Surprising Engagement

--- Alex's POV ---

"Ah... Master here you are."

As soon as I entered my house, Lilah pounced on me like a lost pet found its owner.

"Young Master, your father was looking for you. The servants came a few times calling you to attend the event planned by your majesty. I was so panicked-"

I could not help but give a light kiss on her petite lips. she looked so cute normally and seeing her worry about me - even though it was her task, felt sweet in my heart.

I just wanted to give a light kiss to interrupt her but soon found out that it was hard to stop myself once I lost myself in the taste of her lips. her lips tasted sweet and smooth as I pulled her small body in my arms and embraced her slim waist with my hands.

"um, um."

she kept writhing in my embrace but I was easily able to overpower her. knowing that her little strength was of no use against me, she too little by little, started accepting my lips on hers.

"Lilah, I saw young master coming. why hasn't he arrived at the party yet?"

our lovely time was interrupted by a loud roguish voice outside the door. I got distracted and stopped, giving Lilah the moment to leave my embrace and distance herself as her face went completely red in shame.

"he is getting ready and will be there as soon as he is."

she spoke loud enough for the guards to quiet down as we heard the noise of steps leaving us. Lilah was quick on her feet as she helped me get dressed and ready in no time.

...

As I entered the middle of the palace, I saw a large gathering chatting happily and enjoying among themselves. as far as I could see, everyone was dressed formally and servants could be seen tagging along each group to serve to their needs.

I quickly made my way to the centre where I found Alistair chatting with a middle-aged man. he had few strands of hair and was almost on the verge of going bald. with an oversized belly, he looked kind of fat... too fat. I thought for once that his wife must be quite unlucky to see that man naked, wait- what am I thinking?

I shook my head as I went nearby them. Taking a quick look from the corner of his eyes, my father gestured me to come closer. And introduced me to that clunky old man.

"Alex, meet Robert. He is a fish merchant in the neighbouring city and his business is quite vast. And Robert, meet Alex, he is my second son. You know his mother, don't you."

He gave Robert quite a look, though I could not understand it at all. I have never heard of my mother, not even seen her face. I only know that I was 2 years old when she died. There was no picture of my mother in the whole castle. Sometimes I was lead to believe that either my father forgot about her or did not love her at all. It was quite a painful memory of the past.

I greeted Robert but there was a question in my mind arising at the same time. 'Why am I being introduced. Wasn't I the trash of the family?'

"Well, I have an important announcement to make." said father interrupting my thoughts. He spoke in a heavy voice attracting everyone present in the event.

"As you all know, I have invited you all to commemorate a special event unfolding in here in this castle," he said as he looked around. Feeling that everyone was attentive and looking forward, he continued, "Today is the day my son - Alex, is going to be engaged. Also," he took a quick pause pointing at the Robert, "he is Robert, the father of the bridesmaid."

I could only stand silly at one point. Being surprised was one thing but being stupified was another. I did not know what was happening anymore. Was I just being engaged? and wasn't it too quick? I mean at least let me interact with the bride for a moment? No?

I quickly came to know that I alone was not kept in the dark as a feminine voice lashed out from the crowd.

"Father, what the hell are you doing? how could you engage Alex without any prior information? or at least take his consideration in the account before making such a decision." she voiced out her anguish while berating him in front of the crowd and I could see father's face twitch a little but he quickly composed himself.

"Honey! have I ever done anything bad for you? believe me, it is for his own good. you want him to become a responsible adult or continue living his life as he is like trash- I mean nothing but a homesick boy?" he raised his eyebrows as stopped my sister's momentum with a direct question.

I wanted to shout out my unwillingness against all of this. I wanted to go up there and support my sister right now. but I knew that I was too weak and probably, my opinion did not even matter to him. he was going to force his decision on me as he always does.

from childhood to teenage life, he has been forcing his ideals and opinions onto us. luckily, Kaitlyn awakened a mid-grade talent and he could not shove his rule on her anymore. and being my sister, she supported and protected me as well. which was the reason that she was still a trainee whereas she could easily leave far off for a sect and join the ranks of an official wizard anytime.

shaking my head, I cleared all the cloudy thoughts appearing in my mind. and just as I did, father turned his focus on me.

"So Alex, tell me. do you want your sister to look after you? do you not want to

grow? tell me?"

I could feel my heart being pressured all of a sudden. I could see my sister glaring at me and wanting me to shake my head. but sorry sis, I can't trouble you anymore than I already have.

though being in this body for no more than a day, I somehow took over his emotion sensations with his closed ones. and that included my sister as well. I have already delayed her growth quite a lot. I don't wish to continue doing so.

my throat felt too dry to give an adequate response, so I chose to just nod my head as I saw my sister's teary eyes. damn, only if I could support her but I don't have any talent. please understand sis.

my father seemed to be pleased with the decision, so he just smiled brightly at me. but even his smile seemed to be evil in my eyes.

"oh, right. silly me," placing his right hand behind his head, he continued, "let me introduce you to your fiancee, Alex. here she is..."