* * *
Remus and Romulus arrived at the Palace of Dyfed while they explored the country of Cymru. After rumors of the lush, prosperous kingdom reached them, they wished to hunt in the king’s forest.
“Stay as long as you wish,” Pwyll Conant, King of Dyfed, welcomed them to his home. “Come, come! Meet my wife and children.”
The Twin Kings were surprised at the gracious welcome from King Pwyll and followed him into his castle. “This is my wife, Queen Rhiannon and this is my son, Prince Pryderi. He is a skilled warrior.” Pwyll slapped his son on the back. Pryderi remained silent but nodded in respect. “Where is my beautiful daughter? Alina Conant, get down here!”
A young beautiful woman, in her early twenties, entered the hall. She dressed in a tight emerald green gown with strawberry-blonde hair that met the middle of her back. A silver and emerald encrusted sword clung to her hip. Even though the men were twins, Remus caught her eye and she blushed as she approached them.
Romulus whispered to his brother, “She’s mine, Remmy.”
Remus nudged him and whispered back, “How many drachmas to wager?”
Alina put her hand out for the men to kiss as they bowed to her. Her smile was quaint yet beautiful. Remus’ heart fluttered, mesmerized by her hazel eyes.
Romulus studied the intense eye contact between Alina and his brother. “Oh, Tartarus,” he mumbled beneath his breath, loud enough for his brother to hear. Remus smiled at his brother’s defeat. When Alina glided over to her father’s side, Romulus slipped a coin into Remus’ hand. “You win.”
Pwyll held a weeklong feast in their honor and promised they could hunt in his forest as long as they wished. During the celebration, Alina and Remus spent all their days together. She flaunted her magic and explained that her mother, Queen Rhiannon, was once a goddess of the fairy world. She gave up her right to the fairy throne when she married Pwyll. Remus and Alina exchanged childhood tales for hours.
One day, the twins set out on a hunting excursion. Remus could not find Alina. Pwyll explained a close friend had taken her on a day trip and that she would be back by dusk.
Romulus shook his brother’s shoulders to snap him out of his depressive demeanor. “Come now, Remmy. You can live without her for one day.” He tossed Remus a bow and arrow. “Let’s show these Celts how Greeks hunt.” Excitement filled Romulus’ eyes, making Remus laugh at his ridiculous expression.