Hearts at War (AlanxJeff) VI

25

Jeff

I haven't been able to look Alan in the eye.

Since last night, a feeling of confusion and fear has been fluttering in my chest. After breakfast, I practically ran to the garden, calling Pean to accompany me. The fresh air and the scent of the flowers offered me a brief respite, but the unease remained, lurking. I repeated the same action after lunch, trying to escape not only from Alan but also from my own thoughts.

I knew I couldn't keep doing this for long. Tonight is the dance, and we are supposed to play the role we have worked so hard on. I look at myself in the mirror, finishing the last touches of my outfit, and I feel even more confused. I... don't understand my heart. I can't understand it. Neither it nor my body, it seems. Why do I feel this way?

Knock, knock.

"Jeff, are you ready?" Way said from behind the door. "We need to meet to talk before the dance."

Way had come early to urgently tell us something about the dance. So, the three of us met again in my room. The atmosphere was tense, and the silence was only interrupted by the sound of Way's footsteps and our breathing.

"What's going on, Way?" Alan asked, worried, as he sat on the small sofa, keeping his distance from me.

"I'm not sure, but something's not right. I think they're planning something for tonight," Way said, pacing back and forth, frowning.

"Who?" Alan asked with icy calm, his eyes fixed on Way.

I swallowed hard. The conversation I had overheard at the reception. That guy said it would be at Way's uncle's dance. He also said they would take care of Way. Should I say it? Could I say it without mentioning my kingdom? I argued with myself in my mind, feeling a knot in my stomach.

"I don't know. You know how perfectionist my uncle is, and, well, he's changed the security staff and the password at least three times. He knows they're planning something, but he hasn't been able to figure out anything else. They're good and infiltrated, it's the only explanation." Way stopped and looked at both of us, his expression one of concern and determination.

I gripped the edge of my jacket tightly. How should I say it? I didn't see it, but I heard it, and I think if I get close, I could recognize his scent. My thoughts were a whirlwind of doubts and fears.

"Jeff, is something wrong?" Alan's voice pulled me out of my thoughts, and for the first time in hours, our eyes met when I looked up at the sound of his voice. His eyes reflected a mix of concern and curiosity. It lasted only a few seconds before I looked down at the floor.

"No...thing. Nothing," I tried to say, feeling my voice tremble.

"Jeff, you're an open book. Speak now," Way snapped, looking at me seriously, his piercing eyes searching for answers in mine.

I debated internally. Should I tell them what I had heard? Could I endanger my kingdom if I did? The confusion and fear overwhelmed me, but I knew I had to make a decision.

I took a deep breath and, without looking up from the floor, began to speak cautiously, trying to choose my words carefully.

"At the reception, I heard two people talking. They were talking about this party. And that they would take care of you, Way," I said, feeling a knot in my stomach.

"Me?" Way exclaimed, surprised, his eyes wide open. "Why would they take care of me? I'm just a simple orphaned omega, living off my uncle."

After a few seconds, he looked at me intently, a hint of something I couldn't identify crossing his eyes.