Chapter 18

"Why is my Mage crying?" Alexis through her tears, heard that familiar deep voice and quickly wiped them away.

"Your majesty!" Joshua and Wallace jumped to their feet at his appearance. He held a hand to them, gesturing for them to stay seated and silent.

Her tears forcefully came to a halt when she noticed that Mr Silver was shaking like a leaf because of the intimidating stare his majesty gave him. Realising she had caused some misunderstanding, she quickly answered before anyone else could.

"I'm not sad, they're happy tears." She gave a shaky smile.

"What happened to result in that, Dirt?"

"Just a compliment."

"If I had known you were so deprived of compliments I'd have given you a few myself." He seemed different, less aggressive and more gentle, maybe because of their audience. 

"They wouldn't matter if they were from you." She rolled her eyes, "the only compliments you'd give would be sarcastic."

Joshua and Wallace's faces paled at the bold comments made by the small, suddenly frail looking, girl. They both felt scared for her and were surprised by how his highness reacted.

"Such a vulgar tongue! You don't even hold back in front of guests." He clicked his tongue as he took a seat in the most majestic one seater Alexis had ever seen. It had a luxurious navy blue velvet cover that seemed to make it appear as if it were a royal antique. The Emperor towered over everyone in it, despite it being on the same level as the couches they sat on.

A question of whether it was due to his height or authority, or maybe it was both? Flittered only her brain. Alastair seemed to be wealthy in every aspect.

Alexis just scoffed in return and turned to her guest, "I'm so sorry for the rude interruption Mr Silver, shall we take this to another room?" She wanted to leave before she decided to claw off the Emperors hair.

"I'm fine. In fact, I've just finished writing the questions." He passed the papers to Alexis and stood up. "Thank you for the tea Miss Mage, farewell your highness”. The tone he left in was respectable and not an ounce of smugness was evident. But it was clear that he was running away.

Alexis just sighed as she placed the papers under her arm and moved to also stand up.

"Sit." His highness commanded. She hesitated for a second and then realised what might commence could be interesting. She glanced at Joshua and chuckled when he stared at the emperor with the same gaze he gave Agathus. As if he stared at the most unique specimen the world had to offer.

His highness looked uncomfortable under the stare and soon cleared his throat.

"I'm sure you know why I called you here, Joshua Enflada."

Joshua smiled In reply and nodded at the emperor.

“Of course your highness”.

“Speak your thoughts”.

"Normally, I'd reject alliances with any nobility but..." he paused and glanced at both Alexis and the Emperor. A grin spread across his face. "I'm quite interested in your highness and his... subjects. As you know, I specialise in the biology of magical creatures and your castle just happens to be a place abundant in them." He abruptly stopped and stared at his highness. A wary look behind his eyes.

"State your terms." His highness said with sigh.

"I might want to experiment here and there- nothing harmful! But it might be bothersome" he gave sheepish smile.

A shiver ran down Alexis' spine, his highness shared the feeling.

"Alright, then I'll state my own terms." His highness started while tousling the hair on his forehead back.

"No need, ask me of anything and I shall make it for you." Joshua seemed distracted as he spoke just then. He analysed every angle of his highness and it was clear as day something bothered him.

"Your highness, taking into account your elf blood, which species are you attracted to." Alexis almost choked and Alastair looked like someone just slapped him across the face.

"H-how dare-?" He started and then stopped as he looked to actually think it over, "I'm not sure, I haven't felt attracted to anyone in that manner before."

"I see, but which do you feel inclined to?" Joshua pressed.

'Isn't this a bit too personal' she thought, but even Alexis couldn't deny the interest she had in the subject.

"I-I-" he glanced at Alexis for a second and Alexis didn't know if it was a call for help or just his eyes wandering.

"You must feel attraction?" He pressed harder. Alexis watched the shorter cotton candy haired man expectantly stare at the Emperor. His face made it evident that he wouldn’t take no for an answer and despite the amusement Alexis was getting from the show, she couldn’t help but feel a bit of pity for the uncomfortable Emperor.

"Um I hate to crush your efforts, but the only Elf his highness has ever met is Emilia, his nanny." Alexis intervened, she sympathised with the disappointment on Joshuas face because she also wanted to know the answer. 

"Oh. That's a good point. Ah! I have an elf friend in Dai! I'll ask her to come over one day and then we can test the theory!" He looked proud of himself and then as if realising his next target he turned to a snickering Alexis, "Well from what I heard woman throw themselves at you, but is that because you're a prince or are you actually attractive to them?" Alexis felt a warning feeling prick at her back.

"Yes?" Now his highness seemed interested. A smirk played his lips as he realised he wouldn't be at the receiving end of the uncomfortable question to come.

"Shouldn't we ask a human girl of their opinion? Miss Mage? If you're truly human as you insist, then can you answer?" Innocent Alexis, who didn't expect to be at all involved in the conversation, gulped nervously.

"Is it too late to say I'm a fairy?..." she meekly asked.