Chapter 27

Once both Alexander and Juan departed from her temporary residence, Heather tried to make herself comfortable in her humble aboard. As she had mentioned to Alexander, the house was not bad. It was rather nice, but much to her disappointment; she was already missing her home.

She would never be able to directly communicate this aspect of her emotions to Alexander, though. She was, however, somehow aware of Alexander knowing about her sentiments towards her new dwelling, but at the same time, Heather was also aware that he also had high hopes of her settling down here.

She was not entirely opposed to the notion of making this her permanent residence as, with time, she had come to adore Alexander more than she had imagined and would not mind uprooting her entire life for him. She still desired, nevertheless, to sometimes travel to Mystes from time to time, and she was certain that Alexander would never forbid her from doing so.

The minutes passed quickly, and before long, it was midday. She was not sure if she was allowed to visit Alexander or any of the other family members in the palace, and her gut was refraining her from doing so. Hence, she decided to spend some time organizing her belongings in her room and make a place for the portions and herbs she had brought.

Once everything was settled, Heather went to the kitchen to prepare herself a meal. Alfredo had already introduced himself and gotten her belongings of her, along with a few of the essential items that might come to her as use, later in the evening.

He definitely gave off a stoic and cunning appearance. Someone who no one could mess with. He was also aged, almost the same age if not older than Lady Contessa and Lord Heinrich Diadem, but his eyes had a gentleness that she felt the king and queen's eyes lacked.

Unlike Alexander's parents, he was not rude to her, and neither did he display any judgmental traits toward her. It not only made her feel relieved but also made her stay in the Diadem mansion bearable. She also felt a glimmer of optimism inside her.

As she was about to remove the ingredients on the kitchen counter which Alfredo had got for her, there was a knock on the door. Heather was first perplexed because she had not anticipated anyone, and certainly not the king and queen. Her first instinct was Alexander, but that was improbable because it was going to be his first family meal in months, and nobody should miss it.

The person she was staring at, however, was Alexander, who had a large grin on his face and was standing in front of her with his brother Juan beside him, who was looking equally jovial.

The happiness that seemed to be emanating from them surprised Heather.

“Hello? I don't want to be impolite, but what do I owe you two for the pleasure of having you here?”

It was Juan who replied while inviting himself in. He was also carrying a pot with him. "You aren't acting impolite. It is your first day and night in Warsavor, and we cannot have you eating your meal alone when you have us with you.”

Alexander received a startling and perplexing glance from Heather but responded simply with a shrug with a smile on his face and followed his brother inside.

She was touched by his brother's gesture. To be completely honest, she was dreading having to prepare and cook for herself. She has been accustomed to doing things alone and having her meals in isolation, but since Alexander has come into her life, she has become used to his presence.

"I am grateful. I was almost ready to cook, though. Is there anything specific the two of you want to eat?” Heather asked them.

Alexander looked at her and shook his head, “You are not cooking, Heather. At least not yet. We have had a long journey. Further, we bought a good meal for all three of us. So, you relax while Juan fixes us plates.”

“Meal? Alexander, you should be having a meal with your family and not with me. You have met them after a long time.” Heather stated.

When Alexander gave her a sad smile, it was Juan who responded with the words, “He is having his meal with his family, Heather. Alexander and I always had our meals together. Our mother and father have always been too busy for us to ever dine with us.”

“It’s true. There are only a few times when we have had a meal with our parents. And those times include when important visitors are present or when either mother or father needs to make an announcement. Although it is unfortunate, the true essence of having a meal with people you love is what I truly felt when I was with you, Oscars, and the rest of the neighbors.”

“Alexander…” Heather hears an ache for the man standing in front of her.

These were a few of the rare times when Heather felt fortunate. Even though she was unable to recall her past, she was surrounded by nice individuals who, although not sharing a biological relation, were nonetheless family to her.

“Heather, please do not feel upset on our account. I am rather envious of my brother that he got to experience something incredible and special. He mentioned a few moments he had in Mystes, and I am keen to know all about it.” Juan spoke, attempting to improve the gloomy mood.

“What is it that you wish to know?” Heather asked him, but before Juan could respond, his elder brother interrupted him.

“He would want to know every single detail, but before that, let's set the plates. I am starving and could really eat something.”

“Your words are my command,” Juan said and went to fetch plates.

Alexander took a big stride and surprised Heather with a kiss as Juan moved out of Heather's line of sight.

“What was that for?” She could not help but ask him.

“For everything, and I missed you. More than you realize.”

“I was not very far, and we were apart for only a few hours.” Heather pointed out.

"Few hours felt like days to me," Alexander stroked her cheeks as he whispered. "Even though Juan was there biting my ear off about knowing everything that happened since I left home, I still could not help but yearn for you to stand beside me. You are not supposed to stay here but be with me.”

“Alexander…” Heather sighed, “We cannot keep having a conversation about the same thing.”

“I know that. But at least Juan likes you along with Alfredo.”

With hopeful eyes, Heather questioned, "Do they?" A vocal affirmation does appear to help her feel more at ease.

“Yes, they do. I knew that Juan would instantly adore you. Alfredo, I was not so sure as he is mother's right hand, but he is wiser than her and a great judge of character. Although he may not express it outright, he does seem to like you. He is not against you like my parents, so it’s a good and promising beginning.” Alexander explained.

"I am delighted to hear that," Heather said with relief.

“I have complete faith in us. Just wait and see. In no time, mother and father will also come to adore you as I do.” Alexander stated, touching his forehead with that of hers.

“I would want nothing more than that.”