Hidden Empress

Chapter 26

Alina's pov

We burst out laughing when we heard William's reaction. It was the least expected reaction. And boy did it sound funny too. I was expecting something like more of the anger he expressed earlier. I saw Edward and Castor breathe down in relief. I wonder why. Were they really that scared of his reaction? What could William possibly do to them that will make two grown men scared of him? Hmm, interesting. I saw William stare at me as if fascinated. I could practically see the question he wanted to ask me but I waited for him to voice it out. If I was gonna spill my guts out to him, I'd at least make him work for it.
"Alina, does that mean you can do magic?"
Edward and Castor rolled their eyes and scoffed at him. I could practically hear the sarcastic intonation.
"Oh she can do magic alright" Castor said and started laughing.
"Don't piss her off or she'll turn you to stone. Or better yet, a chicken. Oh that'll be hilarious" Edward added. He and Castor busted out in laughter. I rolled my eyes at their silly attitude.
William folded his arms on his chest and turned to me.
"Ignore those two idiots Alina, but tell me, can you really do magic?"
I didn't answer him, the question sounded stupid to me. I told you I'm the empress of light and you are asking if I can do magic. No I can't, I can only do tricks. Idiots. I decided to show him and probably shut him up. I raised my right hand and murmured the spell. Instantly the glass cup on his hand changed to a red rose. I didn't know why that of all the things I could have changed it to, I decided to change it to a rose instead. I guess my heart wanted to make a statement. Or is it my mind? I can never tell. William stared at the rose on his hand. He looked skeptical and promptly turned the rose upside down as if expecting the wine to still be in there. We all burst into laughter at the silliness.
  Today I saw a different side of William. The last time I saw him, he gave me a 'I'M ALWAYS SERIOUS' vibe but now, the facade seems to have dropped. He looked carefree and jovial. He looks light hearted.

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Edward's pov

I watched Alina stare at William with longing. It seems someone has a crush. Or it could be something more. Those gazes are just too intense to be considered just a crush. I would have asked her but I knew if I asked her about it, she'll deny it. And it seems the feeling is mutual. I saw William sneak a glance at her whenever he thought no one was watching. I could practically taste the sexual tension in the room. It was so palpable. These two lovebirds were trying to deny their feelings but the heart wants what it wants. I nudged Castor with my elbow and nodded towards William and Alina. Castor looked at them and I saw the gleam enter his eyes. He leaned towards me and whispered
  "Ready to play matchmaker?"
Exactly what I had in mind. I nodded immediately and asked
"What do you have in mind?"
He thought about it for a minute and replied me.
"Let's get Alina into the palace"
I frowned when a thought occurred to me. 
"What about Princess Elena? What do we do about her?"
Castor looked at me intently and I almost cowered from his gaze.
"Is that concern I hear in your voice about Elena or is it something else?"
I frowned and vehemently replied
"Of course it's concern. What else could it be?" No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't stop the blush from appearing. Castor noticed it too and commented. "Hmm interesting. It seems you have a crush on Elena"
There was no point denying it. He'll just nag and pry till you confess the truth. He was just too observant so I pleaded with a pained expression on my face.
"It's just a childish crush. Please keep it between us. I don't want William to find out and make it seem I'm trying to steal the King's fiance from him. Even if he doesn't think so, the people will think so." He smiled at me but nodded.
"I don't think it's a childish crush. You are hardly a child. I think you are in love but you are still in denial. Nevertheless don't worry, your secret is safe with me. Think about this for a second. We help William and Alina hook up and you can have a chance with Elena. It's a win-win situation for everybody"
I thought about it for a while and decided it was worth a shot so I agreed and replied.
"Okay then, let's give it a try."

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