Chapter 175 - It Has Already Begun

Kurt frowned,

"It would be foolish to reveal my knowledge tonight. I learned that those who worship the Night Gods have many powers during the dark hours, and I don't doubt that the night spirits whisper in their ears everything we speak."

'Damn, as if I could listen to anything during the day,' thought Lex, concerned that Gutard might not return in time to be there when Alexander was asleep in the morning. Lex held his frustration, taking a deep breath, and asked,

"I'm waiting for my father to arrive tonight. Will you stay for the night?"

"I think there's no reason to keep my presence in Holstein hidden from my brother anymore. If he doesn't want me here, he can remind me of that…"

'It's scary how his voice and intonation are like Magnus's… Does Magnus suspect that? What can they really be a father and son of? Lex wondered, but replied,

"Therefore, my father can answer your questions and you can answer his, and if possible, I would like to be present. Please make yourself at home, Wilbert is going to host you and I need to know if the princess is feeling well."

Kurt just smiled as if he liked the suggestion, and commented,

"If I may, I would like to make a tour into the house. And since I don't know if I'll have another chance tomorrow, your butler can guide me through, if walking is not very advisable for you. This was once my home, and I would like to reminisce about the past, if possible."

The Second Prince held his breath, feeling he shouldn't allow it, but without having a good reason to deny it, too.

After the Duke and his friend Kamal followed Wilbert, Lex exhaled and thought that the situation was getting out of hand. In addition, diffuse pain was returning to the area of ​​his injury.

Climbing the stairs carefully, he looked around, feeling overwhelmed and crushed by his mistake of inviting Cordelia in first place. Of course, Lex couldn't possibly know about being stabbed by Charlotte's husband. And knowing he wouldn't have the strength to deal with Ludovica if she carried on her veiled threats. It was only possible to call the guards and knights in the house and have her arrested… But what exactly was she capable of?

'Gutard, Balbo, return soon, please!'

The Prince stopped in front of the door where he listened to conversations, knowing it was Cordelia's room.

However, Lex failed to force herself to knock on the door. She definitely lacked the desire to see those women again, and to pretend to be Alexander, and to pretend to be an Alexander who was arrogant, self-assured and powerful.

Returning to the Prince's room, Lex sat on the bed, still holding the chandelier in his hand. It was impossible to avoid thinking what to do with the trio of witches, now cornered by the capture of one of their companions by the Inquisition. And also with Duke Kurt, whose objectives were not yet clear.

A little later, Helga came to bring Alexander something to eat, and Ceridom came to check his condition, before retiring for the night.

"How's the princess?" Lex asked him.

"She had this sudden illness, but she recovered quickly. Her Highness was in a poor mood and ashamed, and said she wanted to sleep. Some ladies are very susceptible to scandalous or cruel reports ... We can never know what will scare a lady,"said the doctor. "Some ladies tend to pretend to faint to interrupt unpleasant conversations, but with the Princess, it was legitimate. She was cold and her pulse was weak."

The Prince nodded, and took the pain medicine the doctor gave him.

Lex had to admit that the medicine was effective and that Alexander's warm blankets and comfortable bed were very inviting. Even though her mind was in an uproar, the Prince's body relaxed and Lex didn't really want to leave. She could hear the wind howling over the precipice, and the repetitive sound along with the warmth of the blankets was enveloping her senses ...

Lex didn't know whether or not she dozed. She just knew she was fully awake now, and realized that what had awakened her was the uncomfortable itch in her hands.

'NO! Please don't be true!' Standing foot to foot, and avoiding messing with anything, Lex went to the side door, instead of going to the bedroom door. As she guessed, this door would give access to the room that would be Alexander's wife's. In this case, herself, Alexa.

In the gloom she saw only her dresses and chests at a glance, in the dim light of the moon streaming through the curtains.

Suddenly, Lex heard a slight scratching on the main door of the Princess's room.

Listening to her ear, she stayed in place, paying attention, until she heard another scratch,

"Alexa! Alexa!" The Princess' name was called softly, urgently.

The voice was Cordelia's.

" What…?" Lex could hardly believe it. Was Cordelia knocking on the door she supposed to be Alexa's, in the middle of the night, even though Cordelia knew the other Princess should be somewhere else?

The door was pushed a bit, and Cordelia peeked by the gap,

"Alexa?" calling in little more than a whisper, Cordelia entered. She had no light with her. After a moment of silence, the Princess asked, in a shaky voice, approaching the bed,

"My friend, let's get out of here… Are you awake? We need to get away from here!"

Cordelia's words totally confused Lex, who took two steps forward and grabbed Cordelia's shoulder from behind. Anticipating her natural reaction, the Second Prince covered her mouth with his other hand,

"Don't yell! Why do you have to run away from here?"

Cordelia was static, and Lex felt his hand over her mouth moisten from the tears streaming from Cordelia's eyes,

"Alexander…"

"Shhh… Answer what I asked. What are you afraid of? What are you doing here?"

"I ... I thought Alexa was imprisoned..."

"...!" That was unexpected. "She is not imprisoned, nor is she here. She's fine, and somewhere else. You..." Lex whispered, trying to calm her down. "But why the hell are you shaking so much?"

"She wants to kill you! Only Alexa can help us! Where is she, for God's sake?"

Lex released Cordelia, and turned her around,

"I was not mistaken! You knew everything! All the time!"

"Alexander, please forgive me, I couldn't help but ...!" a distant and horrified scream was heard, cutting through the night, and this time it was Cordelia who grabbed the Prince in fright.

"It has already begun. Please! Please! Let's run away!"