Chapter 8

"This is going to grow into a magnificent plant, Heather Crown," Alexander said as Heather used a spare handkerchief tucked under the belt of her dress to clean the dirt from her hands.
He could see Heather Crown was excited to sow the sunflower seeds she had purchased at the nursery as they left the conservatory. She walked with a contented grin on her face the entire time.
With each step they took closer to her home, he could feel the excitement bubbling inside of her. Her enthusiasm was rubbing off on him, making him even more inclined to assist her with her new plantation outside the yard. She, however, suggested that he must rest, but he was adamant.
If he had been back at his own house, he would not have bothered with such mediocre tasks, but because of Heather Crown, he has now acquired a newfound interest in gardening. Watching Heather Crown work her magic to create her own miniature heaven was quite fascinating.
She buried her soft, delicate palm in the mud to correctly plant the seeds, and Alexander Diadem was impressed with how she did so without a second thought.
Despite his lack of gardening experience, watching her work not only acquainted him with her favorite hobby, but he was also able to memorize every feature of her face that he possibly could, especially her tiny frown as she concentrated on her new task, and her lovely smile as she felt satisfied with the development she made. He was even captivated by her hands, which glided gently and tenderly in between the mud.
Heather Crown is a passionate lady, and he could see a glimpse of her compassion and beauty both inside and outside her dwelling.
In all truthfulness, it was not the same sensory experience and grandeur he saw in the conservatory, but the contentment he felt in the company of Heather Crown was contagious. Over the course of a few days, he had never felt more at home than he did.
Heather's response to his remarks, though, made him smile and his heart flutter.
"I pray so. I appreciate you helping me with these seeds and taking the time to do so. I sincerely hope that you did not overwork yourself on my behalf," Heather said with a smile but also with a tint of worry on her face.
As much as Alexander was feeling worn out, the current day had also given him a fresh lease on life. His present divinity was not overwhelmed by the weariness he was experiencing.
To make his point, he moved cautiously in her direction, stopping just in front of her to get close to her yet not crossing the imaginary line he had created to stay within bounds. He placed his palm on her cheeks and used his fingers to gently remove the specs of mud that were covering fragments of her face.
"I am alright, but I do suppose I should lay down for a little while. To be perfectly honest, weariness is catching up with me, but it is a welcome feeling if I get to spend some time with you like I am now."
In an effort to disregard the newly found feelings she has when Alexander touches her or talks sentimentally to her, Heather casts a worried glance at him.
She, however, was alarmed when she heard the word 'weariness.' She ought to have handled him with more caution. He was still recovering and needed all the rest he could possibly get. Her anxiety consumed her thoughts, and she spoke a few of them out loud.
"You should have told me sooner. Under no circumstances should you exert yourself. You must obtain as much rest as you can."
"I wanted to help you." He spoke softly to her.
She mumbled, "You did not have to," as her feelings overwhelmed her.
"I wanted to." He murmured, repeating the word ‘want’ again.
"Not anymore. You are going to rest now. You have put forth enough effort for today." She immediately came beside him and led him to her bedroom, where she assisted him in lying on the bed.
"I feel just fine, Heather Crown. If I must dare to say so, I nearly feel like my former self," he added, but she refused to hear him.
She is willing to compromise on anything except his health.
"You believe that, Alexander Diadem. These are merely the effects of my medication, which I may say are rather powerful. Once the drug entirely wears off, you will feel fatigued, and it will sneak up on you like never before."
"You are one determined lady, Heather Crown." He remarked, his eyes brightening as he sensed her concern for him.
"I am compelled to be if you do not listen to me. I am quite worried about your health. Now, you rest while I prepare our supper."
Alexander was going to approach her with the intention of assisting her when she firmly put her hand on his shoulder, imprisoning him in her arms.
"Please let me help you. You might also be feeling tired out from everything you have done since the rise of the sun." He insisted.
Heather gave a slow head shake and replied, "Not more than you. Considering your condition, you have assisted me more than you should have. You must now regain all of your energy. After some rest, if you appear alright, I might allow you to go outside for some fresh breath of air."
"Allow me?" He gave a small, hearty chuckle.
Other than his mother, no other woman had the authority to flip the permission switch on him. But Heather Crown appears to be the one lady to whom he would willingly give up his independence.
"When you allow me out, Ma'am, I sincerely hope you will come with me." Alexander emphasized the term 'allow' in his statement.
But as he laughed, Heather's heart began to race. Her ears may grow accustomed to the wonderful sound. She would not mind hearing his voice and chuckling all day if she could listen to his full-throated belly laugh.
"I will join you, but only on one condition. You are going to promise me to take rest for the time being." Heather Crown beamed as she negotiated.
"As you say, Heather Crown. You hold all of my strings."
Heather Crown may or may not have understood the full import of his remarks, but he was certain that he heard her when she whispered, "I promise not to break those strings."
He knew that she would not. At least not intentionally.
On the other hand, when she saw Alexander Diadem shutting down his eyes, she softly whispered, "Sweet dreams, Alexander Diadem."