The Meeting of Ice and Fire

The moonlight pierces the window with its gentle glow. Alexander sat at a table, dimly lit by a candle's flickering light. The harsh rain was hitting against the window in an unpredictable pattern much to his annoyance. To his side is a cup of finely brewed black coffee along with some fruit slices. On his right is a neatly stacked pile of papers, all containing numbers and paragraphs of information. His pen moves in a gentle flow on the piece of paper, his eyes scanning the words and numbers. 

This kept on for a while until the stack of paper finally transitioned to the other side of the table. He leaned back on his chair and took a sigh of relief. He reached out his hand and picked up a slice of fruit and slowly placed it in his mouth before biting down. The sweet taste encompassed his mouth the more he chewed. He looks around the room. It was dark, the books on the shelfs were barely visible, only illuminated by the dancing candlelight. 

He picked up a book from the shelf with a distinct red ribbon on its spine. He opened it to look at it for a while before putting it back. He ran his finger over the spine of the book and let out a long sigh. After a moment, he returned to the table and dampened his fingertip to pinch the fire dead. He then placed the empty cup on the empty plate and held them in his hands. He made out the door, closing it on the now dark and empty room.

Now in his kitchen, he put the plate and cup in the sink and pulled his sleeves up. He washed the dish and cup carefully and methodically, the slightly cold water trickling down his hands and toward his elbows. After he finished washing it, he carefully dried the dish and cup with a towel. He then walked to the cabinet and placed them neatly in their designated slot. Afterward, he dried his hands before going back to his bed to sleep for the day.

It was noon when he woke up. The light from the window illuminating the room as he slowly opened his eyes. He sat up, yawning before stretching his arms above him head. There was then a knock on the door. "Who is it?" he asked.

The voice was that of his butler. "It's Sebastian, sir."

Alexander held his face in his hands. "What is it?" he said, slightly muffled by his hands.

"I have urgent news regarding your parents, young master. They are going to be visiting today."

The news caught him off-guard as he took his face off of his hands. "What?" he asked. "What for?"

"They did not tell me, sir. All they said is they have something they need to discuss with you."

Alexander sighs. "Great," he mumbled. "Alright Sebastian. Just prepare the house for their visit."

"Will do, sir." Sebastian then left, leaving Alexander to come out of his room on his own time.

Alexander stood up and looked around the bright room. He walked over to the window, draped over with a fancy red curtain. He gently tied it up, letting more sunlight in, making him squint a bit. Outside the window is a hill of green grass, glimmering with the late-night downpour. "What in the world would they want now," he mumbled.

He quickly washed his face and got dressed before heading to the large dining room. He sat at the large table and slightly rearranged his silverwares. A maid walked up to him to pour his morning tea. He took a sip and savored the taste before gently putting the cup down. "Is it to your liking, master?" she asked.

"Delicious as always, Taiga." She smiled and bowed before leaving. The tea was extraordinarily sweet, but it was just the way he liked it. He glanced at the newspaper on the table. The heading reads: "Valentine Empire's Response to Rotten Alliance." 

He looked on the table, spotting a collection of cigars. They were usually there in case his father ever comes. He picked one up and put it in his mouth before taking a match and lighting it up. A puff of smoke came out his mouth.

The door of the dining room opened and in stepped Sebastian. Sebastian walked up to Alexander and put down a plate of simple pastries and jam. "Sir," he said disappointingly. "You are smoking again."

Alexander scoffs. "You are correct in your assessment. Well done."

Sebastian sighs. "You know it isn't good for your health, sir."

"Spare me the lectures, Sebastian." he taps his cigar on the ashtray before speaking again. "So, when will they be here?"

Sebastian looked up at the grandfather clock. "They said they would be here around 10 minutes ago sir. They would likely be here anytime now."

Alexander put down the still burning cigar propped up on the ashtray. "Do you know what they want?" he asked.

Sebastian bowed his head. "My apologies, sir, but they have not told me anything."

"What are the chances that it is good news?"

"I do not feel like my opinions matter, sir."

He put back the cigar in his mouth and took a puff. "Your hesitation to answer speaks volume."

Sebastian sighs again. "Sir, please, it isn't good for your health."

"Sebastian," he said. "Leave it... Please"

Sebastian nodded before leaving the room. "I will notify you when their carriage is arriving."

Alexander waved him away. Sebastian closed the door behind him, leaving Alexander in the room by himself.

"Bad for my health?" he mumbled before scoffing.

The cigar eventually burned out, the ashtray constraining a mound of ashes. Sebastian knocked on the large door before opening it. "Your parents are arriving soon, sir. Please make your way to the guest room." Alexander waved him away to greet his parents.

He rubbed the back of his head and breathed out the smoke from his lungs. "What a shit start to my day," he mumbled. He put on a blue jacket and slowly made his way down the grand spiraling stairway. Standing before the door to the guest room, he could hear his parents talking already. He took a deep breath before knocking on the door. Slowly, Sebastian opened the door on the other side, revealing Alexander to his parents.

"Sir, milady, your son Alexander has arrived." announced Sebastian. 

Alexander bowed to his parents. "It's a pleasure to see you both." he said.

"Oh my, there you are, my handsome boy" said his mother who stood up and walked to embrace him. He embraced her back.

His father spoke while sitting down with his legs crossed. "It's good to see that you are well, my son."

Alexander gave them a smile. "It's also good to see that you both are doing well," he replied. 

His mother led him by the hand and made him sit down on the couch opposite of his father while she sat with him. "Sebastian," his father called out. "We would like some privacy."

Sebastian bowed his head and left the room, closing the door behind him.

Alexander sat on the couch. His father took out a cigar from his coat and put it in his mouth. Alexander grabbed a box of matches from the table and went to his father, lighting up his cigar for him. A puff of smoke shot out through his nostrils and mouth. "Thank you, son," he said in a rough voice. Alexander sat back down with his mother. "Sorry we haven't visited you in while, son," he continued. "Work has been so busy lately."

"It's quite alright, father," Alexander said reluctantly. "I hope your work isn't too stressful."

"Luckily, it hasn't been too much." He tapped his cigar on the edge of the ashtray. "I should say, your work has been quite helpful for me."

Alexander looked at the bright orange tip of his father's cigar. "I am glad my efforts did something to lessen your stress, father."

His mother swiped his hair off his face. "And how have you been, my dear?" she said.

"I'm doing well, mother," he replied.

 "That is very good to hear. Have you been eating well?"

"Yes, I have."

She smiled. "Excellent. You must take care of your health"

Alexander took a long sigh. "So, is there a reason for your visit, dear father?"

"Firstly, it was to check up on my dear son," he answered.

Alexander was silent for a second or two. "I thank you for your concern."

"But secondly," his father continued. Alexander looked up knowingly at his father as he continued to speak. "We have something that we would like to discuss with you."

Alexander sat back on the couch, taking a deep breath. "Alright.," he said submissively. "How can I help you, father?"

He tapped his cigar on the ashtray again. "It's quite the opposite, son. We would like to help you out." Alexander looked up at his father with a confused look. His father took a puff of smoke and continued speaking. "We have a family who has a daughter of marrying age."

Alexander looked down at the ashtray. "Really," he said.

His mother took his hand and squeezed it excitedly. "Yes! Their girl is quite the young lady. She has all the qualities of a true noble, and I can't think of a noble more worthy to be by your side."

Alexander looks longingly at the table. "An arranged marriage?" he asked.

His mother looked at his father before turning back to him. "No, god forbid." his mother said. "You, of course, have the final choice in the end."

He glances at his father who is giving his mother a certain look. He looks back down at the table. His father then spoke. "Yes," he said in a rough voice. "Of course you will have the final say. But we do hope-"

"I'll be happy to accept, father." He finally said. He then looked up at his father's friendly smile.

His father extinguished his half-smoked cigar on the ashtray. "I knew we could count on you, my son."

"You two will make such a good pair!" His mother exclaimed.

Alexander smiled. "I will trust in your judgement, mother."

His parents then talked to him about other things, though he himself couldn't care much for what they were saying. Their tone was more relaxed than before. He expected nothing less. His parents then called for Sebastian to get dinner ready.

Later on, the family sat down for dinner. His father sat at the head of the table. Alexander sat to his left, and his mother sat to his right. The meal was quiet, the three eating as if speaking itself is a sin. The sound of the knife scratching on the plate was the only thing audible. 

His father then broke the silence. "Tomorrow, we plan on meeting their family here if you don't mind."

Alexander stopped chewing his food and slightly stared at him, then back to his plate of food. "That will be fine," he replied. "I will send the maids to prepare your room." Sebastian excused himself and went out the door, leaving the maids to watch over the dinner.

Alexander slowed his cutting. Eventually, he stopped and put his knife and fork down beside the plate. He then stood up, his mother looking at him. "Are you alright, my dear?" she asked.

Alexander walked up to one of the maids and took his coat. "Yes, I'm alright," he replied. "I'm full, and I wanted to get some sleep early to greet the guests tomorrow." He then walked to the door and opened it himself. "You two should also get some rest early."

"That sounds good, my dear," his mother remarked.

He closed the door behind him and leaned against the door, letting out a heavy sigh. "What a shit show," he mumbled before walking upstairs to his room. It is dark outside already, which is a comfort to him. "At least the day is over now," he said.

He took off his coat and hung it on a chair before walking to his bed. He laid on the bed, looking out the window at the moon slowly rising in the horizon. He placed his forehand over his forehead. "An arranged marriage huh?" he asked himself. "How I pity the girl."

The next morning, Emily was getting dressed, still slightly pissed off at her circumstance. Her sister was sitting on her bed, watching her picking her dress. "This is such a crappy situation I tell you." Emily said.

Her sister shrugged. "At least you will be married to one of the richest families in the kingdom. It could be way worse, you know."

"That's easy for you to say!" she threw the dress she was holding to the ground. "You wanted a husband." she threw another to the ground. "I, however, do not!"

"Stop yelling. I can hear you normally." Susan laid down on the bed. "Do you think he will be handsome?"

Emily looked back at Susan, her eyebrow raised. "How should I know? And even if he is, I wouldn't care."

Susan looked out the window next to the bed. "You know, people say he never leaves his mansion. They say he might be so ugly that his family forbid him to leave," Susan joked.

Emily rolled her eyes and went back to picking her dress. "All the more reason for me not to love him."

Susan propped herself up with her hands. She giggled a bit. "You're putting in a whole lot of effort for someone trying to not attract someone else."

Emily dropped her arm and looked back at Susan. "Excuse me for trying to marry into wealth to let you have an easier time picking a husband."

Susan stood up and picked up the dresses on the floor to neatly fold them. "How kind of you." she joked. "But jokes aside, you might as well give him a chance."

"Your advice is music to my ears. They sound nice, but other than that, theyre useless."

Susan laughed. "Alright, Shakespeare."

"Don't compare me with your nonsense speeches." Emily then turned around, holding the dress in front of her. "How is this one?" she asked.

Susan looked at it intensely. "It looks cute on you, dear sister."

Emily tilted her head. "Is that good or bad?"

"If he is a boy, he will think it's good. If he is a man, he will think it's bad."

Emily looked at her, confused. "Can you please give me a straight answer, dear sister."

Susan scratched her head. "It's good I suppose," he finally said.

"You suppose?" Emily repeated. "You suppose that gives me confidence?"

Susan laughed. "Stop over thinking it, little sister. I'm sure any boy would fawn over you." Susan walked up to her and turned her to the mirror. "What boys care about," she said, poking her cheek. "Is this?"

"My cheeks?" Emily asked, confused.

"No!" Susan paused and thought about it before giving a mischievous grin. "Well, I guess you aren't wrong, but I was talking about your face, stupid. Boys care about how pretty your face looks."

Emily turned her face left and right, squishing it and stretching it. "Well, I think I look fine as is."

"That won't do." Susan stood back and placed her hand on her chin, brainstorming. "Alright, put that dress on."

Emily gave her a look. "But you haven't given me an answer."

"Too bad! Put it on already!" 

Emily put on the dress and Susan helped her tie the strings and ribbons behind her back. The dress was blue and cyan with a large frill going down to her ankles. It had a puffy shoulder and did not have a sleeve. Susan then helped her put on her long gloves, covering her hands up to her elbow. Emily looked like a cute and delicate young lady. 

Susan took a step back and looked at her. "What a way to mask your temper," he mumbled. 

Emily gave her an offended look. "Aye, what's that supposed to mean?" she said loudly.

Susan put her hands up. "Nothing, nothing at all dear sister." Susan then sat Emily down at her table, which was filled with makeup from Susan's personal stash. "Time to make your face less mean looking."

Emily looked at Susan's reflection in the mirror. "I'm offended," she said.

"Hi, offended, I'm Susan. Now please, sit still."

Emily reluctantly sat still and closed her eyes and let Susan work her magic. The feeling of powder on her face was a bit unusual. Emily felt Susan's finger running on her lip, then eyelids, then both her cheeks. After a while, Susan finally finished. "You can look now." she said.

Emily opened her eyes. On her lips is a slight red hue, her lips glossy and plump. Her eyes are finely shaped by black ink of sorts with a slight red gradient on her eyelid. Her cheeks had a soft blush, and her skin was a bit whiter than before. She looked attractive, even to herself she must admit it. "You've outdone yourself this time, sister." Emily said.

"Why thank you. I would say this is some of my finest work. That guy will be falling head over heels for you, just you watch."

"Ya think?" Emily said softly while looking at herself. "Wait a moment, why in the world would I care if he does or not?!"

Susan sighed. "Back to being angry, are you? Just relax, sister. There's no use in trying to be mad over it anymore." Susan felt silent for a bit. "You're actually pretty lucky."

Emily looked at Susan, who was smiling a weaker smile. "Ok, ok… I suppose it could be worse." she said. "And don't worry, sister. I'm sure some fancy gentleman will sweep you off your feet soon enough."

Susan laughed. "Ya think?"

"Maybe after you lower your standards, maybe." Emily replied jokingly.

Susan shook her head. "Noooo thank you. I'm a rich lady, and as thus, I need a worthy husband." She then steps closer to Emily again with a smile. "Let me tie your hair up a bit."

"Alright," said Emily. "Try to make me look good."

"Don't I always?" she scoffs.

Back at the Leonhard's estate, Alexander is preparing himself for the meeting. His face is stoic and emotionless, apart from the slight displeasure of the situation. He put on a white button up with a flared wrist cuff and black trousers. He slid a leather belt around his waist and buckled the gold and silver lion crest. He picked out a long red coat, lined with golden trimmings and put it on over everything else. Suddenly, he heard a knocking on the door. "Come in," he said. The door creaked open, and Sebastian stepped in. He slowly made his way to Alexander. "What is it," He asked.

Sebastian bowed before speaking. "Just notifying you their Family will be arriving soon, sir." He then walked closer to Alexander.

Alexander turned to Sebastian. "How do I look, Sebastian."

"Like a worthy lord of this estate, young master."

Alexander sighs. "Really." he said.

Sebastian walked up to Alexander, face to face. "May I, sir?"

Alexander sighs yet again. "Go ahead."

Sebastian Then reached up and fixed his hair, remodeling it slightly to be sleeker and cleaner. "Now, you are perfect, young master."

Alexander gave him a slight smile. "I will be down shortly. Go get my parents down first."

"They are already there, sir. They actually sent me to call you down, sir."

"Tell them I will be down shortly."

Sebastian bowed, then turned to leave and closed the door behind him. Alexandr then stepped to the window, looking down on his large mansion. He leans his head on the warm window for a while, closing his eyes and letting the sun hit his face. He then heard horses' footsteps on the stone path. It was a black and red carriage, lined with gold around its frame and window. In it, he saw a figure of what seems to be a girl. The front gate opened up, letting the carriage enter.

The carriage stopped and a family walked out. A father, a mother, and two girls. They were dressed to impress, Alexander realized that much. Upon looking at the girls, one of them looked up at the mansion, then, at him. She was carrying a small umbrella, shading her face from the sun. Her brown hair flowing gracefully before her, and her piercing blue eyes pierce the window and into his soul. Her face was beautiful, angelic even.

Emily was staring up at the mansion's window, noticing a boy staring down at her. His face was attractive yet cold. His pure obsidian black eyes gazing at her, like two voids sucking her into her death. His face was emotionless, looking down as if judging her as soon as she stepped out of the carriage, no, maybe even before that. 

"Look at this place," said Susan. Emily was still mesmerized by his eyes. Suddenly, Susan's touch broke his spell. "What's wrong?" she asked. 

"Huh?" replied Emily, turning to look at Susan. "Oh, I was looking at the boy over-" she turned around to point at the window. The boy was nowhere to be found. 

"Hm?" Susan asked, moving her head next to Emily's, staring at where her finger is pointing. "Where?" 

Emily retracted her finger. "Never mind. I was just seeing things."

"Heat stroke before seeing your family in law? That can be good." she joked.

Emily scoffs. "Oh please, just walk." she said, pushing Susan ahead. She looked up at the window again as she walked. No one was there.

They walked on the stone pathed path, passing a garden of flowers being tended to by the maids. At the center was a large fountain with a statue of a mighty lion.

Susan was looking around at the large garden filled with flowers of all kinds. "This place is gorgeous," said Susan. "They even got blue eyes!" she ran over to the field of roses, caressing the petals as they flow through her hand.

A maid walked up to her. "Would you like one, milady?" she asked.

Susan stood up straight and cleared her throat. "Oh, hello," she said. "Umm, will it be trouble for you?"

Ter maid giggled. "The lord of the mansion wouldn't mind, I'm sure." She then carefully cut the flower at the stem before carefully taking off the spines from it. She then handed it gently to Susan. "Here you are, milady."

Susan looked at the rose in awe. Emily walked up to the two. "Thank you for indulging my sister's request," she said.

The maid smiled. "To entertain the guests is a duty of ours, milady. Think nothing of it."

The maid bowed to her, before walking away to tend to her part of the garden. They then left to join up with their parents who were waiting at the front door. Her father adjusted his tie. "Everyone ready?" he asked. Everyone nodded their heads. Their mother hooked onto her husband's elbow. Her father then knocked on the door using a gold ring with a lion head on the design. 

After a second or two, the door slowly opened up. Sebastian greeted them to welcome them in. "Welcome to the Leonhard Estate, Mister and Missus Marlow. Please come on in. The head of the Leonhard family is waiting for you."

Sebastian then led them through the front door and into the Mansion. The carpet was a royal blue with yellow threads braided at the edge. On the wall was a large painting of a family. A well-groomed man sat at the center. A well-dressed woman stood next to him, placing her hand on his shoulder. To the left and right are two boys, around 5 or 6 years of age. Looking up, 5 large chandeliers illuminated the large room. The room was nothing less than gorgeous. 

Susan walked closer to Emily before leaning in and whispering to her. "Still thinking you had it bad?" she said sarcastically.

Emily leaned to whisper to Susan. "Just because I don't want to marry him doesn't mean this place is ugly."

They eventually arrived at the door to the right of the stairway. The door is large with an intricate design composed of waves, curls, and two lions standing on their hind legs. Sebastian knocked on the door. A rough male voice rang through the door. "Please come on in," he said.

Sebastian opened the door and stepped through then stood to one side and gestured them in. The room was large and bright. To the left of the room was a large fireplace that looked freshly cleaned. In front of the fireplace stood 3 butlers, bowing their heads upon the Marlow family's entrance. To The left of the room stood 4 maids, also bowing their heads. 

Sitting on the couch facing them as a man and a woman. The woman looked friendly, smiling at them while drinking her tea. The man looked rough, but his smile was also as gentle as hers. The butlers and maids stood back up straight.

"Please, have a seat," Sebastian said, guiding them to the couch. 

Her parents sat in the middle, reflecting the man and woman, while Emily and Susan sat to the right of their parents. Sebastian then stood to the left of the room along with the butlers. A maid then walked up and gently picked up the tea pot and poured them some tea. She then bowed her head and went back in line.

Mr. Leonhard extended his hand to her father. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Mister and Missus Marlow."

Her father raised his hands to meet Mr. Leonhard's. "The pleasure is ours," he said.

Mrs. Leonhard looked over to the girls. "Those must be your daughters," she said.

"Indeed they are," said her mother with a smile. "This here is Susan, and over there is Emily."

"Both of them are very beautiful girls." Mrs. Leonhard remarked.

Her father chuckled. "We do try our best to raise them well," said her father. "Speaking of which, will Alexander be joining us today?"

Mr. Leonhard looked toward Sebastian. "The young master will join us shortly, my lord."

He then turned back to face her father. "I believe he is just making his way down from his room."

There was then a knocking sound at the door. Sebastian stepped out of line and placed his hand on the door handle. The door opened and Sebastian bowed. "Welcome, young master."

The sound of footsteps could be heard behind the Marlow family. The steps were noticeably loud, exuding a sort of confidence and power. Emily was looking at her tea, yet she still felt his cold gaze burning through her. From the corner of her eyes, a red coat appeared, followed by the white gloves on his hand. He then stood in front of the sofa next to Emily. They all looked up at him, meeting his cold sharp gaze.

"Good morning, everyone," he said, coldly. "It's a pleasure to meet you."