"...Brother." I said quietly.
~✧ ~✧~ ✧ ~✧~ ✧ ~✧
While the banquet was still in it's climax, Alex escorted me back to the carriage. Neither of us decided to break the silence.
He took my hand and helped me get in the carriage. He followed soon after I sat down. He sat across me elegantly and looked at me intently.
*He obviously has a lot to say and ask about what happened earlier but is keeping it in.*
I avoided his radar-like eyes and looked out the carriage window as we started to head back to the Dandelion Duchy.
The moon was shining brightly along the fluttering glow of the stars, complimenting the graceful silver and golden features of the Dandelion Dukedom's carriage.
We rode silently the whole time. Arriving in front of the gates, we arrived, he got out first and helped me out in a practiced way, still not uttering a word.
As the carriage left, he stood in front of me, his shadow enveloping my small frame. He looked at me as if scrutinizing me, the wind blowing a soft whistle which made the atmosphere more tense.
I looked back at him, locking our eyes in an intense gaze. The silence almost making me hold my breath.
*...Well, what? Cat got your tongue? Just speak, human--*
~A few minutes later~
The silence dragged on a little longer, the tension turning into a calming motion.
*Oh? The tension has passed... Wait, that's even more bothering!*
I cleared my throat, making him avert his gaze a little.
"If you have something to say, out with it." I said sternly while looking at him.
"..."
*I already made the first move, how come you're still not talking? Sigh, kids these days. Clueless on how to take opportunities. Tsk, tsk.*
"Brother, I'm heading back inside to rest. May you have a peaceful slumber." I said in order to part our ways properly since he showed no sign of speaking up.
I was just about to turn away when I felt his hand grip my wrist. His grip was tight and desperate. I looked at him over my shoulder, making our eyes meet.
His grip tightened even more, he looked eyes roamed my face as if searching something.
*Careful there, you're losing your cool. And are you trying to break my wrist?...*
He let go of my wrist as he saw me wince slightly. He ran his hand through his hair frustratedly, messing it up.
After letting out a frustrated growl he spoke, "Earlier... What happened?
"...I cried." I said casually.
He blinked, a little surprised by my blunt response.
"I... Why did you cry?" He asked softly, though desperation was tingling in his eyes.
*"Why"?... Wait, why indeed... The alcohol? No... Uh, "to ease the painful sorrow that isn't even mine." Can't say that.*
I feigned a pondering expression before replying, "Dust from the wind got into my eyes."
He looked at me, clearly not buying it. "...Is that so?"
He asked with a soft tone, though the desperation for the truth is evident in the was his eyes search mine.
*You're not getting anything from me, little brother. Give it up.*
"Hm. It is so." I said firmly to end the conversation.
When I saw the hesitation in his features, I immediately nodded and walked back to the estate nonchalantly. Leaving him frozen there.
*Feeling burdened by unnecessary things kills people after all. Plus, him seeing me cry was not part of the plan... Wait, what was the plan again? Uh, right. Avoid those lead characters along with the Blaze wizard. And try not to die tragically.*
As I silently went to my room, the enormous size of the main estate felt almost intimidating. It felt utterly quiet, unlike the day when it's bustling with all the servants running, walking, dusting and sweeping around.
I pushed open my room door gently and walked in. Closing the door behind me and locking it with a soft click. I quitely sat down on my bed and sighed heavily, rubbing my face with my hands.
*This day was more tiring than I had ever imagined... So dragging... I'm absolutely drained... Heck to loving your own creations.*
I instantly felt my sleepiness rushing in. My exhaustion was worsen by my crying earlier. I welcomed the the groggy feeling and lied down the bed, sleeping peacefully in 0.5 seconds.
~Back then on the banquet~
"...Brother." I said quietly.
Alex looked at me with an incredulous expression.
"What..." Barely contained shock, visible in his eyes and tone.
I immediately cleared my throat and turned away.
"You didn't have to come find me." I said with a sniffle.
He kept quiet for a moment before finally speaking, "I told you to stick to me."
*Says the one who left me behind you avoid his admirer and to go to his beloved.*
"I was just getting some fresh air." I said dismissively.
"..."
I glanced at him again since he didn't respond.
*Hm?... The real question is... Why are you looking like that?...*
Alex looked at me like a deer looking at a headlight. Completely stuck and frozen.
*Heh.*
I almost wanted to laugh at how silly he looked. He broke his gaze after I cleared my throat once again.
He took out a handkerchief with the Dandelion logo sewed on it, offering it to me.
And since he looked pitiful having his hand reaced out, I took the handkerchief and used it to wipe my tears.
"...Let's go home." He stated, his tone not leaving any room for argument.
I simply nodded.
He took my arm in his once I calmed down. We walked towards the host of the party, Duke Sapphire.
Alex asked the duke to pardon us with the reason, "Father has given us a curfew and we must not test his patience."
Duke Sapphire couldn't help but chuckle, completely understanding how the protectiveness of his friend can be. He agreed with an amused smile and excused us.
*Oh right, Duke Dandelion and Duke Sapphire are friends... Next to say goodbye to is...*
I glanced around, my eyes instantly landing on a gold headed man. Alex and I walked past the crowd to bid farewell to the crown prince, Caleb Theobald Raycroft.
Alex and I bowwed and recited, "Greetings to the rising sun of the empire."
Caleb smiled softly and signaled us to raise our head with a soft humm.
"Alexander, when will you return to the palace? The knights constantly seek yourself to get presence." Caleb said in a slightly teasing tone. "Mostly Blaze."
As Alex raised his head, I followed soon after. The teasing tone of the crown prince making Alex sigh softly.
"Please don't tease, your highness." Alex said in a stoic but strained voice.
*A playful banter between the crown prince and Alex... I can almost feel Erick Blaze's glare from somewhere and Alex didn't even bother to acknowledge it. Heh.*
The crown prince chuckled, clearly amused. He also felt Blaze's glare and glanced at him, smiling softly. Blaze's glare softened a bit after seeing the crown prince's smile since it indicated that he was just teasing. Blaze's brows are still furrowed though.
*Cute... Man, I feel like a mute here.*
I glanced at Alex, my slightly tired eyes speaking for themselves. He bowed again at the crown prince as farewell then raised his head again.
Caleb smiled softly and nodded, "Take care."
"I am thankful for your concern." He said with respect and lighty squeezed my hand that's on his arm.
Understanding his gesture, I looked at the crown prince and bowed lightly. "We will take our leave, your highness." I said with a calm tone.
*He knows about the amnesia thing anyway. Talking calmly should be fine.*
Caleb slightly paused then smiled softly again. "Till we meet again, Lady Dandelion." He said as softly as ever.
*What a facade. He's actually more tough hearted than a barbarian.*
Alex nodded and took a quick glance at Hail. Then he gently walked me out of the banquet with utter silence, both comforting and a little bit peaceful.
*Well, let's just go back and sleep. I'm so tired...*
I held back a yawn as Alex led me to the carriage.