Disclaimer:
This story contains incest between 2 step sisters.
ALL characters in this story are above 18 years of age.
* * * * * * * * *
"Alyn, it's Uncle Haldor, we haven't seen him in years, he used to play with us when we were little, remember?" The blonde-haired maiden said, tugging her sister's hand.
"I do Ness, but I'm sorry. I just can't let you see him. Father ordered everyone to stay away from him, especially you," she said, pointing at her sister. "You know very well what will happen if we don't listen to him."
"Since when were you such a goody-two-shoes," Nessa grinned. She slowly crept toward the doorway, hoping to make a dash for the exit.
Alyn caught her sister at the corner of her eye and immediately moved in front of it, putting herself between her sister and the exit.
"Alyn," Nessa huffed.
"Think about it. Father and Uncle used to be the closest friends and one day he just vanishes without telling father a word." Alyn gestured with her hands. "And now, after all these years, he suddenly decides to reappear. Aren't you the slightest bit curious why he's finally returned after so long?"
"Nope," Alyn replied shaking her head.
"But Alyn-"
"No means no Ness, end of story,' the black-haired beauty said crossing her arms.
"Please Alyn," Nessa pleaded in an almost crying voice. Alyn knew that defying her father was a bad idea. If he had found out about their meeting, which he very much would have, it would spell disaster for them both. But Nessa was still her dearest sister after all, and she wore a face Alyn couldn't possibly say no to. Not since their mother's passing. It has been 12 years since then.
Alyn and Nessa were not true siblings; They did not share the same blood. Nessa was born into royalty while Alyn was merely a street orphan. Her parents died due to unknown causes as was the usual back then. The queen took pity on Alyn and adopted her into the family without the king's approval, but she didn't care, she was the queen after all.
Alyn and Nessa lived very different lives even though they had the same parents. Alyn's life was rough gowing up in the palace. She was largely unloved by her father, while Nessa got all his affection since, in his view, she was his real daughter. Unlike the king, the queen acted like a loving mother to her children regardless of who they were. She cared for both dearly and treated them like they were her own. She played an important role in bringing Alyn and Nessa closer together as siblings which made them what they were today.
For once in her life, Alyn felt like she was part of a family. However, that joy didn't last long, and it was soon to be ripped away from her.
A few years after Alyn's adoption, their mother, the queen, came down with an incurable illness. Alyn and Nessa spent the last few wonderful months with her while their father, the king, searched tirelessly for a cure. A few months later, she passed away peacefully, with only her two lovely children by her side. What Alyn saw on her sister's face that day, the sorrow, the despair, the grief, she couldn't bear it. Alyn vowed to never let her sister cry again regardless of what the situation was.
She unfolded her arms and sighed deeply remembering her vow, "Fine Ness. Don't let me regret this."
Nessa's eyes sparkled brightly upon hearing her sister's words. She sprang forward, surprising her with a grateful hug and a huge smile on her face.
"Thank you, Alyn!" Nessa exclaimed, wrapping her hands around her sister's waist.
Alyn blushed and looked away, thinking whether it was too late to stop her.
* * * * * * * * *
Alyn and Nessa stood in the courtyard waiting for their guest to arrive. Nessa paced back and forth, a million questions buzzing in her mind. They were simple things, but it overwhelmed her, having not met him after so long. Alyn, on the other hand, was cautious, her eyes scanning her surroundings, instinctively looking for any signs of danger even though they were in the safest place in the world. Alyn knew Uncle would not do anything to harm them, but she couldn't help but feel anxious.
"Oh, there he is," Nessa whispered, pointing to a middle-aged man dressed in a simple suit.
As he approached, his gaze was fixated on the entrance of the palace, his stride unchanging and only moving in one direction. He failed to notice them waving at him.
"Uncle Haldor!" Nessa shouted, waving her arms frantically.
"Girls," he replied. His gaze shifted to the two ladies by the courtyard.
Nessa sprinted towards him with her arms flung wide open.
Uncle Haldor embraced her tightly.
"Nessa, it's good to see you again."
"Us too uncle," she said, pulling away from him and smiling widely, "but, what took you so long, we were worried about you."
Uncle laughed, "Sorry kid, I've been really busy over the past few years."
"So busy that you couldn't even come by to see us once?" she frowned.
"Unfortunately, so," he said tapping her shoulder.
He glanced over to Alyn, "Hey kid, it's good to see you too."
"Likewise, uncle," Alyn replied, nodding slightly.
"Ah girls," he placed a hand on Nessa's shoulder, "I'm glad to see that the two of you are growing up nicely. Your mother, she would have been very proud."
Alyn and Nessa fell silent.
"I would love to catch up with you two some more but, I need to see your father first. It's an urgent matter. Is he in the palace right now?" He asked.
"I'm afraid not uncle," Alyn replied shaking her head.
"Do you know where he went?"
"No clue," she shrugged. "Nowadays, father rarely tells us where he goes anymore."
"I see," he said, his head tilted slightly.