Execution [Book 2 of The English Lion]

XLVI. Hugo

February comes knocking on January's door, and the next thing James, Alexander and I knew was that Valentine's Day was just right around the corner. The three of us were just sitting at our usual table at the dining hall, eating our dinner as we contemplate the day of impending doom. For Alexander at least. There was silence as we ate, deciding that silence was better for us to cope so that Alexander wouldn't just cry his heart out right here and now. It was then decided we parted ways as James headed off to his room after we finished our dinner.

Alexander and I would stay behind, and I look at him.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

"Yes, I'm fine..." Alexander stated quietly.

"But, you're not," I told him, contradicting him considering that I know him. Alexander just nodded as he looked away.

'Right... I think this is bad. I don't think he's up for this. Even if he thinks that he's mentally ready for this before we even start the Inner War, I think he didn't realise the true extent of the pain, nor taken into account the pain on Christmas, New Year's, Valentine's, and Isabelle's birthday,' I reflected as I just observe Alexander carefully.

"Right, let's get some sleep, Alexander," I told him and he nodded, staying silent, as it looks like he wasn't talking any time soon. It was another few minutes when Alexander stood and headed to his room. I follow suit as I head to my room. Later, I would have a semi-restless sleep.

The next morning, I woke up, bright and early. But, I doubt that there was anything bright nor early because I woke up at the usual time as always. I went ahead with the morning routine, and I headed out fifteen minutes later, wearing a casual navy blue three-piece suit. I swear Alexander had somehow influenced me his fashion sense. I rolled my eyes at the thought.

I walked to Alexander's room before I got intercepted by an agent who gave me an envelope. I nodded thanks as I gave it a glance. It was for Alexander, and of course, I recognise the handwriting on the envelope: Colette's.

'Update on Isabelle,' I thought as I walked in, to find him just staring at the portrait of him and Isabelle, both in full Royal regalia. I walked up to him and handed him the envelope.

"Maybe some good news," I stated as Alexander takes it gingerly, before carefully opening the envelope. He took the letter out as I wandered over the painting that Alexander was staring at and examined it. It was almost finished, but since last week, he didn't continue the paintings and the dresses. I have a hunch that it is about Isabelle and the discontinuity of the traditions now that war had started. But, knowing Alexander, it might be only part of the reason.

I then glance at Alexander, to see tears streaming down his face. I walked over and sat down next to him.

"It'll be alright, Alexander," I told him. He looked at me.

"You know we all have faith in you, right?" I continued. When he didn't answer, I took that answer as a no.

"Well..." He started and I looked at him, "I know. But... the fact that I'm..."

"Dead," I finished the sentence for him, "Which makes it harder because not everyone knows you're alive."

Alexander nodded.

"By the way, the dogs are just following Isabelle, Emily, Douglas and Lilibeth around because I'm gone," Alexander stated and I just stayed silent.

"So what are we doing for the rest of the day? Nothing?" I asked, slightly curious.

"Looks like it," Alexander stated as he set the telegram aside. We both spend the rest of the day just doing just that, nothing. But, on the upper hand, though, Philippe - one of the three that has the highest standing status in Seditio - is in our grasp. We finally figured who the last member of this Big Three of Seditio - as we call it - after finding out that Seditio is very much alive in this day and age. As we spent the rest of the day in Alexander's room, we did call room service, and James occasionally checked upon us. Well, more like Alexander.