Chapter 30

Later in the morning, Juan went to meet Heather in her chamber. He rang the bell and was not shocked to see Alexander at the other end of the door. But he was undoubtedly caught off guard when he discovered his brother in fresh clothes rather than the one from the previous night.
"When did you get time to change your clothes?" He could not hold back from asking.
"I snuck in a few in the morning when mother and father were asleep," Alexander grinned as Juan shook his head. "So, what brings you here?"
Juan spoke as he entered the room, "You really need to be careful, brother. Mother and father are not pleased with the recent turn of events."
"They will need to get used to it." Alexander shrugged.
Juan, on the other hand, refrained from disclosing their parents' plan of action regarding Heather. He knew his elder brother well. Even the slightest mention of their scheme would send him into a frenzy, severely tarnishing his relationship with their parents.
When Juan was considering ways to respond to his brother, Alexander spoke once again, reminding his brother to tell him about his presence.
"Juan, you still have not replied to my question. Why are you here?"
"Mother and Father have asked me to give your lady love a tour of our place. They want her to be familiar with our community so that they can justify her presence in our life."
For some reason, his older brother wasn't pleased with what he said.
"Justify her presence? Mother and father are taking this too far, Juan. They cannot make their own assumption about her without even making an effort to know her."
"I do understand that, Alexander." Juan had a sad smile on his face. "More than you realize. But we must give them some time. I am certain they would eventually embrace her and perhaps even adore her like you do."
"Maybe. Another thing I do not understand is why, in the lord's name did they send you? I can show Heather around. I think the residents of this town would be more eager to help her if I were by her side." Alex paused to think.
"Alexander, it goes without saying that our parents will not be happy about this. Although it is evident that you are content with how things are working out, you must understand that in order for them to accept her and both of you, we need to somewhat play by their rules. We must comply with some of their expectations."
Alexander gave his younger sibling a thoughtful yet serious look, "While you are not entirely wrong, I do not like it. Further, Heather is new to town, and she would be more comfortable with me. This is something you all must have taken into consideration."
Juan kept his hand on his brother's shoulder for assurance, "Heather will be fine with me. I can perfectly take care of her. You may put your faith in me when it comes to her."
"I have complete faith in you, Juan. Never doubt that. It is..."
Before he could speak any further, Heather came walking towards him.
"What is going on? Is everything alright?"
"Everything is just as it should be. Well, I came here to show you around our town so you could get to know the area and the locals. You need to get acquainted with the community."
At his words, Heather had a bright smile on her face. "Just what I was looking for. I cannot wait to meet everyone. I hope they like me and accept me as you did."
Alexander, however, sulked and spoke on behalf of her brother. "I have no doubt about it. You are adorable and have a good heart, Heather. You will be adored by everyone, and I have no doubt that Warsavor will not only flourish but also thrive now that you are here."
"That's really kind of you to say. But if you believe so, then why the sour face?" Heather asked him.
"That, my dear, is because, according to my brother, I won’t be able to accompany you in your expedition."
Her face did fall for a second before bringing back her smile. "Alexander, you are back in your hometown after months. I recognize your necessity for being here. Don't let me hold you back. It is your responsibility to comply with all of your obligations. Please do not worry about me, as far as I am concerned. Juan and I will be fine. I trust him."
"Alexander, do not burden yourself. Your precious Heather will be perfectly fine with me. Further, I can guarantee you that by the end of the day, she will enjoy my company more than you. Have some faith in us."
"Although it is debatable if she would prefer your company to mine, I do trust you with her." Alexander trusted his brother with his life, so he knew that Juan would never do anything to hurt him.
"Thank you. Moreover, this would be a perfect opportunity for us to get to know each other." Juan stated.
Heather responded by nodding as well, "He is absolutely correct about it. So, Alexander, while you deal with boring matters, we will have fun. I am excited even thinking about all the fun we would be having."
Alexander could not help but chuckle as he raised both his hands in surrender, "Alright! Alright! The two of you win. Juan, you better take care of Heather. Do not even dare to leave her alone for a single second, or else...."
"Alexander!" Heather exclaimed, her eyes wide open.
"Heather, this is the first time you have been out of Mystes town. You took the leap for me. I cannot take any risk with your life. You are my responsibility."
Seeing his brother's worry, Juan grinned. Being able to view his brother's face with a range of emotions was endearing. It was a rare sight. Apart from Heather, the only person his brother has been protective of is his little brother.
"Alexander, I repeat again, do not worry about her. Now, why don't you go and visit our father? He looked rather eager in the morning to discuss some matters with you about Warsavor."
"Of course he is. He cannot think of anything else but work." Alexander rolled his eyes.
But nonetheless, left Heather's cabin to see his father in his office after kissing Heather on the lips and giving a silent warning to his brother with his eyes to take care of his love.
His father, Heinrich Diadem, is a perfect example of a workaholic. He does understand the seriousness of being king and that ruling a realm is not an easy job. It is a task that must be done with utmost sincerity and dedication, yet he cannot help but long for a connection with his father that every son wishes for.