Alexander

Sharp laughter from behind me draws Bellamy's attention to Illius, his aggravating smile slipping a bit in his surprise. Even the sparring pair of men pause their practice at the sound as if noticing us for the first time, though not before Lance knocks the legs out from under his trainee. 

Illius pushes away from the wall and comes to stand so close to me that I can feel the heat radiating from his arm. Along with the sharp, forewarning look that creates a menacing sheen in his eyes, making them appear as sharp as the blade at his side, his hand moves obviously to the hilt of his sword, doing nothing to obstruct Bellamy's view of it. 

"Spar with you? Surely you are joking," My Captain's voice has a backbone of steel, sounding out of place as it glissades past the smile that his lips make. Despite the bite to his tone, his touch is as gentle as it ever has been when he raises his free hand to my face, resting his cool palm against my forehead. His expression visibly softens as his suspicions are proven correct by the heat that meets his skin, and he does nothing to hide it when he turns to cast Bellamy another look, taking his hand from me. 

"My Lord has only just gotten out of bed, and he still has a fever. It is very rude to ask such a thing of him, now." Illius' voice is brimming with the accusation, and his sword steel eyes are hardened by vindication.

Bellamy furrows his brow, taking a step back from us at the expression. His gaze goes from Illius to me, and he seems to check me for visible illness, unwilling to beleive the allegation against him otherwise. "A fever? I thought that he was only coughing." 

"Asthma has a various array of symptoms, Your Highness," Lance's voice cuts through the tension as he strides over, still holding onto his wooden sword. Having overheard the conversation, my Uncle takes it upon himself to make an entrance to keep it civil. "A fever is often brought on due to the distressed state of the body. I was unaware that you had an attack, Alexander, I would have come to check on you." He explains calmly, keeping a vigilant eye on Illius.

"I am not a child, Uncle," I say, battling a tickle in the back of my throat. "Illius was with me. I am fine now, anyhow." Since it has been mentioned, I come to realize the lightness in my head is not from my lack of food intake, after all, but must come from the fever that Illius has mentioned. I wonder how long he has noticed that  I have one, or if he was surprised to find it in his search for excuses to keep me from sparing. 

Bellamy takes Lance's words and seems to finally understand his sin against Illius and me, now that it has been proven that I am, indeed, still unwell. He clears his throat and stoops in an apologetic nod. "I apologize, I meant no offense in asking such a thing. Perhaps when you are at your best you will be able to entertain me." 

I do not miss the look that Bellamy slides to Illius as he straightens or the slight quirk of his mouth. "Of course. I am curious, Sir Illius. Have you thought about what I said?" 

Before he has a chance to give a verbal response, I cut my Captain a hard look to close his mouth. "It is none of your concern, Prince Bellamy," I state firmly, but offer a smile to lessen the sharp tone. "You should be relaxing after your long journey. Please, do not feel obligated to tie my loose ends just because I offer you a place to stay. My affairs are my own to worry about."

Bellamy looks startled, the expression falling from his face. Judging by his reaction, he did not expect me to know about his discussion with Illius already and struggles with himself to find a proper response to his sudden derailed plan to agitate my Captain.  

By the time that he finds a reasonable response, however, Abigor has picked himself up from the floor where Lance had tripped and left him and has locked his eyes onto me. His face lights up and he jogs over to Lance's side, invisible tail wagging to match the happiness in his eyes. 

"Alex!" Abby exclaims, seeming to physically restrain himself to stay out of my personal space and keep his feet planted beside my Uncle. Abigor's eyes dart to Illius uneasily, but the smile does not falter from his face anymore. "How are you feeling? You look much better." 

As if on cue, I stifle a cough that catches everyone's attention. Annoyed by their concerned expressions, I wave a hand to dismiss their worry with a frown.  "I am fine, Abby."

My words do nothing to keep Abigor from reaching a hand across the space between us with the intention of feeling my forehead, but Illius' hand snatches his wrist, stopping it an inch from my skin. Abigor makes a wounded expression but retracts his hand. "You look warm. Do you have a fever? Perhaps you should get some more rest before moving about." 

Growing vexed by the troubled tone of his voice, I straighten my spine and change the topic of discussion. "You are looking very well out there. I can see how hard you have been practicing to get so far."

This proves to be an adequate distraction, earning me the widest beam and brightest eyes. His excitement is audible as he leans forward, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet at the praise. "You were watching me? I am very honored! Have I really improved so much? I still cannot hold my own against Sir Lance."

I offer a smile, grateful for the diversion. "Yes, your form is much more distinguished than it was last month. Do not be discouraged by it, few are equal to Lance in skill. You will learn." 

Abigor gives his wooden sword a few experimental slashes through the air, pleased with himself. "You are, and so is Illius. I aspire to be like the two of you someday." Despite his adult age, he reminds me of a child who has just met his hero and decides that he wants nothing more than to be just like them.

This comment earns Illius and I a scrutinizing look from Bellamy as if he can see our adept abilities while we are stationary and unarmed. His expression turns into a slight pout, seemingly annoyed that he is unable to see a demonstration of it today. I expect him to prod Illius to spar with him to confirm Abby's insinuation, but he seems to know better than to antagonize him any more for the time being. Bellamy lowers his head in his departure. "Excuse me, I will go wash up for supper."

We all nod our goodbyes and watch him leave the Training Hall. After he is gone, Illius visibly relaxes, which Lance also notices with a slight frown. Illius abandons his strained posture and releases his sword hilt, though does not feel inclined to take a step away from me, likely due to Abigor's presence. 

Lance shoots me an inquiring look, which I return with a slight tilt of my head towards the door. He nods in recognition of my request to speak privately with him, and he follows me outside, leaving Abby and Illius alone.

I cast a glance over my shoulder from the doorway, making sure that my Captain has no intention of harming our friend before giving my Uncle my attention. Illius seems to be less rigid now that the main aggressor is absent, so I doubt that he will lose his temper on Abby.

Lance furrows his brow as he tries to read me in attempts to get a handle on the situation that just occurred. "What was that about?"

"Bellamy instructed Illius to find out about his past, though we cannot think of why. I know that you have the information that we seek, so come to my chambers later on and speak with me and Illius. For now, I do not wish to leave him alone with Abby for very long, so I will give an explanation later." 

Something like realization dawns on my Uncle's face, and he brings a hand to rub at the scruff on his chin. It would seem that my promised details are not necessary. "So, that explains the looks. He and his sister know... Somehow." 

"Know what?" I demand, taking a step forward and lowering my tone. "What are you on about?"

Lance shakes his head, stealing a glance into the Training room. We are still within earshot of Illius and Abigor if our voices are too loud, and whatever secret he is keeping is apparently precious enough to keep from his trainee. "I will tell you, but later. I will meet you when you have finished your dinner with your guests." 

I do nothing to conceal my frown, displeased with the repudiation. "Fine. Illius," I beckon my Captain from the inside of the room with a raised voice, and he comes immediately to the doorway, eager to leave the company of Abigor. "We are leaving."

Illius gives a look to Lance, blaming him for my suddenly poor attitude, but says nothing to address him. "Yes, Sandy." 

Lance does not try to follow us but disappears back into the Training room to continue teaching his lesson. Our footsteps do not tread alone in the hallway, as many servants and members of the Court prepare for their evening meal. Many of them greet us with smiles, but Illius' perfunctory responses and cool expression deter them from engaging me in any conversation. When we are out of earshot from anyone else, I tug Illius' sleeve to earn his ear. He leans obediently closer as we slow our pace.

"Lance seems to be aware of the same thing that the twins are. He has been keeping something from us this whole time." I tell him, voice barely above a whisper. 

Illius' expression sours, making a Lady of the Court change her course to avoid coming to meet us. He does not seem to notice, or simply does not care. "This is frustrating. Is everyone except for us aware of this secret?"

I share his feelings, but touch his arm to calm the anger in his voice. I do not let him go until I feel him relax beneath my touch, then say, "Calm yourself, Illius. I have called Lance to my chambers this evening to explain everything. Be civil for now, we will soon be enlightened." 

Though most of the tension is gone from his muscles, Illius' face keeps its disgruntled frown. "I wish you would not attend, Sandy. You should rest more." 

"I have already extended the invitation, it would be rude to cancel now. Besides, I am fine. I have you to look after me, after all." I try to be playful, even though the dread that he feels is mutual. Whatever this is that is going on, as much as I loathe having things kept behind my back, I will uncover the truth tonight. 

Supper goes as I plan until the second course is brought out, in which Bellamy and Bethany share one of their famous looks as their plates are taken away and replaced with new ones. Up until now, the conversation has been polite and minimal, but the invisible serpent the crawls up my back clamps down on my neck when they look at Illius in unison. My blood rushes in my ears and brings heat to my face, though I cannot tell if it is from anger or fever. 

Bethany is the first to notice my poor reaction, and she offers an apologetic smile. "I am sorry, Your Highness, we are being poor dinner guests. How go your plans? When do you intend to begin tilling your fields?" 

I take a draught of wine, allowing it to burn away the itch in my throat. Sage's head on my thigh feels as heavy as an anvil, but I do not command her to move. "All is going according to plan. Now that the necessary people have been notified, we begin preparations tomorrow."

"How exciting. My brother and I proffer our services to you wherever you may make use of them." 

"I am much obliged to your willingness. Your family is very generous." I say, dipping my head in a grateful gesture. 

Bethany smiles and continues on to some new topic, one that is a comfortable distance from the one that is on my mind. I reign the thoughts in, however, refusing to allow it to ruin the polite supper that we are having. I will know soon enough about their secret looks, I must only be patient. 

Every breath causes a pain in my ribcage, but I manage a deep inhale to steel my nerves, grateful for the ache to keep my mind occupied. Sage sighs against my leg and shifts her head so that she is facing the twins beneath the table. I manage to keep the conversation going with Bethany for a while, but the lack of input from Bellamy is a noticeable chasm. His oceanic gaze goes from Illius to me, to the dish in front of him, and I cannot help but wonder what he is thinking about. Perhaps he is feeling guilty, though I find that to be doubtful. Bellamy does not strike me as a man with many regrets. 

Illius stays silent behind me, likely concerned that he may lose control of his tongue should he open his mouth. He stays a nearly respectable distance from my chair, though I can feel his attention on my back as if he were a wolf watching a rabbit. He seems to be taking care with his eyes, not letting them drift in anyone else's direction, avoiding being roped into the conversation. 

Bellamy remains aloof until the end of the meal, and Illius and I excuse ourselves promptly, neither of us able to wait any longer to meet Lance. I feel as though I may implode if I have to sit through another discussion about horse breeds or the history behind fishing. Bethany proves to be very knowledgeable, and any other time I would be fascinated by the information that she holds, but I cannot focus on anything that she says tonight. All that I am able to think about is Illius, and the invisible knives in my back that have been cast by my Uncle. If he has kept something as important as this from me since my birth, who knows what else he has hidden from me?

The nearer that we draw to my chambers, the iller I begin to feel. I stopped eating past the first course, though no one addressed it since it was universally known that I am not feeling well. The churning in my gut is not caused by my fever, however, but is brought on by the nerves that I have worked up over this meeting. 

Illius seems to sense something is wrong because he places a hand on my back and draws me to his side to comfort me. He does his best to smile as he reaches to ruffle my hair playfully, though more gently than usual. "Do not fret so much, Sandy. It will be alright. I am right here." 

I swallow and continue leading the way to my room, finding reassurance in both his words and the weight of his arm across my shoulders. No matter what Lance reveals, it will not change anything about my relationship with Illius. Even if it turns out that he is the Devil Incarnate, he will always be my brother, and I will always trust him more than any other man alive. 

Lance is not waiting for us yet, so we go into my chambers to await his arrival. My room is unguarded for the moment, so Illius and Sage set off into the rooms in search of intruders while I wait in the doorway. Since my Captain will be with me for the rest of the night, there is little point in keeping another man awake on his feet in the ungodly hours of midnight, when he should be resting from the trying day. I am well guarded as it is, so I have little concern for my own wellbeing tonight, even with the events of the past two days looming like a shadow overhead. 

Illius seems to have no problem moving around the dark room, and I follow the glow of his hair as he makes his rounds, securing the room before bending to light a fire in the hearth. I wait for another moment until he has it lit and motions me inside. 

I am sure that I should feel some sort of fatigue, but I find myself fidgeting with my fingers as I pace the space in front of my bed. Sage takes up her place near the door and Illius remains by the light of the fireplace as he watches me wordlessly. Perhaps he is able to sense that my unease can only be quelled by Lance at this point. 

I lower myself to the floor in front of the fireplace, taking an aching breath to calm myself down. At this rate, Sage will react to Lance's arrival with aggression, since she is able to sense my distress. I catch her eyes from across the room where they watch me like glowing embers from the darkness by the doorway. I call her to sit beside me and she happily complies, padding silently across the floor to curl up beside me, setting her head in my lap. 

I let the weight of her enormous chin comfort me, and I give her silken fur long, slow strokes to soothe my nerves. I will do neither of us any good for me to work myself into sickness over this, so I will my muscles to relax as I turn my gaze into the flames, focusing on how each one licks at the logs and climb into the air as if performing a dance. 

Illius sits on my side opposite to Sage, moving his sword out of his way as he lowers himself. He produces a blanket and drapes it across both of our shoulders, scooting himself closer so that it does not fall away to the ground. The feeling of his shoulder pressed against my own is as familiar as breathing, and it helps me relax enough to feel better. 

Illius is quiet for a while, content to watch the fire in the hearth in front of us. Eventually, he decides to ask a question that must have been bothering him all throughout dinner, which would explain his silence. "Will you still trust me if we do not like what he says?" 

His voice vibrates up my arm, reminding me of the purr of a cat. "Of course. Nothing that Lance says will change that," I turn my head and wait for him to meet my gaze, which he does slowly. "I swear it to you. No matter what happens in the world, you are still my brother, Illius."

His smile is relieved, and his eyes are soft in the flickering firelight. "Thank you, Sandy."