It was no little miscalculation imagining that Mia wouldn't suspect anything. It was the biggest mistake I made that night. The only lucky part was that after pleading and begging her not to tell mother, she agreed on the sole condition that our town visits will cease. Noooo… I was screaming inside, but had no choice. If mother were to know... let's just say that I would rather confront a fire breathing dragon than her anger. I had no choice but to agree although that meant not meeting Damon either. I really liked spending time with him, and now that we will study together at Spiritus, I could show him how he can control his magic a little. But it seems that I won't have a chance to do that now.
The day after the festival, Alex came to visit and was surprised by Mia's attitude towards me. I mean, if stares could kill someone, I would already be dead. Not even my cousin's charm could warm her up to me. You needed the Sun to melt her heart right now, I thought. After having tea, we went to the garden as usual and when we arrived, Alex started questioning me about Mia. Or better said blaming me that I've done something to make her mad. Why does he know me so well?
"What did you do to Mia this time?" he asked while holding his laugh. He of course thought that it was some childish thing. Well, it kinda was?
"Why would you think I've done something to her?" I pouted.
"Is this a trick question?" he laughed. "If anyone can get Mia that angry, that's definitely you."
I was weighing whether I should tell him or not. We were always together doing stupid stuff which will get us in trouble before, but nothing really dangerous. And he would always take care of his little cousin when needed. But, in the end, Alex was always my partner in crime and even if he would lecture me, he might not get too angry.
I told him all about last night. I started with my departure and the fun I had with Damon at the festival and I could see a frown starting to form on his forehead. I told him that I was really worried for my new friend and that I have never seen a festival in my life. When I reached the part when we bravely defended our bullies who were older than us (I had to specify this part), my lovely cousin's face went dark, but surprised at the same time. How could he still be that handsome even when he is angry?
"Stupid!" He didn't let me wait for his answer, but that hurt. "Why would you put yourself in danger for some commoner? And don't tell me you mostly wanted to see the festival, I know you."
"It is not a commoner, he is my friend!" I was upset that he called him 'some commoner', despite the fact that I thought about that before as well.
"Friend or not, you should know better than to put yourself in danger like that. If you really want to protect him, keep yourself safe and take over your parents." he looked me directly in the eyes. I could see that he was not only upset, but really worried that I could have gotten hurt. Why won't he trust I was capable of taking care of myself?
"You should know that I am capable of taking care of myself! I defeated those boys easily and they were older too." That was a childish answer, but I was getting angry. He laughed at me, but it wasn't one of his usual laughs, but a new cold one.
"Really? The great and powerful Fredrika can take care of herself without problem, right?" he threatened me. I was glaring at him when I felt something wrapping around me. There were some branches that appeared out of nowhere. Alex was trying to teach me a lesson, but I wouldn't let him. While the branches were getting tighter, I tried to push him on the ground with air, but he just looked at me with a mocking smile. He could, of course, use air better than me. I tried to direct some water at him instead, but he stopped it with air as well. I could see the water trying to pierce through the air, but it couldn't. My secret weapon then! I will cut these branches using ice. But every time I tried to freeze the water, he would immediately melt it. I was defeated in seconds. I had to give up and sighted.
"Ok, you made your point." I said in a low voice.
"Did I really?" he looked at me to see whether I was serious or not. Maybe he saw something convincing because the branches were now retreating. He sighed as he came near me and put a hand on my head.
"There are dangerous people out there, Fredrika! Just because you could stand against three kids, it doesn't mean you can wander outside carelsy. This place is safe, as well as Spiritus, but there are people who hold grudges against nobility, against your parents. There are both nobles and commoners outlaws who can use magic and even brute force to get what they want. You've been protected by those around you and wouldn't know about it, but please promise me you will be more careful in the future. Don't put yourself in danger, even if it's for your friends. There are other ways to help them," he looked at me so sincerely and caring that I started tearing up. "You are my precious little cousin and it would pain me very much if you were to be hurt. Not only me, but your parents also. And Mia." when hearing that I really started crying on his shoulder. More than a punishment or a three hours lecture about not being careless, his words made me understand how much I meant for them.
After my ugly crying, I sat silently beside him and wondered whether I was wrong or not. Maybe sneaking out at night was wrong, but defending my friend was definitely right. But avoiding trouble was always better than confronting it.
"I will be more careful in the future." I finally said and Alex smiled at me. "But I won't stop defending those I care about, I'll just find better ways to do it." I added.
"I expect so too. Maybe you should rely on others in the future as well." he said. "Come, we have to get back in time for dinner. We don't want to make Mia more angry than she already is." he laughed at me. "I thought that I could melt every maid's heart with my charms, but it seems that you can freeze them faster."
"Haha," I said, pouting. "You better be careful not to make any of them heartbroken by letting them see your lazy side. Or the way you snore when you sleep." I mocked him.
"No such thing, dear cousin. I am perfection when I want to be." He said proudly.
"Not when you fell asleep on the grass the other day. I had to lie to a maid and say that there was a nasty beast sleeping in the forest and she shouldn't approach it." I said while having a serious look on my face.
"You're lying! I never snore!" He defended himself.
"Go ask the maid about the beast then." I said all knowingly.