Chapter 26

“Well, this is it. Although it is not much, you will have to live here for the time being.” Alexander said after showing her the temporary residence of hers.
It was not big. It was somewhat 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 cozy, even though she would always prefer her home back home to this neighborhood and even Alexander's house, for that matter.
“It is lovely,” 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 awful, Heather, and I am conscious of 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 is more than enough for me. In all honesty, I would rather be back at my house in Mystes, but I cannot bring myself to complain. Your folks are being rather generous. It has everything I need so I will be fine here. I promise.”
"The reality that you are being treated unfairly remains unchanged by this. The fact that arriving here does not make me feel at home should surprise me, but it does not. Mystes felt more at 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. Nothing that can be said in words can alter the fact that you belong with me in my home and not here. If not with me in my room, you should, at the very least, have your own 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 work in the manner we want it to. Alexander, you know me well since I helped you through some of your worst moments, yet I am nothing less than a stranger to others, particularly your mother and father. You also cannot overlook the reality that I am a common woman; you are royalty and the heir apparent to this realm. It makes sense that they would be skeptical of me.” Heather tried to explain to him. She wanted him to understand the viewpoint of his parents.
“You are not an 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 ought to, at the very least, trust my judgement.
“It is really dear of you to think about me in that way, 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 does make sense, and I don't hold them responsible.”
With renewed resolve, Alexander said to her, “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 said.
"It does, doesn't it? We just need to be patient."
"Yes, you are absolutely right about that."
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 caused him to sigh. It was impossible for Heather to suppress a smile.
Then, when the couple took a step apart, Alexander said, "Come in."
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.
“What a welcome surprise, brother. 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.” Despite rolling his eyes, Alexander returned his brother's embrace.
“Well, who might this beautiful young lady be? I am certain the reason for our parent's annoyed emotions,” The man, whom 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 grow 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,” said Alexander's younger 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 last 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.