Chapter 77

“It is commendable how much you have done for this town in such a short span of time,” Hans told him as they sipped their tea in the nursery.
Alexander, however, wanted to laugh at those words. “All for selfish reasons. To be entirely frank, even though I care about people in Warsavor, I care more about getting access to the powers so that I can find Heather and have her back in my life.”
“That was very honest of you,” Hans comments. He was rather surprised that Alexander had the courage to accept the truth.
“And cruel. I abhor the fact that I feel like I have to use the people of our town to get what I want. In fact, I wish nothing but to abdicate the position that this town and my family have decided for me and go far away…”
“Where Heather is?" Hans completed his sentence with a smile on his face.
Alexander looked at him with softness. “Yes. I do not feel like I belong here. When I was in Mystes, I felt like myself and at home, but I am unable to say the same right at this moment. I tried hard to feel the same for Warsavor, but I could not. I do not know what other people think about me, but I am aware that I am not fit to be king of Warsavor. It is not fair to them that I always disappear for my own personal agendas without giving a second thought to the result of my absence in this town.”
"The heart wants what it wants, Alexander. Why have you never talked about it with your parents? I am sure something could be arranged?" Hans suggested.
Even though he might not be exactly aware of the burden Alexander carries, he could feel him. Living the life of a potential king is not easy, especially when you are not allowed to make a single decision for yourself.
“They are sticklers for rules, and they would never let go of me. My future was pre-decided. I never had the choice to decide for myself. I detest the work I have to do. It is rather unfortunate that I feel Juan fits the position of the king more than me. He is always the one who handles everything in my absence. He is more thorough with his work than me. I do not understand why the elder heir is supposed to rule in this monarchy. What is the rationale behind this rule?”
“This is how it has always been, son.”
“I hate it. You should see the work Juan does. He is so passionate about it. Even though both of us pretend to think that he is assisting me with all the paperwork and decisions that I have to make, it is rather the other way around. Juan deserves to be in the position I am expected to be.”
“You know, Alexander, life has a weird way of working things out, and often, the biggest obstacle is bringing change to society.”
“I know. The first thing I wish to do is change the damn bye-laws, but that comes with stealing people's love for me to be in that position, which is not fair. I do not even enjoy interacting with them. It is no less than a chore for me.”
It felt good to him to spill out his inner frustration, which he had hidden for a long time. Hans is the first person he has spoken to. He felt disappointed in himself with the thoughts he was having, but no matter how much he tried, he could not hide who he truly is.
Even though he likes to work for the town and its people, he does not like to do so in the capacity of the king. He is a man of power and authority. It’s his second nature, but that does not mean he likes to command people just because he is required to hold a position as king in the future.
"Why are you so keen on becoming a king?” Hans asked him. He knew the answer, but at the same time, he was aware that Alexander needed to vent out his frustration and finally choose a path for himself.
“God darn powers,”
“Alexander, do you really need those powers to find Heather, or is it just an excuse for vengeance for your folks?"
Alexander gave it some thought. Hans’s words held truth, and he had the honor of not denying it.
“Probably later. It would be a wonderful sight to behold to see the expression of my folks when I bring them to the society, which they would absolutely loathe. However. It does not change the fact that I do not deserve to be the king.”
Both of them were silent for a good minute.
“What is running in your mind?” Hans finally asked. He could see that Alexander was deep in thought, and he did have something he desired to do.
“I have decided to pass my rein to Juan once he gets back from wherever he went. That is if he wants it. I need to have a proper conversation with him and come to a final decision. Juan, as king, would be good for the Warsavor, and he would prosper in that position. Further, I am done leaving it to other people to find Heather when I should be the one looking for her.”
“That’s a good call. But did you get any word from Juan?”
“No.” Alexander had a worried expression on his face. “It is unlike him to leave without informing. That is something that I do. It is not in nature to disappear. I am kind of worried, but at the same time, I know that he can handle himself.”
Where Alexander's decision was made, something strange caught the attention of Diona and Heather.