CHAPTER 05: UNLIKELY ENCOUNTERS

The sun hung high in the sky as Lawrence and Aegeus continues their journey back to Tenerife. the path that they traveled wound through the lush vibrant forest . each step taking them deeper into the heart of nature. Birds sang their midday songs and the gentle rustle of leaves providing soothing backdrop to their conversation.

Lawrence dressed into his royal attire and Aegeus ever vigilant royal guard have been discussing their plans for the future when they rounded the bend in the road and come upon an unexpected sight!!

Ahead, a young man with white long hair was crouched on the ground, seemingly engrossed in playing with his soft fluffy bunny . his back was to them but as Lawrence and Aegeus approached the young man turned to look at them. his face revealing the look of surprise and curiosity.

The young man rose to his feet the bunny cradled gently in his arms.

Lawrence and Aegeus came to a halt , equally taken aback . Lawrence felt his heart skip a beat as he stared at the stranger it was like looking in the mirror except for the strikingly crimson eyes!.the young man had the eyes color of blood a stark contrast to Lawrence's piercing blue eyes.

"who are you? Lawrence asked his voice steady but filled with a sense of disbelief "and what are you doing here in the middle of the road?"

The young man raised an eyebrow a hint of smirk playing on his lips."I could ask you the same thing. this is my forest after all I'm Leong. and who are you handsome stranger who looks oddly familiar?

"I'm prince Lawrence of Tenerife"

Lawrence replied still trying to uncanny the resemblance. this is Aegeus my royal guard we're on our way back to the kingdom.

Leong's eyes widened at the mention of Lawrence title. "prince you say? interesting.but you don't look like the pampered royalty I'm used to see".

Lawrence took a step closer his eyes never leaving Leong's face. "And you..... you look just like me how is this possible?

Leong shrugged nonchalantly though his curiosity was piqued."no idea maybe we have the same face or something?

Aegeus who had been silent till now stepped foward ."this is more than a coincidence .the resemblance is too strong. Leong do you know anything about your past? your family?

Leong's expression darkened slightly."not much. I was raised by priest Melbourne in the forest. he told me my parents abandoned me because of some curse. that's all I know"

Lawrence felt a surge of emotions anger confusion and a deep sense of connection to this stranger who might be more than a lookalike. Leong.. I think there is more to your story. to our story. I was told I had a brother.. a twin brother who was taken away because of some prophecy. your eyes .. it fit the tale.

Leong's smirk faded replaced by a look of genuine surprise. "a twin brother?..... you mean we might be related?"

Lawrence nodded his heart pounding in his chest. "yes I think we're"

for a moment the forest seemed to hold it's breath as the two young men stared at each other the weight of newfound connection settling over them. The bunny in Leong's arms twitched it's nose seemingly sensing the tension.

Leong was the first to break the silence a flicker of humor returning to his eyes. " well this is a twist I didn't see coming. here I was thinking today would be just like other days in the forest , and now I've got a twin brother , what's next? a dragon?"

Aegeus chuckled the tension easing slightly " let's hope not . though given today surprise I wouldn't rule anything out".

Lawrence smiled feeling a sense of relief Wash over him "Leong I know this is sudden and there's so much we don't understand but I want to get to know... to understand our past and what it means to our future"

Leong nodded slowly his eyes thoughtful" alright brother let's see where this crazy journey takes us"

Aegeus smiled at the brothers he was happy that his highness was able to find his long lost brother

" but I must say Lawrence you have beautiful eyes! striking blue!"Leong's pointed out

heat rushed to Lawrence's cheeks overwhelmed by his twin compliment

" did your highness just blush?!! "Aegeus exclaimed

" I did not " Lawrence exclaimed with high pitched voice making Aegeus and Leong laugh.

Leong sighed "today I'll go ask Melbourne about my past maybe he'll tell me. by the way when are you coming back?

" I have to report to father then tomorrow or the day after tomorrow I'll come to you we'll talk to priest together then I'll tell my parents ". Lawrence said

Leong's scrunched his nose" I don't think your father will like that kind of information that I'm still alive "

" not my father Leong it's our father "Lawrence answered back

" you mean the person who abandoned me because of some stupid prophecy or some damn curse? Lawrence they abandoned me!! "Leong said

Lawrence sighed" Leong I understand but can you do this for me for us? "

Leong nodded reluctantly" okay for you... for us"

As they continued the path together the forest seemed to come alive with possibilities . the bond between newly discovered brothers was fragile but promising a connection that had the potential to change their lives and the fate of their kingdom.

For now ,they walked side by side two halves of a whole finally reunited ready to face whatever challenges lies ahead.

************************************************