Damn heart. I'm starting to fall for this man?
I look at his eyes unwaveringly. My eyes in awe.
"Alexandria. I beg of you to answer me, my lady." Caleb squeezed both my hands tightly in a desperate frenzy.
His eyes was of a blazing fire, ready to combust as they bored into mine. "How are you, are you safe? What happened? Where did you disappear to? Did anyone harm you? I'm gonna kill them-"
*He was worried about me?.. That Caleb?..*
Before Caleb could finish his words, I feel my tears flow like a waterfall's rhythm.
He freezed, his tight grip immediately softened as he hugged me, holding me like he's gonna crush me. But at the same time, his hug spoke more than words can.
Like a warmth that whispered, 'It's alright now.'
I cry silently against his chest. And Caleb asks softly. "Were you scared?"
*Of course, you dummy. Why do you think I'm crying?!*
I nod slightly and silently.
*I'm a tough woman. But I'm still a woman. Truthfully... While facing those trashy jerks, I was scared to death. Of what they could do, of what could happen to me. I hate it so much. The feeling of helplessness. And I was scared... Scared that no one would care.*
"I hate you so much... Why are you so slow in finding me?! You must have sucked at hide-and-seek." I bury my face onto his chest, speaking almost incoherently.
"Mm. I still suck at it.." Caleb strokes my hair soothingly. Holding me tightly and securely as I continue to cry silently. "I'm sorry. It's my fault, don't cry anymore. It's all my fault."
I shake my head at his words. "It's not yours... It's mine." I say between sniffles, almost sounding like a child.
He pulls back slightly to look at my eyes, smiling softly, genuinely. He wipes my snot with his glove-covered hand. And says, "No, it's my fault. And I'll make sure it won't ever happen again. I won't let you out of my sight."
*Well, truthfully speaking, it's not entirely my fault. It was that sign's fault for tempting me. So, fine...*
I blush slightly at the way he wipes my nose, I quickly try to pull back from the hug but he keeps me in place, brushing my hair away from my face. "Stay still..."
Caleb leans close and I could feel his breath... "Alexandria..."
*What the?! Hey, we're still man and woman! Boundaries, kiddo!*
But as Caleb's about to lean even closer, I feel someone pulling me away and hugging me tightly and crushingly.
*Ow, geez!*
I look up in shock, to see the face of that person while still red eyed from crying. But all my problems forgotten.
It was Alexander.
*And man... He looks like he's gonna bite... Ahem.*
He's glaring deadly daggers into Caleb. And Caleb's soft expression immediately turned cold as he keeps quiet.
"Brother, why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be with Hail and Luke?" I ask in genuine confusion.
After all, he was supposed to be a third wheel in Hail and Luke's date today. My poor lil' bro.
Alex doesn't waver his glare at Caleb while answering my question.
"I saw a commotion happening, the royal knights and wizards were in a frenzy. So I... I asked Erick about it." He says with a slightly annoyed tone just from mentioning Erick.
*He just hates Erick that much now, condolence to their friendship. Tsk, tsk.*
He continues, "And he said Caleb was looking for you, so-"
I sniffle.
I sigh as some snot drip, I wipe my nose with the back of my hand then I look up...
Alex's eyes that were eye-killing Caleb was now focused on me. Unbelieving and in rage. Then he slowly turned his head towards Caleb's direction. Terrifyingly slow.
*Oh, boy. I think the sniffle was a bad decision...*
"Brother, it's not what you think-" I didn't have time to finish speaking as I lunge forward to pull back Alex who was about to grab Caleb's collar.
"Alexander Dandelion! Calm down!" I shout. I manage to make Alex stay still, but his eyes are still raging with anger.
*Is he nuts?! Harming a member of the royal family could result to a death sentence!*
Caleb stood unfazed by Alex's actions. Suddenly, Erick appears.
He teleports right in front of Alex. Looking directly at him. "Alex, bring your sister home. I'll talk to Caleb then talk to you. Go."
Alex shouts, "Don't order me around! You're out of this-"
Erick hides the pain inside him through a stoic and insistent expression. "And I'm doing this for your own sake. So, leave for now." He almost begs, he's still weak for Alex.
*Wait a sec. This all getting too intense! And not the good one!*
Caleb finally speaks after so long, "Alexander. We'll talk some other time. Take care of your sister first." He says calmly, but a hint of anger can be heard from his tone. Erick nods in agreement.
I sigh in relief as I see Alex's demeanor start to relax. I take the opportunity to drag Alex into our family carriage that's just in view. Surprisingly enough, he's obedient.
As we got in, I immediately tell the horseman to "Hurry home" in a chilling voice. And he didn't need to be told twice before getting the carriage to move twice it's normal speed.
~✧~✧~✧~✧~✧~✧~
~After I explained what happened~
Alex's eyes are clenched tight, veins visibly flexing in his neck and forehead. And he squeezes his hands in a tight fist, ready to pound.
*This is legit scary, man... Okay, let's try to make the situation a little bit better...*
I gulp then smile hesitantly. "Oh, come on, Alex. It's not that big of a deal-"
'Boom.'
I flinch, turning my head to look at the window.
*That poor thing...*
~We arrive home with the carriage having a dent on the window.~