Entangled With Them-The Brother Kings' Hated Mate

The world would end, as it began, in fire.

This was probably one of the most terrifying lines Princess Eliane Renee Valys had ever read in a book in all her twenty-two years of living. However, no one had told her that the real world would be much more terrifying, blood-curdling, and panic-inducing than anything she'd learned from written words. But it was, and it was unfolding right before her eyes.

Her day had started like any normal day in the tower where she lived. She woke up to the sounds of birds chirping and the gentle breeze carrying the scent of fresh flowers blooming in a nearby meadow. She hummed a tune as she did her morning ablutions and chores, a permanent smile on her face ever since she received an official decree from the palace that her father, King Thraine, had ordered her to return home. For the first time in twenty-two years, her father finally remembered her existence and would be taking her home, just in time for her twenty-third birthday. She couldn't have asked for a better birthday gift.

However, as evening rolled in, the sound of battle cries filled the air, and smoke billowed in every direction she turned. Her nanny, Rita, panicked, suggesting they escape, as it seemed the kingdom was under attack. But Eliane remained frozen. Where would she go? Besides, wasn't her father capable of managing something as small as this? This wasn't the first time the kingdom had been under a coup, and they always emerged victorious. This shouldn't be any different.

But she was dead wrong. This ambush was unlike anything she'd seen, at least from what she could see from the tiny view the small window in her tower offered. By midnight, everywhere she looked was covered in flames, the destruction swift and her Nanny could no longer stay calm.

"Let's run away from here, My princess. Things don't look good at all. We can't allow ourselves to be caught!" Her Nanny had screamed, frantic as she packed their things, the room in her small tower in disarray.

Eliane had broken out of her daze then, helping her Nanny pack the little possessions they had, slipping out of the tower and heading straight to the woods. Eliane had no idea where they were going, but her Nanny seemed to know the way, and if there was anyone she trusted other than her bunny pet, it was her Nanny.

Never been one to engage in any physical activity, it didn't take long for her to grow winded. "Please, let's stop! I can't run any further than this!" Eliane rushed out, stumbling over her own footing, her breathing coming out in ragged gasps.

Nanny Rita looked back, frustration etched in her features. "We've barely gotten anywhere, My princess! We have to keep going. Now is not the time for us to be stalling. The kingdom is under attack!" She cried out in alarm.

"Should we be doing this? Why can't we stay back in the tower? I'm sure father would send soldiers to protect us." Elaine breathed out, gasping for breath.

Nanny Rita gritted her teeth in fury, an indescribable expression crossing her face as she glared down at the spent princess. "Your father doesn't care about anyone other than himself!" She seethed. "If you want to live, you better start listening to me!" She screeched and Eliane flinched, taken aback by her Nanny's outburst.

Why was she so angry?... And so frightened? What was going on? She was going to ask when Nanny Rita froze, her eyes darting around in panic. Then she paled. "They're here..." She whispered in horror, her knees trembling, threatening to give way beneath her.

Eliane furrowed her brows. Who's coming?

"Quick! Get to your feet!" Nanny Rita screamed, pulling Eliane up with her and running through the woods, back to the tower where they had just escaped.

Every question Eliane dared to ask remained stuck in her throat as they wove through the dense forest, ignoring the howls and barks behind them. No matter how fast they ran, whoever was pursuing them seemed to be so much faster, footsteps becoming closer.

Something whizzed past them, landing on a tree ahead, and Eliane realized to her horror that it was an arrow. That gave her the needed adrenaline surge. Her legs picked up speed, and before she knew it, she was running faster than her Nanny, determined to make it back to the tower.

Several other arrows whipped past, their sharp tips slicing through the air with deadly precision, and soon after, her Nanny let out a shriek of pain, falling to the ground with a thud.

Elaine stopped dead in her tracks, her feet rooted to the spot. Then, she sprang into action, running back to her Nanny with a desperate urgency. "Rita!" She cried out, her voice shaking with fear and anguish, seeing she had been hit in her stomach with an arrow.

The arrow's shaft protruded obscenely from her Nanny's abdomen, and dark liquid had begun to stain the surrounding area, a crimson pool spreading rapidly across the dry earth.

A thin sheen of sweat already coated her Nanny's forehead, and her eyes had taken on a glazed, far-off quality.

"Don't worry about me. Keep going, Elaine. You cannot allow yourself to be caught!" Rita warned in a halting voice, each word an effort, her breathing shallow and labored.

Her life was already draining away, and Eliane could see the spark of vitality fading from her Nanny's eyes.

Eliane trembled, scared to touch the bleeding wound. "I can't leave you like this! I'll carry you!" Elaine rushed out, trying to carry Rita, but the latter was just too heavy for her to pull along. "I said... Go!" Nanny Rita choked out before slumping, almost hitting the ground, blood dripping from her mouth.

Just then, their attackers arrived, and Eliane whimpered, scrambling backward with an unresponsive Nanny Rita. Two pairs of gleaming gold-colored eyes sized her up, filled with rage and fury. Almost immediately after, they were surrounded by armored men, all carrying different weapons of choice.

"We're at the outskirts of the kingdom. Is she the one we're looking for?" One asked in a cold, detached voice, his voice low and measured.

"Yes, your majesty. This is the hidden daughter of King Thraine." An armored man responded.

Eliane trembled vigorously, meeting the men's glare with one of her own, holding her Nanny's body as a sort of shield. She didn't understand why this was happening. How they could kill and not be horrified by what they did.

"What's your name?" The other one asked, his voice sharper than the one who spoke before, but still filled with an equal measure of hatred and coldness. Eliane wanted to clamp her mouth shut, but something in their voice forced her to obey.

"My name is Eliane Renee Valys." Eliane responded, her voice shaky, terror twisting her insides.

"Well... We've never seen her before. So she's definitely hidden. Okay, kill her and let's get this over with." He ordered in a dismissive manner. Something in her curled and died, and her eyes widened at the words.

"What!? How can you say that on the first few seconds of meeting me! Have you got no heart! I don't even know what I did!!" She cried out in a panic as a soldier matched up to her, unsheathing his sword, the blade glinting in the light.

Squeezing her eyes shut, Eliane let out a shriek and curled into herself as if she could somehow deflect the blow coming from the blade. She waited, and waited, except it didn't come. After a moment of tense silence, she cracked her eyes open to gaze at the scene before her. The men before her had continued to watch her, while the soldier next to her remained poised with the sword in the air. The atmosphere instantly shifted as their eyes gleamed with a sinister idea.

"You know what? You're right. We just met you. Killing you instantly would be a death too easy. And none of your family deserves an easy death. Not after what you all did."

The first one with the detached voice spoke, taking a step toward her so he could see her face clearly. A startled gasp escaped her lips at his appearance. A deep scar marred one side of his face, running into his neck and disappearing into his cloak, making his dominating presence all the more terrifying.

Elaine's heart skipped multiple beats. Why did those words sound like a start to something truly horrible? Eliane opened her mouth to speak, but no words would make it past her lips.

"So... we'll take you as our captive. You'll be our trophy, a reminder of the success of tonight. You'll pay for every atrocity your father has committed, every sin, every transgression until there is nothing left. And then, we'll end you in public, so everyone can see what becomes of the family of King Thraine." He promised with a haunting, depraved smile.

A freezing chill settled in Eliane's body, cold sweat breaking out on her skin.

She should have just let them kill her.

Immediately after that pronouncement, Elaine was captured, shackled, and dragged along with them. All screams and protests fell on deaf ears as the soldiers and their leaders continued with their procession through the burning city.

Elaine managed to peek through the tiny holes in the dirty, horrid-smelling carriage she had been thrown into, and a horrified gasp escaped her lips. There was so much destruction on every corner she looked; it looked like they had descended into the depths of hell itself. Deep, dark billows of smoke rose up to the sky, the air filled with death and destruction. Embers scattered in the wind, and the sounds of people screaming, running for their lives, as men in armor hunted them down were so grotesque that Elaine couldn't bear to watch it anymore.

She pulled away from the hole, hyperventilating. Fear took root, and she couldn't help the tears that burned her eyes; nausea twisted her insides so much that she threw up. Helpless, all she could do was cry and wail, though no one paid her any heed.

At one point, due to her growing hysteria from fear and anger, one soldier burst into the carriage, forcefully gave her something to swallow, and knocked her out. By the time she opened her eyes, blinking away the fog that had settled, and peeked out through the hole, she discovered they had arrived in another kingdom entirely.

This one, however, was filled with happy people celebrating the success of their rulers' exploits. Elaine furrowed her brows slightly as she studied the environment. Most of the structures that lined the road seemed new, and a good number of them weren't up to par, but the people's faces still reflected joy and excitement.

"Long live the Brother Kings! Long Live the Brother Kings!" They chanted in a chorus, throwing flower petals and waving their handkerchiefs from the windows where they peeked out; celebratory tunes wove through the air. Elaine grimaced. She couldn't believe they could be so happy. Hadn't they just ambushed her father's kingdom and razed it to the ground?

One by one, people began to grow increasingly curious about the carriage that rode within the procession, sticking out like a sore thumb, with some people pointing hands and conversing with the people next to them. Some of the words were even loud, reaching her.

"What's in there, and why do they guard it so?" She heard someone say, and Elaine's fingers grew cold, her breath quickening. For some reason, that didn't sound good.

"I hear it's one of King Thraine's children!" Another voice screamed for everyone to hear. "It must look like that monster!" He cried, his voice filled with rage and vitriol.

Almost instantly, the happy faces of each and every one who had gathered disappeared, contorting into rage and disgust, and a new chant rose in its place. "Monster!" "Murderer!" "You deserve to die!" "May your body rot in hell!"

Sounds of large things hitting the carriage boomed through her and soon enough, the carriage began to rattle, and Elaine discovered to her horror that they had begun to throw things at her. If it weren't for the carriage she was in... She shuddered to think about it.

The soldiers quickly formed a protective circle, pushing through the unruly mob, but Elaine doubted it was effective, as attacks still reached her. By the time she arrived at the castle, she was already covered in dust, soaked in foul-smelling liquid, and a total mess.

Even the castle they had entered looked nothing like the castle pictures she had seen in books. The grand structure was built more for protection and defense than for extravagant display of wealth. The courtyards were bare, with tons of sentries patrolling the area and hundreds of squires in training, adding to the oppressive atmosphere. So different from the festive camaraderie that had welcomed them, and even that had changed in an instant the moment they learned who she was.

The long procession finally slowed to a stop, and from a distance, she could hear people disembarking from their steeds. A heart-pounding moment later, a soldier burst into the carriage and dragged her out, leading her to the front where the men who had captured her stood. The one with the scarred face spared a glance at her and spoke.

"Lock her up in one of the underground dungeons," he ordered, with barely concealed loathing, though his face reflected anything but.

"What? No! Please, wait!" She tried to protest, but they were already dragging her away, their hold on her restrictive.

"At least let me know where I am before you lock me up!" She screamed in desperation, and one of the haughty-looking soldiers turned to her.

"You don't know where you are?" He asked with a sneer, and Elaine shook her head, even as fear gripped her soul.

"This is the kingdom of Novania," he offered. Elaine's heart skipped multiple beats, then ran away as the name registered.

"Novania?" She squeaked. "Ruled by the Notorious Brother Kings?" Her nanny, God bless her soul, had told tales of the kingdom, and she used to be so terrified listening to it. They were once slaves who had managed to escape and made a name for themselves.

"Yes, that one," he answered, his voice filled with pride. "What do they want with her?"

"Congratulations. Looks like you're their prisoner now," he announced with a malicious glint in his eyes. "Although I wonder what you did to curry their favor like this."

"Oi, didn't you hear?" The soldier who was quiet before finally spoke, as they walked into the dark, musty dungeons. "She's the daughter of King Thraine. The one he hid."

The first soldier laughed, though it wasn't filled with mirth. "Even better," he growled underneath his breath, his eyes narrowing in fury.

Finally, they reached one of the cells and, after opening the steel bar doors, they pulled it open and pushed her in. Elaine stumbled to the ground at the force of the shove, turning around just in time to hear them lock the door shut and walk away.

What's happening? Why do these people hate her so much?

And what kind of man was her father?

.

.

.

The Brother Kings returned to their chambers, exhausted from the battle and the long procession. Maids and soldiers bowed deeply as they passed, greeting them with an almost invisible nod. Walking side by side, they looked so alike it would have been hard to tell them apart if it weren't for their distinct features that marred their build, all gotten from the years they spent in slavery.

For Marion, it was the long scar that slashed his face and ran into his chest, its length and depth unknown. There was also the limp present in his gait, borne from the constant pressure he had placed on his left leg. He was always taut, tense, his senses on high alert as he needed to keep his rage close to the surface to ward off the constant pain pulsing through his veins, though he wore a mask of cool detachment to hide it all.

For Ryker, the younger brother, it was the lethalness in his steps. More aggressive and easily irritable, there was a permanent scowl on his face that never went away, not even for a moment. The frown lines carved into his chin made him appear several years older, his eyes constantly narrowed in distrust and suspicion. His eyes only ever warmed whenever he looked at his brother, and even then, it was in the privacy of their chambers, when the world couldn't see them. Life had taught them early enough that it was the only way to survive, and they had heeded that lesson.

As they approached their joint chambers, the one they shared when they wanted to discuss administrative issues that concerned their kingdom, the soldiers guarding the doors bowed deeply, pulling the grand double doors open for them, and they walked into the room, hearing the door slam shut behind them.

Now alone, they allowed some of that tension to ease away, and Ryker immediately turned to Marion, assessing him. "How are you?" He asked, his voice carrying a gentleness no one would think was possible.

"Fine," Marion answered, not looking at him. Walking towards a couch, his limp more pronounced, he settled on the chair with a groan, stretching out the hurting leg and letting out a ragged breath. "My leg hurts, but I'll get it treated soon," he added.

Ryker stood, watching him. It would take someone with a keen eye to notice how much pain his brother was in, but Marion had learned to hide it. He narrowed his eyes even further, remembering something.

"We didn't kill all of them like we planned," he ground out, and Marion responded with a clench of his jaw. "No. Fernard escaped with the Moonstone, and we discovered her." Ryker gritted his teeth in rage. That was the main reason they had gone for this attack: to kill every single one of King Thraine's family and followers and take back the Moonstone, the most destructive relic that had ever graced the continent. It had caused havoc in so many kingdoms, and the damage was still spreading.

"We'll get him another time," Marion said, his voice cutting through Ryker's thoughts. The latter glanced at Marion and saw he was already palming his face, his jaw clenched tight, and a thin sheen of sweat coating his forehead. He was in more pain than he let on. He should call on the healer after he leaves here.

"What about her? What do we do with her? Why didn't we just kill her then?" Ryker asked.

"No," Marion's answer was instant. "We're not killing her. But we'll make her pay. She'll pay for her father's sins, one way or another. Death is an easy punishment for all the atrocities they've committed."

Ryker's lips twitched but didn't quite form a smile. "I agree with you on that one. Let's make her pay."

For the next week, no one would see Elaine, speak to her, or even address her about anything. She had her birthday in the putrid-smelling cell, given only stale bread and murky water as a meal that would last her the entire day. Gone were the slow mornings, the sweet-smelling snacks, and rich teas she had for breakfast, and the overall feeling of peace and idleness punctuated by moments of boredom. All she felt was dread and fear.

She couldn't believe her life had turned into this on such short notice. Devastated couldn't even begin to cover how she felt. She'd sobbed till she was exhausted, her eyes swollen and itchy, so she just sat huddled in the corner of the cell, staring blearily at the steel bars, waiting for the day she would be let out.

It finally happened on her tenth day in the dungeons. With her head buried between her knees, she heard the sounds of footsteps approaching and slowly raised her head up just in time to watch a burly soldier open up the steel doors and swing them open. The moment he stepped in, all the air in the cell seemed to vanish, and the hair on Eliane's neck stood on end.

He stalked towards her, grabbed her arm, pulled her up to her feet, and dragged her along with him. Too exhausted and hungry to fight, she allowed him to take her out of the dungeon and towards the castle. Sentries and maids alike stopped to watch her, their expressions filled with disdain and anger. Some even went as far as hurling stones at her, every action filled with deep-seated loathing.

"Monster!" another spat as they walked past. Elaine flinched but still managed to hold her head high, meeting their gazes as they approached the castle.

Once inside, the soldier left her alone, and a long row of maids took over, leading her to one of the chambers they had prepared. They gave her a thorough bath until her skin crumpled and turned pink, and her long matted hair was brushed until it shone. Then, they dressed her, making her wear a simple yet thin gown that stopped just above her knees.

Looking at the mirror, Elaine saw a semblance of the woman she used to be – long, honey-blonde hair, dark hazel eyes with gold flecks, and pale skin. But instead of the beautiful smiling face, she just looked haunted.

"It's time for you to meet their majesties," one announced, and Elaine snapped her head to look at the figure who spoke, her heart skipping multiple beats. Her body began to tremble, and the door opened. Two soldiers stepped in and motioned for her to follow. She would be meeting her captors.

She swallowed the lump in her throat and followed the soldiers. They led her through the dark and winding corridors, up a flight of stairs and another floor, stopping at the end of another hallway with grand double doors. A soldier stepped forward and knocked, announcing their presence, and goosebumps grew on Elaine's skin.

"Let her in. Alone," a deep voice broke through, and Eliane bit her lips to stop herself from screaming. The doors were opened, and Eliane was pushed in. The door instantly shut behind her.

Elaine's heart hammered in her chest as her eyes adjusted to the dim lighting in the chambers, where all other natural sources of light had been snuffed out, replaced with candles that flickered ominously. When they did, she dropped her gaze to the ground, too afraid to look up, cold sweat breaking out on her skin.

"You summoned me, your majesties..." she called out in a shaky voice, her teeth clattering and tears filling her eyes. The tension was so thick that Elaine found it hard to breathe.

"Raise your head," a voice ordered, and she did so, having no choice. Her gaze settled on the two muscular men she'd met on that horrible night in the woods, only now they looked more terrifying. One sat, sprawled against the huge oak chair, resting his chin on his hand while he glared at her with narrowed eyes, lips pursed in displeasure. The candlelight flickering against the scar on his face made him appear even more savage.

The other was standing next to him, looking just as disgusted, hands clasped behind his back as he looked down at her. Their eyes were filled with so much hatred and loathing that she took several steps back until her back hit the door. Terrifying couldn't even begin to describe how they looked right now. These men were the reincarnation of death and hell itself.

"We meet again," the scarred one began to speak, slightly leaning forward. "What's your name again?" he asked, tilting his head to the side. Elaine swallowed shakily, feeling sweat drops run down her back.

"My name is Princess Elaine Renee Valys," she answered, hating how weak and terrified her voice sounded.

"Valys..." The scarred one spoke the word like it was vermin. His lips curled in cynicism. "Offspring of that bastard," he spat, a low growl budding in his throat as his eyes flashed. Fear filled Elaine so much that she thought she might pass out.

"W-what do you want from me?" she stuttered out, her voice shaking too much. "Why did you capture me? Imprison me?" Even if they were going to kill her eventually, she had to know. "M-more importantly, why did you attack my kingdom?"

"You don't know?" the one who was standing asked, and she shook her head, holding back a whimper. He scoffed, shaking his head.

"Well, your people had it coming a long time ago. The moment you decided to be greedy and started attacking other kingdoms for no just cause," the standing one said.

"You also decided to take their royal family as slaves, poison their lands and water, keeping everyone except for you in abject poverty," the scarred one added, tilting his head to the side.

Elaine shook her head vigorously, not believing the words they had just spoken. "T-that can't be true. My father did that?"

"Oh... He did worse. Can't you see? We're his creations. The royal children he kept as personal slaves and playthings." The scarred one said, chuckling without mirth.

Elaine looked at them, really looked at them, and gasped. Though most of their bodies were covered, the exposed parts were filled with scars. She'd heard about her father's exploits from her nanny but never knew they were this destructive. She'd been living in a bubble for so long.

"But we escaped. And survived. And now, we're back to pay him back in his own coin," the scarred one continued. "Your entire family has been slaughtered, save for one, and you. You will pay for your father's crimes."

All the blood drained from Elaine's body, and she staggered. "S-surely, you don't mean it. You're going to punish me for the sins of my father? But I had no knowledge of any of this! No one ever told me anything!!"

"Which is why you're perfect for this," he added in a mild tone.

"We were once innocent too. Oblivious to the world around us till your father showed up at our kingdom and destroyed everything we ever held dear. And now, we get to do the same to you." His voice dropped, growing sinister. "Every hell we went through, you'll go through as well, until you can no longer take it. Until you beg for mercy." He snarled, and Elaine collapsed to the ground, her breath hitching.

She had begun to hyperventilate. Her vision tunneled, her breathing thundering in her ears. This cannot be happening! This cannot be her new life!!!

"No... No... No!" She muttered, shaking her head, her eyes wide with horror. "Just kill me already. This is worse. This is so much worse." She muttered, unable to help the tears that dropped from her eyes as she hugged her knees, struggling to breathe.

The one who was standing walked up to her, and she curled into herself, her gaze swimming as tears filled her eyes. He lowered himself, wrapping something around her neck and clamping it tight, securing it. Her fingers went up to her neck as she checked what it was – a collar. She had been branded. Reduced to a slave. Elaine's stomach churned so much that she almost threw up.

"From today onwards, you'll be our captive. Our acquisition. Your life will be resigned to this chamber, to serving us. You'll answer to our every beck and call, and should you try to be defiant, we wouldn't hesitate to strip you bare and whip the devil out of you before locking you up in the dungeons without food and water. Are. We. Clear?" He ground out, punctuating the words with feral anger.

Tears burned Elaine's eyes, her body shaking like a leaf in the wind, filled with trepidation. She choked on her own sob, but she had to answer. "Yes... Masters." She forced out, pitifully breaking into a sob. Their lips twitched then.

"Welcome to your new life, Elaine. We hope you enjoy it."