~Daciana ~I lay on my bed, all cuddled up under my duvet when I heard a knock on my door. “Daciana, are you up already?” I heard my mother ask, and I yawned widely. “Yes, Mom. Come in.” I answered and my door opened. I turned to look at the door and saw her walk in. “Good morning.” I greeted her as she approached my chair. “I don’t think anything can be good about the morning in this palace, Daciana.” She answered, sitting on the edge of my bed. I yanked the duvet off my body and sat up. “What’s wrong?” I asked worriedly. “I finally got to ask His Majesty the truth.” “The truth?” “Yes. The truth about why he married me in the first place if his dead wife was the love of his life.” “You read the emails?” “I read all the letters and I’m still in shock. I can’t believe the man I fell in love with killed his wife and butler. What if I’m going to share the same fate as Anne?” “That’s never going to happen. King Edwin loves you.” I reassured her. The last thing I needed was to s
~Daciana~ I sat in the restaurant, waiting for the Old Woman to show up. She picked a restaurant far from the kingdom and it was quite understandable. It was too risky to meet in the kingdom. I checked the last message I sent to her about being in the restaurant already. She read it but didn’t respond. I huffed and looked around the restaurant, and I realized I was the only customer present. After waiting for a few more minutes, the restaurant door opened and someone walked in. She was the one. She wore an all-black outfit, but it was pretty different from the Old Woman’s signature look. She also wore a scarf and a face cap. She got to where I sat and she sat in front of me. “Hi.” She said, and I tried looking into her eyes but she had black glasses on. “Hi,” I responded. She proceeded to remove the sunglasses and her face cap, leaving only the scarf on. She still looked beautiful like she was in the portrait even after so many years. “I wanted to do that before you help me
~Daciana~ I couldn’t seem to find my jaw on the floor after it dropped in shock and disbelief. I couldn’t understand one thing going on in front of me. “I… I am confused.” I muttered, shaking my head and hoping they would start explaining immediately. Mr Trump pulled a chair from the table next to us and placed it next to Anne’s chair. “How are you even here, Mr Trump?” I asked, narrowing my gaze at him. “King Edwin let me go. I guess he eventually realized that I wasn’t the one behind the released letters because the last one complicated me too.” He answered. “The emails?” “Yes. He believes I wouldn’t have complicated myself. So he let me go so I can mourn my son in peace.” “But that’s a lie because you actually know about this, don’t you?” “It was all Anne’s plan. I just wanted to keep everything lowkey until the big reveal.” “What is ‘the big reveal?’” “When we will appear at the palace and tell the whole truth about me still being alive,” Anne responded, and I raised m
~Daciana~“Anytime King Edwin and I met to make love, I used pills after. I didn’t want to make the mistake of having a child for someone I didn’t love. Afterwards, he got very busy and I was excited. There was time for me to be with Trump and even carry his child. “He was out so many days on Kingdom business, and one of those days was when I got pregnant with Randall.”“Why didn’t you tell either of them that they are siblings?? You made them rivals throughout their lives!” “I didn’t want them to hate each other, Daciana. I thought him chasing you would bring him closer to Randall, I never knew Randall was in love with you too. Jonathan was crazy about you, and I thought it was a good thing.” “Just so you know, Jonathan helped Riley kill his brother, okay?! You could have at least told…” “Who? Randall? He would have flared up. We couldn’t. We needed Edwin to believe that he was the butler’s son and that he had taken care of him.” Anne responded. “And you didn’t want to ruin your
~Daciana ~I stood up from the couch and moved away, unable to look at his face. “I’m sorry, Daci. I shouldn’t have done that.” He responded, sitting up. “No, it’s fine. I understand.” I gulped hard and nodded. “I just… I really miss you, Daci. I… I just don’t only miss you. I am still in love with you…”“Carl…” I butted in but he shook his head. “Let me say this, please.” He answered, and I nodded obediently. “When I held the globe and found out it wasn’t you, I was devastated, I was nowhere close to happy. I wanted it to be you so badly. But because my parents didn’t like that no name appeared when you held the globe, they felt it meant something was wrong with us being together, so they made me be with Trisha no matter what.“I was younger and wanted to do everything they asked even though it wasn’t what I wanted. But not anymore. I will go after what I want, and what I want is you.” He said firmly, and I breathed out loudly again. “Carl, I’m sorry but…” “I know you were in
Daciana~ ~Two weeks later~ I sat in front of my full-length mirror and let the maids do my makeup. The big day was here and I wasn’t the only one looking forward to it. King Edwin would seize the opportunity to talk to the people of the kingdom about the letters, and Anne also would execute their plans. And I?? Maybe after the ceremony, I would give Carl his answer. For the past two weeks, he has been checking up on me. We would talk on the phone for hours and sometimes even go out to eat. Though I’ve been thinking so hard about his proposal, I’m yet to know what to say to him. ‘Let’s see how the party goes.’ “Daciana.” My mother called as she walked into the room. “Yes,” “People are arriving already. Carl is also outside, waiting for you,” “We’ll be done soon,” I answered, and she nodded, moving closer to where I sat. “Are you sure about holding the globe?” I breathed out heavily and nodded. “I am sure, Mother. You’ve asked this question countless times
~Randall~Locking my eyes with hers after a long time felt so good, even though the gaze she had was a shocked one. I expected that to happen. “What is going on? How is this possible? He is dead.” The crowd murmured loudly, giving way for me like they had seen a ghost as I walked to the podium. The paparazzi increased their speed in taking more pictures of me, but I ignored all of them and kept my gaze on Daciana, who was on her knees, frozen in disbelief. “Randall.” King Edwin called, and I also ignored him. The only person I wanted to say something to was Daciana. She was the only one I felt I owed an explanation. Getting to the podium, I went on my knees in front of her, with our gaze still locked and for the first time since she laid her eyes on me, she blinked. Tears rolled down her eyes as I embraced her. “Is this… is this a dream?” She stuttered, with her arms still dangling weakly at her sides. “It’s not a dream. I’m here. Your baby is alive.” I uttered in a low tone and
~Daciana~ I raised my head from his chest and stared at those who struggled to lift King Edwin. I looked at Randall and he smiled at me softly. It was still like a dream. I never thought I’d ever hold him in my arms ever again. I kept touching, squeezing, and sniffing him to make sure it wasn’t all a dream. “Let’s leave here.” He uttered in a whisper and I looked at my mother, who was behind those that had carried King Edwin. “Won’t you go with them to the hospital?” I uttered softly, and he shook his head. “He has people around. He wouldn’t notice I’m not there. You, on the other hand…” he cupped my face. “I owe you an explanation, and I’ll do that as soon as I can. So, let’s get out of here.” He moved his hand from my back and held my hand. We walked down the podium and he wrapped his arm around my waist as we headed out of the hall. “Daci! Hey…” I heard Carl call from behind us, and that was when I remembered Carl was also in the hall with us. For a moment, I forgot everyth
~ Daciana~ After a year. We sat in the living room. Randall and I. And in his arms was Darian, who also seemed so interested in what was showing on the television. It was pretty funny that he had a favorite show at age one already and it was Cocomelon. He loved the show so much that if it came on, he’d stop crying and begin to giggle. I looked at Randall and he looked at me with widened eyes. “What?” I asked, and he looked at Darian. “He’s giving those low groans again. I think he’s going to…” All of a sudden, Darian pooped all over his garment and my eyes widened. “Poop.” He completed his statement and we both burst out laughing. Darian looked at us in confusion and suddenly began to laugh too. “I’m so sorry. I should have used his pampers. I had no idea he’d poop again so soon.” I uttered, carefully carrying him away from Randall’s arms. “It’s okay. I’ll just go and wash up.” He responded, holding the helm of his royal garment and lifting it so the poop won’t mess the floor
~Randall~ After eight months. There was a meeting with the Alphas of the kingdom and we all sat in the waiting room when all of a sudden, a maid dashed into the room panting hard. “Your majesty! Your majesty! The Queen… she is… her water broke.” She said, shivering profusely.“What?” I spanked to my feet running out of the meeting room. Getting out, I saw two guards, each on both sides holding her as she walked. “Baby.” I ran towards them, taking her from them. I placed her arm over my shoulder and grabbed her by the waist. “Randall, the baby…” she stuttered and I could feel fear in her.“It’s okay. We will be in the hospital in no time.” I tried to calm her down even though my emotions were all over the place. I was scared too. Getting to the car, the guards helped lift her up. My driver hopped into the driver seat and I sat with her holding her hands and comforting her as she groaned. My driver drove as fast as he could and we got to the hospital in less than 15 minutes. I c
~Carl~ I got an invite to a party at the palace. I was personally invited by Daciana. I wasn’t sure what the party was about, but I was sure she seemed super excited about it. I wouldn’t miss it too because this is the first time she has sounded so happy after Anne’s death. “Baby, are you ready?” Bonnie asked, spraying her body with some cologne. To my greatest surprise, she told me I could bring my plus one, which is now Bonnie. After the proposal dinner, I finally got to talk to Bonnie and we seemed to click instantly. I realized after speaking for a while that we had so many things in common. I asked her out on a date that very day and since then, we’ve been super cool. “Baby!” She yelled from the room again. “What?? I’ve been done for more than twenty minutes. I’m waiting for you to finish.” I responded in a loud voice, looking towards the room. “Why didn’t you answer me then? I thought you’d headed out to the car already.” She replied, walking out of the room. As soon a
Lily~ Leaving the palace, I headed for Brandon’s house. I had Kendall in the car with me because I knew he was going to help me get back to him if it got too difficult. “Mummy, when are we going to see Uncle Brandon again? I miss him.” Kendall uttered, and I raised my head to look at him through the rear mirror. “I know you miss him, baby. I miss him too. But, guess what?” I asked with a wide smile, facing the road again. “What? Are we getting Ice cream?” “What? Why would you even guess that?” I chuckled, looking at him through the rare mirror again. “Because you buy me ice cream every time I talk about Uncle Brandon.” He responded, and my eyes widened in shock. “I don’t do that all the time.” I tried to defend myself even though I knew he was telling the truth. “Yes, you do. But it’s okay, I love ice cream.” He replied, reaching for his phone. “Trust me, Kendall. It’s not the case anymore. I promise you, you’ll get ice cream and you’ll also get to see Uncle Brandon.” “Real
~Daciana~ It was a week after Anne's funeral and I was yet to tell anyone, even Randall that I was pregnant. I don’t know, but the vibe was off, most especially because of how Anne’s funeral went down. Somehow, we regretted that we didn’t get to tell her how much we loved her in her last moments. We sat in the dining room, ready to eat, and when I lifted the spoon to my mouth to eat, it suddenly smelt awful and I had this sudden urge to puke. I sprang to my feet, holding my mouth as I ran down the hallway. It was my very first time acting like that in front of Randall. I had tried to keep my pregnancy cravings and signs away from him because I didn’t want him to suspect. I was looking for the perfect time to spill the beans. I held onto the toilet and puked whatever was left in my belly. “Are you alright?” “Ahhh!” I jolted, looking back and saw Randall, behind me, looking worried. “Did I startle you?” He asked, lowering himself too and I nodded. “Yes, your Majesty. You startl
~King Randall~We, the family, stood in front of the catafalque. There were flowers, candles and pictures of Anne displayed on it. We all had straight faces as we all waited in silence in respect to the dead. This wasn’t how I pictured things to end for my mother. Hiding in the palace and not being able to invite people to my mother’s funeral was unbelievable. “Your Majesty. Do you have anything else to say?” The monk asked, moving away from the catafalque, and I nodded, standing up. In my hand was the note my mother wrote before she killed herself. With clenched jaws, I stood in front of everyone and opened the note. “Since my mother decided that killing herself was the best decision she could make, I had refused to read whatever she had written in this paper. “But, I think it’s the right time to read this, and at the same time, read it out to everyone here,” I uttered and slowly unfolded the note. “Dear son, by the time you see this, I’d have probably been dead. But I want to
~Lily~ After the note was found, we were told to go to the living room by Trump. I guess it was our cue to leave.“We should leave now,” I said to Brandon and he nodded in agreement. “I will tell Randall we are leaving.”As he left, Daciana approached me “How are you feeling?”“I should be the one asking you that. We are leaving already”“I’m sorry about what happened today. I’m glad Kendall is safe.”“Thank you” I smiled faintly and continued “You should go to Randall, he needs you right now.”“Right, take care.” She said as she turned to leave. Just then Brandon returned with our stuff. “Let’s go,” he said as we headed out. Getting to the car, I put Kendall in the back seat and sat in front with Brandon. My head was on the window as we drove out of the Palace.I recalled how scared I was when Kendall was missing. It made me realize he meant more to me than I ever imagined and that I should give him my undivided attention and love.‘I would never let what happened today happen aga
~Daciana~ I let out a soft moan as my eyes slowly opened. “She is awake, she’s awake.” I heard their voices faintly.“Queen Daciana, can you hear me?” His voice sounded louder than before and I nodded.I looked to my right and I saw a man dressed in a corporate outfit with a stethoscope around his neck. He was a Doctor. “Yes, I can,” I responded, trying to sit up.Just then I remembered what had happened before I lost consciousness, there was no Kendall or Trisha in sight. “Where is Kendall? Where are they?” I asked with agitation and Carl hurriedly moved closer to me.“Please take it easy Daciana. Randall has gone to fetch them. You should be more concerned about your health.”“Are they fine?” I asked, still very worried.“We got a call from Lily telling us that they have been found,” Trump said.“They are fine. You should talk to the Doctor, he has refused to say anything to us unless you are awake.” My mother replied, and I looked at the Doctor“What is wrong with me Doctor?”“C
~King Randall~ “Why can’t we leave for the hospital right now?” I asked in frustration as I rushed Daciana into the house. “You just got coronated. You can’t be seen in the hospital right now. There are eyes all over you.” Trump answered as we followed me alongside the others. “Who cares?? My Queen just fainted and I should care about what people will think?” “The doctor is on his way already.” Carl butted in as I laid her on the couch. “We… we can’t just sit back and do nothing! My son is missing! We should be out there looking for him!” Lily cried in agony. “I sent the guards out already. They’ll find him. They have to! Do you think I want to be here right now too??” I asked, sitting next to Daciana and holding her hand, hoping she would wake up. “I knew something like this was going to end up happening. We invited an enemy to live with us!” Agatha uttered, and we all looked at her. “What are you talking about?” Trump shook his head in confusion. “Anne, of course! After all