, so we do things that induces that fear. We do things, unimaginable things, things you would never even try nor want to imagine.

If I were to ever speak like this, voice my opinion aloud, I would be disowned and killed for treason. I am the future of this country. At least that is what everyone is supposed to believe. In reality, my mother and father hold the throne while my cousins hold me captive, keeping me "in line", reporting my every actions back to the council. They have always been suspicious of me, and might I say, they have a right to be.

They have all rights to be suspicious, for I am suspicious of their acts as well. I cannot blame my brother for my parents actions though, for that would be unfair to him. He has always been the kind one in the family. He may do the unforgivable, but he does it with good intentions. It sounds crazy, I'm defending someone like my brother, but he is only doing what he is told. He believes what he does is the right thing because that is what my parents and the council have put into his head since he was a toddler. He is simply brainwashed- well, I wouldn't quite say simply, for it is much bigger than it sounds, but that's a story for another time. For now I must focus on my duties as soon to be Paramountcy.

"Tertiary," I started, speaking to my cousin Ryden. "I need you to check in with the guards and make sure everything is checking out outside."

"Ancillary," turning to my cousin Riley. "Ask the council when the king and queen of Azana will be here."

"Right away cousin." Riley stated as him and Ryden turned to complete their tasks.

"So little sister-"

"I was only a few minutes after you!" I semi-shouted at Cole, punching his arm playfully.

"I don't care. That still makes me older." He taunted, then continued. "Anyway, I just wanted to tell you not to stress too much. I know you are nervous about this meeting and I reassure you that it will be alright once you get the hang of things." He gave me a small smile.

"Thanks Cole. It's times like this when I'm glad you are my brother. Well, times when you aren't being utterly annoying." I laughed, and he did as well.

"Says the annoying one." He mocked.

"Yeah whatever Cole. But seriously, I love you."

"I love you too little sis." I swear he is the most annoying person I could ever share the throne with, but I'd rather it be him than anyone else.

Now let me explain, considering you are probably very confused at the moment. Since we are twins, the council thought it would be fun to experiment and put us both in charge, to even things out in a way. We both had phenomenally different personalities when they decided we would rule together, so they thought they would put the country in our hands and see what would happen. Originally our eldest brother Chase was supposed to be Paramountcy, for he was 2 years older than us, but he was murdered in cold blood when he was only 17: 2 years ago.

We had all been training since we were toddlers anyway, in case something like that did happen, so his place could easily be filled. Its awful to think about. Wouldn't you think they would protect him at all costs? What are the chances that he could actually have gotten killed in this high security place I call my home. But it happened, didn't it? It was a tragedy, but everyone just bounced back into things like he meant nothing. Everyone except me that is. I still, to this day, have not moved passed it, while everyone goes about their lives like he never existed.

"Claire?" Cole waved his hand in front of my face. "Earth to Claire. You there?"

"Huh? Yeah sorry I was just... Thinking." I stated briefly, still caught off guard.

"Yeah, well you need to be paying attention. Riley just texted me. The King and Queen are almost here. You need to be thinking about what to say when they get here, considering this is your first time meeting them. It is your first big meeting after all." He's right. I haven't prepared at all. He has been to many of these, but this is only my first one. How did that little fact slip past me? I'm screwed. I'm utterly screwed.

"Uh-um. Cole?" I was getting shakey.

"Hey, hey Claire are you okay?" He asked worriedly.

"Um I don't know. I'm kind of dizzy."

"Just breath little sis. It's fine. You'll be okay. Trust me. I'll introduce you okay? Just go with the conversation. I'll take the lead." He said reassuringly.

"Uh, okay. So they're almost here?"

"Yeah, but don't worry okay? Just keep it together."

Next thing I knew, Riley and Ryden were back by our sides as the king and queen stepped into the room. I really don't want to mess this up. If I do, our countries could end up at war and all of my people will be murdered.