''Flying''

I'm Done

Josh knows he needs to put an end to this, but at the same time he will be the first to admit that it is a welcomed change seeing Alexander facing the consequences of his actions.

However, Josh also knows that the people in Alexander's estate are the ones suffering and will be the first to be hit even harder if this lasts for much longer.

Josh finds Henry in one of the many balconies that overlook the lake, the same balcony where he, not long ago, told Bella about Henry's request. This balcony has seen its fair share of life changing events and Josh is hoping this will be another one.

He clears his throat, catching Henry's attention, even if the man doesn't turn to look at him.

-"Let me guess. Alexander went whining to you about what I've done."

-"We spoke."

-"And I'm gonna go on a limb here and say that you're here to tell me to end this before things get out of hand."

-"I am."

-"I will end this when Alexander tells the truth to Bella. Not a second before."

-"Have you thought of the people who depend on the supplies that are brought from your Kingdom?"

-"Alexander should've thought about that before he decided to play with the Devil."

-"You don't have to do this, Henry. There are other ways to force Alexander's hand that don't include hurting my people in the process."

-"It was never my intention to hurt your people, Josh." - Henry turns to Josh. -"But until Alexander tells the truth, your people are going to be collateral damage."

-"Is that what you want your legacy to be? The type of legacy that you'll be leaving Alexis?"

-"After what Alexander did, I doubt Bella will want anything to do with me, therefore there will be no legacy to leave Alexis."

-"Why then are you trying so hard for Alexander to come clean?"

-"Bella has the right to know the man she will ultimately marry. A lie is no way to start a marriage."

-"You're not going to fight for her?"

-"She made it very clear that she doesn't want to have anything to do with me anymore."

-"You should have a little more faith in Bella. She might have been upset, but that doesn't mean you should just give up. Specially after all that you've been through together."

-"I refuse to put Bella in a position where she feels like she needs to be with me because of what I did. It was foolish of me to believe I could be anything other than what everyone has told me I am."

Henry looks out at the lake for a moment, deep in thought, before taking a deep breath and turning back to Josh.

-"Tell Alexander he won. I will let my Private Council know they can resume the trade agreement. I will leave in the morning. Oh, and don't worry, our alliance still stands."

-"Henry, wait."

Henry ignores him and walks away from the balcony, leaving Josh shaking his head, thinking that Alexander is an asshole for doing this. "I'm done with him.", Josh thinks to himself, as he sends up a prayer that Bella realizes the truth before it's too late.