Hearts at War (AlanxJeff) VI

12

Alan

I... I had fallen asleep. This had never happened to me before. Not since I was very young. I had always struggled to fall asleep, and even more to stay asleep. Just the slightest noise from the birds at dawn was enough to wake me up. And if I was sleeping somewhere other than my room, it was even harder. I would wake up constantly and couldn't rest. Because of this, I had constant headaches. But... but this night was different. I fell asleep quickly and deeply. If it weren't for the knocks on the door, I wouldn't have woken up.

The sound of the knocks startled me so much that I feared someone was coming in. Without thinking, I jumped on top of Jeff. I did it instinctively, without really thinking about it. And so, without thinking, I bit him. The softness of his skin and his scent, which intensified, for a moment made me feel like I was starting to get intoxicated. Then, I felt his fear. His deep fear. And I saw it. Jeff was trembling. His precious eyes were tightly closed as he seemed paralyzed, holding his breath. I scared him. I really did. And realizing this sent a sharp, intense pang to my heart. He really hates me, right? And then I felt confused. Yes, we're supposed to hate each other, so why am I surprised?

But it was strange, it was supposed to be just another bite, but I could still feel my teeth tingling. It was a strange, almost surreal sensation that made my heart race. "Stop thinking about it," I scolded myself mentally. It was natural, after all, I am an alpha and, putting aside his difficult character, Jeff was cute and smelled really good. More than good. Especially because at that moment he wasn't wearing that strange perfume he usually wears. I hate that perfume.

The following days were no different. Every time I entered his room, I could almost see him like a cat bristling when you approached. From the third day on, every time I arrived, he pretended to have fallen asleep just to avoid talking to me.

In the mornings, I found myself needing to set an alarm. I didn't want to wake Jeff, but my sleep improved so incredibly that without the alarm I would just keep sleeping. This seemed extremely confusing to me. How could I sleep so well in the presence of my enemy? He could take the opportunity to attack me, but when I woke up and saw him sleeping, I realized the same thing was happening to him. Despite his complaints, he also slept peacefully. Sometimes, when I woke up, I would watch him for a few seconds and could hear his deep breathing and soft snores, and before I knew it, I found myself smiling. "Because of you, I can't sleep," he complained, but look at him, if that's how he is when he can't sleep, I don't want to imagine the opposite.

Then I headed to the bathroom to start my daily routine. My servants, always attentive, had brought some of my things to make my morning more comfortable, knowing that I always seemed to be in a hurry. Upon entering, I was surprised to see our toothbrushes together. His towel, hung next to mine, filled the air with his unmistakable scent. It was as if... as if we were really married. Well, in theory, we were, so I guess this is normal. Yes, this is normal, I repeated to myself.

I had to bite him again because inevitably the mark would start to fade, but I didn't even dare to mention it after his reaction the first time. Why did everything with him always seem so complicated? Every interaction, every look, was filled with a tension I couldn't fully understand. At least, due to his apparent rest, he wouldn't leave his room except to eat.

I found myself in a whirlwind of emotions. On one hand, I felt the relief of being able to sleep well for the first time in years. On the other, the guilt and confusion over what I had done and how it had affected Jeff. Why did I care so much? Why did his fear hurt me so much? Every time I remembered it, my heart shrank a little more.

And so, the days passed, full of uncomfortable silences and furtive glances.

At the end of the week, I encountered another problem.

"Your Highness, the royal cook requests an audience with you," one of my trusted men told me, with a worried expression on his face.

"Let him in," I replied, intrigued. This was strange. He had never asked for such a thing before.

The cook entered, his apron still stained with flour and a worried expression on his face.

"What is it?" I asked curiously.

"Your Highness, forgive me for taking a few minutes of your time. I wouldn't do it if it weren't important," said the cook, with a trembling voice.

"What is it?" I asked, feeling a growing concern.

"It's His Highness, the prince consort. I have followed the list regarding his diet to the letter, but I see that something is still bothering him."

"Bothering?" I repeated, trying to understand.

"No matter how hard I try, the prince refuses to eat more than a few pieces of fruit. I'm really worried about his health. Besides, I know he's still on some medication from his previous accident. He needs to eat better. I tried talking to his nanny, but I haven't seen any change. Even she seems to be getting worried."

"I understand, I'll take care of it. I greatly appreciate your concern. Let me know if there's anything else about my dear husband."

"I will, Your Majesty," said the cook, bowing before leaving.

I stayed silent for a moment, processing the information. What is Jeff doing now? A hunger strike? That kid would be a handful. The men in charge of Jeff's security informed me that Pean always went out around 4 to get his afternoon tea, so I saw it as an opportunity. She would be much more mature than Jeff.

I leaned against the wall next to Jeff's room door while I waited for her to come out. At exactly 4 o'clock, the door opened and Pean came out.

"Pean," I said as softly as I could so it wouldn't be heard inside the room.

She jumped and turned to look at me, surprised. I don't know why people from the north always seemed scared of me.

"Your..." I interrupted her, putting a finger to my lips to signal her to be quiet and motioned for her to follow me to my study.

Once there, she cautiously asked, "Is something wrong, Your Highness?"

"I need you to tell me what's bothering Jeff. The royal cook informed me that he hasn't eaten practically anything. We've paid special attention to the list Charlie provided. Is there a problem with the food or... or is it Jeff's will?" I asked, trying to keep my composure.

I saw her lower her gaze and sigh, and at that moment, the weight of the situation became even more palpable. What was really going on? Why did everything with him always seem so complicated?

"I'm also worried about the prince, Your Highness, but it's not easy for him. It's hard for him to eat new things. And here, things are prepared differently, by a different person. Even though the royal cook has done his best to follow my instructions, Jeff still... He might be hungry, but his fear is greater."

"Fear? Does he fear that...? I would never do anything to him!" I exclaimed indignantly.

"It's not you, Your Highness. Jeff even refrains from eating at parties and banquets."

"Why?" I asked cautiously. "Does it have to do with the incident a few years ago that Charlie mentioned?"

"Your Highness, my apologies, but I can't say anything more. That's for Prince Jeff to tell," Pean excused herself.

"If... if I show him that nothing will happen with the food, do you think that would be enough for him to eat?" I asked, looking for a solution.

"Well, it might give him more confidence. May I ask what Your Highness is thinking?"

"Don't worry. Please don't tell Jeff that we talked."

"As you wish, Your Highness," Pean finished with a bow as she headed to the door.

"Kluem," I called to my personal assistant.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Starting tomorrow, adjust my meetings to respect my meal times."

"Your meal times?" he asked, confused.

"Yes, from now on, I'll be eating at home at regular times."

Kluem nodded, though he still seemed puzzled. Meanwhile, I reflected on what I should do about Jeff.