Fractures of Eternity

After being outside of that room, I felt like I could finally breathe freely. However, Gerta was eyeing me down, so I could hardly relax, yet much to my surprise, I quickly found myself in her arms soon after the door closed.

“You’re such a foolish child!” She huffed, holding me tightly.

“I’m fine.” I sighed, trying to push aside her worries, when I noticed Alistair was down the hall, lingering around where his family had excluded him.

Unable to stay in this much longer, I slipped out of the old woman’s grip and ran to him. The moment he heard my footsteps, he turned to me and smiled.

“Ah… I’m glad to see you safe, little lamb.” He breathed, allowing me to notice that under his eyes, there were dark circles.

It almost seemed like he had not rested, though, for that to happen to a vampire, it would be multiple nights without sleep, or in Asher’s case, a sickness. Even Loki seemed fine after not sleeping for almost two days straight, which made this case even more worrisome.

Eh? Are you not feeling well?

I had to drown the desire to ask, since we weren’t alone and it wasn’t my place to ask.

It doesn’t help that Andrea can use anything she hears against you.

“And I you. Is Lucas good?” I asked.

The moment the vampire’s name rolled off my tongue, Ali chuckled.

“Oh, he’s fine.” He answered, as I couldn’t put my hand on what was wrong with him.

His maids, who were usually right behind him, were also missing, and they were not counted among the dead of the latest events.

“That’s good,” I mumbled, tapping my fingers on my arm.

Alistair gazed towards the old woman while ignoring Zoe, with whom he barely ever interacted.

“Gerta… good to see you safe,” he simpered.

It appeared they had not seen each other until, leaving me to wonder if he had been put into lockdown because of the mess that had occurred.

“Prince Alistair, it’s a blessing to be back.” The old woman bowed her head to him.

Hah… You… this isn’t really fair, is it, Gerta? They are your grandkids, but you can’t say anything to them. It’s not my place to tell them, but can I keep this away from them? From Loki?

That was unlikely, since I even outed his elder brother, though he hadn’t said a thing to Alistair about it.

“I was coming to see Grandfather, but he isn’t in his room, and one of the maids told me he was here with Rem.” Alistair gazed towards me, “Why were you there too?”

The poor prince had no idea a meeting had been conducted without him, leaving my heart aching for him.

You may be the end of my beloved, but I can’t see you actually doing it out of your own volition. I’ve seen how much you care about your brothers, even when they treat you at arm’s length.

“I was dragged into an interrogation with the Silver Fang family,” I sighed, prompting him to wince.

“Ah… and I’m not invited, it seems.” He mumbled, lips curled down as if something had hurt him.

The family you desire is so close, yet they continue to reject you. I can only imagine how much that hurts. Hey… Could I actually tell you who I am? Would you accept me, Alistair? Or…

“They’re ignorant of how nice you are, Ali,” I reassured him, grabbing onto his shoulder.

A soft smile came from his lips as he chuckled a bit. “And I’m guessing Rem chased you out?” He queried.

Hey… has the air around you always been this thick? I… No… I will not…

The prince’s face had lit up when I said that, dragging my thoughts away from that and into something else.

Yes… This feeling I share with you isn’t wrong.

“Heh… Kind of? I told you she doesn’t like me. Actually, I don’t think any of them do.” A sigh left my lips, shrugging.

It doesn’t matter since I was the one who stormed out of there. Still… if I can make you turn that sad face into something brighter then…

“Even after you saved her kids? Eh, it sounds like her, though.” He chuckled before wincing again and reaching for his head.

“Are you okay?” I asked, watching him as he broke a small smile for me.

He didn’t seem injured, yet I couldn’t help but feel off about his demeanor.

“Yeah,” He breathed without letting his head go, turning towards the old woman beside me. “Well, Gerta, can you tell grandfather that I was looking for him?”

“Yes, my prince. Should I call you after the meeting is over?” She acknowledged his request.

The way this woman could switch between her professional and true selves was astounding.

“No… I think I’ll lie down and meet him another day. I’ve been having this damn ache since this morning.” He complained, gazing at Gerta.

“Is that because you slept little last night?” I giggled, teasing the gentle vampire before me.

Instantly, his cheeks flushed redder than blood itself.

“Oi… You’re a nosey one.” Alistair hissed, eyes twitching, yet nothing about it was threatening.

Hah… These brothers are all one-of-a-kind and adorable. I don’t know how far I’ll go to keep you all safe.

“You’re the one who called me your friend, remember?” I smirked, crossing my arms. “I recall those being a bit nosey.”

I couldn’t help but gaze at him as his eyes turned tender towards me, leaving my heart fluttering because of this vampire.

Hah… I won’t allow you to leave me like Emma.

“Okay, I see. Well, I didn’t sleep as much, if you must know, and yes, it was because of them.” Alistair chuckled.

His smile warmed my heart differently than Loki’s did, leaving me reaching out to him, instead of shoving him away as the rest of his family did.

I know… What it is to be used by the divines, and I… will… stop it from happening to you. Whether it’s at the upcoming tournament or another day, I’ll make sure you survive it somehow, Ali. You deserve to live.

Though Edna’s warning was ringing in my mind, ensuring I wouldn’t forget at whose hands my beloved found his end.

The crown prince killed Loki… but does that mean that Alistair beat Loki in a duel? How is that… possible? Argh… that damn tournament should just be cancelled. No doubt it’s Queen Viper’s fault that it’s even happening.

“Good,” I simpered, “Will they join you later?” I teased the prince, whose cheeks couldn’t go any redder.

Oh? That expression on your face is glorious!

Though it seemed I broke something inside the poor boy, whose crimson eyes were staring at me with such embarrassment that I realized Lucas was probably still in his room. That headache may have been secondary to the real reason he wanted to go back quickly.

“Uh, you’re stepping on my toes here.” Alistair’s entire body appeared jittery.

Hah… You’re too adorable. I think I may… love you differently than Loki, but...

Part of me couldn’t help but want to tease the poor boy, though I had to stop somewhere.

Leonard… None of your kids deserve this… But I promise…

“You know, I’m rooting for you, Ali, and I know deep in my heart that you’ll be the best king in all of vampire history.” I beamed, feeling accomplished with this friendship that had bloomed within us.

Yes… You… will be king someday. Of that… this goddess promises.