Chapter 255 - At the Center of the Labyrinth

Alexa walked cautiously, following the red-haired ghost that attracted her to the maze. She had no doubt that, now that Alexander knew he was Orcaius, he was the real Sovereign over the dead of the castle. And they certainly made a parallel court for themselves.

When he arrived at the gazebo with the statue, she found Alexander sitting in the shade of the marble ephebe. He had his eyes closed enjoying the warmth of a streak of sunshine, but she knew he was aware of her arrival.

She also didn't need to look again to know that Nerissa was gone before she even got close to the mighty Lord of the Underworld.

"If we want this war to end, Magnus will have to take immediate action."

"Why are you saying this to me?" she asked, although she sensed the reasons.

"Because he is procrastinating his decisions to go to war because of you."

"I can go with him."

"You might," Alexander opened his eyes, which against the sunlight became the color of violets. "And if you do, he may become very cautious because of your presence and the presence of his future heir."

The Princess took a deep breath, clenching hands.

"What do you mean? Should I stay? So why not just help us with the pomegranate seed? There must be a solution."

"Why don't you help me with Holstein? While my brother is gone the kingdom will be weakened. Father Agnello could help, and even your brothers, within their powers... And maybe you even convinced Auntie Godiva to stay and help. She is excellent at this and knows the kingdom very well."

"Konrad won't be staying, no matter what we say to him," she warned. She had not yet agreed with Alexander, but lately, this political concern had assailed her mind. The kingdom was administratively on the verge of collapse.

"Konrad has his father's heirloom, his lands, and his long life ahead of him. I hope he forgets the past and dedicates himself to his future." Alexander's words were void of emotions, Alexa didn't know what to think about it.

"He went out of his way for you, and is that all you have to say about what happened?" 

His gaze in response was not furious, or ashamed, but inquisitive. Alexa felt judged and thought if she had said something too stupid.

"Should I take him with me in the winter, too?"

"No, no!" Alexa hurried to say.

"Can you do what I ask you to do? Not for me, but for Magnus?"

"And why can't you do that yourself while he takes care of military affairs?"

"Ah..." he smiled, getting up and extending his hand for Romeo to land. "There you are." Turning to Alexa, he replied. "I will be busy for a long time, sifting the dead who must go from those who must stay. It won't be a pleasant job…"

Alexa's eyes widened. Hearing him say that gave him a different notion about the castle. She imagined how ingrained many of those unfortunate souls were to the castle and the city, still more a place with such a unique history.

"Are you going to take them to the Path?"

Alexander stared at her with a long silence, and finally said,

"I must send some to the rebirth. But those who have committed heinous crimes should stay for a little more..."

"What will you do with the Queens?" Alexa asked. "You said that I would know soon."

"You know you both committed terrible crimes, don't you?"

Alexa winced. Was Alexander able to say that even from his mother, who fought so hard for him?

"Are you really so ruthless?"

"You will tell me. They are not the only ones to commit abominable crimes ... But they have been trying to serve their sentences."

"Did Gisela commit a terrible crime? I thought she saved Magnus' life, even though she did other… doubtful things, " the princess murmured the last words.

"And what did she do to little baby Dallasenos, stealing her destiny and her life?"

"I mean ..." Alexa swallowed. "Did you wake up to be a punitive lawmaker?"

He huffed at her words, "It's hard to impress you, isn't it Alexa? But you will find out what I do when you are beside me."

"I won't be at your side Alexander. Give up. Let's just forget about it before we lose our friendship. I can't be your wife and Magnus' wife at the same time..." Alexa insisted again, but when she realized that Alexander locked himself in an indifferent expression, she asked again,

"If I forgive Gisela, will she be able to be reborn?"

"It will probably happen when you accept that she did this knowing that your destiny was at my side... Then she can leave."

Alexa held her breath. She didn't think so, and knew that Alexander wanted to win this game wearing her down.

"What about Letitia? Does she expect Magnus' forgiveness?"

"Ah, as she said, she is waiting for your help. She wants to 'save' Magnus, taking my heart from his chest..."

Alexa put her hand on her own chest, shocked that Alexander could say that so nonchalantly. But he continued,

"Look for her, if you want to listen to her. But she's not a sensible soul, so draw your own conclusions..."

"You made a deal with her about it, and you both worked together."

"I made a certain deal that I would permit you and her to do something if both agreed to it. About working long with her… You know I don't. She even tried to prevent us from reaching the pomegranate tree. She was not happy to see us separated because she knew that our situation was much more useful to her than me being free and totally awake."

"So Letitia plans to harm you, doesn't she?"

Alexander shrugged, "Alexa, you will find, as I found out, that being fully aware is more painful than you think _ and what I remembered. You still have a lot of decisions to make."

Alexa fell silent. It occurred to him that the Black Queen knew of some way to get the heart out of Magnus' chest, and that involved 'opening the gate', as the prophecy said. Gutard chose to open the gate that favored the youngest son over Magnus. Ah, if he only knew ...

Alexa came close to Alexander, and reached out to touch Romeo. His fingers traced the nightingale's feathers on the Prince's wrist.

"Alexander, you know that I'm going to open the gate to get the heart out of Magnus," she said. She didn't want to leave it dubious or hidden.

"Your words sound like an iron hand crushing this very heart, Alexa. Can't you really share anything else with me?" he asked, while his fingers touched hers.