XXIX

“A note for you,” a servant gave Alexander a small paper. He opened it and recognized his brother’s writing.

'Meet me in the garden. Matthew'

He immediately got up and headed outside. The air was perfumed by the heavy scent of the lilies. Their white petals were striking against the backdrop of stone walls.

Alexander wished he could sit between the flowers, with his mate lying next to him reading a book, and both of them smiling happily like there was nothing to ruin them.

He spotted Matthew sitting on a bench in front of the fountain, and playing with his hands as he waited for him. Alexander was as nervous as him as it had been a long time since they last had a private conversation. He thought that maybe it was time for them to forget their painful past and be good brothers to each other again.

“Hey,” Alexander smiled and sat next to him.

“Hey,” Matthew patted his back. “How are you?”

“I’m not sure,” Alexander chuckled. “You must have heard of what happened.”

“Yeah,” Matthew nodded.