Chapter 82

Despite feeling peaceful, Alexander woke up startled. He was sweating profusely. As he looked around, Heather was nowhere to be found, so he dressed himself and rushed downstairs. As he hurriedly stepped downstairs, he was surprised to find Juan sitting closely beside Diona on the sofa. How much he missed in this short span of time, he thought to himself.
“How are you feeling?” Juan got up from the couch and looked at his brother. He knew that his elder brother witnessed the close proximity between him and Diona.
“Where is Heather?” Alexander asked instead.
“Heather has gone outside to the stables,” Diona said.
“Stable? Do not tell me she is planning to ride in that condition of hers.” Alexander's eyes widen in fear of losing his child.
“What condition?” Juan asked with a small frown on his face.
Before Alexander could reply, Heather came walking towards them as gracefully as ever. “He is still in the phase where I was bruised. Pay no heed to him, Juan.”
Alexander, however, had enough. “Heather, you cannot hide from me forever, particularly when you have my child in your womb.”
Juan and Diona both had their eyes widening, and Heather wanted to strangle Alexander.
“Heather, you are with a child?” Diona asked, and a sudden realization hit her. “No wonder you were able to survive the attack in the dungeon.”
“What do you mean?” Juan asked Diona.
“I… I listened to your conversation with Aunt Mabel, where you mentioned that you were given poison." Diona mentioned it before explaining the legendary myth. "There is no rationale behind the story, but when a woman is with a child, no power can destroy her, especially with the power she possesses." Diona elucidated.
“You were served poison? Mother had crossed all bounds.” Juan stated furiously.
“Yes,” Heather said. She could still sense the burning taste in her mouth, making her pale.
Her reaction made Alexander feel guilty. She had suffered leaps and bounds because of him.
“Heather, I deeply apologize for everything my folks have done,” Juan said as he was ashamed of his parents' actions. “But I am glad that it is you who will bring my nephew or niece to this world.”
Heather could only smile at the response.
“We cannot go back to Warsavor to retaliate, Heather,” Diona stated. “It will not be safe for you.”
Alexander, however, looked at Diona. “And this place is safe for her? We are currently in Boonsdock. I do understand that the locals love her, but I do not trust them. We even have our child to think about now.”
Heather, however, intervened. “This is my home, Alexander. This place is no temporary residence but the dwelling of the Gonzales family. It is a prime location that connects Mystes and Boonsdock. This is the safest place I could ever be in. What I do not understand is how in the world you found me."
"It should not have been too hard, but I was rather fooled not to think that you would return to Boonsdock. After a long search, when I was unable to trace you, I figured that there was only one place where you would be able to reside undetected. It was not easy to enter this territory once again, especially when the natives are not fond of me. Further, I had my doubts about you commanding to execute me the moment anyone saw a single glimpse of me, but deep inside, I knew that you would never take the step, so I was not really surprised to only be the victim of the glare of the natives here. Rest, I followed my instincts only to be attacked by one of your guards and dragged here the previous night."
"That makes sense." Heather nodded at his explanation. "However, it still does not change the fact that this place is my home, and I will not leave because of your silly apprehensions."
Alexander grew furious at his words, "Do not dare to belittle my concern, Heather. You have no clue how terrified I have been of your well-being all this time. I do understand your familiarity with this place, but I cannot shake the feeling of being uncomfortable here."
Before Heather could respond, Juan intervened. "Alexander, I apologize, but I stand by Heather. This is, in reality, a safe harbor. Trust her on this. It may not look like it, but once you get to know the people around here, you start loving this place. Further, her home is surrounded by the best of both regions. Mystes and Boonsdock."
The expression of bafflement was evident on Alexander's face.
“You should sit down, Alexander,” Juan said.
“What is going on? I feel entirely lost with everything. I am unable to understand anything or piece any puzzle together. Heather, please tell me everything. I can no longer work in mazes. You recall your memories; Juan and Diona love each other, and now his affection towards Boonsdock.”
“You found out?” Juan asked.
“One look, and it is apparent that the two of you are in love. I have been there, brother. I know the feeling.” Alexander said to his brother, but what he saw was guilt in his younger brother's eyes.
“Do not feel guilty. I just want to know everything.”
Juan let out a sigh and looked at Diona. They knew that it was about time they came clean with the truth. It was Juan who began, “Do you remember the time when you disappeared?”
“I do. Mother and Father were behind me to get married to Diona then. I could no longer take it, so I left to search for answers.” Alexander said.
Juan nodded. “During your search, my mother and father asked me to portray as you in front of Diona.”
Alexander's eyes widen at his brother’s words, “This is ridiculous.”
Juan could not help but let out a small chuckle. “It does sound deeply ridiculous and illogical, but I had to meet Diona as Alexander Diadem. That was the first time I met her. Even though I was uncomfortable lying to her, I was not given much of a choice, so I did what I was expected to do. While you were on the lookout, Diona and I came close. However, a couple of days before your return, I revealed everything about me being your brother.”
“Which I already knew from the very beginning,” Diona added.
“You did? Then why did you play along?” Alexander asked.
“My alliance with you was something inevitable. So, during that moment, it was the only thing I could have done.” Diona replied.
“So, during my absence, the two of you fell in love. Why did you not tell me about it? Juan, you should have mentioned it to me. We could have figured things out." Alexander could not believe that his brother was sacrificing his love for his sake.
Juan gave him a sad smile. “I would have come to you, Alexander. I was planning to do that, but before that, I needed to hear affirmations from Diona as well. We were already in a big disagreement during that time. There was something between us, but she refused to acknowledge my love for her because she was dead set on marrying you. That is the reason I decided to keep quiet."
“Why Diona? From what I can see, it is apparent that you adore my brother. Why did you not agree to marry him, and how did you figure out that it was not me? As per my knowledge, you have never come to Warsavor.” Alexander pointed this out.
Diona smiled at him. “As I mentioned, Alexander, I was not given much choice. I am not proud of everything I have done, but at the same time, I also know that if I am put in similar circumstances, I will repeat my actions once again. Whereas knowing you? We have already met, Alexander. Multiple times. Who did you think helped Heather sneak out when you both wanted to meet each other?”
“I do not comprehend. You are making no sense to me.” Alexander had a frown on his face.
“Alexander, it was not only Heather who lost her memories, but so did almost everyone who knew her. Including your folks.” Diona elucidated.
“What?”
“Yes, it is true that your alliance with Gonzales was fixed, but it was not with me. You were always supposed to marry Heather, and the two of you, along with both families, were elated that the both of you liked each other, but unfortunately, the two of you were torn apart.”
Alexander was silent for a good minute. This was too much information and seemed rather delusional. "If my folks already knew her and were happy with her, then presently why were they so against her?”
“Alexander, none of you remember Heather. The only memories you have of her are when you met her in Mystes. Prior to that, you do not even recall her existence.”
“Do you remember everything?” Alexander turned to Heather.
“Yes. I remember everything.” Heather nodded.
“Is this some kind of shenanigan being played against us?” Alexander asked.
"Heather, tell him the truth,” Mabel showed herself along with Arkin.
“Mabel…” Alexander muttered.
“Good to finally see you in a healthy state, Alexander. Why do you not sit down?”
Alexander nodded and sat down.
Heather looked at her folks for confirmation, to which they nodded. She looked at Juan and Diona, who displayed their affirmation with a small nod.