Magnus followed Alexander and Emma through the maze of the gardens. The sun was setting in a wonderful arrays of pinks and purples.

When Alexander finally stopped and knelt down, his eyes went just past Emma, looking at Magnus as he proposed.

It was a horribly twisted way to do it. But Magnus had a feeling the rest of his time serving under Alexander would be in a moral grey area.

........

The bell rang during dinner, a much needed relief since Magnus wasn't in the mood to eat or gossip.

The servants' hall had been explosive since the news of Alexander's engagement. And Magnus had an idea that was why he was being summoned upstairs.

Magnus threw his coat on, climbing the stairs quickly to Alexander's dressing room.

He knocked first and got a mumbled sob in response. He threw open the door, and found Alexander curled up on the settee, exactly where Magnus had left him an hour earlier. The door to the bedroom was open, making the room glow with the light of the fire.

"Alexander," Magnus sighed. He crouched beside the couch, putting a hand on Alexander's shoulder. His face was hidden beneath his arms and the arm of the chair.

"I can't do this. I can't lie," he sobbed. Magnus rubbed his hand on Alexander's back.

"Look at me," Magnus ordered. "Alexander."

Alexander turned his head just slightly so Magnus got a glimpse of his red face and a blue eye.

"We will fix this," Magnus promised.

"I cannot escape Miss Emma," Alexander muttered.

Magnus' finger ran down Alexander's cheek.

"But you will," Magnus said. "If not escape, you will learn to exist with her."

Alexander lifted his head and Magnus dried his eyes, as he leaned in closer to Alexander.

"You're far more attractive when you're not crying, my dear," Magnus said, kissing him.

There was a sudden knock at the door and Magnus fell back in shock.

Alexander shot up, not hesitating. He ran to the washbasin in the corner of the room, tossing water in his face. "Answer the door," he growled.

Magnus rose to his feet, straightening himself out. He stepped into the bedroom, opening the door to find Emma there, her blonde hair falling over her shoulders. She had a night gown on underneath a satin robe.

"Mr. Bane," she said, obviously shocked.

"Miss Emma, how can I help you this evening?"

"I'm looking for Mister Alexander," she said. "Is he in--"

"He's in the next room. He just got ready for bed--"

But the door was pulled away from Magnus' grip by Alexander, who was already looking slightly less splotchy.

"I'm sorry--" Emma started.

"Don't apologize. How can I help you, dear?" Alexander asked. Magnus forced himself to step away, to block the conversation out of his ears and focus on slowing his heart rate, forcing his anger into his chest.

"Mr. Bane." Alexander's voice cracked harshly like a whip. "Would you step into the other room?"

Magnus stared back at him. He had invited Emma into his bedroom.

But Magnus did as he was told, slipping back into the dressing room and shutting the door behind himself.

He leaned against the door, listening.

"--here."

Their voices were incredibly quiet. If Magnus could hear them, someone just outside the door could as well.

"--see you."

"Emma," Alexander sighed. "I don't mind seeing you but I don't want you in any trouble either."

"I won't get in any trouble. Besides, I'm certain that if we're engaged--" He could almost hear Alexander wince, "--I'm allowed one night with you."

Part of Magnus was furious with jealousy and the other half wanted to swoop in and save Alexander.

Magnus threw open the door, trying to look at Alexander and not Emma and the way her hands were on his chest and how incredibly close she was to him and how he held her hands like they were the most delicate piece of glass in the world. "I'm afraid I've torn the suit for tomorrow-- the one you were going to wear to lunch with the man--"

"The man," Alexander nodded. "And you've torn the suit."

"Yes, the only suit," Magnus said.

"Well is it mendable?"

"It's too far gone," Magnus said. "I apologize--"

Alexander stepped away from her. "Excuse me, Emma, but I have to attend to this."

She looked utterly offended as Alexander flew past Magnus into the dressing room.

Magnus shut the door as Alexander pulled him into his arms, kissing him recklessly.

"You should probably yell at me for emphasis," Magnus suggested. "My timing was far too impeccable for the circumstances."

"I can't yell at you," Alexander said, putting a hand on Magnus cheek. "The one coat I had set aside for tomorrow-- such a terribly important meal and you've ruined it with your clumsiness!" Alexander grinned, stealing another kiss from Magnus. "I should have you fired!"

"You wouldn't," Magnus whispered, draping his arms over Alec's shoulders.

"I would never."