Chapter 59

He gestured to the large door, leaving her to go the rest of the way on her own. Something she hadn't expected.

"You're not coming?" She quietly whispered, a look of despair on her face.

Agathus just shook his head and pushed her large frame forward. Her nose barely avoided smushing against the door as she stopped, gulping and then taking a deep breath as she opened the door.

Alastair, who had been broodingly staring outside, wondering where Alexis had gone, turned to the door. He didn't expect to see her there, staring at him nervously.

The emptiness was a bit better now, softer than before but still painfully evident.

"Alexis".

She walked forward, standing in front of his desk, "I wanted to apologise for yesterday. I was reckless and I can't tell you how many times I realised that in that mine, but the fact that if I could help you improve your image by helping the Jewel Family really kept me going. I know I don't deserve to be forgiven, but I don't want you to hate me".

She couldn't have been able to convey this yesterday after she had lost her temper, but sleeping and thinking about it made it easier to understand that she was just scared.

Scared he would abandon her.

Scared he would hate her.

Alastair continued to stare at her, a smile making its way up his face. Last night had helped him too. He had calmed down as well, realising he let his brothers words get to him when he knew best that Alexis wanted to get home and by doing so she wouldn't betray him. It still bothered him, but at the same time he also didn't want her to hate him.

"I'm glad", he started, startling Alexis who stared solemnly at her feet, "I'm glad you're alive and well. If you had been hurt I don't think I would've been able to forgive Emilia… or myself".

"It wouldn't have Emilia's fault or yours. It would've been mine!"

"No. I bought you here. I made that contract. I've been avoiding thinking about it and I've been regretting it more than anything", his fists clenched, jaw grinding as he recalled the thoughtless contract he made. He bounded Alexis. "But it's there. And I can't avoid it any longer. You're right Alexis. You need to improve my image, otherwise"- his throat constricted and guilt washed over him.

It was so painful he couldn't breath. The emptiness expanding so much . It was his atonement. His punishment for his actions.

A soft hand landed on his shoulder, and Alexis worried face neared his.

"Hey… don't blame yourself for that. It's not your fault".

"It is!" He denied.

'How can you be so stupid! It's my fault! I'm the reason!' he thought.

"You had no choice. If you didn't, your family would've killed you", she grasped his tight hands rubbing them to soften their clenched grip.

"I should've just waited for them to do that instead of dragging you here", his head rested on her shoulder, unintentionally as she leaned towards him.

"Don't you dare say that!" She snapped grasping his face and holding it towards hers. "I won't let them kill you even if I die in the process!" She felt such a painful feeling at the thought of Alastair dying, leaving her alone.

"But if you can't help me then you'll die" his lips shook as he said those words that painfully reminded him of the words he had spoken so carefree.

"Yes. We'll both die. Which is why we have to stay here together and fight the forces that try to bring you down together. Both of our lives rely on this, Alastair", she stared deeply into his eyes with fiery determination.

It was infectious. Beautiful. Captivating.

"I wish you didn't have to face them at all"…

Alexis sighed at the man who seemed to loathe himself. This man she hated to see in such a helpless state.

'Why can't he just be an arse again?' She thought.

"I think we would've met anyway. Even if you didn't bring me here. You're my fate" she smiled at him, she couldn't have imagined not meeting this man who would bring so much flavour to her world. She had been living so dully, blending in wherever she could that she never had the chance to appreciate what she had.

Until, she met Alastair.

Alastair's eyes widened at the girl who's seemed to sparkle just then, the emptiness from earlier had disappeared and he hadn't even noticed. Her small frame wrapped around him while he stared at her in shock.

'How could someone so precious, so wonderful and perfect, say that to someone like me?' He thought, he couldn't believe it. Despite his thought, he returned the hug.

As always, it was warm and comforting. And soothing.

Just like Alastair had instructed, Alexis, Hector, Adam and the five knights as well some back up knights had set out to cure the goblin infestations.

David Crotina seemed to tag along occasionally too, claiming he was playing hooky. It was a bit ironic since he was still working.

The large amount of them and the always training Alexis tackled them with ease. Discovering stray after stray, all of which Alexis lifted the curse from, except the last one.

The reason being is that none of the recalled anything after the curse had been lifted and they concluded that a cursed one might give off more information.

It was noted that they all seemed to target Alexis, trying to claim her as their companion. How they wanted to accomplish that was unknown since Alexis seemed to easily apprehend them.

This was all done before Alastair's birthday, leaving Alexis with only a week to prepare.

The plus side was that a lot of the victims of the infestations were praising the emperors competency. Singing good praise wherever they went. This improved Alastair image with the common folk and soon word spread among nobility.

Rumours of how Alastair was curing caves faster than any emperor had ever dreamed to resulted in praises and both fear. The emperor was someone powerful and he proved it. He gained the support of the nobilities weakness, their workers, servants and their people.

And thus, if they acted without thought their own reputations would be shambles.

Things worked out well for a bit, until Alexis returned after her last expedition to a fine quality letter, wax sealed and waiting for her expected arrival.