You Like Her

The elder female laughed and sighed.

"My father told me plenty of stories about the Moon Goddess. All of the wonderful things she had done for the land of Nevrisea. The way she spoke of her was like he had married her. He forced me to pray with him and offer my blood. My mother never knew of the blood part, but she found out and left my father."

There was a pause in the story and the Moon Goddess clutched her chest. This family was a part of the group of sacrifices. Then the passage Charles shared was of his ancestors. She looked at him to see he was listening intensely. She turned to face Benjamin who was looking off to the side with a frown.

"I still pray though," the elder female smiled, "Maybe it is a habit from my childhood, maybe it is a reminder of my father, I am not sure, to be honest."

"I… see."

The Moon Goddess frowned and inwardly sighed. So, their mother was devoted in her worship, but the reason was not love for her, but the female's father. Smiling, she nodded and listened to more stories that the elder female was willing to share. She didn't like learning about the blood sacrifices, but she was happy to hear about Charles and Benjamin's past.

"My boys were inseparable. They did everything together and Charles was such a good big brother. He would make sure Benjamin didn't get into trouble."

"I don't always, mama."

"Sometimes it isn't your fault dear. Your adorable face just brings it. Remember those kids who were playing that one game… What was it again?"

"Kissing game, mother," Charles provided as he wrote in his notebook, "They wanted to be the first to kiss baby Benjamin. Their words, not mine."

"But I was not even a baby! We were like 13 and, and why me?! You and I literally look the same," Benjamin frowned and stared at his twin.

"They don't like me. You have always been more friendly than me. It is normal for them to gravitate toward you and find you attractive," Charles state factually looking up from his notebook, "Are you not happy about it? You dated many people. Aren't you still with that one girl or did you move on?"

Benjamin opened his mouth and then closed it, before repeating the movement. He looked at Moon who was looking at him with an amused look. That only caused his embarrassment to skyrocket. Covering his face, he hoped his mother would stop humiliating him.

"Oh son, when will you go date others," the elder female sighed looking at her oldest son, "So busy reading and writing in your notebooks, you barely even look at anyone like your brother. He wears his heart on his sleeves and you… Sometimes I wonder if you have a heart…" their mother mumbled the last part of the words.

"I am not interested in anyone, mother. Do not worry. If it happens then it happens. My research comes first and I find myself happy where I am. Benjamin does not need my protection any longer," Charles looked to his twin and smirked, "He is strong now."

"Why does that sound like a mock," the youngest twin murmured out with dipped brows and a frown.

Moon listened and found her heart happy for the people in this home. They were happy and thriving even after what the head of the house had gone through. There were no more blood sacrifices and only the offerings like it should be.

"It is getting late, I should leave. Thank you for your company, Madame, Sir Charles and Sir Benjamin," she stood and bowed to them.

"Will we," Benjamin stood up quickly to say, but caught himself and cleared his throat, "Will you be staying in Oxharbor for a while? I can show you around the city if you like."

She thought about it and remembered the twins mentioned there could be others who were devotees of the Moon Goddess, but they didn't know who. Maybe if she were to have Benjamin show her the city, she would be able to assess the people easier. Nodding her head, she agreed to his proposal, earning a large grin.

Once Moon finally left her home, the leader of Oxharbor stared at her boys.

They were not young anymore and she was getting old. The head of the house felt Charles most likely would never give her a child, but Benjamin could. However, the boy was emotional and tend to get heated quickly. Hence, why the youngest twin was always in and out of relationships.

"You like her, don't you, Benny?" She drank her water and saw her son's rosey cheeks on lightly tanned skin.

"Of course he does," Charles spoke up as he continued writing in his notebook, "When he first saw her, he was already drooling."

"I was not! … Was I?" Benjamin covered his mouth and wiped whatever drool might still be on his lips.

"You were. It was like when you first saw Emily. Remember? You looked terrible," Charles grinned and felt the push to his shoulder. His pen dragged with the movement and he scowled at his brother.

"You messed me up!"

"Your fault for making fun of me!"

"I swear you are a lost cause!"

"Says the guy whose nose is always in the notebook!"

"At least I know how to read!"

"And I know how to fight!"

"You don't know the proper way!"

"Like you even know!"

Their mother rubbed her temples, before drinking her calming tea once more.

'Boys will be boys.'

==

The next day, the Moon Goddess went to the library shop to meet with Benjamin. When she arrived, he was in the corner speaking with a couple of women. Well… she was sure it was Benjamin and not Charles. So, looking around the shop, she found the librarian at a podium in front of a large book. She walked toward him and he looked up to see her.

"Hello, Sir Charles," she waved.

"Ah, Miss Moon. My brother is currently calming down his mess of lovers. While we wait, let me show you something I found earlier."