Execution [Book 2 of The English Lion]

XXI. Douglas

Thursday 28th September 1939. A bummer really. Because ALEXANDER IS NOWHERE TO BE SEEN. That was direct, yes, because I am bloody frustrated by the fact that he is in hiding. He can't hide from threats, especially death threats and threats coming from Isabelle in regards to where he is. Alexander meets it straight on, with nothing but a knife and a smirk before emerging from the battle; victorious.

After what happened today, with the Warsaw garrison surrendering and all, I am really questioning Alexander's leadership abilities, slightly doubting him.

I was minding my own business in the Buckingham Palace library that night when Hugo went in, minding his own business. I would be reading the book I had in hand while jotting down some notes. It's more of a review for me, which is a tad bit unfortunate because I have reasons to believe that Hugo and Alexander have a photographic memory. Which is - again - unheard of for the Royal family.

There was silence except for pages turning.

"You do have a question for me, don't you, Douglas?" Hugo asked me, sensing my urge to ask him.

"Yes," I replied as I closed my book and set it on the table before turning my attention to him.

"Where is Alexander?" I asked, "I know you know."

"Even if I know, I won't tell you," Hugo replied coldly, "It's clear that he is in 'hiding'. Apparently, it's playing out well."

I stared at him.

"What?" He asked.

"Uh... Nothing... Except for the fact that Alexander is a genius," I replied. Hugo just rolled his eyes.

"Alexander's always at least five steps ahead of all of us, Douglas, so doesn't act surprised by that," Hugo advised as he closed his book, "I'm going for a walk. Want to join, Douglas? We need to discuss what happened today."

"Of course," I replied. Soon, after we tidied everything in the library, we headed out into the cool London air.

"Today's a whirlwind isn't it?" He asked as we walked.

"Indeed."

We would be walking aimlessly around the city and spoon, we arrived at a coffee shop and bought ourselves a nice cup of tea. Earl Grey, for you all wondering readers.

"This war will get a lot more complicated," I muttered.

"Indeed it will, Douglas. In this war, we will need to be careful... Regillus Eques might be a safe haven where knowledge thrives, but we have no tolerance for traitors or spies," Hugo told me. I nodded.

"Once the rolling motion of the Inner War has started... You and a number of people must not, I repeat, must not contact either me or Alexander. No matter what is going on in the war..." Hugo continued.

"Yes, sir. You and Alexander have reinforced that notion multiple times this year," I told him, nodding. We soon head our separate ways, as tomorrow and the future is uncertain.