Execution [Book 2 of The English Lion]

III. Hugo

I would still be at the bar, watching Alexander and Isabelle make their way to wherever they're going. Antony approached me and sat at the stool next to me.

"Look at them, Antony. The moment you give them time together, boom, they become a couple and all lovey-dovey with another," I stated. Antony rolled his eyes. I noticed it.

"What?" I asked.

"Nothing," Antony replied offhandedly, dismissing it.

"Whatever," I stated. Both of us would return our attention back to the bar, and our drinks. It was a few moments later that we both heard a gunshot. Followed by several more. Antony and I looked at one another and I immediately left my drink, running to where the gunshots were as Antony was not far behind me. I found Philippe and Alexander were on the ground, fighting. Antony and I tried to break them up, which took a while because they wouldn't stop trying to tear each other's throats apart. We kept them far away from one another as possible.

Isabelle took Alexander's arm, stopping him from attacking Philippe again as I looked at Philippe, who was held back by Antony.

"What are you going to do?" Philippe asked me as if mocking me.

"You underestimate me as you did with Alexander," I replied, before throwing a punch at Philippe. I ended up breaking his nose as Antony dodged my clenched fist.

"Now, Philippe, get your stupid arse out of this Palace, because if you're here again, you are not just expecting the Prince of Wales' wrath, but the wrath of Regillus Eques upon you," I threatened Philippe, who nodded and left. Alexander's father and the King walked here, after the fact that I had solved everything.

I salute them as I greet them. They nodded.

"I'm fine, Papa. It's just a mere scratch, that's all," Alexander told his father, considering he has several gunshot wounds and a broken nose. He and the King glanced at one another. I turned to them.

"It's nothing he can't handle," I assured them. Alexander looked at me.

"Hugo, stay here and protect Isabelle. Antony, brother dear, came with me to the hospital. Shall we?" Alexander said, and Antony nodded. I watch the two of them leave as Philippe is escorted out of the palace by the guards. I look at Isabelle.

"What happened?" I asked, curious.

"Philippe came and started threatening Alexander and I. Of course, you heard the gunshots. The gun was aimed at me. Alexander protected me and the fighting started," Isabelle replied, "But, he's never that reckless."

King Francios, King George and I laughed. Isabelle looked at us, confused.

"What?" She asked.

"Well, he never is reckless. But, when it comes to you, and everything about you, he is reckless," I replied after my laughter seems to have died down. Isabelle just looked at me.

"Trust me, Isabelle. You're in good hands. Philippe can go suck it," I continued and Isabelle smiled.

"We should go check on Alexander," Isabelle stated, suddenly looking worried. I looked at her.

"He won't be around for another few hours, Isabelle. He's in surgery right now. I'm sure Antony will tell us how he is," I reassured her. Isabelle looked at me and nodded.