Today I decided that someone in the Universe must hate me. I think a part of me has always rejected the idea of a god. Now I know there has to be one. One that has a sick, horrible sense of humor and hates me very much. Maybe I'm cursed. Maybe I am being punished for my secret. All I know is that today I met the most beautiful, enchanting, perfect woman I have ever laid eyes on, and she is extremely off limits.

Iago and I got out for a ride most mornings on our horses. We generally use it to catch up on our previous day, as well as our plans for the day ahead. I love riding with Iago. He is a fine rider, but he will be the first to admit; I am the best rider he has ever met. Dia and I are like one. She loves to gallop and its one of the only times I feel like I am truly free. Today was beautiful and warm, with a gentle breeze that billowed my hair as I rode.

Iago was telling me how worried he was that his peasants and nobles would come to blows. The fief Iago inherited was fraught with war and squabbles and he often finds himself policing relations between the two populations. When Iago is at the palace, or at war, I am left in charge, so I know first hand how hard keeping the peace can be.

We were making our way back to the fief, when we saw a large gathering of people near the gates. Santiago's brow furrowed, and I knew he was worrying about the pained relationship between his nobles and peasants. He swiftly dismounted Angelo, his white stallion, passed the reins to me, and took off towards the crowd of people. Even from where I sat on Dia, my twin cut a striking silhouette. I could never understand how he can be sweaty and smelly from a ride, and yet still command a royal presence to his people. The crowd seemed to flow apart as he approached.

I couldn't contain my curiosity any longer, so I dismounted Dia, tied Angelo and her up to a tree, and trotted after my brother. As I got closer, I could tell that the crowd was mostly made up by nobles and palace servants. The crowd parted as I came near, but I did not receive any looks of awe. Not like Iago had.

When I finally reached my brother, I found the source of the commotion and my heart stopped beating. In the centre of the crowd, bowing to my twin, was a woman. She was breathtaking. Her hair was sleek and shiny, so gold that it looked as if had been spun. Her eyes were big and beautiful; the color of calm water. Her face was beautiful and her nose bore a small saddle of freckles. She worse a small smile as she met my brothers eyes. Her bow was fluid, somehow graceful. I glanced at my twin, who bore a look of wonder, a look that I was most likely replicating.

Then she spoke and my heart stopped once more. Her voice was sweet and full of joy. "Good day Prince Santiago. I am Lady Brittany Fairfax. I have been sent by your royal parents, who have given me the honor of being your betrothed." My heart dropped in my chest at her words. It felt like a slap in the face. Iago got to be with this beautiful woman? Surely she'd be a better match for me! She glanced up through her eyelashes at my brother. "That is, if you'll have me."

I had to nudge Iago to get him to snap out of his stupor. He flashed her a charming smile and bowed, taking her hand. "I am honored Lady Brittany. My parents have chosen well." She beamed at him, and he smiled back, their eyes connected by mutual attraction. Then he suddenly turned and gestured to me. I stumbled forward and he placed a hand on my shoulder. "This is my twin sister, Santana. She lives with me here."

Brittany curtsied prettily, her eyes now finding mine. They drew me in and I couldn't help but shiver, as if I had plunged into cold water. I curtsied back, blushing when I realized I did not have skirts to hold; rather riding pants much like my brothers. She giggled softly, and winked at me and I swear my knees almost gave out. "Nice to meet you Princess Santana. You two a truly the image of each other." She held my gaze for several more seconds before being whisked away by my brother and some of the nobles.

I stood there, watching them for a moment before returning to Dia and Angelo. I mounted Dia, and led Angelo through the streets until we reached the stables. I never let anyone but me brush Dia, mostly because she had a horrible temper and liked to bite. But I liked the bonding time it gave us, and today it gave me time to recover from discovering the woman of my dreams and simultaneously losing her. After finishing brushing Dia, I headed to my cottage, wishing I was someone else. Namely, my twin brother.