For a Servant and a Master

Chapter 2: Part 9

The wedding was everything Alexander had expected it to be.

Boring.

Uneventful.

Heartbreaking, in a way that weddings weren't supposed to be.

But he took his mother's words to heart and smiled through the pain. He kept his eyes on Lydia and hoped they looked love struck.

The vows were empty words on his lips but he realize halfway through that he did want to protect and love Lydia. He wanted to make sure she-- this girl he barely knew-- was happy and safe. A part of him wanted them to become friends so the years he had left wouldn't be lonely or in want of a companion. It was far from romantic love but it was the best he could hope for.

Knowing there was that little glimmer of hope made smiling a little easier.

..........

Lydia was asleep, her head on his shoulder. He thanked the stars she didn't snore, and watched the English countryside rush by outside the train window. She was exhausted from all the socializing and the baby.

Like him, she did a marvelous job pretending to be unfazed.

Their honeymoon was to be at a grand hotel in the heart of Edinburgh for a week or so. Alexander had a feeling they'd be spending a lot of time scheming about how to cover up Lydia's pregnancy and the lies of their marriage.

When the train lurched to a stop, Lydia bolted up.

"We're here," Alexander said, offering to help her up. She accepted his hand and quietly followed him off the train.

A porter helped them get their bags to a taxi and half an hour later, they were at their hotel, keys in hand.

"I have a surprise for you," Lydia said, her voice still slightly tainted by sleep. They climbed the stairs to their second floor room.

"I, uh, didn't get you anything," Alexander said.

"It's just that you've done so much for me, and I know this hasn't been easy for you--"

"Or you."

"Yes, but I made decisions that got me to this point," Lydia said. "You didn't choose to be who you are, Alexander, and I don't think it's fair you're forced to marry."

"Well, thank you," Alexander said as they approached their room, "but that doesn't change anything."

Lydia opened her palm, revealing another key, similar to the one Alexander held but with a different number engraved.

"I'll take my case," she said, grabbing her suitcase from him, "and I'll be down the hall."

"You don't have to--"

But she was already unlocking her own door.

He didn't see what good it would do-- they planned on having separate rooms at the Lightwood estate, but they'd still be sharing spaces.

He unlocked his own door, and a figure stood up in the dark of the living room.

They turned around.

"Magnus."

"Alexander."

He shut the door, and set his bag down.

"What are you doing here?" Alexander asked.

"Lydia asked me to come. She asked that I forgive you."

"And?"

"There's nothing to be forgiven," Magnus explained. "Maybe a hundred years from now, we can be who we are without facing persecution, but at this moment in time, I can't expect you to risk everything for me. You did the right thing by marrying her. I didn't want to be the one to stop you."

"But you broke my heart," Alexander said, his voice drenched in pity.

"And my own," Magnus said, rushing forward to take Alexander's hands. "But I don't plan on leaving you again. I love you, Alexander."

"What about your job?"

"I permanently moved to the London office," Magnus said, with a smile.

"When?"

"When I first saw you on Christmas Eve. It took awhile to find a flat but I have one now, and all of my things from New York have arrived now."

"You did that for me?"

"I certainly didn't do it for the weather," Magnus smiled. Alexander rushed forward, hugging Magnus.

"Thank you," Alexander whispered.

"Anything for you, my Alexander."

Magnus stepped back. "But first, champagne." He prepared two glasses of champagne and handed one off to Alexander.

Magnus raised a toast.

"To the groom. May he live long, be happy, and find love."

Alexander finished, "To our new life together."

They both smiled.