Impatient Guest

*King Alexander*

Time has moved on. Alexander gazed out the window to admire the seasonal change. The once lush green leaves of the trees were now turning shades of brass, gold, and red. The crickets' song faded as the nights grew colder. Autumn would soon be upon them. The joy of summer and all its wonders had given way to a time of duty and responsibility.

A bittersweet sight in more than one way. He watched the fire flicker in the marble hearth. 

It wasn't cold enough for a fire, but the study's chill made him reach for a sweater. His fingers scratched against the grey wool, leaving him to his thoughts once more. 

It was foolish, but he felt it all the same. Years had passed in silence, yet now that she was gone again, it was like a string had knotted around his heart and tugged at her absence.

How funny memory worked, he noted. It was just a short few weeks ago that she was here. Laughing in his halls, dancing in his arms. His sweet baby girl, so timid yet steadfast. 

He had to smile thinking back at how difficult it was just to get her to call him 'papa' again. Only going to show how the time apart was even harder on her. She had no one there. 

Well, there was one. But the thought of Nugen didn't ease anything. If at all, he clenched his hands with an uneasy sigh. That man was the only thing standing between Ana and those wolves. 

Alexander forced his shoulders to relax, leaning back in the leatherbound chair. This would do him no good to sit and dwell on such things. He knew it. But then, what else was there to do.

He hated waiting.

"I hope everything is alright back there-" Alexander didn't get to finish the thought as the door opened. It was the very man he'd been waiting to see.

Johan closed the door, his face slightly pink from the cool air outside. He was just back from speaking with Nettle, the postmaster. 

Alexander leaned forward to squeak the chair.

"Well?" He spoke breathless, meeting Johans' eyes. "Has it come?"

Johan nodded. "It has." He pulled the envelope of red wax over to him.

"Finally!" Nicoli, sprung from the couch. His little curls bounced as he marched up to see. He had been eagerly waiting for the past few weeks now, awaiting the mail like a habit. His camp consisting of crayons, papers, and the few books his mother forced him to read (which didn't always work). 

His grin was bright, showing all his teeth as his sapphire eyes sparkled as he lifted his hands, grabbing the air.

"Give me! Give me! I want to see!" He chanted.

Alexander lifted the envelope out of reach before giving him a measured look.

"Son," He brandished. This was not the behavior of a boy of almost 10, let alone a soon to be king. But just as quickly, he couldn't fault him. If he had felt the pull of her departure, the boy was drowning in it. He had been suffering this wait as much as he was. If not more.

But it's here. Finally.

He let out a relieved breath, moving for his golden letter knife. Slicing the top open, he pulled out the neat card stock. The sight of Ana's swirling cursive immediately brought back a smile. It felt so long since he had seen it.

She must be quite busy now. Alexander noted. Ana had not written much after returning, just a few letters when she could. Each one short and to the point. Much to his son's annoyance. But he could understand. Transitions of power were already a handful. It was going to be some time before she'd have the chance to truly sit down and write.

At least she is writing again. 

That was blessing enough with all things considering. 

Below him, Nicoli huffed.

"Baah! Fine. I already know what it'll say."The boy pouted, crossing his arms for dramatic effect. But even then, his brown lips curled at the edges. Excitement sparked behind his blue eyes. It was an act. 

 He was quite the opposite. 

Nicoli lifted his head to declare. "I'll start packing!" He turned on his boot with a squeak before all three heard the voice call back. Her presence confirmed by the click of the heel as she stole into the doorway.

"What would you need to pack for, sweetie?." The voice called before grey eyes rounded on all of them. Her dress nearly took up the whole space of the door. He could see she was falling into the heavier fabrics of her wardrobe- the velvets, the wools, the furs. Making her dress just a little bulkier, even after the hoop skirt. Giving her an even stronger presence.

Not that she ever needed one. Alexander put the invitation back into the envelope and dropped it to his side. He glanced at the clock to notice it only took her less than ten minutes. 

Ten minutes for one of her lackeys to give word that the invitation had arrived. Making her suddenly appear.

Impressive on her part.

Concerning on his. 

He tucked the envelope into his pocket.

"Ah, hello, my dove."He greeted, with a smile as always. She returned the smile with one of her own crafted ones. But neither was fooling the other. It was more for Nicoli's sake at this point that they pretended. 

"I didn't hear you come in."

"I was on my way to check on you two." Belinda's voice was sweet, lips curling into a motherly smile. But her gaze flickered to Alexander's pocket. She knew. She wasn't even hiding it.

Her heels clicked against the floor as she stepped in. "And I'm glad I did." Her sharp gray eyes swept the room—the leather couches, the mahogany bookshelves, the portrait. Something dark flickered across her face before she dismissed it and turned to her true target.

She stopped behind Nicoli, placing manicured hands on his shoulders. "You can't go."

Nicoli nearly fell over. "What!" He shoved her hands off and spun to his father. "But I haven't seen Ana in ages!" His voice pitched with urgency, blue eyes pleading.

"She barely writes!" He threw in a dramatic pout for good measure. "Please, Dad! I want to see Ana too!"

He kept his gaze firm on Alexander, and it was somewhat working. He could feel that tug on his heart. It was never easy to say no to him–especially when it was about his sister. 

"Wife," Alexander sighed, lifting his head to meet his wife. But the look on her face was unyielding.

"It's bad enough that you are going." Belinda snapped coldly. 

"Belinda," Alexander immediately stiffened, at the tone. That was her in attack mode. It would be best not to tempt her.

It was either him or Nicoli. And he already knew who he'd pick.

Alexander sighed, casting a sympathetic look at the boy.

Nicoli immediately frowned.

"Dad," He whined, opening his mouth to start up. But he was ready to catch him there.

"Listen to your mother, Nicoli. She's going to be in charge while I'm gone." He tried to smile, but it was too little too late. The boy broke free from his mother to look at them both, with heat flashing across his blue eyes. Biting back at both of them.

"But I want to go!" He insisted.

"Nicoli," Alexander moved for him, but Nicoli jumped further back. He crossed his arms and looked away with betrayal on his face. A slow stir of childlike curses falling under his breath.

"Not fair….want to see her too…hells…"

Alexander had to stop the amused smile from forming on his lips. 

Since when did he get old enough to start cursing? 

It was both heartwarming and breaking to see his boy just a little older. Like he lost something in a blink of an eye.

Belinda, meanwhile, pressed her lips at the sight. But whatever reprimands she had, she seemed to keep for the moment. Instead, turning back to regard him. 

"So you plan to leave me alone in the Kingdom?" 

There's that tone again. Alexander sucked in a slight hiss through his teeth. 

"You're more than capable of running things, my love." He applied in his sweetest voice, hoping to appease her a little. And to seal the deal, he took her hand to plant a kiss. Something that usually worked. And did.

Belinda's hard expression softened.

"Your flattery can only go so far." 

Alexander leaned in to kiss her cheek. "But you love it." 

Belinda leaned in. "You devil." She cooed softly before her fingers crawled up to tug on his beard. Playfully. Her mood has improved again.

Alexander inwardly smiled, relieved he dodged the argument before it started.

Hopefully, she'll stay this way, but just as he thought it, he might have spoken too soon. He had forgotten Nicoli was still in earshot. And still mad.

"Why can't I go!" He forced himself in between. He looked at both parents with a stern look. "I need to see Ana!" 

 Alexander ruffled Nicoli's hair. "Next time."

Has the boy grown taller? Alexander muses. He was sure Nicoli was as tall as his belt just yesterday. But now he was at his chest.

Perhaps he had.

Again, Alexander sighed. It was hard to see his children growing so fast.

Nicoli, meanwhile, only pouted and turned back."Then invite Ana over here," He suddenly brightened, catching himself. "I know. Invite her to my birthday! Yes, we can invite Ana-"

"Ana is going to be busy, Nicoli." His mother cut in.

"Busy?" Nicoli scrunched his nose, not liking the answer. "Busy with what?"

 "She is an Empress now. She will not have time to humor ill-tempered little boys and silly birthdays." 

Nicoli scowled. "I am not little."

"Regardless," Belinda wagged her finger. "She has enough on her plate. You don't want to nag her, do you?".Belinda looked up to Alexander for support.

"Don't you agree, dear?" 

Alexander stiffened at the sudden turn. He'd married the woman long enough to realize this wasn't a simple question. Nothing was with her.

But, at least here, He knew how to answer.

"She's right, Nicoli."

Belinda beamed. "See?" She cradled Nicoli's face. "Now—there's a letter for you."

Nicoli groaned. "Another?"

His frustration made both men stifle a chuckle. Making the queen shoot them both a warning. Before turning back to the boy, all sweet again.

"Of course she did." Belinda smiled. "She loves talking to you." 

"Whyiiieee," Nicoli whined. " Why does Hidi keep sending letters? I want to hear from Ana."

 Belinda's smile thinned ."Nicoli, don't be rude. Her Majesty wants to be closer to you."

"I want Ana, not her." Nicoli did not mince words. "You know what! I'm tired of waiting."

Belinda exhaled. "Be patient."

Nicoli's frustration hardened into resolve. "If she won't write, I will!" He straightened, with a triumphant smile, inspired. "Then she has to respond—"

"Nicoli," Belinda cut in, smoothing his bangs. "She has more responsibilities than you realize."

"I know, but—"

"No, you don't. But you will."

"But-" Nicoli gave one final try, but it died in his throat. 

He looked down with a subdued sigh before letting his mother guide them out. His feet dragging the whole while.

Alexander smiled and waved, feeling for the boy, understanding his frustration. But as Johan closed the door behind them, he turned to his manservant. The thin old man nodded, finally able to have the moment alone to divulge the harder things.

"I have news," Johan said.

Alexander leaned back on his desk.

"About the investigation?" 

Johan stiffened.

"No. The leads have grown cold, Your Grace."

"Or someone's not willing to talk, you mean." Alexander lifted his gaze to see Johan slightly nod. There was only one person they had yet to get ahold of. Julia. Belinda's maid. 

And likely the one who would know about the forgery. Alexander clenched his jaw. The old maid had been in the queen's service long before they were married. She knew everything. If not more.

But to make her break and talk would be…

Johan interrupted.

"It's about her Empress."

Alexander immediately stiffened at the mention of his daughter. His eyes were keen on the old man.

"I've heard the word they sent out for the finest dressmaker. He specializes in wedding gowns." 

"Wedding …gowns," Alexander blinked, momentarily thrown by the odd news. Why would that matter? Ana wasn't–

Then it hit him.

His chest ignited with fury, the heat rising so quickly it nearly choked him. 

"Are you meaning to tell me–Those sons of a bitches." He shot to his feet, raking a hand through his hair. 

"She hasn't ascended yet, and they-" His breath came sharp and fast. "Have you heard anything else? Any rumors? Like who?"

Johan thinned his lips. The answer was clear enough without being spoken.

Alexander exhaled sharply, a low growl forming in his throat. "It's the damn brat isn't it?"

He didn't need confirmation. He already knew

His hands clenched, caught between the urge to break something and the sick feeling rolling in his gut.

"She hasn't even settled, and already they are working behind my back." He scuffed in disbelief. He knew exactly how Nocthen worked, but even he expected them to wait. At least wait until Ana was older.

He turned to gaze at the portrait. Studying her face a moment. Today, he found her eyes meet his but not with the same fiery passion. She looked sad and tired–Tired of fighting. Of trying to outdo them. 

And in the end…

"It's a wonder Parsul survived as long as she had while there." He closed his eyes, feeling a tug of pain run over his chest. It left him breathless a moment.

When he could breathe again, he shuddered against the cold air. It bit and stung his lungs. But he needed that. The pain helped stiffen his resolve. Making him all the more aware of what he had to do.

There was only one option. 

He opened his eyes to turn back to Johan.

"Start packing." He pulled out the invitation to look over Ana's writing. "I want to leave as soon as possible." 

Johan bowed. "I'll see to it." 

He turned to go, but Alexander let out a quiet laugh—short, humorless. 

"I haven't been back there in years." His voice tightened as his eyes lifted one last time, to see his beloved. Chest lifting as he met her red eyes. The artist had captured the quiet strength she always carried, the way she had faced the world unyielding. She had done everything in her power to hold Nochten together, to protect their daughter. And now, it was his turn.

His chance.

He exhaled, pressing the invite against his heart. Pressing at the deep hollow that never healed after her death. A hollow that he wouldn't let hold him back any longer.

He wasn't returning to relive old wounds. He was returning because Ana needed him. Because this time, he would stand by her side.

His jaw set, his voice unwavering.

"No more waiting. It's time I return—to make sure she isn't standing alone."