RonanIt was a valid point, one that had been gnawing at the back of my mind ever since Frederick had revealed his plan. I clenched my fists, feeling the frustration build inside me. "Then we won’t let that happen," I said stubbornly, though the words sounded hollow even to my own ears.Joseph laughed bitterly, shaking his head. "Us and what army, Ronan? We’re at his mercy. Frederick holds all the cards, and we’re just trying to survive. If he decides to use Dimitrov for his own gain, what exactly are we going to do about it?"I sat on the bed opposite him, my mind racing for a solution, a way out. But the truth was, Joseph was right. We were trapped between two dangerous forces, with no real power to stop Frederick if he decided to turn this mission to his advantage. I ran my fingers through my hair again, the frustration nearly unbearable. How had it come to this? We were soldiers, not pawns in someone else’s political game."We need to stay sharp," I finally said, my voice low but d
Ronan As the weight of our decision settled over us, I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hope buried deep beneath all the fear and uncertainty. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to keep me going. We were in this together, and no matter how hard things got, we would push forward. For our families, for our futures, for the chance to get home in peace. "Let’s make sure we don’t just hope," I finally said, standing up and stretching. "Let’s make sure we prepare, stay sharp, and fight like hell." Joseph gave a small smile, the kind that masked the fear and tension underneath. "We’ll be ready." And with that, we both fell into a quiet understanding, each of us silently preparing for what the next day would bring. The odds were stacked against us, but we were soldiers. And tomorrow, we’d fight for our lives, for our families, and for the chance to reclaim everything we’d lost. The morning had come all too quickly, and the weight of what was ahead pressed down on me as we sat around the
RonanIt felt like an eternity before someone finally picked up the phone, and the moment I heard Camila’s soft voice, all the tension that had been gripping my chest melted away in an instant. Relief rushed through me, as if I had been holding my breath the entire time."Malishka," I whispered into the phone, my voice carrying the affection I felt for her, a word that held so much love and tenderness."Ronan, are you okay?" she asked, her voice gentle but filled with concern. That simple question, her worry for me, made me sigh deeply."Yes, Malish, I'm fine," I reassured her, though the worry still lingered in my mind. "I was just scared they didn’t give you the phone back." She laughed softly, and that sound—it was like sunshine breaking through the clouds. It made my heart swell with warmth, offering a small but powerful comfort in the midst of all the chaos."Your father gave it to me," she said. Her words hit me like a bolt of surprise. My father? I hadn’t expected him to be the
Ronan"How is Katya?" I asked, wanting to hear something light, something to take my mind off the weight of everything happening around me.I could hear the soft laughter in Camila’s voice before she even replied, and it made me smile despite myself. "She made a complete mess of Master Dimitri’s clothes this morning. She somehow got pudding all over his shirt. He tried to act all serious, threatening to make her wash it with her tiny baby hands, but she just giggled. It was adorable," she said, her laughter bubbling through the phone.I could picture it so clearly—Katya, with her innocent mischief, and Uncle Dimitri trying in vain to stay stern. It felt good to imagine a moment of normalcy, a moment of joy."Do you have any plans for tomorrow?" I asked, knowing it was Katya’s birthday.There was a pause, and then Camila spoke softly. "No. We decided we’d just mark the day quietly and wait for you to come back so we can celebrate properly. Now you have even more reason to hurry home,"
Ronan Fredrick's eyes were sharp as he looked at me, suspicion written all over his face. Erin and Joseph exchanged knowing glances, and I realized they could probably tell who I’d just spoken to. I guess it was that obvious. "Seems like you’ve got a damn good reason to head home, Ronan," Fredrick said, a teasing edge in his voice, and I quickly wiped the smile off my face, trying to play it cool. "I don’t know much about Joseph and Erin," he continued, leaning back in his chair, "but you… you seemed like the weight of the world was crushing you earlier. And now, look at you. You seem lighter, like you could take on anything. Whoever was on the other end of that call, it was exactly what you needed. I’m glad to see you in high spirits." He gave me a genuine smile, and I nodded, feeling a bit exposed but grateful all the same. "Thank you," I replied quietly, taking my seat. We dove back into the details of the plan, going over everything we’d discussed before. But this time, I felt
Ronan"So, how do we move from here? The airport’s six hours away, and we need to be in position long before his arrival," Marc said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation, clearly ready for the challenge ahead.I sighed, knowing he was right."Honestly, I didn’t think you’d be on board with this, Ronan. But desperate times call for desperate measures," He admitted. This wasn’t something any of us wanted, but there was no choice now.Marc shrugged, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips."Fredrick gave me his word. They won’t harm him,” I said, “Besides, we need to clear our names and save our country. If this is what it takes, I’m all in." I admitted.Marc laughed lightly, his amusement at the situation almost contagious. "Very well then. If we’re all in, let’s get to work."Fredrick took the opportunity to go over the plan one more time, making sure Marc knew every detail. As we talked, I could see a glint of excitement in Marc’s eyes. He was ready, eager for the adventure. B
Ronan Just then, Joseph pulled up in the van, with Marc in the passenger seat. The look on their faces told me all I needed to know: we were out of time. Without a word, we carried the unconscious Linus into the van and piled in after him. As soon as the door slammed shut, gunfire erupted behind us. Joseph didn’t wait for instructions—he slammed his foot on the gas, and we sped off. "We’ve got a tail?" Erin asked, already reaching for a weapon. "Yeah," Marc confirmed, grimly loading his gun. "That limo was supposed to take Dimitrov somewhere else. When they realised we had hijacked him, they knew something was up. Joseph and I tried to hold them off, but they've got firepower. If we don’t shake them now, we won’t make it to base." Marc rolled down the passenger-side window, leaned out, and started firing back at our pursuers. "You guys need to help. There are guns in the box in the back," he shouted over the roar of the engine and the gunfire. I didn’t need to be told twice. Erin
Ronan"What the fuck is this?" Linus finally said, his voice groggy but filled with anger as he fully came to."You need to calm down, Sir," Erin said gently, though I could hear the strain in his voice. He was trying to keep the situation from escalating."Don’t tell me to calm the fuck down!" Linus snapped. "Is this what you’ve been doing? You should be ashamed—dragging your brother into this mess, dragging your family’s name through the mud! Sergey’s a good man, but it’s unfortunate to have the two of you. And you, Ronan," he spat.His voice dripped with disappointment, and I couldn’t see if he was glaring at me or at Erin, but his anger was palpable. Meanwhile, I was still rummaging through the gear, trying to figure out which grenade would best help us break through the reinforced glass of the pursuing vehicle."You were on your way up!" Linus continued, his voice cracking with emotion. "I vouched for you! And now you’ve thrown it all away. For this?"I paused for a second, grippi
RonanThe rest of the day unfolded like a dream. The blending of cultures at the reception created an electric atmosphere, with traditional music, dancing, and customs from both Jorvik and Belvaria.People laughed, cheered, and toasted together, the joy in the air bringing everyone closer in a way I hadn’t seen before.The food was exquisite—lavish dishes from both sides, served alongside sweets that melted in your mouth. I glanced around, noticing a few of the usual snobbish Jorvikians clinging to old prejudices, but their aloofness felt like a remnant of a fading past. The world was changing, and today was proof that we were moving forward.As the day finally wound down, my heart quickened, knowing I’d soon take Camila home with me for the first time as my wife.My mother’s eyes were misty with tears as we prepared to leave. I knew the real reason she was so sentimental had little to do with the wedding itself.She’d gotten used to Camila and Glenda living at home, filling her table
RonanThese words were my truth, my heart’s deepest promises, and I meant to honour them, no matter what life might bring our way.The hall was filled with the soft sounds of sniffles and quiet sighs; I could feel the weight of emotion in the air. But in that moment, I was aware only of Camila. My vow, my promises, were for her and her alone.Camila took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts, and I could see the shy nerves flickering in her expression. She hesitated just a moment, and then began, her voice steady but filled with emotion.“Ronan,” she said softly, her voice warming as she spoke, “words can’t fully capture what I feel, but I’ll do my best.” A gentle chuckle rippled through the crowd, lightening the moment, and she smiled at me with a look that made my heart race.“You made me feel at home when I didn’t have a home,” she continued, her voice thick with sincerity. “Because of you, I’ve known joy, dignity, and freedom—even though society didn’t think I was worthy of those
RonanThe music began softly, and I stood at full attention, my heart pounding as I focused on the door where Camila would soon appear.I felt a mix of nerves and anticipation I hadn’t expected, my eyes lingering on that entrance, hoping each passing second would bring her closer. But first came the bridesmaids, one by one, entering gracefully.Olivia led the way, her figure heavily pregnant but glowing, followed by Stephanie, Ashley, and two Belvarian women who looked like relatives of Camila. Though I hadn’t met them before, their familial resemblance to Camila was subtle—a trace here, a gesture there.Then, my little Katya appeared, a tiny vision holding a small basket of flowers. My heart melted as she toddled down the aisle, her big eyes wide with wonder. For a one-year-old, she was doing exceptionally well, capturing the hearts of everyone as she made her way forward.But then, as her gaze found mine, she lit up and shouted, “Dada!” I couldn’t help but laugh, joy filling me as s
RonanThe day I had dreamed of for so long had finally arrived—my wedding day. As tradition demanded, I couldn’t spend the night with my bride, so I stayed at my house with Marc, Joseph, Erin and Ashton. Lying awake that morning, memories flooded my mind, filling me with emotions I hadn’t felt in a long time. I remembered a different night, a night that haunted me and almost changed everything.That time, I’d been betrayed, drugged, and left in a haze by people I’d thought I could trust—people like Abel and Mira, whose influence had threatened to destroy my happiness. But not this time. This time, it was just my brother my soon-to-be-in-law and my true friends and me, laughing and drinking, reliving those simpler days with nothing sinister lurking around the corner.For the first time, I felt completely in control, safe. I was grateful for that disastrous night from the past, because without it, I would never have crossed paths with Camila. Everything I’d been through, all the pain an
CamilaTwo days before the wedding, Erin arrived with a heavily pregnant Olivia. I couldn't help but wonder how she managed to fly so far along in her pregnancy.Apparently, they had used a private jet, which explained the quick journey. My father had flown them all into Jorvik, bringing along his family, two lively ladies named Trisha and Lily, whom he said were our distant relatives. Along with them were Olivia’s friends, Stephanie and Ashely, who couldn't stop gushing about their excitement to see Marc and Joseph again. Clearly, those two men had left quite the impression on them.Olivia was radiant, her happiness infectious. It was clear she was free-spirited, a stark contrast to the life of servitude I had known.I was grateful she had never had to experience that harsh existence. Madam Melania was particularly taken with Olivia, unable to stop admiring her striking red hair and vibrant green eyes.I could see the wheels turning in Madam Melania’s mind as she tried to charm Olivi
CamilaMy father returned to the villa that the head of state had prepared for him and his entourage. The wedding was just two weeks away, and he planned to leave briefly, returning with my family to attend the ceremony. I was excited at the thought of meeting them, especially with how well my mother’s relationship with Dimitri was progressing. Their bond seemed solid, unhindered by the past, and I was genuinely happy for them both.Ronan suggested we return to his house after the celebration, but Madam Melania was determined to keep us there. She pulled out all kinds of tricks to persuade us to stay, even pleading with my mother not to leave.However, Dimitri was firm in his decision to take her to Nerania, where he also planned to buy a house in Jorvik for them to stay. I understood his reasoning; Madam Melania often seemed to forget that we were no longer slaves, and a little distance might help her realise the changes in our lives.She wasn’t malicious, but her subtle reminders—li
CamilaAs Erin and Ashton walked in alongside my father, I found myself standing up almost absently, my heart racing. Seeing him in person was a revelation; he looked so much better than he did on the screen.His eyes were soft and warm when they fell on me, as if he had just encountered an angel, and in that moment, I couldn’t believe he was my father. The weight of the moment pressed down on me, filling me with a mix of joy and disbelief.I didn’t want to waste any time; I was determined to avoid any awkwardness between us. With a surge of emotion, I rushed toward him and wrapped my arms around his waist, letting him know that there was no need for words. I felt him pause for just a heartbeat before he slowly wrapped his arms around me in a bear hug, holding on tightly as if he were afraid I might slip away.“My daughter, my daughter,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion. I could feel his pain radiating through his words, hear it tremble in the air between us. This moment was a
CamilaI was a bundle of nerves after the signing ceremony. My heart raced, each thump echoing in my ears like a drum. I knew Fredrick wouldn't waste any time seeking me out. Erin had mentioned how impatient he had been throughout the event, his excitement barely contained.As I thought about the man I was about to meet, I felt my stomach twist into knots. My mother appeared calm and composed, but I was anything but. Fredrick was my father, a man I had never seen before, someone I hadn’t even known existed until now. The realisation weighed heavily on me. This was all so overwhelming, yet I understood it was something I had to confront.Once the signing ceremony ended, I slipped out of the living room and headed up to Ronan's room. I needed a moment to gather my thoughts and calm my racing heart. I wasn't sure how I would react when I finally met Fredrick face-to-face or what I might say to him. I had only spoken to him once over the phone, which felt like a distant memory now. That w
RonanAs we celebrated, Ashton turned to Erin with a look of quiet amazement. “When my uncle told me the only way to achieve this was by working honestly with the Jorvikians, I didn’t believe him,” he admitted. “But I guess he was right all along.” Erin nodded, sharing the same sense of disbelief mixed with newfound hope. It truly felt like the dawn of a new era, and I was grateful beyond words to witness it, let alone be part of it.Just as we were toasting to freedom and the future, my father’s phone rang. He listened quietly, then looked over at me, his expression softening. “Gregory has agreed to waive the death penalty in exchange for Lucas’s cooperation. He’ll be dismissed from the military and serve three years in prison. After that, he’ll be a free man. This is the best deal we could secure for him.”I nodded, a feeling of respect and relief swelling up as I met my father’s gaze. “Thank you, Father,” I said, my voice low but sincere. He returned a small smile, nodding back. Al