Chapter 6 Not Alone

21st century

"He wants to make you do what?" Leigh screeched from within another room. "Allie, what the hell?"

Alexis's stomach churned, already recognizing that sound from her sister. Leigh found the contract she signed with Ellis a few days ago.

Loud stomps made their way from her bedroom to the kitchen where Alexis was preparing their dinner. If only she could disappear right there and then.

There was no humor nor goodwill when Leigh asked, "What is the meaning of this?" She held up a piece of paper, the sides almost crumpled with how she was handling it.

The younger sister replied, busying herself with slicing some vegetables, "You shouldn't be snooping through my stuff, Leigh."

"Look me in the eye and explain what this is," Leigh sighed. "You signed a contract with Ellis Lane?"

Knowing she couldn't hide anything from the 'all-knowing' Leigh, Alexis fessed up, "Yeah, it's either that or he and his lawyers will drag us through the mud together with our crew. He vowed to make sure they never get a decent job anywhere."

Leigh got cartoonishly mad that Alexis could almost see smoke coming out her nostrils. "Now I'm more sure than ever that that person is NOT King Richard. That's the devil incarnate, Allie. And you're signing yourself off to him? We can find other solutions, you should have told me!"

To be honest, Alexis was just tired. It's been days since Ellis's cruel display of revenge and she's never had a peaceful night after that. She hoped that she could at least rest at home.

Alexis calmly replied, "I'm only offering my services as his personal chef for some time, Leigh." She progressively became more angry as reality hit them in the face. "And what can we possibly do to fight a multi-billionaire, hmm? Because I'm not willing to risk Julian and my crew's life because my husband from the past wants to make me pay for my crimes also from the past."

Leigh looked up to stop her tears from falling.

Alexis went on, "I know this feels unfair for you. And I'm sorry for hiding this from you but I've planned everything out for future catering so that Jules could handle them even if I'm not there."

"That's not why I'm mad, Allie."

"It's not like we can do something about Ellis. If you find a time machine then that would be great. But we can't, so at least let me enjoy the remaining peace and quiet until I have to work for him."

She couldn't take it anymore, Leigh walked out without any words and banged the door. "This is stupid!"

Alexis groaned in frustration. This was often the reason for their fights as sisters, their equal stubbornness. But Leigh should recognize that this time, Alexis made the right call.

Her sacrifice was only a small one compared to the consequences of refusing Ellis. She let out a weary exhale as she dropped the cut vegetables in the pot, "Guess I'll be eating by myself tonight."

That night, the warm blanket and soft pillows didn't do anything to comfort Alexis as she again cried her heart out.

The next morning, she was woken by the rustling of clothes and her sister's grumbling.

"L-Leigh? What are you doing?" Alexis rubbed her swollen eyes as she adjusted to the light. She peeked at the clock which indicated that it was still 7. "I get that you're mad, but-"

Her sister finally spoke, "You're right, I'm mad." Leigh huffed and with a curled lip, said, "I'm mad at myself for how I reacted yesterday. It was childish. You were only doing what you could, I shouldn't have blown up on you like that. I'm sorry."

Alexis sat up and looked at her clothes draped by Leigh on the end of her bed. "No, don't be. I should have known better than to hide such an important thing from you. But what's all this?"

Leigh placed her hands on her hips. "I'm your big sister and boss so I should be the one protecting you and our staff. I spent the whole night thinking of how to handle this matter. And I found a law firm that handles wrongful claims cases against small businesses like what Ellis made."

"Leigh," Alexis groaned, "We're not going up against him, we can't. I'm sure this firm wouldn't even touch anything that's related to a billionaire since they know we'll lose. Where will we find the money for that anyway?"

"Allie, listen to me." Leigh walked towards her and sat on the bed. "You're not alone in this. You don't have to sacrifice yourself anymore because the people around you can help."

Alexis sniffled, feeling the zeal to fight for her life coming back into her body. Leigh's right, she wasn't a monarch who had to carry the burden all by herself. She was equal with everyone now.

"Okay, thanks. I needed to hear that. But again, we don't have the money. Ellis will take back the catering payment if we counter-sue."

Leigh excitedly shook her by the shoulders. "I'm just getting to the best part! I contacted them last night and surprisingly, they answered right away. I explained everything and even told them it was against Lane's Heritage. That's when a man called me right away and told me to be at their firm today, the earlier the better. He didn't hesitate to say yes and get this, he's doing it pro bono."

Alexis raised her brow. "Free? But why?"

"I don't know! Funny, but he actually sounded really happy after hearing about us. But I checked and it's a legit company and even well-received. We have to try, Allie."

She gave up struggling against her sister's hold and just eagerly jumped up and down with Leigh. Alexis made a vow to be free of the past and live now as it is. If she could find a way to detach herself from Richard, "Let's do it!"

In the 45-minute ride to their destination, doubts made their way back to Alexis. "Of course, they'd cover our case. They will take on Lane's Heritage if it means getting fame for their firm. Maybe that's what they want. Or if they are sincere in helping us, Ellis will make sure even they will suffer. Which means I'd cause more damage than if I just accepted his terms."

She pulled back once they reached the building. Leigh informed her, "We're here. The guy told me to just get to the top floor."

Alexis winced, "Maybe we should reconsider. I mean, how could they possibly help us?"

Before she could open the car door again, Leigh's arm was already linked with hers as she was pulled towards the entrance to the elevator where she had no escape.

After giving their names to the receptionist on the top floor, the sisters were led to what looked like the widest office with a full view of the city. Alexis mused over the minimalistic space, "Woah, this is amazing. No wonder they're going to do our case for free, look at this place!"

Despite its contemporary design, the office showed the owner's interest in the military with war relics from the past until now.

Leigh giggled, "I told you, didn't I? They're the real deal. I hope they're as amazing at their work as advertised."

"I certainly hope so," a man's voice replied from behind them. "We'd hate to prove otherwise."

Alexis whipped her head to the door where an unassuming guy was smiling at them. He walked to them with natural ease with a tray of beverages and snacks in hand. "Please take a seat, my partner had a sudden meeting to attend but he'll be right with us once he's done. He apologizes for making you wait."

The calmness in his voice was enough to lull them to the leather couch, seemingly hypnotized by the person.

Noticing that they hadn't spoken yet, the man introduced himself, "Sorry, you must be confused right now. I'm Kristoph Linden, one of the two managing partners of Sentry Law Associates." He shook hands with both and took a seat in front of them.

Leigh gasped, hand in her mouth, "Managing partner? That means you own this firm. Last night, I thought I was just talking to an employee or something."

Kristoph's smirk widened. "Well, I was not the person on the other line. It was my partner, Garrick. I don't know what it is about you two but I heard he practically dashed from his home to here right after your call just to wait for you. I've never seen that man act this way."

Alexis hugged her bag as her heart pounded the more the lawyer's words settled in her mind. "You don't mean Sir Garrick Kane?"

The man scratched the back of his neck, becoming a bit uncomfortable at their reaction to his partner's mere name. "Sir? Uh, yeah, Garrick Kane. You're not an ex by any chance, are you?"

"N-No, it's just that he's..." Alexis didn't know how to continue so Leigh spoke up for her, "More like a long-lost friend."

"Oh? Must have been a long time since Garrick's been a close friend of mine since high school." Kristoph's gaze on Alexis became more observant, trying to decipher what was going on.

"You have no idea," Alexis whispered. Who would've thought she was going to meet the head of her Queen's guards? Should she thank Ellis for starting this series of events?

Leigh, wanting to know more, asked, "So, how's he? I mean, what is he like now?" After meeting King Richard, she became suspicious of anyone from their past having changed drastically.

"Where to start?" Kristoph relaxed in his seat but was still suspiciously studying the women. "Ever since I knew him, Garrick's always acted older than he was. I felt like I was talking to a veteran the first time I met him. I'm starting to get why you call him Sir."

They all chuckled, understanding exactly what he was saying. The lawyer went on with a creased forehead, "But sometimes it's scary how old he sounds when we're both just in our late twenties, though he is the most loyal person to ever exist. But, uhm, how do I say this? He's too..."

Alexis completed the rest of his statement with nostalgia, "Too righteous to a fault. The very representation of a knight."

Kristoph's eyes widened as he pointed at her. "Exactly! I've been thinking of words to describe him and you got it. You do know him."

They all heard the door creak. "Of course she does, and it's still the biggest honor of my life." Another man in a tailored suit walked in and it took everything in Alexis not to run in his arms.

The two women abruptly stood and exclaimed, "Sir Kane!" He approached them with the same commanding posture as he had centuries ago. He also maintained his chin-length hair that was tied half-up.

"Your Ma- Deyanira, Leah," Garrick softly said. His eyes captured the wisdom he's collected for years but they still looked at Alexis with the compassion a guardian had for his charge.

Recognizing a touching reunion, Kristoph quietly walked out of the office and closed the door behind him to give them as much time as they needed. He thought to himself, "What an interesting bunch, I should get to know them more."

Garrick then moved as if he was about to bend on one knee but Alexis stopped him halfway. "You, more than anyone, know how I hate people being too formal with me." She proceeded to bury her face on his chest and embraced him. "I can't believe you're also here."

Large hands in turn held her tight. "I, too, Your Majesty. I've flown around the world to find you only to be told that you were just within reach."