~That very night~
Alex was in a turmoil. His mind debating whether to tell Duke Dandelion about Alexandria's display of pain or to keep silent about it.
He head to the duke's study regardless. As he was just about to knock, "Come in."
The duke's voice was cold and calculating.
Alex paused slightly before opening the door, the moon gleaming brightly and visibly outside the window beside the duke. Seeing the usual warm and bright expression of his father replaced by a scrutinising one, only explained that his father already knew that his older sister cried.
"Explain." The duke said with a cold tone and sharp gaze while intertwining his fingers in his front and elbows leaned on his desk.
Alexander wasn't even surprised as to why his father knows already.
Knowing the over protective nature of Duke Dandelion, he probably wasn't content with just Alex watching over Alexandria so he sent Astrid in secret to watch over her sister as well.
Alex understood that Duke Dandelion isn't the type to rest easy when it comes to Alexandria. But still, he felt a sense of disappointment that his father didn't trust him enough and even sent his personal assassin and spy.
He instantly shook off his feeling and looked back at the duke. His stoic facade not letting a hint of emotion escape.
"..."
As Alex remained silent, the duke speaks up. "I told you to not let her out of your sight." The duke paused.
"Not only did she wander off to the balcony by herself, she also shed tears." His tone was piercing as he uttered the last part.
Alex involuntarily gulped at the duke's tone.
"Am I too lenient for you to take my words seriously, my son?" The duke's tone was soft. But it made Alex uneasy, he knew that the duke only uses a tone as soft as a feather when he's angry.
"I apologise, father. I have let myself be at ease. I shall accept any punishment that you decide to place on me." Alex stated, guilt evident in his voice, as he bowed his head that was lifted high just seconds ago.
Truly, Alexander kept a close eye on Alexandria at the banquet. Tis why when Alexandria head towards the balcony, he followed soon after.
He was going to stick to Alexandria as the Duke instructed, but... he didn't. Because the moment he stepped in the Sapphires' banquet venue, he felt Astrid's presence. And a bit, it pained him, that his father didn't believe in his capabilities. So he let his emotion get the best of himself and acted out, leaving Alexandria alone and headed to Hail.
The duke's expression softened a bit, but not fully. "Lift your head."
Alex complied and lifted his head, looking straight at his father's eyes.
Duke Dandelion sighed and rubbed his temple. "What did her expression while crying tell you?"
The duke knew full well that his son was as stubborn and opinionated as him so he decided to just brush off his actions. And asked about Alexandria's expression while crying, hoping that he'll figure out what goes on his daughter's mind.
Alex shook his head. "Nothing. Her expression was as calm as a windless desert." He said obediently with a tingle of frustration and concern at his older sister's confusing actions.
The duke pondered for a while before simply nodding. "I see. Go back and rest." He said dismissively.
"Yes, father." He said with a nod.
Without a single sound, Alex left the duke's study. As he walked through the hallway, he ran his hand through his hair again.
He couldn't help but think that things were so confusing. The question "Why did she cry?" repeating in a tiring cycle.
Endless reasons appear in his mind but he can't quite conclude them. "Did her memories return?", "Did someone bother her at the banquet? But I kept my eye on her, nobody approached her--"
He kept on thinking of possible reasons as to why Alexandria cried until one thing had a better explanation.
Remembering the happenings in the banquet earlier, the only person who approached Alexandria was Erick Blaze. He suddenly felt a rage of anger seep through his calm demeanor.
He gripped his sword tightly with an enraged expression and stormed off to the horse rack.
Despite the fact that what he was going to do is completely reckless, he didn't care. He's a teenager regardless of how mature he is, he's sensitive. His anger was veiled with a calm exterior. But he gritted his teeth trying to supress it.
Riding the fastest horse of the Dandelion Duchy, he rode like an arrow being released.
Not less than half an hour, he arrived at the "Blaze Dukedom's outer gate". The "outer gate" was a barrier that incircled the whole Blaze Dukedom.
Without permission, even a gust of wind won't be able to enter the barrier. Be it horses, carriages, animals and humans. Either you're a Blaze wizard or someone like Alex whom a Blaze wizard feels affectionate at.
After getting off the horse, Alex stormed in the Blaze's outer gate without struggle.
~In Erick Blaze's balcony~
Erick Blaze was peacefully reading a book in his balcony. Wearing a half open shirt that revealed his chiseled chest. The fresh air and the cool night wind combined with the little specks of lights that he casted, created a peaceful serenity.
His ring shined beautifully in the influence of the little lights, flipping page by page gracefully. Because he had always found it troublesome to bring the lamp, he just uses his magic as a source of light.
He flipped a page and read intently, then paused. As he felt a familiar presence entering the outer gate, he immediately closed his book.
"Alexander's visiting me. Good or bad?... My beloved has always been cold and he's not visited me, even once. Hm... Let's check it out regardless."
Erick felt somewhat nervous. The only explanation as to why Alex visited was because he did something to anger him truly this time. Erick thought, 'I behaved to the fullest though... What's wrong now, Alex?"
He always liked teasing Alex to get a reaction or rise out of him but he always watched out to not make Alex completely angry.
He sighed his feelings away and straightened his posture that was once leaning on the railing of the balcony.
With a lively whistle, he teleported towards the "inner gate". The "inner gate" was is the middle of the "outer gate", it's an another huge barrier. But it's main purpose, incircling the Blaze manor, was to protect the heads of the heads of the Blaze Dukedom.
And just outside it was flowers of all kinds, Erick himself casted a spell for it for the reason that it was too dull with just grasses.
~Outside the inner gate~
Erick teleported to the outside of the inner gate. Seeing Alex striding angrily yet calmly in the vast field of flowers, he looked alluring yet intimidating. Erick instantly wondered as to what mistake he had made.
Alex saw him and approached with a cold expression.
When Erick was certain that Alex was in a distance that he could hear his voice, he speaks up.
"What'd I owe the pleasure of you visiting me? Alexander?" Erick's tone was in between weary and playful. Though his heart was nervous with it's beats that seemed to leap twice as before, he decided to play it off.
"Erick Elsher Blaze, what words did you spoke to my sister?" Alex said with a stoic expression, yet with visible anger. "Choose your words wisely for I am barely restraining myself."
His words made Erick pause completely, his heartbeat paused, his thinking paused, he himself entirely paused as well.
"What do you mean?" was the only phrase he could uttter.