Bound by blood & Ink

Burning words

Odessa escorted Alex and Aldor to the grand dining room, her movements brisk and purposeful. As they stepped inside, Alex couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the room's sheer grandeur. It reminded her of the ancient temples she had once visited on school trips, though this was far more elaborate. Marble floors gleamed underfoot, their intricate patterns reflecting the light of the morning sun. Pillars framed the open space, separating them from the outside world, while paintings of angels and gods adorned the ceiling. Each corner of the room boasted a fire pit, their flames dancing and casting a warm glow over the pristine surroundings.

At the center of the room stood a grand, dark wooden table. Its surface was adorned with golden carvings that stood in beautiful contrast to the white marble around it. At one end, the table was set with gleaming silverware and a feast fit for a banquet—far more food than Alex could imagine herself and Aldor consuming.

Odessa stationed herself beside Alex as she sat down. Aldor hesitated, his gaze flickering nervously toward the guards standing near the doorway.

"Ma'am," he began, his voice low and cautious, "is there a possibility we could speak in greater privacy?" He gestured subtly toward the guards.

Alex blinked, momentarily distracted by the overwhelming display of food before her. "Um... sure." She looked toward the guards. "Could you stand on the other side of the door for now?"

The guards exchanged a confused glance. They were clearly unused to such informal instructions, but they nodded and stepped out of the room, closing the door behind them.

"What is it you wanted to discuss?" Alex asked, watching Aldor as he began serving himself from the array of dishes before them. She followed his lead, carefully selecting a piece of bread and placing it on her plate.

"I've heard from Doctor Leoda that you're not yet fully recovered," Aldor began, his tone matter-of-fact. "She mentioned you might be experiencing memory loss."

Alex had just raised her bread to take a bite when Aldor abruptly stood, food in hand, and walked toward one of the fire pits. He muttered something under his breath before tossing his food into the flames.

Confused, Alex turned to Odessa, who gave her a quick, meaningful look and gestured for her to do the same. Reluctantly, Alex stood, her movements stiff and awkward as she carried her bread to the fire. She threw it in, cringing at the waste, before returning to her seat.

Aldor's expression was neutral as he sat down again, but his tone carried a faint note of disapproval. "I understand you've been confused these past few days, Countess, but the way you conducted yourself in the courtroom this morning..." He trailed off pointedly.

Alex stiffened, her appetite vanishing. She recognized this tone—the same disapproving cadence her teachers had used when scolding her for standing up to bullies. Her stomach twisted as Aldor continued.

"Your behavior was unacceptable," he said, his voice sharp. "What would your father have thought?"

Alex froze. A pit formed in her stomach as memories of her father's angry outbursts flooded her mind. "Don't speak of my father," she said softly, her voice trembling.

Aldor ignored her. "Count Fairmont worked tirelessly for years to maintain order and prosperity for his people. And now, you—" He gestured vaguely, his frustration evident. "You come in here and start challenging the very traditions he upheld."

Alex stared at her plate, gripping her hands tightly to keep them from shaking. Her father's voice echoed in her ears, the memory of his anger almost suffocating.

"And the matter of marriage," Aldor continued with a scoff, placing another piece of bread on his plate. "How do you expect to produce an heir? What will the king think when he hears you've refused to marry?"

Alex's heartbeat thundered in her ears. Flashes of her father's face, twisted with rage, filled her vision—his voice shouting, the crash of a bottle shattering against the wall. She clenched her fists under the table, her nails digging into her palms.

Aldor wasn't finished. "Your mother was much like you once," he said, his tone almost mocking. "Fierce. Persistent. It took us time, but we changed her."

Alex slammed her fist onto the table, the sound echoing sharply in the grand dining room. "That's enough!" she snapped, her voice shaking with fury. "Talking about my father is one thing, but don't you dare speak about my mother like that!"

Aldor blinked, startled by her outburst. "Alexandria..." he began, his tone sharp with reproach.

"Can everyone stop calling me that, for god's sake?" Alex shot to her feet, her chair scraping against the marble floor. Her sudden movement caused her to bump her side against the edge of the table, and she winced in pain, clutching her injury.

Odessa stepped forward, her face tight with concern, but before she could reach Alex, a knock sounded at the door.

"What?!," Alex said through gritted teeth, still holding her side.

The man from that morning stepped inside, bowing slightly. "I apologize for the interruption, Countess. May I speak with you? It's urgent."

Alex straightened, brushing a stray strand of hair out of her face. She caught herself before completely snapping at him and sighed. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped. Please, what's the matter?"

The man hesitated, glancing nervously between Aldor and Odessa before speaking. "The royal family has been spotted outside of the village Narva with their entourage. They're heading this way."

Alex frowned, unsure why this was being brought to her attention. "Okay... and?"

Odessa stepped forward. "Permission to speak freely, ma'am?"

"You don't have to ask for permission," Alex replied, her frustration evident. Aldor bristled at her informal tone, but she ignored him.

"Ma'am," Odessa continued, "this means the royal family will arrive within a day. I assume they're coming to offer their support during these difficult times, but preparing for their arrival alongside the funeral will be... challenging."

Alex exhaled heavily. She didn't like the idea of asking Aldor for help, not after his earlier remarks, but she saw no alternative. "Can the council handle the preparations?" she asked reluctantly. "I don't have the time or resources to manage everything myself."

Aldor's expression softened into a faint, smug smile. "Of course, Countess. We'll ensure everything is perfect for their arrival."

Alex nodded stiffly, a bitter taste in her mouth as she felt her control of the situation slipping further from her grasp.