FORTITUDINE (COMPLETED)

22) Awkward...Time to Train

"What makes you say that sister?" Asks Thanatos feigning innocence.

I take a slow breath and ignore my twin brother. I look over to Father and see him surprisingly calm.

"You knew they were twins?" I say more as a statement than a question already knowing the answer.

He slowly nodded his head and waved for the cook to bring out the dinner.

"Yes, I knew Alexandra. There is nothing in The Law that says siblings can't fight against each other in the Trials of New Strength." He states.

I frown and hold his gaze. "That's because siblings do fight against each other in the Trials of New Strength. And need I remind everyone that this is the first official Trials of New Strength?" I ask raising my voice.

My father sighs and takes a sip of his wine. "I do not know why you are so against this Alexandra. Either way, you have no say in this."

Thomas clears his throat. "Excuse me but I am completely lost. You're telling me that Blayne here is my twin brother?"

Everyone nods their head-even Blayne. Thomas' face is completely blank and Stephen is frozen in shock.

"But that makes no sense! I think I would know if I had a twin brother!" Shouted Thomas.

Blayne pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a frustrated sigh. "When our mother gave birth to us...Gaspard chose his company over family. Then, he realized he needed a heir to his company. I was born five minutes after you so that gave him time to take you and leave."

Everything was deathly quiet around the table as people processed the new information.

"He then took you back and forth from London and France, training you for when you would take over the company. Gaspard completely forgot about his ex wife and didn't even know he had a second son. Now you see why I loathe both you and the man you call father." Blayne growled with disgust.

Thomas stands abruptly. "I've heard enough!" He shouts. "I'm sorry for what my father did, but that is in the past. This is the now." He looks over to my father. "I volunteer to fight on Alexa's team. If you'll excuse me, I'd like to retire to my room."

My father nodded his head and Thomas rushed out of the room as if the devil himself was at his heels.

Stephen stood as well. "I'll go and talk to him." He said facing my father who gave him a brief nod. Stephen glares at Blayne. "He's my brother. He'll listen to me." He then leaves the room at the same pace that Thomas had left in.

Blayne sighed. "Where on earth is the food?" He asks in an animated tone. "I haven't eaten since yesterday."

~~~~~~~~~~

The last day before the Trials of New Strength:

I groan as someone draws the curtains to the window, letting the morning sun show all its happiness right on my face.

"It's time to wake up miss Alexa." Says a familiar voice.

I crack an eye open and give a faint smile to the old man. "Hello to you too Gaius." I mumble.

The old man then decides to pull the sheets from my comfy body. I moan and pull the pillow over my face. He then takes my pillow.

"Is there something you need?" I groan out squinting my eyes at him.

He chuckles and holds out a hand for me to take. "Same old Alexa I see." He says as I stand up and immediately fall back onto the bed. "We need to start training for tomorrow Alexandra."