Chapter 28

Juan was buried in his own thoughts as he made his way along the hallway to his room, which was two doors away from his older brother.

He was reflecting on the time he had spent with Heather and Alexander. She seems to be a lovely young woman and almost perfect for his brother. After spending some time with her and his brother, he could see and finally comprehend why he fell in love with her. They were completely smitten with one another.

But no matter how much he tried to reject it or ignore it, Heather Crown's status as an average girl could not be denied in front of his parents. But unlike before, he wanted their love to conquer.

It was not fair to Alexander and Heather to lose out on their love, and he would support his brother.

Yes, he did have his own agenda for coming for his brother’s support, and it was selfish, but against his better judgment, as his parents might point out to him, he really wanted what was best for his older sibling.

Heather Crown was indeed best for his brother Alexander.

Alexander is the best brother he could have asked for, and he is painfully aware that today if he had the freedom to live his life in his way, it was because of his brother, and he does not take it for granted.

He is ashamed to admit that he was originally dubious about his sentiments with the news of his brother returning, but not anymore.

Although he was elated to have his elder brother back in his life as he had missed his brother, however the bigger part of that with Alexander's return, he knew that he would need to sacrifice the greatest happiness he could have had in his life.

He was content with it but have accepted it against his will. But he still does not wish ill for his brother. Whatever the future holds for them, he does not want Alexander to give up Heather or his love for her.

All his entire life, Alexander did what was expected of him. He has always carried out his obligations with utmost sincerity and perfection. He had fulfilled his duty as a good son and future king of the realm. The least he deserves is to marry the girl he loves.

Heather is an ideal match for him.

Whatever their parents' opinions of Heather might be, he was confident that she was a genuine woman with a painful past. From his brief interaction with her, he was certain that Heather truly adored his brother and wasn't there for any other selfish motives than to be with him.

In contrast to the other women he has met, Heather is a cheery person who is delightfully bearable.

“Juan? What are you doing wandering in the hallway at such a late hour?” His mother caught him in his thoughts as he was about to reach his room.

"I haven't spoken with Alexander in a very long time. I had missed him, so we were simply conversing in his chambers.” He spoke while hiding the truth.

He was certain on his deathbed that his mother would not have been happy with the truth about spending time with Heather. She would have even gone ahead and accused Heather of not only manipulating Alexander but also him for trapping him under her charms, which was not fair as Heather was naturally a pleasant person to be around.

“I am happy to hear things are faring well for you and your brother. It is unfortunate that he has been succumbed into the charm of that ordinary woman. I put it on you to instill sense into him as sooner or later, he would need to forget Heather and move on with his life with a woman far more suitable for him.” Contessa spoke out, subtly pleading with her younger son to break the link between Alexander and Heather.

Juan made the option to remain silent and nod in agreement with his mother's advice because he knew that if his mother even got a whiff of his supporting his brother's choice of woman, she would lose it.

"I will talk to Alexander about this. We cannot allow him to act rashly, particularly given that he knows that both you and father oppose his union to Heather."

Contessa's face was filled with contemplation. "Juan, perhaps you are correct. We cannot have him standing against you when you could actually help us with breaking apart Heather and Alexander."

Juan internally let out a sigh of relief. He did not wish to go against his parent's wishes, but he would support his brother.

"Yes, mother. However, keeping aside the fact that Heather is no match for Alexander, she does not seem to be a vile woman. I do concur that Alexander must wed a woman of his equal standing, and I have trust in the partner you and his father have chosen for him, but we need to gently guide Alexander away from Heather. She did save his life.” Juan couldn't help but make an effort to highlight Heather's strengths.

He wanted his parents to accept Heather gradually, if not right away. He did not wish to partake in the facilitation of Alexander and Heather's separation.

However, Contessa scowled at her younger son's remarks. Although she did not want him to support that woman, she knew Juan would never oppose her, and he did agree that Alexander must wed a woman of her choosing. Further, she also cannot deny that Heather did indeed save her son's life.

“You are not wrong, but one can never know someone’s true intentions. Alexander is widely recognized among our peers and is going to be king. I am simply worried that Heather saved him so that she might get notoriety. She may be a good and honest woman, but Alexander should not be with her. I refuse to take any risk with the future queen, so Alexander will be getting married to the lady of my choice.” Her remarks had a finality to them, and her younger son knew better than to counter.

“You know what is best for us, mother, and I completely support you.” Juan nodded with a smile.

He had no option but to accept his mother’s words.

“Juan, I am painfully aware that I may come across as harsh, but I have seen more of the world than you have. Additionally, you have already met Alexander’s to-be bride. She is perfect for him.” Contessa said with a soft smile.

However, at the mention of Alexander’s bride, his eyes twitch, and a familiar pang passes through his heart.

“Of course, mother. She is perfect.” His voice was low.

Contessa patted her son’s cheek. “I will go and see Alexander.”

Juan exclaimed at his mother's words, “No!” which made his mother look at him in confusion.

“I do not understand.”

“Alexander is asleep. He had a long journey, and he do not wish to be disturbed. That is the reason I had to depart, or else we have spoken more.”

Contessa gave a thoughtful look but nonetheless nodded. She knew her sons and the love they held for each other. Sure, they have had arguments, but they loved each other and had their back ever since they were little.

“Okay. Then I will meet him in the morning.”

Juan breathed a sigh of relief as soon as he noticed his mother turning and returning to her room. Under no circumstances can his mother or father discover that Alexander was not in his own chamber but with Heather.

Despite Heather's repeated assurances, Alexander would not let her go alone. Up in the end, Heather gave in because he would not budge. He was well aware that the young couple was going to have a blissful night, and Juan was happy for them.

Even if the future is still uncertain, his elder brother will fight a battle for his love. Juan would, however, not have that chance.

All he wanted was for his own love to come back to him.