Blake's Pov
I sat down on a swivel chair in the royal garden so I could get enough fresh air from the evening which was so cool. It seemed cloudy as if it was going to rain but I didn't mind staying there because these past few days had been so hot especially when one steps out of the palace.I think the weather was trying to make up for those past hot days , although I was boiling so hard in my heart. My hands folded ,with my legs crossed against each other, as the seat spinned from side to side. One could tell that I was in a bad mood and needed my privacy.It was like the whole world was about crumbling before me and I was going to loose all I had worked hard for since I turned eight. The throne, which was my birth right was about to be taken from me by those council men who always presented themselves as the custodian of all our cultures. I had never had a cause to worry about my future than now. While pondering over those last words of Liliana, the duchess of Albania. She had left me so worried with her statement and I found myself being enslaved in it. The guts she had to agree to such a deal made me get that feeling of great betrayal. I knew that at this point ,I should be more alert than ever as she had just set the challenge between the both of us at such a time were the council was mounting up such pressure on me." You should do as they say brother. If I am offered that position, I wouldn't turn it down. I'll gladly take it", she had said before dropping the line on me. I had placed a phone call to my dear loving sister, who I had always for all her life to report the case I had with the council and how they planned to over throne me.I expected her with a more positive answer , which should be that she would help me beg them for sometime to find myself a befitting queen, but instead she came up with such a daring answer which really put me off. When I remember that Liliana and I had never had a cause to quarrel or have any fight in the past, I get even more scared to have heard her sound that way." Was she really saying all that to my hearing and was she really interested in taking my place?" I found myself asking, I felt some little doubt within me, I had heard her say she had no interest for the throne in the past and that was one of the reasons she always stayed far from it. She spent almost all her years in Albania , serving them as it's ruler and making sure it was a better place.She had never shown any interest and i was never bothered , but now I felt like there was someone behind the sudden change of mind and I had to figure out just who it was.How could she be this mean towards me. Our relationship had always been a good one and we had always had each other's back from day one.What was the sudden change all about, and why would she desire what was mine.There was only one thing that I could think of and that was how to remedy what was about to become my wildest nightmare.Being a crowned prince came with lots of duties and expectations, starting from the way matters would be approached , most importantly finding a loyal crowned princess who would carry out her functions more effectively and help me in keeping the country in togetherness and unity as it's future mother.This had been my expectation as the future ruler of New Orleans ,but I have never been after just a loyal princess. I wanted something more beautiful and special. If I could find love ,it would make my function as the ruler of my country much easier.I didn't want a woman who would be just loyal and obedient to all my commands for the sake of duty and status, although it was paramount to have her posses such features ,but I believed strongly that I would be able to rule better with a crowned princess that I loved.I admired the love life between my father and mother and that was my strongest desire. It all seemed like they failed to acknowledge my aspirations but only were after my finding a befitting bride from a noble family to take as wife.Dad was currently down with a chronic illness which had affected his heart. The doctor said that he had series of heart attacks in the past unknown to us which led to him slumping one certain day. He was rushed to the hospital and that was when we found out about the sickness and how he had been hiding it from us and getting series of treatments by the royal family doctor secretly.I was so annoyed that he couldn't tell us the situation he was into, doctor Dante had told me that the reason he was unable to reveal his sickness was because he didn't want us to get worried and he had made him swear not to tell us about it. Dad was able to speak for a few months but he was unable to work because he already had been paralyzed on his legs.Although he was still down, he managed to rule the country from the hospital until a particular day when he fell into coma .Ever since then ,dad had never opened his eyes or spoken to anyone. All pressure had been on me to get a wife as they all had a strong believe that he might not make it out alive.Hearing the pressure they gave me everyday to get myself a crowned princess, who would ascend the throne with me if father eventually dies made me wonder if they actually wished for their King to pass. I actually understood better later on that this was for the purpose of keeping the Royal lineage of the country.While growing up as the children of His Highness ,we were all betrothed at the age of five to our betrothals . I had two younger siblings ,both females.There was Liliana the duchess of Albania, who was betrothed to Williams Shaw ,the son of a noble minister of war in Greenville. Williams happens to be the master of the sea as he was in charge of the seaports of New Orleans. My second sister happened to be the duchess of Noblesville, Kyra , a eighteen year old medical student at Noblesville University.When I turned five I was betrothed to Maria , a very beautiful blond haired damsel, with the most beautiful smile I had ever seen. She was the daughter to Lt. Col. Adams Steve, the commander of the army at New Orleans ,a very respected man who had commanded so much respect around the world.I was willing to have her even though she was chosen for me out of duty. We schooled together until high school and our relationship was great. She was every guys dream, very nice, intelligent , sweet and caring. I admired her alot and I was sure that she was very much attracted to me. We always had lunch together when it was our free time and I was very willing to take her as mine.She was someone I knew I could do life together with,but it was all cut short the day she fell down from a cliff. There had been reports on her sustaining a spinal injury which took her life days after. She remained Unconscious before her death and even her nanny who was with her before the attack went into coma.We all felt it wasn't just an accident z but someone had really lunched an attack on the both of them. No one knew who it was and just like that Maria died and her nanny lost all her memories when she Finally got out of coma. That was the first time I felt my love leaving me.Father made plans a year later to get me a new betrothal ,his plans failed when Veronica came with the reports of her being pregnant with my child. She was the best friend to Maria, the daughter to Santiago Rodriguez ,the most famous jewelry lord in New Orleans. She was always with Maria back then in school and she went with us to the schools cafe whenever we wanted to have lunch.Maria loved her so much and would always talk about her whenever we were together. She called her her special friend and her bestie and I was happy that my bethroned had a friend she could rely on.After Maria's funeral, I found myself drifting away slowly . I had been close to Maria and loosing her created this emptiness in me. Veronica was always there. She consoled me , because she had also lost a dear friend. She kept visiting me from to time to time until that particular day we decided to drink.I woke up the next morning finding her next to me on the bed unclad. I had no recollection on how the night had been ,but she claimed we had made love , showing me some blood stains on the purple bed sheets. I was not too sure as I tried to remember but it was hard. I didn't want to doubt her , because she was already in tears. it was a state of confusion ,but I decided not to take it the had way. She was a lady and might get hurtI knew that I had no sexual experience before and had no clue what really happened between us, but I didn't want her to feel too bad if really something had happened that night.When Veronica Rodriguez showed up with the pregnancy ,I had to inform father and although he was at first disappointed that I had gotten someone pregnant in high school, he quickly matched us up. Veronica had to quit school until after she had our daughter Flora who is currently ten .We began dating, but it only lasted for a very short period till the day I found out about her use of hard drugs and alcohol. I had to call off the engagement, but although we both decided to part ways ,she till had a very strong influence over me and always had her way to getting up close with me.It had been hard selecting a wife , especially when my daughter's mother was always so close. Veronica has this close relationship with my mother and it makes it even more difficult that we part. Flora stayed in the palace with me and Veronica always came over to visit her." If you can't find yourself a befitting bride, I suggest that you consider your daughters mother", mom would always say whenever the issue of getting a bride comes up.The council members had just visited me and their discussion with me ,left me even more confused than before. They had said it was very obvious dad wouldn't scale through his attack and if he happens to pass soon ,then the country would need a new leader." You won't be ascending the throne without a bride, if his Highness should pass today", one of the council men said.I was taken aback by this statement and was left shocked when I was told that if I failed in providing a bride ,then the throne would be passed from me." Passed to whom then? Or do you intend scraping out the royal family?", I asked." We don't intend doing that your Majesty"" Then who would you be passing my birth right to?", I asked." Your father has two daughters and to the best of our Knowledge, your sister Liliana would be considered as queen and her fiance as her king consort", another blabbed.This was the most shocking news I had heard in a long while. Liliana and Kyra knew nothing about the throne and that was why they were raised in a different town away from the palace. How could she be considered queen all of a sudden.I tried talking out things with them, but they left without any more words. I immediately called Liliana to talk things with her and inform her on what they had said, and to get her thoughts on what I should do. If Liliana was right about the council telling her that she would be the next ruler of the country, then they must really be joking. Why would they choose my immediate junior sister over me to rule them in the first place.She surprised me with her words , which showed that she had interest in becoming the ruler of the country, something she knew would be like a treason if she ventured into such. I have been trained all my life to become the future king of New Orleans, I went through the necessary schools, got the necessary training, which father had placed me on since I turned eight.I wondered what gave her the impetus to think she could be the next ruler knowing fully well that she had no experience or training on what the ruler of the country should know and should be able to handle that his disposal. It was quite funny as I thought about who was beating the drum to the song she was dancing to. Even the council knew she wasn't qualified, so why would they even choose her for the position." How can my own blood sister be interested in a position she knows is actually my birth right", I kept pondering.Swivelling on the seat, James my right hand man, rushed in to inform me that Veronica had arrived the palace and she was heading towards the garden to see me. She had lots of food with her which she carried in a basket and I immediately knew that she was going to insist that I ate the food. Veronica always hard her way when it came to enticing me . She always thought about her strategies so well and most of the time they worked out successfully for her . I knew this was another of her strategies, in which she was going to use on me making sure that she got me to eat or equally use our daughter Flora to get closer to me and I wasn't ready to let that happen." Rush now! tell her that I just stepped out", I said quickly rushing out through a pathway that lead to the front of the palace. I got into my car and started the engine as the cloud became darker accompanied with some thunder storms which kept on for a long time.Rose's PovMy eyes felt too weak, when I opened it gradually. Everything seemed blur before me as I tried to know where I was. I felt this sharp pain in my head as I tried stretching my neck from the pillow which I noticed was supporting it. I kept rolling my eyes from one side to another as I could faintly see someone looking deep into my eyes with so much concern. Although the picture wasn't clear,but I could tell it was a female and she was in great fear as I had her speak while holding my hands tightly.Although it wasn't all clear but I could tell she was not having a happy look as I felt tears drop on my hands. Then I felt a touch on my palm and a tiny voice which I quickly recalled." Thank God you are alive, I have been so worried and I kept praying that you over come this. I'm so glad you are finally awake", the voice said as my eyes beamed brighter and I got to see Sharon in tears beside me. She already had a red nose and I could hear her trying to blow her nose. Her eyes w
Blake's PovThe only place I could think of visiting was the hospital ,where father was. It was about two hours from the capital of New Orleans. Grace healing hospital in Greenville. Doctor Dante had suggested moving father there from the Medical Centre Hospital ,New Orleans, to avoid the media.The royal family knew how concerned the people were when it came to their King my father. He was loved by all and the news of his health could bring the whole country to a very sad moments. This was the reason why Dad had to be moved in order to hide his present condition from the people. New Orleans had a very great Media impact on the people and that was what we all feared the more. unlike Greenville where the media there was calm. New Orleans where the best in carrying news far and wide ,most times those news were fabricated lies ,although they had little atom of truths in them. We were not ready for such pressure from the media and the lies that came with their news this was why moving fat
Rose's PovI woke up very weak and sad, it was as if my legs could not carry my whole body. I didn't know why it seemed so, but I think it must have been as a result of the treatments that were administered to me at the hospital.I was also placed on some medications which I had to take at home after being discharged from the hospital. Sammie never helped me with the house chores since my return. He acted angry at the fact that my father was mad at him for his actions and wanted to take some actions against him.I wasn't the type who could manage staying under a dirty environment as I was allergic to dust and dirt. In my recovery state ,I had to do the house chores everyday.it was already the third day since my return and that morning I felt this general body pains more than the past few days. Sammie had not left Greenville ever since my return, I guess he wanted to stay around and be sure that I didn't get him reported to the authorities.He watched me pick up the vacuum cleaner as I
Sammie's PovI arrived the palace for my shift , I had left Greenville that morning. I was to be on duty at Her Highness's chambers that week. It was also important that I leave, so Rose could heal properly from the miscarriage which she had. I knew she would feel much relief if wasn't there, at least I had already instigated enough fear in her and her father and I was sure they wouldn't dare do anything otherwise.Unknown to them I actually had no evidence against her father's drug scandals . I had only heard about his doings in the past from people who lived around the neighborhood, but I hadn't any proof against them. Telling them that I have proves was one of the best ways to escape being jailed, of which they actually believed that I was going to take some actions which would put him behind bars and that was the reason why she immediately agreed to stop the divorce her father that wanted her to go for. I kept on laughing at their ignorance and stupidity, because I knew they had
Rose's PovWhenever Sharon got angry, I became my worst days, the loneliness and feeling that I had annoyed her was one thing I found had to go through. She would totally ignore my calls and that was very draining. The last time we quarreled she ended up showing up when I was down with fever. The most craziest thing was that the reason we always had to fight was all because of Sammie.Sammie was always the bone of contention ,and I wondered why this was always so. Sharon and I wouldn't fight over other serious things, because we tend to final find a way to sort things out, but when it came to Sammie, it was never so. I understood that she really didn't like him at all, she always told me she detested him so much, but I didn't like the idea that he was the reason we had to beef each other most times.Ever since Sharon left angrily, she had not been picking up my calls.I was so sure she was angry because I had refused to take actions against Sammie, as she had expected of me. I didn't te
Blake's PovGreenville looked very peaceful and homely for me. There wasn't much pressure felt here and most especially no mother and Veronica thrusting me up and down. I was for once in a long time very comfortable and felt so free minded and cool.Waking up everyday in the palace to mother's visit in my room and her telling me to take Veronica as wife was so sickening. Most times I wondered why she mounted so much pressure on me knowing fully well that I didn't want Veronica to be close to me .Flora was the only reason ,I had to condone her and put up with her behavior. There was no way I would refer to my daughter as a mistake, but it still doesn't eradicate the fact that I sincerely regretted that night when we had both been so drunk.If only we hadn't been close back then, just maybe Flora wouldn't have been made. Now Flora happened to be in my life, my most cherished and precious little girl ,who I would climb mountains for and defend with my last breath, yet she was still the l
Veronica's PovI had to tell Bianca what Sammie had told me. Blake was at Greenville and the only person who could have an idea on where exactly he was at Greenville was the queen. I wasn't so used to the old fashioned town ,as I always heard it was filled with lots of traditional people, so I never wanted to visit it my whole life.I knew the queen very well when it came to taking actions, she was one person Blake would never run away from if he happened to meet her. Blake always found it hard to turn her down and if he tried doing that ,it never ended well between them both as she was always very clingy.So I walked into her chambers that afternoon while she was having her usually body massage from the palace masseuse, a tall dark lanky young man who had the best magical hands ever. Although I wasn't too sure why she liked him for the job since the palace had so many other female masseuses that were ready to attend to her and also had strong hands for the job.She was the queen and I
Blake's PovI couldn't stop thinking of Rose and how she struck my heart when I met her at the restaurant and we got talking for the first time. She was such a sweet soul, very simple, nice and cool headed. Such a fine woman I thought almost all the time and I felt it would be cool if we actually had to meet each other again.Something deep inside told me that she was just that perfect somebody which I needed. Although I knew nothing about her, but I was willing to give it a trial, who knows things might just click up well between the both of us.I could only think about her , and it helped me do away with Moms and Veronica's visit, which wanted to drive me crazy, those two were something else. Here I was having something else that made me very happy as a man. I was quite happy the way I had handled their visit and told Veronica off, at least she would be so annoyed with me and would avoid me for sometime so I could get to know this pretty lady the more.After taking my evening shower
Blake knew how much Rose loved her father, Hardin, and the fact that he was in prison had been a constant source of pain for her. As the King of Greenville, Blake had the power to commute sentences, and he was determined to use that power to help Rose and her father.Blake began by speaking with the prison warden and requesting that Hardin be transferred to a more comfortable cell. He also made sure that Hardin had access to better food and medical care.Blake then went to work on the legal side of things. He enlisted the help of the best lawyers in the country, and they began to work on a strategy to get Hardin released.The case was complicated, as Hardin had been convicted of several serious crimes, including drug trafficking and racketeering. However, Blake was confident that they could find a way to prove Hardin's innocence.Blake also used his connections in the government to put pressure on the judge who had presided over Hardin's trial. He convinced the judge to grant a retria
Rose couldn't believe how much her life had changed in just a few short months. From being a simple waitress in Greenville to eloping with her half-brother Blake, discovering her true parentage, and now, being crowned as the new queen of New Orleans. She felt overwhelmed with all the new responsibilities that came with her new position, but at the same time, she knew that she was ready for the challenge.The coronation ceremony was a grand affair, attended by dignitaries from all over the world. Rose looked resplendent in her new crown and gown, with her hair styled in an intricate updo. She had never felt more beautiful or more nervous in her life.Blake stood by her side, holding her hand as they walked down the aisle towards the throne. He looked dashing in his formal attire, and she couldn't help but feel grateful that he was there with her.As they approached the throne, the Archbishop of New Orleans stepped forward to perform the coronation ceremony. He asked Rose to swear an oa
Sharon and Chris' wedding was a grand affair, attended by their family and friends, as well as members of the royal family and high society. The ceremony took place in the beautiful garden of the palace, with white roses and lilies adorning the surroundings.Sharon wore a beautiful white gown with a long train, while Chris looked dapper in a tailored suit. They exchanged vows, promising to love and cherish each other for the rest of their lives, and sealed it with a kiss.The reception was held in the palace ballroom, which had been decorated in shades of pink and gold. The tables were adorned with crystal glasses and silver cutlery, with pink roses as the centerpiece. A live band played romantic music as guests enjoyed a sumptuous meal and champagne.As the night wore on, the newlyweds took to the dance floor, holding each other close as they swayed to the music. Chris couldn't believe that he was finally marrying the love of his life, after years of waiting and uncertainty. Sharon w
Hardin walked beside his daughter, Rose, with a sense of awe as they approached the palace gates. This was the first time he had ever been here, and the grandeur of the palace was truly breathtaking.As they entered the palace, they were greeted by a member of the royal staff, who ushered them towards a grand hall. Hardin felt a sense of nervousness in the pit of his stomach, knowing that they were about to meet the royal family.Rose, on the other hand, seemed more composed, and Hardin was grateful for her steady presence.As they approached the grand hall, Hardin felt a sudden jolt of recognition when he saw the Queen. He had not seen her in years, but he knew her instantly."Is everything okay, Father?" Rose asked, noticing his hesitation.Hardin took a deep breath and spoke in a low voice. "I know that woman. That's my run away wife, your mother Rose!."Rose's eyes widened in surprise. "You mean, Queen Bianca?"Hardin nodded. "Yes, that's her."Rose's jaw dropped as the realizatio
Blake knew how much Rose loved her father, Hardin, and the fact that he was in prison had been a constant source of pain for her. As the King of Greenville, Blake had the power to commute sentences, and he was determined to use that power to help Rose and her father.Blake began by speaking with the prison warden and requesting that Hardin be transferred to a more comfortable cell. He also made sure that Hardin had access to better food and medical care.Blake then went to work on the legal side of things. He enlisted the help of the best lawyers in the country, and they began to work on a strategy to get Hardin released.The case was complicated, as Hardin had been convicted of several serious crimes, including drug trafficking and racketeering. However, Blake was confident that they could find a way to prove Hardin's innocence.Blake also used his connections in the government to put pressure on the judge who had presided over Hardin's trial. He convinced the judge to grant a retria
As soon as Rose received the call from Sammie, she rushed to the location he gave her. She was nervous, anxious, and had no idea what to expect. When she arrived at the location, Sammie was waiting for her. He led her to a small cabin deep in the woods forcefully. When they got there, Sammie opened the door and Rose couldn't believe her eyes.Sitting in the corner, tied up and gagged, was Sharon. Rose ran to her to untie her, tears streaming down her face. "Oh my God, Sharon, are you okay?" she asked, hugging her tightly.Sharon was in a state of shock and confusion. She didn't know what was happening and couldn't comprehend what had happened to her. It took her a while to realize that it was Rose.Rose asked that Sammie sets her free ,but when he gave her that dreadful look, she knew he was up to no good. Sammie immediately smacked Rose on her check heavily which sent her to the ground groaning in pains.He reminded her of all the humiliation she caused him in court the moment she sa
Veronica had been keeping a low profile since the accident that left Chris and Flora injured. She had heard about the accident, but she was not aware that her daughter had been involved. For days, she had been trying to get in touch with Sammie, but he had not been answering his phone.She decided to visit him at his home, but when she got there, the house was empty. She tried calling him again, but there was still no answer. She went back to her car and was about to drive away when she saw a car pull up.She watched as Sammie went into the house and came out a few minutes later. He was carrying a small body bag. Veronica's heart sank as she realized what had happened.She got out of her car and walked over to Sammie. "What happened?" she asked, tears streaming down her face."I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but your daughter was involved in the accident with Chris . She didn't make it."Veronica felt like her world had come crashing down. She couldn't believe that her daughter wa
Chris was driving with his daughter Flora on their way home from school when a car ran a red light and collided with their vehicle. The impact was so strong that it spun their car around and hit a pole on the side of the road.When Chris regained consciousness, he immediately looked for Flora. He saw her unconscious and bloodied in the back seat. He panicked and quickly pulled her out of the car, trying to revive her. But she remained unresponsive.Chris's injuries were minor compared to Flora's. He had only sustained a small cut on his forehead, but his daughter was in critical condition. He knew he had to act fast and get her medical attention.He flagged down a passing car and begged for help. The driver was a kind woman who immediately called 911 and stayed with Chris and Flora until the ambulance arrived.The ambulance arrived within minutes and rushed Flora to the nearest hospital. Chris rode in the ambulance with her, praying for her to be alright. The ambulance's siren blared,
Chris had been searching for Sharon, who had been kidnapped by Sammie on the orders of Veronica. His search had led him to Texas, where he found out that Veronica was hiding out.Determined to find Sharon, Chris decided to play along with Veronica's game. He pretended to accept her back into his life and they made out. Chris was sitting in a hotel room in Texas, feeling conflicted. Veronica was lying next to him, wrapped in his arms, but his thoughts were consumed by Sharon. He couldn't stop thinking about her and the guilt he felt for betraying her.As he lay there, lost in his thoughts, Veronica stirred and looked up at him. "What's wrong, Chris?" she asked, sensing his unease.Chris hesitated for a moment before responding. "I don't know, Veronica. I just can't stop thinking about Sharon. It feels wrong to be here with you when she's out there somewhere, alone and scared."Veronica's face darkened at the mention of Sharon's name. "Why do you keep bringing her up?" she snapped. "I