Kapitel 432: Chapter 432
"Alex. So glad you have decided to join us for dinner." Christian said to his brother as he walked in. "How long have you been in town? A week? Two? And we are finally seeing you?" Alex's hair had gotten long and he looked bigger, healthier. Everyone was seated and starting to eat.
"Dear brother you know I just can't stay away from you for too long." Alex said. He looked over and saw Erik walking in.
"My, my. Looks like I'm not the blackest sheep on the farm tonight. Or the most tardy." Alex said, grabbing a roll and ripping a piece and eating it.
Erik looked over at Alex.
"Alexander. Wonderful to finally meet you."
"I wish I could say the same. But your reputation excludes you from the 'the pleasure is all mine' response. Sorry chap. Anyway, I'm sure mum is even more excited to have you here." Alex looked over at Pearl. "Why are you here?"
"Alexander, we, Erik and Auggie, Christian and I, are working out our differences for the greater good of the crown and this family. I would hope you do the same."
"Oh heavens no. And throw away all this animosity and tension? Not a chance." Alex said. "So Erik, how many people will you be attempting to kill this time around?"
"Alex!" Pearl shouted.
"It's ok. Really." Erik calmly said. He looked over at Alex and smiled.
"Those days are long over and I couldn't be prouder for the time between then and now. I'm not a good man. I don't pretend to be a good man. My chances for that are long over. But you, you are a good man. And fine man. And I hope to see all the amazing things you'll do." Erik said. Alex leaned in close to him.
"Do you really believe I give two shits about your opinion of me or that you are, on any authority, the one to know what a good man is or if I am one?" He sneered quietly at him.
Erik shook his head. "I imagine you're right. So my existence shouldn't matter much at all to you, then. Why bother?" He said.
"Oh I will bother. I will keep my eyes out and make sure nothing happens to my family." Alex said, sitting down and pouring some tea.
"Alex, I wouldn't expect any less." Erik said. They maintained eye contact and Christian broke the silence.
"Nora's family is coming to town tomorrow and staying the week. Her brother and father. I'd like to have them stay at Kensington or Windsor."
"Either is fine. I will not be in town this weekend. But I will meet them when I arrive back in London on Monday." Pearl said.
"Mother, where are you going?" Christian asked. Alex watched Erik's mannerisms closely.
"I am going to Balmoral to see how the renovations are coming along." Pearl said.
"And I will be accompanying her. There is a contractor meeting with me over some of the legalities and fees. I think he is a bit of a swindler." Erik said.
"You're going with him to Scotland?" Alex asked.
Just then, Isla came in. "Hello my loves! I'm here for the week! I've missed you all and can't wait to meet Nora's family!" She sang the words.
"Oh. Oh my. Erik. Erik Chamberlain?" She said, stopping in her tracks. "Sorry. I wasn't expecting to see you. Er, um, how is it going with Sophie? She speaks very highly of you." Isla said, reaching out her had to shake his. Erik smiled. He was happy for the warmer greeting.
"It is going well with Miss Lemaire. She had taken on the reminder of my cases at the practice as I am now busy with royal duties." Erik said, looking over at Christian and smiling.
"My god, you look just like your father. And your grandmother." He said. Isla blushed.
"Really?"
"Yes, Isla. Very much so." Erik smiled.
"And you." He said, looking over at Alex. "You are the spitting image of your mother. You are your mother with shorter hair and a goatee. Not just the looks either, the attitude as well." Erik said.
"Whatever." Alex rolled his eyes.
"I mean it. It's creepy and intimidating as hell looking over at two Pearls both giving me the eye daggers." Erik said, shivering. Christian burst out into laughter with Pearl following. The entire table giggled, even Alex, ever so slightly. The mood was lighter and the night ended on a much better note than it had started.
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"Pearl." Erik said, following her up the back stairs.
"Yes, Erik?"
"I can stay at a lodge. I don't want to cause problems."
"No. Don't be silly. Birkhall is large enough and there is plenty of room." She said. He grabbed her arm gently and looked at her. The space wasn't what he saw as a potential issue. She saw it in his eyes. It was his desire for her and this was his way of letting her know he wasn't sure if he could trust himself alone with her, even if it was a huge home.
"It will be fine. We will manage." She said, giving a quick smile and walking up to her suite. He watched her go and sighed.
"I certainly hope so." He said.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein