#Sovanti

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Chapter 1.07 - The Childhood Home

Helena found herself standing in front of another house. This one happened to be the one she grew up in.

Helena never could decide if her sister was lucky or not. Candice lived in a house just across the street from their parents and older brother. She got to be close to family all the time, while Helena had to meticulously plan every visit home.

There were times she was grateful for the distance. Her father had always influenced her actions. He had been the one to encourage her to develop the relationship with Anthony all those years ago. It was not until she was older that she realized that every step of her relationship had been calculated by her own father.

“Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to come in?” Juliana, Helena’s mother, appeared on the front porch and made her way towards her oldest daughter.

Helena smiled, thankfully, or rather hopefully, her mother was blissfully unaware of just how manipulative the man she married was. “I was just taking it all in. It’s been a while since I’ve been home. You’ve made some changes.”

“Oh sweetie, I am glad you are here, and so is your father.” Helena’s mother hugged her tightly. “Everyone is inside. I see Candice, Jack, and the kids aren’t here too…”

“Well, I am a bit early aren’t I. Dad said he wanted to talk to me before dinner.”

“Yes, you are. I was just hoping to get a picture with all of my babies before we eat. It’s so rare that everyone is in the same place at the same time.”

“I’m going to be here for a while, mom. We’ll definitely be able to get that picture. Is dad in his study?”

“Yes, he is. Why don’t you go on in. He is waiting for you.”

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Chapter 2.23 - Fraternal Visits

Anthony was returning from the library with his two-person security detail. It was already getting dark outside, but he saw two familiar figures sitting on a bench in front of his house.

“Tia, Nikole, what are you doing here?”

“I wanted to see my big brother.” Tatiana smiled and hugged her older brother.

“In the middle of the week, this late at night. Does dad know you’re here?”

“Nikole is here, which means the security team knows, which means dad will find out eventually.” Tatiana reasoned.

“That is not the same thing.”

“Close enough. Can I see your house?!” Tatiana asked.

“Yeah, I guess. Come on in.”

Anthony brought Nikole and Tatiana into the residence and led them into the study where he did most of his work. It was well decorated and had an old feel to it. “Where’s the bathroom?” Nikole asked.

“It’s up the stairs; you can’t miss it.” Anthony said.

“Thanks.”

“So Tia, are you gonna’ tell me why you’re really here?” Anthony asked.

“Well, you remember Jase Chambers?”

“Yeah, your friend.”

“Right, um well, he and I we…”

“Oh, I do not want to know what the two of you did…”Anthony covered his face.

“I’m pregnant, Tony.”

“Tatiana Grace Beaumont Sovanti, what the actual hell?”

“Don’t yell at me!”

“Did you tell Jase?”

“Yeah, he doesn’t believe he’s the father though.”

“Why the hell not?”

“I’ve been hanging out with some new friends, and they have a reputation. He thinks one of the guys is the baby’s dad.”

“Is that a possibility?” Anthony asked.

“Really, Tony?! You too! You’re my brother. I can’t deal with this.” Tatiana walked away.

“Tia, Tia!”

Nikole passed Tatiana as she left the room. “I’m ready to go.” Tatiana said.

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Chapter 1.04 - Country Life

She hated this place. Most people are relieved to be home after a long day. Andria Beaumont was not. She’d grown up in Henford, but not in the countryside. She had lived just off of town square, close to the market, close to people.

Now she lived on a farm, in the country, isolated. Andria wondered how the hell she ended up here. She loved her husband, but how did the man talk her into moving back to his childhood farm and living with his parents & little sister. Andria went inside and was greeted with the noise of the television in the living room.

"Last night, all eyes were on Windenburg. His Imperial Majesty King Anthony II and Her Royal Highness Queen Helena celebrated 15 years of marriage in grand style. Stay tuned as we provide some exclusive behind the scenes footage of the evening’s event."

Gerald Teffords sat in an easy chair watching the news, or what passes for the news. Andria stopped briefly to see what the talking heads were reporting today. “How was your day?” Gerald asked. He was still fixated on the TV, but he had heard her walk in. “It was a good day…” Andria wanted to say more. She wanted to share more, but she knew the man didn’t actually care. Gerald wasn’t actually so bad. He could be caring sometimes, but he was wrapped up in his own thoughts and was definitely a man of the patriarchy. Dana Perry, her mother-in-law, was the real problem.

“Good you’re home. Go grab the eggs from the chickens, and Hettie needs to be milked. Then you can make dinner. I’m going out. I should be back before Aisha’s bed time, but if I’m not you should put her to bed.” Andria absolutely hated this farm, but she could never convince her husband that this was not the right place for them.

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Chapter 1.03 - Just an Act

“Did you have fun, sir?” Butler asked as the King and Queen stepped into the residence. “It was fine.”

“That’s all you have to say Anthony? It was fine… Some of our closest friends and family came from near and far to celebrate our anniversary and that’s all you have to say?” “Helena, really? My close friends were not there. Were they even invited? But somehow your childhood fried and his wife were in attendance. You and I both know that that event was just a show. It was acting.” Anthony said as he sat down in an arm chair.

“What about last night, was last night just acting too?” “I’m going to go turn down the beds…” said Butler quietly as he exited the foyer. It was nights like these he was grateful that King Anthony insisted on keeping limited staff in the residence, much to the chagrin of his Queen, Helena. “You were ovulating, and I’m always down for a decent fuck.” “Fuck you Anthony! Is this a joke to you, are we a joke?” “Does it look like I’m laughing?” Anthony sighed. “You are the one choosing to stay, Helena.”

Helena sat down in the vacant chair. “I’m staying to protect your image.” “Funny, you’re not staying because you love me, but to ‘protect my image”. Is that really it, or are you staying because you like being queen. Or maybe it’s because your daddy really wants you to have another baby so he can be grandfather to the heir again. “You do not have to bring my father into this!” “Why not, I’m surprised he wasn’t here tonight. He’s been in our marriage from the beginning hasn’t he? I was just too stupid to realize it until…” “Don’t even say it. I swear to the Watcher above Anthony.” “You swear what Helena. Did your father even love our son?! Two days after he died he was asking us about trying again. And you said nothing. You did fucking nothing.” “I was grieving! You didn’t have to punch him in the face and have him escorted out of the residence!” “Yeah, well I was grieving too.”

Helena stood and began to walk off before exiting the room, she stopped to stare at a picture from early in their marriage. “How the hell did we end up like this?” “Maybe we were always like this. We were just too blind to see it.” “I’m going to head out to Newcrest for a few weeks. My dad is having surgery, and Candice will be giving birth soon. I want to be there and help out with the kids.” “Yeah, I’ll be fine here.” “You’re going to stay here instead of the pier?” “I don’t know, Helena. I haven’t thought about it.” “You should stay at the Pier, you can be closer to the people. And maybe attend a service in Old Towne.” “I don’t need you putting a schedule together for me. Go pack and have fun with your family. Tell the kids I said hello.” “Right.” Helena disappeared through the door.

Anthony studied the same photo Helena had been staring at before she left the foyer. He had been so in love with her back then. He thought nothing could break them. But the death of a child changes everything. It makes everything clear. One thing he was sure of was that Helena’s father, Samuel Moore, was a manipulative power-hungry man. Only the Watcher knows what that man still had in store for him.

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Chapter 1.02 - An Anniversary Celebration 2

King Emeritus Elias II sat at a table with his wife Duchess Caterina Troiani. The couple observed the guests as they moved about the large room.

“Look at the two of them. They are a beautiful couple.” Caterina said. “That they are,” Elias sighed. “That they are. He does his job well, and Helena has always been good at supporting him.” “And they look so in love.” “Yes, they do. I just hope he doesn’t lose himself, that he hasn’t lost himself. Being king will do that. Watcher knows, I know. So many things I did that I regret doing, and words I said, that I can never take back. “ “Love, you can’t live in the past. We only have now.” Caterina said. “I know, I know…”

“Excuse me, you’re highness, Duchess can we get a photo for the public?” “Absolutely not. I have retired. I am here, not as King Emeritus, but as a father celebrating his son. Please respect our privacy.” “Sorry, sir.”

“You didn’t have to be so harsh, Richard.” “One thing that I did not do well was to protect my relationship with Andrea from the public. She did a phenomenal job of protecting our kids, but I let her down on so many occasions. I’m not going to make the same mistakes Cat. You are my love, my partner, my friend, and my wife, and the public is not entitled to know anything more than your name.” “I appreciate that, but do you really want to gain a reputation of the cranky old King that was, hmm?” Caterina asked.

“God it’s sickening how in love Uncle Tony and Auntie H. Look.” Ella plopped down in a chair at her grandparents’ table. “I take it you aren’t enjoying the evening?” Elias said. “I’d enjoy it more if I could get a drink. This party is only a show. Uncle Tony’s real friends aren’t even here! Just some social climbing, power hungry …” “Ella please!” Caterina interrupted her granddaughter. “Pop-Pop, you know what I mean. Mom and dad didn’t even come, and yet here I am.” “You are here because you’re spending the summer with us. You know your parents had to work.” Caterina explained. “We all know that’s just an excuse…Oh look, here comes the royal couple now.”

“What happened to your centerpiece?” Helena asked. “The damn thing was blocking my view so I had it removed.” Elias replied. “Oh, well are you having a good time?” Helena asked. “I’d have more fun if…” “Ella, no one here is going to serve a minor alcohol.” Anthony said. “Uncle Tony…what about …” “Ella, zip-it if you still want to hang out at the royal residence from time to time.” Anthony warned. “No, Ella please, tell me what my son allows at his residence…” “Nothing Pop-pop, Nothing.” Caterina turned to Helena who had sat down during the earlier exchange. “Everything is lovely dear.” “Thank-you. It was a lot of work, but everyone brought everything together nicely.”

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Chapter 1.01 - An Anniversary Celebration

Imperial King Anthony II of Vinford stood next to his wife, Queen Helena Moore, as they greeted guests. Their 15 year anniversary party was meant to be small, close family and friends only. But it had grown to over 100 guests and only a few of which Anthony considered ‘close’ family and friends.

A couple approached the pair; the woman seemed nervous. “Good evening your majesty, your highness.” The man bowed. “No need to be so formal.” Anthony smiled.

When the man rose, it was the Queen who recognized him. “Darius Ward?! It’s been too long.” Helena smiled. “It has been. This is my wife Beatriz.” “Lovely to meet you.” Helena said extending her hand. “Likewise! When Darius said Mr. Moore gave him his invitation to the event, I was shocked. I didn’t realize that his boss is your father and that Marcelo is your brother!” Beatriz said. “Yes, Marcelo is my big brother. Anthony, Darius is a family friend from home.” Helena explained. “Really, I don’t believe we’ve met. I thought I knew all of the Moore family friends.” “I used to travel a lot for work. But I recently got a job with Mr. Moore’s company. That has me home a lot more than before.” “I didn’t know my father had hired you.” “Congratulations on your new position.” Anthony said. “Thank you. If you don’t mind, my wife has been dying to get a photo with you both.” “Of course. Vera can you come and take this photo please.”

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Chapter 1.21 - Cousin Nia

The hour and a half train ride did little to calm her down; Andria was upset when she arrived for dinner. She left the house without saying goodbye to her husband who was busy preparing dinner for his little sister.

After checking into the hotel, Andria soaked in the tub a little too long. By the time she got out and was dressed, Andria was late. Nia, Andria's cousin and the woman who raised her, was waiting for her outside the restaurant as she walked up to the building.

“Hey baby girl.” Nia pulled her former charge in for a hug. She could tell something was wrong and the young woman needed it. “Your aunt is already inside. I thought Devon was coming with you.”

“Dana and Gerald decided to have a last minute date night, so Devon’s watching Aisha.”

“Uh-huh.” Nia rolled her eyes at the explanation. The older woman had once thought Devon was a good match for her little cousin. The two had been high school sweethearts and managed to maintain the relationship through university. But when Andria and Devon turned down her offer to stay with her while they saved up for their own place, Nia began to reconsider. Not because they turned her down, but because she could see her little cousin was not thrilled about the arrangement and Devon seemed to be oblivious to the fact at the time.

“Please Nia, not tonight. I just want to have a nice dinner with two of my favorite people.”

Nia took a deep breath, “Well, let’s head inside. We’re in a private room.”

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Chapter 1.05 - Newcrest is Home

Newcrest was home, and Helena was happy to be back for an unofficial visit. She’d given her usual entourage a few weeks off. She traveled to the suburban city with a small security detail consisting of just two agents.

“Auntie ‘Lena!” Helena heard the voice of her three-year-old niece as soon as she stepped out of the car. She braced for impact. “Hi Livie! I missed you so much!” “Missed you too. I sawed you and Uncle Tony on TV.” “You did?!” “Your dress was so pretty! Is Uncle Tony here too?” “Not this time sweets. He has a lot of work to do.” Helena put the child down on the ground.

“Hey, you,” said Marcelo as he hugged his younger sister. He’d been on the porch watching his niece play in the front yard when he saw Helena’s car pull up. “Hey! I didn’t know you were going to be here too. I got the full welcome wagon!” “Yeah, Darius and I were just helping with the nursery. Though, we were just taking a bit of a break. You know how Candice can be. We wanted to give Jack a little support.” “Darius is here too?” Helena asked looking around.

“Twice in less than 48 hours, this is a surprise.” Darius said as he came down the stairs. “Yeah, a good surprise. It was nice seeing you and your wife. Remind me to thank my dad for giving you his tickets. Did she have a good time?” “Yea, Bea enjoyed herself. She doesn’t get to spend too much time in Windenburg so I told her to stay for a couple more days. I can handle our three terrors by myself for a while.” Darius laughed.

“That’s a lie Mr. W, you have me scheduled to babysit the entire time Mrs. Cervantes is gone.” Kaila said walking up. “Hi Auntie H.” “Kaila’s here too? Is anyone else going to come out here?” Helena laughed pulling the teenager in for a hug. “I mean Aunt Candice is inside, but this is here house so…” “I meant anyone else I didn’t expect smartie pants.”

“We were just heading out anyway. I have to drop this one off at her piano lessons.” Marcelo said. “And I have to save my in-laws from my twin terrors and their side kick. If you’re still around, you should come Saturday, I’m having a cook out for the big reveal.” “Big reveal?” Helena asked. “Darius bought the old Hunter house next door. He’s been fixing it up for the last two years. Apparently he’s finally finished the remodel and wants to show it off to his family and friends.” Marcelo explained. “I plan to be here for a couple of weeks at least, maybe more. I told Candice I’d be here to help when the babies come, and I want to stick around for Dad’s surgery.” “I can’t believe the Trust is letting you disappear for so long.” “Very funny Marcelo. The anniversary party was the last thing I had scheduled before this break. So no royal duties for a while. Anthony can handle it.” Helena smiled. “All kidding aside, I’m happy you’re here for a while, sis. I’ll see you later for dinner right?” “Yeah I’ll be there.” “When you’re free, we should have lunch and catch up.” Darius said as he walked out the door. “Definitely, I’ll get your number from Marcelo and set something up.” “See you later Auntie H.” Kaila said as she bounced away.

Helena stood as she watched her family leave. She missed being this close to everyone. Though she’d lived in Windenburg for 16 years, there was nothing like coming home to the people who know you best.

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Chapter 1.12 - Kitchen Conversations

Andria went inside. Before she began to prepare dinner, she picked up her cat and gave him a comforting hug.

Sometimes it felt the only person in the house that loved her unconditionally was her little black cat. She’d adopted the little fur ball as a kitten during her second year of undergrad. She had an apartment in the city and took the train to campus for class. Life was easier, and simpler then.

After playing with his little sister for a while, Devon followed his wife inside. Andria had finished making dinner. “Babe, I’m sorry.” “You just got home and we’re already arguing. Why would you even bring that up in front of Aisha?” “It slipped. But come on, you were about to teach my little sister, who is only 6, what SOL means!”

“I wasn’t going to teach the actual word, Devon. I hope you think more of me than that.” “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m going to go shower. You know I love you right?” Devon asked. He could tell something was up with his wife. “Yeah, go take a shower and get the travel off.” Devon smiled and went upstairs.

“Andi, can I help?” Aisha asked from the doorway. “Of course A.T. I finished with dinner, but you can set the table.” Andria smiled as she watched the six-year-old set the table. The little girl was in a bit of pain from a newly loose tooth, but she still wanted to help. Aisha could be a sweet child. It was moments like these that she could see herself as a mom. Just not one that lived on a farm, in the country, with her in-laws.

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Chapter 1.11 - Life on the Farm

“Hi Andi.”

Andria sighed, her little sister-in-law wasn’t so bad. But the child did remind her why she was not ready to handle a child of her own. “Hi Aisha.”

“What are you doing?”

“The dryer is broken so I’m hanging the clothes out to dry.”

“What if it rains?”

“Then we’re SOL.”

“What does SOL mean?”

“It means…”

“What are you teaching my little sister, babe?” Devon laughed as he came into the back yard.

“Devon!” Aisha ran to her older brother and jumped into his arms, and Devon promptly flipped her upside down over his back. Even though there was a 19 year age difference between the pair, the two were as close as two siblings could be.

Andria smiled as she watched the duo. Her husband would be a good father some day, of that she was sure. But over the last couple of years, the more she thought about it, the more she realized she wasn’t sure if she wanted to raise a child with him. Things between them were not what she expected, or wanted them to be. For example, she never wanted to be living on a farm with her in-laws hanging laundry to dry after spending all day in meetings. But she was not sure how to tell Devon that. So instead she smiled and walked over.

“Hey you. How was the business trip?”

Devon set his sister on the ground before leaning in for a kiss from his wife. “It was good. The project is on schedule and the customer is happy with the direction we’re heading.”

“That’s always good to hear.” Andria said.

“The dryer on the fritz again?”

“I think so. I don’t understand why your parents won’t let us just buy them a new one.”

“Dad can fix it. They don’t like spending money frivolously. I know you grew up with a trust fund…”

“Devon, please not here, not now, and not in front of your sister.” Andria said throwing up her hands and walking away.

Money was one of the things the argued about, more and more frequently. Andria did have a trust fund, but she had only used it to pay for school. And while she didn’t struggle growing up, she didn’t live a life in the lap of luxury. She was raised by a working single woman that wasn’t even her mother. The trust fund Andria had, was left to her when her mom died at the age of 20. Andria was only four at the time.

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Chapter 1.22 - Dinner with Kings

When Andria stepped into the private dining area, she was startled to find her Aunt Nikole was not alone.

Two men were also present, whom she recognized for different reasons. The one sitting with her aunt on the sofa, was the more famous of the two men.

“Aunt Nikole? What’s going on here?”

Nikole stood and so did the man that had been sitting with her.

“Hey, bug!” Nikole pulled her goddaughter in for a hug and kiss on the cheek. “How’ve you been? Where’s Devon.”

“I’ve been fine. Devon is home. What’s going on? Why is the King of Vinford at our dinner? And how do you know Mr. Richard.”

It was Nikole’s turn to be surprised, “You know King Elias?”

“King Elias?!” Andi turned to her favorite chess partner.

“You’re King Elias?!”

“Wait, dad, you’ve already met Andria?” Anthony asked.

Nia remained quite as she was probably the only person in the room who had a complete picture.

“Nia you’re suspiciously quiet back there.” Nikole said.

“I always knew this would be messy.” Nia said.

“Can someone please just explain to me what the hell is going on?” Andria said.

“Andi…” Nia began slowly, but she was interrupted by Elias.

“Andria, I’m your grandfather.”

“My what?!” Andria sat down in the nearest chair. “I’m sorry, but you’re my grandfather? And you never thought to tell me over the last ten years we’ve been playing chess in the town square?”

Elias, Anthony, and Nikole all sat down as well while Nia remained standing with her back against the wall.

“I was afraid if you knew who I was, I’d never get the chance to get to know you.”

“I don’t understand. You’re my grandfather, and you’re the retired king. What about all of the stories you told me about your life, your family. Are any of those true?”

“Andi, I may not have told you who I am, but I’ve never lied to you. Everything I’ve ever told you is true. Especially about how I regret the way I treated your mother.”

“Your daughter, the one who ran away and died a few years later, was Princess Tatiana…and Princess Tatiana was my mother. I…” Andria looked to her aunt. “My mom’s name was Tia Beaumont. I know this. It’s a fact. It’s on my birth certificate. She was not Tatiana Sovanti.”

“Tatiana Grace Sovanti.” Anthony corrected. “Grace is a family name, after Queen Grace. To me, she was Tia. In school, she was Tiana. Just like no one who actually knows dad calls him Elias. He’s Richard, or some form of the name. I go by Tony.”

“But the legal document would need her legal name.” Andria tried to reason.

“The birth certificate you have was reissued after she legally changed her name when she turned 20. The original document was destroyed.” Nikole explained.

“Not exactly.” Anthony said.

“What do you mean not exactly?” Andi asked.

“I kept track of Tia, and you, as best I could. When the Royal Trust’s network learned that Tia had changed her name; they obtained all of the original documents she had to turn in and filed them away. Tony’s got those documents now.”

“Of course, Tia always said she could never truly get away from it all.” Nikole said.

“You…?” Andi looked at Nikole confused.

“I just would like a complete story. Can someone, anyone give me that?” Andi begged.

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Chapter 1.18 - A Country Ride

One of the few things Andria liked about the farm was Peanut. She’d fallen in love with the old horse the minute she met him. They had a special bond, and Andi enjoyed taking him out for a ride around the Henford countryside.

Andria was taking an early morning ride through New Old Towne and decided to stop in front of her favorite estate. It had an elaborate manor and beautiful gardens. During the winter season, the house opened up for visitors to view the extensively decorated halls.

When Andi was little, she’d dream of getting married there. Now she was older, and already married, and the estate belonged to the Royal Family. Rarely were actual events held on the grounds. Very few had the opportunity to actually attend an event, and even fewer had the right status to host an event.

From beyond the estate’s gate, Andria noticed a little bustle near the doors. When she investigated, she saw suitcases on the ground in front of the door and two women—one older and one younger. She’d never actually known of anyone coming to stay.

Andria stopped Penelope Swan, who was walking by. “Pen, someone is staying?”

“Yeah, same old couple’s been coming for years now.” Penelope said.

“I didn’t think anyone ever actually stayed here. I thought the property was owned by the Royal Family.”

“It still is. The couple is a friend of the old King I think. That’s what my dad said.

“Huh, thanks for the information.” Andria waved goodbye and continued her ride.

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Chapter 1.17 - Trailor Conversations

Anthony looked down. “You’re right. You were the one who gave us the news that Tia had been in a car accident. At the time, I kind of forgot about Tia’s kid. I was consumed in my own grief and then my grandmother passed. What happened to her? ” Anthony asked.

“Now, you care?” Nikole scoffed.

“I know I’m a terrible Uncle, Nikole.”

“Let me guess the reason why you’re looking for her now…”

“Nik, please.” Anthony pleaded.

Nikole looked at the man in front of her and realized she was not staring at the King. She was watching a man come to terms with the fact he’d been a terrible brother, an even worse uncle and wanted to make things right.

“This isn’t just about the succession is it?”

“It is a huge part of it. But if she doesn’t want it, that’s fine too. Dad kept up with her, he knows about her, he handed me a huge file on her. I didn’t know that. He was watching out for her in his way, all this time. But I haven’t done that.”

“If you have a file, why are you here? Why are you asking these questions?”

“I want an in with her Nikole. I don’t want to just show up on her door step with no one to vouch for me.”

“You’re the fucking King! You need someone to vouch for you?"

“Not as King, as Tony. You know me as Tony.”

“I used to know you as Tony. I have no clue who you are now.”

“So this was a waste then. I’m sorry.”

“Tony, I didn’t say I wouldn’t do it. I’ll set something up. She was raised by your cousin, by the way, your mom’s niece. But I’m still Auntie Nik who lived with her and Tia the first few years of her life. I got to see her first steps, first laugh, first words and how proud she was, even as a two-year-old to see her mom graduating from high school.”

“Nikole, if you’re telling me this to make me feel bad.”

“I’m not. I’m telling you this so you know, if something happens, if you hurt her, I will end you.”

“You’d commit treason?” Anthony laughed.

“I’m sure you’d have done the same for your son.”

Anthony’s smile dropped. “I would have gone to war for Dante.”

“So you understand. I’ll set something up and let you know.”

“Thank you, and Nik…”

“I remember how things work. This is all strictly confidential. This will not be leaked. I’ll handle everything myself. I can’t do that to Tia’s kid.”

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Chapter 1.16 - Surprise Visits

Nikole opened the door and stood inside the trailer. Sitting in her make-up chair, staring her down was his Imperial Majesty King Anthony II of Vinford, a man she had not seen or spoken to in roughly 26 years.

“How long have you been sitting like that for dramatic effect?” Nikole asked.

Anthony smiled, “Only you would address me that way, even after all this time.”

“You look a little ridiculous though, Tony.”

“I’ve missed having you around Nik.” Anthony said. He had forgotten how easy everything always was with the former bodyguard.

When Nikole was assigned to be the personal security detail to the Princess Royal, she was only 18 years old. She had been considered a prodigy. She’d grown up in the foster care system and joined the Royal Marines at 16. Two years later she was transferred to the royal security division where she was hand selected by King Elias II to be trained as his daughter’s security detail.

What she did not expect when she received her assignment, was the amount of time she would end up spending with the future king, Anthony. Anthony and his sister Tatiana were quite close. Inside, the security team called them the T-Birds, Tony and Tia. Despite the four year age difference, the pair did most things together, which meant Nikole spent a lot of time with Anthony.

“After 26 years, I don’t think that’s why you’re here.” Nikole said.

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Chapter 1.15 - The Movie Star

“Cut! That was great! I still can’t believe you insist on doing some of these stunts!” Jo Bee stood from the directors chair and walked over to her star.

“I trained in the military for years before being bitten by the acting bug. I still use what I learned back then to keep in shape. To be honest I kind of miss all of it. That’s why I love doing action films!” Nikole Cain showed all of her teeth when smiling, which was a far cry from her public image as a stoic actor.

“Well, I think that’s a wrap for today, though.” Jo said.

“What do you mean? We’re scheduled to shoot another scene today.” Nikole asked. She was confused. Normally production liked to be ahead of schedule and rarely cut a day short. They even had several hours left that would not impact the production crew’s overtime. “Is there a safety concern?”

“No, we’ve just been told that production is done for the day. A special VIP has come onto the lot.”

“Ugh, really? Guess I’ll head back to my trailer and get out of this.”

Nikole reached her trailer. She was startled by the scene she encountered. It was one she was familiar with, but one she had not experienced in over 20 years. Only one person warranted the type of security detail that currently stood between her and her trailer. She took a deep breath and prepared for the interaction she was getting ready to have.

[y-ta-nees-simblr]

Chapter 1.14 - Family History

A few days had passed since Anthony and his father talked. While they were in Elias’ office, the older man had given his son a file. Anthony stared at the file on his desk. He was surprised his father never told him about what was inside, or rather who was inside the file.

Over twenty years ago, Anthony’s mother died. He kept a photo of the previous queen on his desk. Also on the desk was the last family photo he’d taken with his parents and little sister. It was taken a few weeks before his mother passed away.

Tatiana was a teenager when their mother died. She didn’t take it well and went on a bit of a rebellious streak. A streak that ended with the pregnant, 16-year-old Tatiana running away from home.

Thinking about it, Anthony was impressed with the staff of the Royal Trust at the time. How they managed to spin the Princess Royal running away into the Princess Royal studying abroad, he would never know. It helped that, unlike his own wife, his mother insisted that no images of him or his sister were to be released to the public until they were of legal age and could give their consent. His mother wanted her children to have as much of a normal life, unimpeded by the responsibility of their royal status, as possible. So, for the public, Tatiana’s absence was not felt.

Anthony stood and poured himself a drink before standing in front of the fireplace. That is how Butler found him when he came in.

“Gerri says lunch is ready, sir.”

“Thanks.”

“Looks like something in that file has you wistful.”

“Dad gave it to me the other day. It has information on my niece—my sister’s daughter. Technically, she’s in line before Max to be Vinford’s next monarch.”

“Are you concerned?” Butler did well to hide the shock. As far as everyone knew, the Princess Royal died in a car accident abroad several years ago. There was never any mention of a child.

“I want to know her. She’s all that’s left of my mom and my sister. It’s hard to know where to start.”

“The first step should be to reach out to her, I’d think.” Butler suggested.

“Yeah, I just wonder how much she knows. I don’t want to startle her.”

“How did your family find out about Tatiana’s death all those years ago?” Butler asked. He had not been a member of the staff back then.

“Tatiana had grown close to a member of her security detail. When she left, they went with her. They were our unofficial link during those first few years. But after Tatiana died, that changed. I guess dad had his own way of keeping up with his grandchild.” Anthony said.

“Do you know where this person is now?”

“Oh yeah. Getting in touch with them would be easy. I just wonder if they still have a relationship with Tatiana’s daughter.”