Chapter 56

Juan returned back to his treehouse to have some peace and quiet. He was contemplating upon everything that had occurred since the day Alexander disembarked in search to seek answers up till now. He did not envision himself fighting alongside his brother in this conflict with his parents at the moment because it was unknown what their future held.
Fighting against the enemy appears simpler than a war against his parents. The folks who helped shape who they are now by raising them. Regardless, it was their fault that the brothers found themselves in this position, yet it is not going to be easy.
Alexander’s plan was mighty brilliant, but apprehension did not seem to leave his mind. They both were in a challenging position, and it will be rather tricky to defeat their mother and father in their own game. He wished he could foresee the outcome of his elder brother's plan, but it was impossible. He lacked this special ability; if he had, a great deal of misfortunes may have been prevented.
The past few days had gone just as Alexander had expected. Their mother was too preoccupied with caring for their father to pay any of the brothers or the staff on heeds of things are going around. Between his parents, that is the most genuine thing. Their affection for one another.
They never left one another's sides, whether it was a celebration or a storm. He respected them for their ability to stand rock-solid next to one another. Alexander would agree, despite his reluctance to say so. Even if they weren't the best parents, their mother, and father were decent and loyal to one another.
For this particular reason, Alexander was able to go unhindered, which was another lucky development for them.
None of them, though, could underestimate their mother. Even after taking responsibility for their father's health, their mother did not fail to enquire about Alexander's whereabouts.
And he told her the truth.
The bitter truth about Alexander chasing after Heather in hopes of having a word with her. She briefly felt relieved that Heather had left their town, but when she learned that Alexander had followed her despite her warning, she could not relax. But if he hadn't, it would have been very suspicious.
They all knew Alexander well, and no one could stop him from doing things that he desired. He put his heart and soul.
As decided, Juan reassured his mother that Alexander did fear the words she spoke. He dreaded for Heather’s life and had a reasonable probability that he might end their relationship for her own life. He comforted his mother that Alexander was aware of her capability and that she would be true to her words.
Being over-worried for Heinrich, Contessa nodded. She made the decision to observe Alexander's future moves for a while. That is the only logical reasoning she could think of.
Juan was relieved, his mother considered his words, yet he could not escape his worry about his brother's future.
“Juan, I am surprised to see you here,” A familiar voice diverted him from his thoughts. He was, however, stunned to see the person he had been trying to avoid the most.
“Diona Gonzales, it surprised me that my presence had such an impact on you. If my memory is correct, I was the one who first introduced you to this place. That makes me wonder, what brings you here?” Juan replied as he fixed his eyes on her.
“You are not happy to see me,” Diona said, ignoring his previous inquiry.
“True, and you cannot run away from my previous question,” Juan stated.
“I arrived here for the same reason as you. To think. This is indeed a splendid place,” Diona said, gazing around her surroundings with a mesmerized look.
“It is,” Juan responded with a small smile of his own. Even though he was curious as to why Diona was here, he restrained himself from asking her. He no longer had the right. Moreover, their conversation was bound to turn into an argument.
“You are not going to insist on asking the reason for my presence?” Diona asked, surprised.
“Why would I? Your presence no longer concerns me. You currently have everything you have always desired.” Juan shrugged.
He turned to face her after she muttered, "Not everything."
What could you possibly want more from life? Alexander will soon be associated with your name. You will become a member of Diadem's family and the legitimate successor to the throne. Was it not your principal goal from the beginning?" Juan gave her a stern look.
"I want something that no one will ever be able to understand. Juan, not even you. I heard that Heather Crown left our town,” Diona stated.
Juan's body tensed at the mention of Heather. "You heard that right,"
“What may be the reason for her sudden departure from Warsavor?” Diona moved cautiously in his direction.
“You. She saw no reason to remain here, given that Alexander will have to marry you. Rightfully so.” Juan said, thinking deeply. After a second, he continued, “Even though Alexander and Heather love each other, she chose to sacrifice her love for him in order to do what was right for him. It is rather funny. Where on the one side Heather is selfless, you cannot even sacrifice your right for their love. Despite knowing Alexander will never love you, you are ready to enter into a loveless marriage,”
“In my life, love has no place. Whether Alexander likes me or not doesn't matter to me. I am doing what I feel is right for me. Even though I may be entering into loveless marriage but with time, Alexander will come to rightfully accept me as his wife. The realm needs a queen. I will be that perfect queen and give a noble heir to your family and our town,”
Juan's eyes were glazing with fire at her words.
“You are a selfish woman, Diona Gonzales. You pay no heed to anyone's feelings but your own. Mark my words, Diona. Even if you obtain everything you want, being with Alexander will only give you solitude.”
“Anger suits you, Juan. No matter what you say, you still care about me.” Diona could not help but say.
Juan, however, chuckles, “It is your misconception.”
Diona put her hand on his chest and asked, "Then why is your heart rate increasing beyond measure?"
“Do not play with fire, Diona. None of us could turn around from it,”
“I know,”
Juan put his hand on Diona's palm as she was about to attempt to close the space between them, stopping her in her tracks.
He quickly placed his free hand on her waist and his lips next to hers.