Morning came all too soon, and it was now the dreaded moment of saying goodbye. Darren stood with me and Lyle on the castle walkway overlooking the kingdom. The morning sun shined on us, and I couldn’t help but feel resentful of its arrival.

“Protect my queen, no matter what.” Darren placed his hand on Lyle’s shoulder. He hugged his brother as I watched from a few paces away.

“I’ll protect her.” Lyle’s emotions trembled on the edge, visible and raw, the floodgate barely holding. ...