I had no idea how Alexandros did it. But all the Armethians knew now that no other man could fit to become their ruler except for him. No one else could rival his determination, his patience, his dedication, and compassion. He worked harder than all of us. There were days when we feel embarrass to take a break because we would often see him in front of the incense. That’s why while we still could, we try to be as dedicated and as hardworking as him.
He was always patient. Alexandros moved like he own the time, like he had lots of time to spare. He even taught us how to pray, how to believe in the unseen and the unheard. He also taught the kids the song which he claimed was Alison and Demi’s favorite song. I never saw Alexandros break down after Theron’s death, well, except for today.
Alexandros was sitting in one corner; his head was resting on his knees. Heck, he was… sobbing.
Right now, I couldn’t see the king that everyone loved and cherished so much. What I could see was a lost child. My eyes watered from pity. Alexandros had always been someone I looked up to. I think me and everyone in the family would share the same belief if I were to say that Alexandros was the smartest, the most capable, and the most powerful man we had ever met. He was also the kindest. It was like he possessed all of the positive traits a man could ever have.
But Alexandros had never experienced being a child. He had never experienced enjoying life while he was in Arameth. Because he was forced to grow up. He was forced to abandon the child in him and be a man as quickly as he could. He was not even allowed to dream of becoming anyone rather than being a king. That was how strict our clan had been.
My parents used to talk about that when I was a kid. In fact, they were both embarrassed because they felt like they took away Alexandros’ youth and dreams. That’s why every time we see him, we felt guilty. He had achieved a lot but we were aware that deep inside, he was not truly happy.
“Alex…” I whispered with a heavy heart.
“Nate, tell me…” he replied as he lifted his head. “What am I supposed to do now?”
That was another first for us. Alexandros had never asked us that question before because it was like he had always known what to do. But now, uncertainty was all over Alexandros’ eyes.
“No, don’t answer that. I know what you are going to say. You are going to tell me again to let go. But I can’t, Nate. I could never do it. If I let go, then what would be the point of living?”
And then he shook his head and vanished. I took a harsh breath before I followed him. I could already guess where he went. I teleported and went to Olunia river. I cussed when I caught Alexandros. He slit his wrist and pointed it at the portal while his other hand was in his chest which only meant one thing. He was using his own life to open the goddamn portal.
I ran to him and pushed him away from the portal.
“For crying out loud, Alex, stop this!” I screamed. My chest tightened at the sight of him.
“It’s you who should stop! Shit, Nate! I am so damn exhausted! I’m doing the best I can but why… why does life keep playing a prank on me?” he asked in a broken voice. “Why does it keep on breaking me? Why does it always have to be me? If I would end up like this, then it shouldn’t have left me hope in the first place! It shouldn’t have let me meet Alison! I would have accepted this fate, Nathan, without a question… if only I didn’t meet her.”
My jaw clenched when I saw how his tears fall. He was like a candle which was about to wither anytime soon. He sat on the sand. And I did, too. I sat beside him.
“Alex, no one will blame you if you decide to give up on that freaking incense. All of us have been like this for years. And we had already achieved peace. The scroll which had the names of the people who were about to be punished had disappeared. And the officials are thinking that it’s because one day, this kingdom will really fall apart.”
I gave his shoulder a light tap. “No one will be reincarnated anymore because Arameth will cease to exist. But thanks to you, everyone had learned how to appreciate each day, how to live their lives to the fullest. I wish you could learn that, too, that you could apply the same lesson to yourself. The Armethians are prepared to die anytime, Alex. Because they knew how tired you are. We are not blind, cousin. You have been fighting for our lives since day one. It’s only natural for you to be exhausted.”
“But I can’t give up.”
“And what do you plan to do? For crying out loud, Alex, don’t use your life to reopen the portal!” I didn’t care if I sounded like I was begging because damn it, I really was begging him to stop. “We all know that spell’s consequences. It will rip not just your body but also your soul to pieces! We will die if you die but that is not what we are afraid of! Because we knew we would die in peace while your soul will suffer and will be trapped in this very place! And all that for what? For a possibility to meet Alison and Demi? Please stop, I’m begging you. If you are tired, then let’s all die and rest together, Alex.”
“I know it’s madness but there were moments when I think that the portal remains closed because of Alison,” Alexandros said in a low voice instead.