Chapter 30

"Hector, can't you teach me some actual magic now? Haven't I meditated enough!" Alexis gave out a exasperated outburst as she flopped back onto the comfy grass. The sun beamed on her face, and despite the sunshine, rainbows and kittens, she wasn't at all in a good mood.

"Not until you can control your magic, I heard the prince slapped himself across the face, twice might I add, because of you and if that doesn't show much proof I don't know what will", he had a strong argument so Alexis didn't counter it, instead she chortled as she remembered the princes dumb face.

"That bastar- I mean, that guy had it coming" she quickly corrected herself because no one knew who would be listening in this magic infested world.

"And you almost got beheaded for treason".

"But I'm okay. I'm sure Alastair will lend a hand if that were to happen anyway", she shrugged.

"You overestimate his influence, which might I add you've not made a move to help as of recently".

Alexis groaned at his words. It had been a week since Alastair had jailed her and since then she hadn't caught a whiff of him. She'd just been stuck with Hector whose beautiful face has started to annoy her.

Coincidentally, she couldn't come up with anything to help the rude Emperor either. She'd rack her brain for ideas but they'd all have loopholes or no existing foundation. The orphan idea had truly been a random whim of an idea and since then she hadn't had any of those sparks.

Strangely, she felt a strange lonely hole at the thought. She thought of Alastair who wouldn't see her and it seemed to get bigger.

And at night, when the wind blew and rattled her balcony glass doors, she lay awake thinking about what that old witch had said. She'd wonder if it was true. And whether she wanted it to be.

When she would finally lull herself to sleep, she'd see him. Sitting by himself, staring through high up glass windows. And he always seemed to be looking at her, who would be with Hector doing exactly as she had done the day before.

His face would always be sad. A frown so deep he'd get wrinkles and his hand that would longingly touch the glass.

He would give an exhausted exhale and then turn around grumpily.

And Alexis would wake up with a throbbing head ache. She knew she had to see him. And she wanted to.

But she was scared. Scared of his reaction. Would he usher her away? Or face her as he normally would? With insults and sneers, or with a cold glare that would petrify her?

"How did you find out about the contract details?" Alexis asked, snapping out of her self-pitying.

"I have my ways". And Alexis didn't question any further because she knew that was true.

He had his ways.

A sudden rustling caused her head to snap up as she turned to a sudden burst of voices.

"I hate eating dinner with that guy!"

"Me too! But if we say no then we won't hear the end of it from mother!"

The familiar voice of two girls bickering sounded out from nearby and two heads of green hair where spotted making their way down the middle path of the garden. Behind them walked that miserable looking teenager.

His hunched back showed how enthusiastic he was. And next to him, was the scummiest scumbag she had ever laid eyes on.

That shameless head of blonde hair and the cheerful violet eyes that seemed to meet her gaze when she noticed him. His smile dropped for a mere second when he stared at her and then came back on again as he suddenly stopped walking forward and made his way towards her.

At his advance she jumped up from the soft grass and politely awaited his dreaded arrival. Hector also stood and with the wary glance he gave Alexis, she knew it would be best to not mess up.

"Crown Prince Dwayne", she smiled at him, it was as forced as his own, except more unnatural.

"Miss Mage", he politely nodded with a smirk and Alexis had feeling she knew what was coming, "I heard a very awful rumour that you spent a night behind bars, I hope it's not true?" He tilted his head coyly.

Alexis almost chewed off her lip and the trembling in her hands gave the prince a clear idea that she held back a lot of ferocious barking.

"It is your highness. I've been a bit naughty, haven't I? I thought you'd understand".

"Oh I do", his words dripping in annoyance, "but one night shouldn't be enough".

He walked closer to her his face nearing hers, she stepped back, but his fast fingers pulled her by her arm closer to him.

"Your highness". She threatened, undeterred by her lack of army to help her.

"I've warned you adequately and it seemed my words have been proven true", he whispered in a sly voice to her, "Even if other people don't kill you, that man will. So what's your choice? Come to me or stay by your slayer?"

Alexis felt a shiver run down her back. The way the princes personality swapped was down right horrifying.

"I don't need you to tell me what to do".

She gave him a glare, letting her fierce emotions take over her for just a moment and in reply the princes face beamed as he grasped her arm.

"Sir Mainstar is it? I'll be taking Miss Mage to our monthly family dinner!" He shouted, making the decision on his own accord as he dragged Alexis by her arm.

At that moment Alexis understood that the Emperor and this guy were definitely related.

"I'm training!" She protested.

"Sir Mainstar seems fine with it".

"He's not and neither am I!"

"How dare he refuse royalty and you as well it seems? I could easily shout treason and you'd be back in the dungeons" with that threat Alexis just swallowed her pride and endured the princes will.