Chapter 28

While walking to his room, which was two doors away from his older brother, Juan was buried in his own thoughts.
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 had fallen head over heels for one another.
But no matter how much he tried to reject or ignore it, Heather Crown's status as an ordinary girl could not be denied in front of his parents. But unlike before, he wanted their love to conquer.
It was not fair for his brother and Heather to lose out on their love. Like always, 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.
For his brother Alexander, Heather Crown was indeed a perfect companion.
He couldn't have wished for a better brother than Alexander, and he is keenly aware that he owes his brother a debt of gratitude for allowing him the opportunity to live his life as he chooses. He does not take this freedom for granted.
He is ashamed to admit that he was originally dubious about his sentiments with the news of his brother returning home, but not anymore.
Although he was elated to have his elder brother back in his life, as he had missed his brother immensely, however, the bigger part of that with Alexander's homecoming was that he would need to sacrifice the greatest happiness he could have had in his life.
Despite having to accept it against his choice, he was content with it. 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.
Alexander always carried out the duties that were expected of him. He has always fulfilled his commitments perfectly and with the utmost sincerity. 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 challenging 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 ladies 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?” He was about to enter his room when his mother interrupted his thoughts.
"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 approved of him spending time with Heather and certainly would not have been happy about it. She would have even gone ahead and accused Heather of not only manipulating Alexander but also trapping him under her charms, which was unfair given that Heather was, by nature, a pleasant person to be around.
“I am delighted to hear that 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 rely on you to instill some sense into him as sooner or later, he will eventually 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 that he was endorsing his brother's choice of woman, she would lose it.
"I will speak with Alexander on this subject. However, I feel that we must make our move cautiously. We cannot allow him to act rashly, particularly given that he knows that both you and Father oppose his union to Heather."
Contessa had a thoughtful expression on her face. "Juan, perhaps you are right. We cannot have him standing against you when you could truly assist us in severing Heather and Alexander's relationship."
Juan exhaled a breath of relief within. 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 with your perception that Alexander must wed a woman of his equal standing, and I have trust in the partner you and Father have chosen for him, but we need to gently steer 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.
Contessa, on the other hand, frowned slightly at her younger son's comments. 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!” causing his mother to look at him bewildered.
“I fail to understand why I cannot visit Alexander.”
“Alexander is asleep. He had a long journey, and he did not wished to be disturbed. That is the reason I had to depart, or else we would have spoken more.”
Contessa gave a thoughtful look but nonetheless nodded. She knew her sons and the love they held for each other. Despite their disagreements, they have always loved one another and stood by each other.
“Okay. Then I will meet with 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.
Alexander wouldn't let Heather leave by herself despite Heather's repeated assurances. 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.