Execution [Book 2 of The English Lion]

XIV. Hugo

29th, August 1939. Tension is just everywhere now, especially in the headquarters of Regillus Eques, and it just keeps mounting by the minute, hour and by the day. I would expect it to be everywhere in Regillus Eques bases worldwide. Alexander and I would be in his office, reading books in silence, as we sat opposite each other, trying to ease the tension.

Alexander immediately closed the book with a huge thud as he put it on the table.

"Bloody hell. I can't concentrate," Alexander grumbled. I close my book quietly and set it aside on the table.

"I don't think anyone can with the tension," I told him. Alexander just sighed, staring into space before he stood and made his way to the vinyl box, and took out an album. I just watched him put the vinyl disk onto the turntable, and turn the turntable on. He set the vinyl sleeve to the side on a table nearby before making his way back to the desk and sat down.

The first song started to play after a few moments.

"Tchaikovsky's Pas de Deux," I stated, recognising the song.

"Yes..." Alexander said soberly and I immediately turned to him.

"But there's more to it," I realised, and Alexander nodded.

"I-" Alexander started, before pausing, finding the right words, "It's the theme that defines both Isabelle and I... The composition itself... just reminds me of everything that will happen in the future. I'm afraid-"

Alexander then started to break down. He... never breaks down.

"That you'll lose her. That the fourteen years of memory shared between you both will just be a memory, nothing more. You're afraid... that this war will make her move on," I continued for him, speaking as calmly and gently as I could. Alexander then stops, sniffles as he wipes his tears away, nodding.

"It's just... the thought of it, you know? The fact that I'm regretting certain things right now, but for the sake of Britain and my duty to serve her..." Alexander stated, never finishing his sentence. I nodded.

"Nothing can really deflate that patriotic and duty-bound ego of yours, can it? Even there is great tension with war looming on the horizon..." I told him, and Alexander looked at me, with a deadpan serious face, and I think I'm in trouble? Alexander just laughs. He just laughs. I stared at him.

"How are you still alive...?" I asked, "Considering Hitler really wanted you dead since 1933?"

"Well, let's just say he didn't set his priority straight," Alexander replied and I stared at him.

"Are you really a psychopath?" I asked him, curious. Alexander stood and bent over the desk in order to slap me in the face.

"OW!" I yelled out.

"Why in the name of this great island did you ask me that damn question?!" Alexander told me fiercely.

"I'm just making sure that you're not one. There are probably people out there that think you are one. Jeez..." I replied, rubbing my face as Alexander sat again. He glared at me.

"Sorry..." I immediately apologised.

"You know, it takes more than an apology," Alexander told me. I sighed.

"I know. Three rounds of fish and chips are on me."

Then, we spend the rest of the day trying to wind down from the tension, as we both tried to think of something different other than the war that is getting ever closer.