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.
It didn't take long for the minutes to fly by, and soon it was noon. Her instinct was telling her not to go see Alexander or any of the other family members in the palace since she was unsure if she was permitted to do so. She, therefore, made the decision to spend some time setting up her room with her belongings 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 was untouchable by others. He was elderly—almost as old as Lady Contessa and Lord Heinrich Diadem, if not older—but he had eyes that were gentler than those of the king and queen, in her opinion.
He wasn't harsh to her, and he didn't act in a judgmental way like Alexander's parents did. 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.
There was a knock at the door as she was ready to remove the ingredients Alfredo had brought for her from the counter in the kitchen. 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 being rude. We cannot let you dine alone when we are around because it is your first day and night in Warsavor."
Heather gave Alexander a startled and confused look, but Alexander simply shrugged and followed his brother inside while grinning.
She was touched by his brother's gesture. She was dreading having to prepare and cook for herself, to tell the truth. She has been accustomed to doing things alone and having her meals in isolation, but ever since Alexander came into her life, she has become accustomed to his presence.
"I am grateful. I was planning to cook something for myself, though. Is there anything specific that 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? You ought to be eating dinner with your family, not with me, Alexander. You have returned home after a long time.” Heather stated.
When Alexander gave her a sad smile, it was Juan who responded with the words, “Heather, he is having his meal with his family. Alexander and I have our meals together. Our mother and father have always been too busy to ever dine with us.”
“It is true. There are only a few times when we have had a meal with our parents. Also, when either the mother or father needs to make an announcement or when there are significant visitors present. Although it might sound unfortunate, but 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 kind people who, despite not being related to her biologically, were nonetheless family to her.
“Heather, please do not feel sad 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.
“Let's lay the plates first. He would want to know every last detail. 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.
"A 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 adore you right away. I was not so sure about Alfredo as he is my 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.
With relief, Heather responded, "I am delighted to hear that."
“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.”