The Fair wife

Chapter 2

The children's mother, Anne Knight, fixed the small tie on the Alex's neck as she nervously glanced up the stairs. Her petite feet tapped impatiently on the marble floor and Alex couldn't help but look at her in amusement.

"Calm down dear" Alfred, their father said as he placed a gentle hand on her shoulders. She barely glanced at him before she let out a sigh of relief when she saw their butler coming down the stairs with Duke in tow. Dressed in a green robe with gold sown on the edges creating a vivid image of birds taking off from the forest; there was only one thing that could describe Duke, and that was dashing like a knight. He looked heroic and gallant that even Alex was charmed by his own brother. From the back of his mind, he no doubt noted that his brother would be a lady killer.

"Finally" their mother breathed as she walked over to Duke and smiled down at him. Her eyes were soft and tender as she caressed the back of his cheek with her small hands. "It's finally come." Tears began to glisten on the corner of her eyes and redden with emotion.

"Mother" Duke helplessly said and Alex silently chuckled into his hand at the sight of his brother attempting to calm their emotional mother.

"Sorry; sorry" she repeated as she attempted to straighten herself out but failing miserably. Finally, their father held her waist and began to pull her into his arms to stop her tears. Giving them privacy, Alex turned to his brother with a smirk but even he was starting to get slightly sad. Of course, it wasn't like he was never going to see his brother again he told himself.

Taking out the velvet box from a pocket in his jacket, Alex held it out to his sibling. Duke looked at him curiously before opening the box and looking inside. Taking out the wrist-band made from blue leather straps, Dukes eyes widened in surprise. There was small pendant in the centre; a small black stone carved with the word "free". Alex wished for his brother to remain 'free' and untainted by everything bad; always remaining true to himself.

"Did you make this?" he asked and Alex nodded in affirmation. In his past life he had liked doing these sorts of things for his friends. It was one of their activities growing up; something akin to a friendship bracelet.

"Thank-you" he breathed while putting it on and admiring it silently. Their father clapped his hands and when both boys looked towards him, he grinned, the wrinkles around his eyes becoming prominent.

"Come, let us leave" he said and the whole family made a move towards the outside of their mansion where a beautiful carriage with their family's crest of Roses remained. Two gallant white horses were standing in front, groomed till the light reflected off their lustre's coats. Alex was impressed as he was helped inside and settled down on the padded seats. Using his fingers he parted the curtains and peered outside, watching the changing scenery. He was amazed by the streets they passed. Tall houses made of white marble lined both sides of the pavement with beautiful flowering plants separating the two sides for carriages. This was where most of the nobles stayed when they visited the Imperial capital.

"I really wanted to explore the city" Alex said while sulking.

"You know it's dangerous" his mother replied as she continued to hover around his brother. "When you're ten and old enough, then you'll be able to".

Silently rolling his eyes, Alex continued to watch the passing vendors. His eyes were staring enviously at some passing children who held some candied apples in their hands and were laughing with all the freedom of the world. He was blessed, and he knew that, but what he wouldn't do to be able to walk outside without some guard following him.

And then it happened. The moment he saw the sign of 'Imperial magic Academy' looming ahead he felt like his head split open. Groaning he felt the world turn dark before images flashed past his mind. He was in a game was his first thought. The next was that: he was the best friend of the rival character.