Alexander found himself staring at a tree.
There was nothing peculiar about the tree itself; rather, it was the thing in the tree that caught his attention.
A squirrel.
He had chased the small creature up the tree, and now… it was gone.
"Why do they always do that?" He grumbled to himself, slapping the trunk of the tree. "I was trying to feed you!"
Alexander shook his fist at the tree, unaware of the presence behind him.
"What are you shouting, Alexander?"
Alexander tensed, quietly turning around to see Hinata looming over him.
"Ah, it's you…"
Hinata leaned her head back. "Yes, but you still didn't answer my question."
Alexander cleared his throat, dusting himself off.
"Oh, I thought I'd just relax after everything, you know… feed the squirrels or whatever."
Hinata smirked, "And how is that going for you?" She teased, crossing her arms.
Alexander glanced back at the tree and groaned.
"Not great, turns out they're faster than they look."
Hinata chuckled, stepping closer.
"Chasing squirrels now? That's quite the fall from grace, Alexander."
Alexander shrugged with a smug grin.
"Everyone needs a break, especially after confessing to a princess and winning the nationals."
"Oh, you ARE a bold one." She laughed, reaching a hand to pinch his cheek.
"I prefer the term, lucky, to describe my life better." He took her hand, "Jokes aside, what brings you here?"
Hinata's smile softened.
"I wanted to congratulate you. I know you've been busy this week, dealing with the fallout from your victory and… Elizabeth."
Alexander shook his head, glancing back at the academy.
"Yeah, that's not even half of it." He admitted. "Louise stopped talking to me, my professors are nervous, and Raphael, well, he's been drilling us about the upcoming internationals."
Hinata nodded, "Mhm, how do you feel about it all?"
"Honestly," Alexander scratched behind his ear. "Kinda ready to put it all behind me. Go home and start over with Elizabeth."
Hinata raised an eyebrow, "So you were serious? You're taking her with you?"
Alexander let out a long breath. "Yeah, I've thought about what you said.
How I either need to become strong enough to leave her behind, or strong enough to take her with me."
He met her gaze, "I couldn't choose at first, because I wasn't sure if I wanted to commit.
But then, a friend of mine told me it's not bad to double down. No matter what, someone is going to be upset. So either I could continue pleasing everyone, or choose my own path."
Hinata massaged his cheek, "and if the path you choose means burning bridges?"
Alexander's expression hardened, thinking back on Louise.
The moment she walked out the door, not bothering to look back.
The wound was fresh, and the memory was vivid.
He knew that was only the first of many bridges he'd have to burn.
"Then I'll burn them. I'm not afraid, not anymore."
Hinata closed her eyes, pulling him into an embrace. "You should be… the world is a dangerous place for people like us."
Alexander returned the hug.
"I know."
— — —
Preparation for the internationals was in full swing.
The team had gathered at the docks, loading up on a large sail ship.
The HMS Dawn, an old military vessel turned ferry.
Alexander walked up the gangplank with two bags in each hand.
"Finally returning to the Fallen kingdom, eh, sir Alexander?" Jules walked beside him, nudging his shoulder.
Alexander let out a quiet laugh, "Yeah, yeah I guess I am."
Karl smirked.
"Are you excited, I mean everything else aside this'll be the first time you see your home in years."
Alexander nodded.
"Yeah, I mean I'm not gonna hold my breath or anything, but it's good to go back."
The group stepped onto the deck, where the crew and staff walked about.
Alexander sighed, stepping down into the ship's interior. He walked down a narrow corridor, finding his room on the left side.
Stepping inside, he was greeted with a small, cozy space, illuminated by a lantern.
He dropped his bags onto the floor, before crawling into bed.
He hummed softly, wrapping up in the covers as he stretched out his legs.
While he got comfortable, Elizabeth and Hinata had just arrived by carriage.
They made their way onboard the ship, looking around the deck, before pulling aside Raphael. "
Excuse me, where is Alexander?" Hinata asked.
Raphael raised an eyebrow, his eyes shifting between Elizabeth and Hinata.
He then turned towards Karl, who was conversing with a crew member.
"Hey, Karl!" Raphael called, "Where's Alexander?"
Karl turned, pointing towards the ship's interior. "I think he's in his room, left side, down the corridor."
Hinata nodded, before leading Elizabeth below deck.
She was practically vibrating with excitement, clutching a small bag to her chest as she followed.
"Oh, it's gonna be fun exploring Alexander's home when we get there."
Elizabeth said, her voice bubbly.
"We should look at some real estate as well."
Hinata chuckled, her voice echoing down the corridor. "Do you plan on buying children's clothes as well?" She teased.
Elizabeth blushed deeply, "Well, I suppose we could," she giggled to herself, "but I want our wedding to come before a pregnancy."
Hinata shook her head with a smile.
"You're smitten, aren't you?"
Elizabeth continued to giggle, burying her head in her hands.
Hinata knocked on Alexander's door.
"Go away, Jules."
Alexander grumbled, "There's like a hundred other people to bother."
"It's us, Alexander," Hinata replied, pushing the door open.
Alexander was sprawled on the bed, one arm behind his head.
"You look far too comfortable for your situation."
Hinata teased, holding the door open for Elizabeth.
"Alex!" Elizabeth called, rushing over and crawling into bed with him. "I thought you'd be more excited, you're going home."
Alexander chuckled as Elizabeth rested on his free arm. "I am excited, I just wanted to rest my eyes."
And to be honest, I'm not sure my home is as glamorous as I thought.
Hinata closed the door.
"Mhm, rest is important, but I think you should at least plan for the future.
Practice conversation with a few nobles, visit a base or two, just to explore what you'll be dealing with outside of the games."
Alexander nodded. "Yeah, I know… I'm just worried about the masked Empress. I plan on questioning her after the game."
Hinata raised an eyebrow, then nodded. "Ah yes, she has claimed a connection to your family, hasn't she?"
"Yup."
"Do you know her?" Hinata asked.
"Nope."
Elizabeth giggled, slapping his chest.
"You have such a way with words, Alex."
Alexander smirked.
"I try."