Road of the Heavenly Light

7-3: Felix's Decision

"Felix?" Laura's voice spoke on the other side of the door. Felix got up and opened it.
"Sorry for leaving like that. How's Alexander?"
"He's fine, but I'm more worried about you... I had no idea Alexander would have such big plans."
Felix sighed, "neither did I... I can't ruin his future, Laura." Laura closed the door and sat down next to Felix on his bed.
"Then what do you intend to do? If you were to become duke, we would never see each other... I can't live like that!"
"Neither can I, but I can't ruin Alexander's future, either!"
"Felix, you know I love you, and I would never try to say anything to upset you, but..." Laura took a deep breath, "you need to stop jumping into the crossfire for others without a thought for yourself. It's very admirable that you care so deeply about your brother, but you're destroying yourself in the process, and he doesn't even know it. This can't go on."
"What do you suggest I do?"
"Talk it out with Alexander, see what he thinks, tell him you don't want him to give up his dreams. Maybe you can find a way together. It's better than pondering about it all day."
"You're right," Felix paused, "this is going to be difficult."
"If anyone can do it, it's you."
"Thank you." Felix gave Laura a kiss before leaving to find his brother.

Felix quickly found Alexander sitting in the drawing room, reading a book. What neither of them heard was the front door opening and closing. Felix knew this wasn't going to be easy, but what he didn't know was how Alexander would react. He was 10, he could cry, get angry, or even throw a tantrum. At that age, Felix would probably lock himself in his room for days and refuse to come out and eat or even sleep.
"Alexander," Felix sat down next to his brother, "we need to talk about something important."
Alexander closed the book, "what is it?"
"As you likely know by now, Laura and I are in a relationship..."
"Yes, she's a really nice girl!"
"That's true, and with the way things are going, it's very likely we will stay together and get married."
"Does that mean you'll be king? That's so cool!" Felix felt bad for his brother. He wasn't getting the hints, and now the news would be such a slap in the face...
"It does, but that also means I can't succeed father as duke, which means..."
"I'll be duke."
"I know you were very excited about your plans for the future earlier, but I didn't know how else to tell you..."
"So that's why father was acting so weird when I asked to enroll in Falmar. He already knew."
"I'm sorry, Alexander." Felix could see his brother's heart breaking right in front of him.
"Why can't I do both? I don't have to be duke tomorrow!"
Felix sighed, "because you also have to be tutored for the position of duke, and the tuition is rigorous."
"Oh, my dear boys..." their father suddenly spoke, entering the room. "This is all my fault."
"Father?" Felix questioned.
"Ever since your mother passed away, I fear I have allowed my grief to eclipse my compassion... I was so occupied with making sure you would be ready for the position of duke in case something happened to me that I forgot that you have your own dreams and aspirations... I'm sorry."
"What will we do now?" Alexander asked.
"Felix, you will be a wonderful king and husband, if life ends up taking you there. Alexander, you have my permission to enroll at the Tactician's Academy and any other academy you wish to enroll at after that. You two will make me the proudest father on the continent. There is plenty of time to prepare for the position of duke, I will not leave the position anytime soon."
"Thank you!" Alexander exclaimed, hugging his father tightly, dragging Felix with him too.

That same day, Laura had written to her parents to ask if Alexander could enroll. A reply came the next day, and Alexander immediately left to start his studies at the academy. It was unfortunate that Felix couldn't spend the last few days of his vacation with his brother, but he knew that Alexander was now doing what he loved most, and that made up for every moment without him. Of course, Felix and Laura still had a lovely time together, visiting the nearby towns and reading together by the fire during the dark and long Winter evenings. There was only half a year left at Royale High, but Felix knew that he would never leave Laura's side again. Not as a noble, and not as a king. He just hoped Alexander's future would be bright as well. Studying tactics, anima magic, and the position of duke and the king's advisor was a lot of work. Still, Alexander was a determined boy who didn't let himself get intimidated by anything. In that regard, Felix could still learn a lot from his younger brother. Felix then returned to the book he was reading. This Saturday evening was a special one, as it was the last day of the year 489 of the Iolan calendar. The duo was waiting for the clock to strike midnight.
"I wonder how everyone else spent their vacation," Laura said.
"Glen was probably out chasing after girls again," Felix laughed.
Laura chuckled, "I know Levi was visiting Elizabeth, Anna was going to spend some quality time with her father, Astrid wanted to spend time in seclusion and prayer, and Eleanor was going to make another fashion collection."
"What a year this was... so much happened."
Laura nodded, "we watched a war happen, prevented another, met so many people... and of course, we met each other."
"And you went crazy before the exams," Felix teased.
"Felix!"
"I'm kidding, don't worry. I'm sure every year ahead of us will be just as great as the last."
"I wish we didn't have to return to Royale High tomorrow... Spending time together was a lot of fun."
"It might have been fun, but I do miss the others." Suddenly, the clock signaled that it was midnight. Both Felix and Laura shot up and dropped their books.
"Happy new year!" Laura exclaimed. Felix hugged her.
"Happy new year to you too." The couple walked onto the balcony and watched as people in the nearby town were igniting fireworks. Nobody knew what this year had in store for the continent, but Felix did know that it could never be a boring year as long as he had his friends and family with him. Especially Laura.