Chapter 52

Leaving Warsavor was harder than Heather had ever anticipated. She had only been there for a short period of time, but even so, she felt as if she was leaving something behind as she rode Cannaught, her new horse, out of the town.
The people in the community have been reasonably friendly to her despite what happened in the hall and the subjective opinion of Alexander's family. Being one of the few, Han welcomed her here with open arms, and Mabel had been nothing short of a godmother to her.
Although Heather had no recollection of her mother, she couldn't help but feel that Mabel would be the kind of mother she would have preferred. Mabel is a wise woman. Maybe a bit on the eccentric side but a woman of class and taste.
Even while departing, Mabel made sure to leave her with enough food supplies for several days.
She always had the impression that her time in Warsavor would be limited, but she never imagined that she would miss the society. She might not have if she were to return to Mystes. However, with the transformation of the present situation, she cannot take that risk and put her former hometown in jeopardy.
She knew Alexander well. Given that she departed without saying goodbye, there was a good likelihood that he would go looking for her. Her consciousness led her to believe and admit that she had taken a rash decision, but she was unable to change her mind about it. She did not feel that she took a wrong decision.
It was in the best interest of everyone, especially Alexander.
If he came looking for her by any chance, he would arrive straight to Mystes as that is the only location she is aware of, where she feels secure and comfortable, the place which has been home for her since she could ever remember.
Not anymore.
She would have to hunt for a new place to live for several months. Once she feels settled, she will return back to her hometown. She would return back to her home, where she actually belongs. Until then, Mystes needs to wait.
She advanced in a new area with renewed resolve, a touch of dread, and the excitement of a new adventure. A spot where she would establish a home and learn to function without Alexander.
Alexander, though, was becoming more and more irritated by the minute.
Somehow, the news of Heather's abrupt departure bought joy to his mother. He was present when the information reached his mother's ears, and her lips instantly lifted, forming a massive smile on her face. That moment made him wonder that maybe this could be his mother's charade to accuse Heather and drive her away from him permanently.
If his mother is capable of putting her life in danger, then she most certainly is capable of scheming against her.
As he was preparing his modest travel bag for his journey in search of Heather, his brother entered his room.
“You are heading out in search of Heather, aren’t you?” Juan asked him, even though he knew that given response.
“You even have to ask? In all honesty, I do not wish to return anymore.” Alexander sighed.
“This is your home, Alexander. You cannot run away from here, irrespective of what our parents made us feel.” Juan walked towards him.
“This no longer feels like home, Juan. Look at us. Look at mother and father. When did they become like this? I knew that they were hard-headed, but now they are taking it a step farther. It begins to wonder if….” Alexander blew a sigh. He did not wish to voice out his words aloud in front of his younger brother.
“They plotted the entire thing against Heather?” Juan completed it.
Alexander was a little taken aback by his unshared thoughts with Juan.
“Even you think so?”
Juan looked at him sadly, “Yeah, I do. Yet I also consider the possibility that it might not. Although they might not like Heather, mother would never endanger our father's life unless he was unintentionally caught in the crossfire.”
“I had the same thought. I am not sure what to believe anymore or who to trust.” Alexander stated tiredly.
Juan cast a remorseful gaze downward. Even he was eventually accountable for his brother's suffering. He has known from the start that their mother and father won't allow Alexander to reconcile with Heather. He didn't warn them; instead, he agreed to his parents' plan and tried to contain the damage on his own.
“Juan..” Alexander called out his name when he heard no response from his brother. He knew his brother well. He was being consumed by something, and he recognized what component it was. “I know that you were aware of mother and father's disapproval towards mine and Heather's relationship. I do not hold you responsible for anything that has happened.”
Juan, on the other hand, was astounded. He had no idea how his elder brother figured it out. He looked up at him with curiosity and worry. He did not wish for Alexander to ever be disappointed in him.
“You are my younger brother. I knew from day one that mother and father would involve you in their scheme of tearing me and Heather apart. But I also knew that you would not participate in any of those acts which would have damaged either of us. I am confident that if our parents had been plotting something heinous, you would have immediately come to me without needing your assurance or anybody else's."
“That does make me relieved. I had no desire to separate Heather and you. However, now I am more inclined to help you in any way I can to bring both of you together. You two are meant to be together.” Juan said, hugging his brother.
“Juan, I have to find her,” Alexander said.
“And you will. Heather might not have gone far, and the only place I can imagine her to be is at Mystes.”
“I do believe so, but a part of me thinks she might not have returned to Mystes. Whatever the case, maybe, I will bring her back and give her the rightful place next to me.”
“What about mother’s warning?” Juan asked. Their mother’s words were still ringing in his head. Heather's life would be in danger if their parents even got a hint about Alexander still pursuing Heather.
“I know that she will hold true to her words, but that would not make me deter my will. I do have a plan, but I can't carry it out by myself. I will require your assistance,” Alexander turned to his brother. The only person he can trust now his younger brother, who always had his back.
“Always Alexander. I promise you I am with you.”
Alexander gratefully nodded in response to his brother’s words. He meticulously explained his plan to him, taking into account every last detail.
“What do you think?” Alexander enquired, hoping that his course of action was well thought out.
“It is brilliant, but we must exercise extreme caution,” Juan said. He was entirely on board with his brother’s plan.
“Yes. Just make sure no one apart from us knows about this. Not a single soul, Juan. Not even Malka. She is our cousin, and I do trust her, but….”
Juan, however, understood Alexander. “I know. I trust her too. She did try to change Heather’s mind about leaving, and she is on our side, but in the end, I am also confident that she won’t be able to fight against mother and father like we do.”
“Yes. Malka, however, knows I would be searching for Heather.”
“Do not worry. I know what is to be done. I will take care of everything here while you concentrate on finding Heather. It's about time Diadem’s do the right thing.”