FORTITUDINE (COMPLETED)

13) What. Was. That.

"Alexa? Wake up, it's time for dinner." Said a deep voice.

I swat at the hand shaking my shoulder and pull the covers over my head.

"No." I mumble. "Go away you monster."

I groan as someone pulls the warm covers from my face. "So you want me to be the monster now do you?" Asked the voice.

"Whatever makes you go away." I mutter.

"Fine, you asked for it." Muttered the voice before picking me up.

"Hey! Let go of me you evil person!" I screech backhanding the owner of the arms wrapped around my back and legs.

"Ouch! Alexandra, what was that for?" Yelled Stephen as he dropped me on my feet once we reached the hallway.

"Never wake up a tired girl ever again, got it?" I whisper-yelled while pointing an accusing finger at his face.

He held up his hands in surrender and started walking down the hall. I followed quickly so I could walk beside him.

"I'm sorry." I said sincerely. "I just haven't had much sleep lately."

Stephen wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "It's ok. I understand. I was on that boat too you know."

I smiled. "Oh really? I don't recall ever seeing you."

Stephen chuckled as he caught on. "Yeah, I was shackled to this girl sleeping next to me on the floor."

We both fell silent after that and continued walking down the hall.

"I'm sorry my stepbrother kidnapped you." He whispered.

I gave him a weak smile and grabbed his hand that was around my shoulders.

"It's ok. I really think he saved me from a slow and painful death by my evil twin so it all works out."

I stop walking as a thought came into my head. "It all works out except for my people." I whisper.

A tear falls down my cheek and Stephen reaches out to wipe it away.

"I have to go back Stephen." I cry out trying to choke down a sob. "My people will die at the hands of my brother if I don't. A person cannot rule with anger and greed in his heart. If only I could be strong enough to defeat him." I cried into Stephen's chest as he hugged me.

"You will go back to King's Tomb and you will defeat Thanatos. Alexa listen to me." Stephen pulled back to look into my eyes and grabbed my shoulders.

"You will get your people back and you will become the greatest ruler the world has ever seen. And I will be with you every step of the way." He said as I wiped the tears away from my cheeks.

"Thank you Stephen. You are a true friend." I whisper.

His face fell and he pulled away from me. "We better get going before my mother has a fit." He said before walking away from me.

I frowned. 'Did I say something wrong?' I throught to myself as I followed behind Stephen this time.

~~~~~~~~~~

"So Alexandra?" Asked Thomas' dad, Mr. Gaspard Dupont. "What are you doing here with my sons?"

Stephen choked on his drink when he heard this and let out a dry chuckle.

Mr. Dupont set down his napkin and fork. "Do you have something you need to say young man?" He asked with a firm tone that sent chills down my spine.