Chapter 41

Hector stared at a peony bush in shock, he stared for much longer than one who just wanted to appreciate its beauty and his thought were obvious to Alexis who felt naked and exposed at having spoken her story.

"I knew you had a tale to tell, but, I would've never expected something like that…"

"I know, if someone told me the same story before I would've thought they had screw loose", a nervous smile on her face as she sympathised.

"But I must say", Hector turned to her with a look of understanding, "it makes sense".

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"… Let's start our lesson now" Hector smiles trying to evade her question and for once she went wit him, thinking it might be better to not know.

"Fine".

"Thank you Alexis",

She wasn't sure for what it might be, but she smiled and accepted it.

Unbeknownst to them, Dwayne sat a ways off, hiding behind a bush so still, he went unnoticed by them due to his mana repelling necklace, otherwise he'd be noticed long ago.

His mind was all over the place at the words he had heard, but like Hector he thought it made more sense that she was from somewhere so far rather than being a slave.

He felt plans cultivating in his mind as a sinister smile spread across his face.

'Finally', he thought, 'Finally I have found my brothers weakness'.

But then he stepped forward to move and in his excitement he didn't noticed the twig that snapped beneath his foot, if he had mana he'd teleport like most royals had the luxury skill that they were bore with, but he had nothing and could only wait when Hector appeared before him with a cautious glare.

"It seems we have a visitor, I knew walls had ears, but to think bushes had them too".

Dwayne gulped slightly at the unexpected change of events and tried to straighten himself out.

"I was resting and just happened to hear your conversation", he defended confidently, noticing the small Mage who also came to where they confronted each other.

She also glared at him and shook her head as if to show disappointment, "I knew your personality was bad, but to think you'd listen to private conversations…"

The prince felt offended by her words, but knowing full well he had an advantage here he just smirked.

"And so I listened? Is that a problem? Miss otherworlder", he tilted his head, knowing he was on the better end of the conversation.

"No".

Dwayne a bit stunned at the reaction asked again.

"Are you sure?" His voice was less certain.

"Completely". Alexis started to walk off with Hector who gave an amused chuckle.

"B-But isn't this a secret?"

"Only if you want it to be", was all she said as walked back to the garden she usually trained in and Dwayne followed confused.

"So you don't care who knows?"

Alexis groaned in annoyance, "no. It's not a big deal".

And much to Dwaynes Chagrin, the afternoon went as usual and nothing was out of place, except when Hector was leaving and Alexis clung onto him and was forcefully stripped away from him by Alastair who looked extremely annoyed.

Dwayne always felt a bit weirded out at the array of facial expressions his brother made from time to time around the slave girl- no the other world girl.

It made him feel a bit envious, it was familiar for him. When he wanted something someone else had, the difference for him was that it didn't matter what age he was, he would always find it in his grasp sooner or later.

Miss Mage would be no different.

When Hector had left, Alastair turned to his brother whose appearance here had been suspiciously regular, he felt a threat when ever Dwayne came by and when he noticed the stare he gave Alexis he realised what was happening.

Memories of small Alastair playing with his only toy which was crafted by Amelia from wood, it was a carriage and he would take it everywhere. That also meant to the main castle when there was a ball that all royal blood had to attend.

And his carriage came into the sight of Dwayne who was a little more than a toddler back then, surrounded by mountains of toys. He lost it that night. As had he lost the affection of his father to him. And the affection of any human worker in the palace.

He realised later that he never really had anything. Nothing belonged to Alastair, but Dwayne was different. Dwayne had everything.

And when he wanted something…

Alastair threw an arm around Alexis, giving her a half hug tightly while staring down his younger brother. Dwayne raised his brows at it but soon gave a challenging smile.

"Farewell Miss fairy, no- miss otherworlder", he said with a cheery grin and Alastair grip tightened at his words.

"How did the bastard find out?" He asked her harshly.

"He was eavesdropping while wearing a mana repellant so his presence went unnoticed", she replied annoyed at his angry attitude.

Alastair didn't reply after that, knowing full well his brother wanted something and along side that, he glanced at Alexis who gave him a slightly concerned look. She was still wrapped in his arm.

He held her face tenderly with a look that made Alexis feel as though she was a rare gem. A blush skidded across her face and her heart started to beat and all to soon she couldn't handle being in the Emperor grip any longer.

She tried to push away from him but to no avail.

"Let me hold you for a bit", he demanded and her body complied, deciding to comply with his whims.

"Do you know when Amelia will be here?" She asked trying to cool her heating body.

"Soon, she enjoys surprises", was all he said as he rested his head on his shoulder, again, he felt that soothing feeling, his always tense body relaxed and he felt warm, everywhere.

Alexis was feeling the same thing and basked in his warmth for a bit, until she heard rustling and they both jumped apart from each other, turning anxiously to the noise.

Agathus stood there clearing his throat with a glare at Alexis, like a mother in law or something.

"Your highness, today is the day for the royal visit to the barracks, will you be attending?" He asked.

Alastair gave a glance to Alexis who stared interestedly at him, "yes, I will be, and so will Dirt over here".

"Just call me Alexis!" She snapped and as usual, went ignored

"Have her dwarfs prepare her and get my clothes ready", was all he said as Alexis felt herself being dragged away by three familiar child like bodies.

Despite her curses, Alexis sported a smile. She was happy Alastair cracked her thoughts without her saying anything.