A/N- I had this thought when I wondered what happened right after Francis and Arthur had Alex start living with them again after the Civil War.

Snuggling closer to her father, thirteen year old Alex looked up at the Brit. Arthur's heart shattered when he saw the look in his daughters eyes. It wasn't the same, hopeful, cheerful, bright eyed look she had before. Now her violet eyes had darkened, holding a sorrowful, broken look to them.

Arthur sighed, rubbing his daughter's back. He felt bad for her, he really did. He himself had to fight against his older brothers as a child, much as Alex had to fight against Alfred. So he had a good idea of how she felt. He just hated to see his childhood being repeated with his own daughter.

Alex rested her head on her father's shoulder. She had been silent all day, which was another thing that broke Arthur's heart. She used to be so energetic and happy.

Arthur kissed the top of Alex's head, trying to get just the smallest smile out of his daughter, which he did. A ghost of a smile. This caused Arthur to smile as well. He promised he'd help his little girl heal, if it was the last thing he did.