RonanMy father sighed and looked at me. I could see his fatigue and worry. He wasn’t at peace, and I knew it was out of fear. A fear I had never seen in his eyes my entire life.“What is it, Father? Please tell me,” I said, hoping he would confide in me. He took a deep breath and exhaled ready to let go of what was eating him up inside."I could go head-to-head with Ighor when we were both Army generals," my father began, his voice carrying the weight of his past battles,"But now he’s a rank higher, and I’ll be retiring soon, son. You’ll have to be careful. I’m not saying you should marry his daughter, but you need to play your cards well. Your promotion was the best I could secure from Linus Dimitrov before he retired. It’s going to be rough from here on out because Ighor feels insulted."I nodded, fully aware of the challenges ahead. "I know, but I’ll figure something out. He’s not the only marshal in the federation; there are five people in that rank," I replied with a hint of res
RonanLeaving my parents' house, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. My father had assured me that Camila and Katya would be safe, and I trusted him to keep his word. Knowing that Camila would have her mother there to help her with Katya eased my mind further.Taking care of a child alone isn’t easy, and while Camila was with me, we had shared the responsibilities.I just hoped she wouldn’t be left to handle everything on her own at my father’s house. It wasn’t that I doubted her ability—far from it—but I didn’t want her to be overwhelmed or stressed.The protective instinct in me, the part that worried over her well-being, had me thinking like a 'Romeo,' as if I were playing the part of a romantic protector. The thought brought a small chuckle to my lips as I sat in the back seat of the car.As we pulled up to the headquarters, the atmosphere was noticeably different from the norm.The place was buzzing with a tense energy, far more intense than usual. Although the hallways weren’t
RonanEntering the boardroom, I was immediately struck by the fact that everyone was already present.It was two minutes before the scheduled time, yet it felt as if I had arrived late. The atmosphere was tense, a clear indication of how important this meeting was.I quickly composed myself, pushing aside my worries. Abel’s expression revealed concern, but I couldn’t afford to focus on that now.I saluted my superiors and greeted my colleagues, following protocol as Abel returned my salute. The formality of it all felt slightly awkward, but it was necessary given the ranks in the room."How was your week off?" Marshal Amos Zielinski asked, his tone probing but not unkind."Quiet until I returned," I replied succinctly, keeping my response brief and to the point.Marshal Amos nodded, seeming to consider my words before continuing. "Well, I’m sure you’re aware by now of what’s happening with the Kavistanians," he said, his voice taking on a more serious tone."I am," I replied, nodding
Ronan"I need you to break the situation down a bit further," Marshal Abraham said, his tone steady but insistent.I took a moment to compose my thoughts, glancing at Colonel Joseph Zielinski, who remained calm and composed.I hadn’t spoken to him since I returned, and we hadn’t discussed Marc’s death. I wondered how he was holding up, but like all of us, he was trained to keep his emotions in check.I turned my focus back to the task at hand."From external threats, we know the Sardonians and Greygots are longstanding enemies of Kavistan. But internally, the situation is more complex. There are small terrorist groups within Kavistan, led by Kavistanians who either work for themselves or are possibly in league with external enemies. These groups exploit Belvarian slaves to carry out acts of violence and sow chaos among the population."I could see the marshals listening intently, absorbing the details."Kavistan is also plagued by illegal uranium mining," I continued. "This resource is
RonanI waited, my patience stretched thin, as Igor levelled his accusations with that familiar accusatory tone.I could sense he had something more planned, something designed to trip me up or complicate my life. I just hoped it was something I could easily refute."It's strange," Igor began, his eyes narrowing, "that you go on holiday to God knows where, disappearing with your daughter and that Belvarian slave right around the time of the attacks. Then your so-called ex mentions you as her owner, and you give her refuge in your home. Explain that."His words hung in the air, heavy with implication. I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully."With all due respect, sir," I replied, keeping my voice steady, "it’s a coincidence. I've already filled out the prisoner delivery form. If it’s approved, your men can pick her up immediately. I have no involvement in this matter. Marc was my closest friend, and his death has deeply affected me. I’m still in shock over what’s happened."I
Ronan"I believe we should still look into this," Igor persisted, his voice tinged with frustration.But Marshal Abraham Ivanov wasn’t having it."This was a collective decision, four against one. Are you going to question our decision? Do you think the military is a joke, where ranks are handed out as compensation? I voted for Army General Sergey Morozov to be in your seat, Igor, and we all agreed, but his remaining years of service were too few. That’s the only reason you were promoted instead—because these are difficult times. However, that doesn’t give you the right to abuse your position and power."Abraham’s words cut through the room, his voice carrying the authority of someone who had seen too much and had no patience for politics that threatened the integrity of the military. After all, he had just lost his son, Marc. The fact that he was present showed his dedication."We would all love to see our children succeed, but they must earn it," Abraham continued. "Ronan Morozov, J
RonanI couldn’t help but wonder how much of what Arya had told me was fabricated, carefully crafted to manipulate me into believing a false narrative. I felt exposed, vulnerable, like a pawn in a game I hadn’t even realised I was playing. But now, I was being asked to turn the tables, to use her in the same way she had used me. The irony wasn’t lost on me, but it didn’t make the task any easier to stomach. The lines between duty and personal vendetta were becoming increasingly blurred, and I knew that I would have to tread carefully. This mission was about more than just gathering intelligence—it was about regaining control, about proving to myself that I wasn’t as naive as she had made me out to be. But even as I resolved to do what needed to be done, the bitterness of betrayal lingered, reminding me that this was no longer just a mission. It was personal. The meeting finally ended, and Joseph and I walked out of the building together. I had never been so relieved to see my friend
Ronan Joseph placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, his usual lighthearted demeanour replaced by a seriousness that I wasn’t used to seeing. "This whole war thing and class struggle is getting to all of us, Ronan," he said, his voice low and weighted. For someone who was often the joker, always quick with a smile or a laugh, seeing him so shaken made the gravity of the situation hit home even harder. "There are countries in Nagria where you and Camila could live a good life," he continued, his tone suggesting that he genuinely considered this a viable option. "Just saying. I don’t know what your plan is, but if it comes to that, I’ll find a way to help you escape. That’s where Thomas Volkovich escaped with his mistress. Yes, he’s a deserter, and they’re hunting him, but they haven’t caught him yet. Love happens to all of us, Ronan. Your secret is safe with me." I paused, absorbing his words. The idea of running away, leaving everything behind for the sake of a life with Camila a
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