Chapter 26

“So, this is it. It is not much, but for the time being, you will have to live here.” Alexander said after showing her the temporary residence of hers.

It was not big. Rather smaller than her home back in Mystes, but it was not bad either. It was a two-room dwelling with a shared living space, kitchen, and bathroom. It had all the basic amenities. Although it was not extravagant, Heather was content since it was cosy, even though she would always prefer her home back home to this neighbourhood and even Alexander's house, for that matter.

“It’s nice,” Heather said with a smile on her face. She was not disappointed as she did not expect much when she decided to join Alexander on this trip to his hometown.

“It is terrible, Heather, and I know that. I am also aware that you are being kind to me because that is who you are.” Alexander sighed.

Heather, on the other hand, reassured him by gently squeezing his arm. "Alexander, it's more than enough for me. In all honesty, I would rather be back at my house in Mystes, but I don't have it in me to whine. Your folks are being rather generous. It has everything I need so I will be fine here. I promise.”

“This still does not change the fact that you are being treated unjustly. I should be rather surprised that coming here does not feel like home, but I am not. Mystes felt more home to me than this place. Further, you should not be staying in this quarter.”

“Alexander….” He did not allow her to finish her statement, though.

“No, Heather. There is nothing that words can say to change the truth that you belong with me in my house and not here. You should, at the very least, have your own room if not with me in my room. You should not be staying in the guest suite.”

Heather's only response, in the absence of words, was to offer him a dejected expression and ask, "And what right do I have?"

“My love for you is not enough?” Alexander responded by asking her.

“To me, it means the world, but life does not works in the manner we want it to. Alexander, you know me well since I helped you through some of your worst moments, but to others, especially your mother and father, I am nothing less than a stranger. You also cannot overlook the reality that I am a common woman, and you are royalty and the heir apparent to this country. It makes sense that they would be sceptical of me.” Heather tried to explain to him. She wanted him to understand the viewpoint of his parents.

“You are no ordinary woman, Heather Crown. You have every right to stand next to me because you are a remarkable woman. Regardless of me being the future king, you did not even know about my identity, so my folks should not have any doubts about you. They should, at the absolute least, believe in my judgment.”

“It is really dear of you to think of that about me, but not everyone does. And yes, I did not know your identity, but if you think from your parent’s perspective, they would have a hard time believing it. You are the king, after all, and most people are aware of you. It makes sense, and I don't hold them responsible.”

Alexander responded to her with a new determination, “I would completely understand if you do blame them. But I also knew that with time they would change their perspective regarding you.”

“I pray so. It's comforting to know that they would one day not view me as the evil that they do in the present." Heather uttered.

"It does, doesn't it? We just need to be patient."

"Yes, you are absolutely right about it."

Alexander could not help but pull her closer and peck her lips. But their time was cut short by a tap on their door, which made him sigh. Heather couldn't help but chuckle a little.

“Come in,” Alexander spoke after the couple took a step back from each other.

Both Alexander and Heather waited for the person to step inside. Heather was taken by surprise at the similarity between the unknown presence of the man walking towards them with an honest smile and Alexander standing beside him.

The man was unmistakably the younger version of Alexander. Same hair, same eyes, same height. His dress was also almost similar to that of his elder brother. However, he appeared far less anxious and tense, which was natural given that Alexander's burden was significantly heavier than that of his younger brother.

“Brother, what a pleasant surprise. Mother and Father were finally able to find you and bring you back home in one piece.” The man said as he hugged his elder brother with affection.

“Don’t mock me, brother.” Alexander rolled his eyes but nonetheless embraced his brother back.

“Well, who might this beautiful young lady be? I am certain the reason for our parent's annoyed emotions,” The man, who Heather concluded as Alexander's brother, stated. However, his words did not contain any menace.

Alexander interjected before Heather could introduce herself.

“Don’t you dare, Juan? This beautiful young lady is my guest of honor, and our mother and father will get used to her soon enough.” Alexander warned him. “Anyway, Heather. Please meet my younger brother Juan and brother; this is Heather Crown.”

Juan rewarded the beautiful lady standing in front of him with his signature smile. He extended his palm in which Heather placed her hand, and he kissed it.

“It is nice to meet Juan Diadem.”

“Heather Crown, Please call me Juan,” pleaded Alexander's brother.

“That is if you call me Heather.”

Juan nodded in return. He was able to clearly see that his brother and Heather were in love. Sadly, their romance would not endure very long. His parents would not allow anyone else to place him beside his brother. Certainly not an ordinary woman like Heather Crown.

His heart ached not only for his brother but also for his own love.