Allison has not said a word since she closed the door. She´s been looking between me and Void for the last 5 minutes like a confused parent. Every time she looks at me, her face turns into a scowl. Void looks bored; it seems like he could careless. I can't help but feel a sense of unease in the silence that envelops the room. Allison's scowl intensifies. I long for her to break the silence so I can shed some light on this situation, but her lips remain tightly sealed. Void's presence is both intriguing and intimidating at this point, but he's a king; he doesn't have to answer to anyone, so why am I sweating this flamingo-looking ass girl?
"I don't even know why I'm surprised; you two are perfect for each other," she says, throwing her hands in the air dramatically. "Do you guys even know the consequences of your actions? . Wait, when did it even start? Hold up! Is this why you were so against the council building a boundary between Panthera and Leperd?"
"Don't be ridiculous," I respond. I mean, she's not completely wrong; I did it for the black panthers; they like to roam through the dry forest of Leperd, and it looks awful building a fucking wall near a river. Think about the impact it would have on their natural habitat and migration patterns. Plus, it's not just about the panthers but also the overall ecosystem and biodiversity of the area. We need to consider the long-term effects of our decisions, not just their immediate convenience.
"I'm going to tell the adults about this before it goes out of hand, she says, rushing to the door. In a flash, Void is by the door, glaring down at her. She turns around, trying to run towards the window, but I'm quick to stop her.
"Why would you do that?" I growl lowly at her; she backs up slowly, just to bump intoVoids chest. She's terrified, but she's playing it off well. "What are you going to do to me, Ayanda? You should really learn how to think."
I chuckle; even in fear, she's still going to question my intelligence. "We can just kill you right here. Who´s going to say what? I ask her. I grab her and push her against the wall. Now she's surrounded by two predators and has nowhere to run. "Allison, you're against royals right now; it's best you act right for the sake of your family."
Her eyes widen at my words. I could never think of hurting the Jacobs, but it's not just me and her right now; it's me, her, and Void.
Her telling the adults could endanger his kingdom; it could cost me my life. I would rather let her be held in prison for false claims until Leperd and Panthera successfully merge and our children have grown enough to protect themselves. One of the twins can take over her responsibilities, but Void doesn't do lose ends, and frankly, I'm not that keen on stopping him from doing the right thing.
"Okay, I'll keep my mouth shut!" she says, glaring at me. Void grabs her neck and slams her against the wall. "Swear it," he growls.
"I, Allison Jacob, Symvoulos of Ayanda Black Captivus of Panthera, I swear to keep my fucking mouth shut," she says, ripping Voids hand from her neck. I look at Void, confused, trying to understand what just happened. "It's an oath that prevents Jacobs from speaking about what they know about what they swore too," says Void, smirking at me.
That would have been so helpful, like six years ago. I guess he learned this little trick during royal 101 classes that I wasn't able to attend because I was a girl and puberty came a bit too early for me, so I couldn't continue playing to be prince Jeremy anymore. "Can I go now?" Void moves, giving her space, and she scoffs before rushing to the door, which she slams shut. leaving me and Void a little stunned. "She could have at least said bye,says Void. "Don't worry, she's just like that. I respond, bewildered by Allison's behavior. Void is basically a visitor here, and she made him so upset that she didn't even greet him. What happened to common courtesy or hospitality? "I should probably leave too; I don't really feel like murdering or threatening another person; it's quite draining," says Void. I agree with him, and I kiss him one last time before he leaves. I fix myself a little bit before stepping out and making my way to the grand hall of Castle Black.
The ballroom is filled with bustling energy as guests twirl around in elegant gowns and sharply tailored suits. The sparkling chandeliers cast a warm, enchanting glow over the room, illuminating the dance floor, where couples glide in perfect harmony. As I make my entrance, all eyes turn to me, and whispers of anticipation fill the air. The music swells, and I take a deep breath, ready to immerse myself in a night of timeless elegance and enchantment. It is big enough to host over a thousand people; it has multiple floors, and one of the floors is strictly only for royals—no guards, no advisors, just us. I'll be sitting with them. Just yesterday, I would have been scared to sit with those assholes, but now I'm more confident than ever. I'm ready. I finally make it to my private entrance. The guards first look startled to see me but go straight into action. I could hear the noise in the grand hall. The nobles and social elites were excited, conversing about me so casually, the first female royal to be crowned in years. The crowed pipes down as my grandfather stands up and makes his way to the stage. He looks exhausted; the night literally just started, but then again, I had another blackout. I'm guessing he had to deal with me. I shake my head, trying to clear up the foggy memories. As my grandfather begins his speech, I can't help but feel a mix of pride and guilt. Despite my recent struggles, I know deep down that I have a responsibility to uphold as the first female royal in years. I can't let negative thoughts consume me. Not today; it's my day, and I´m going to save every moment.
"Today is the day we've all been waiting for: the coronation of my beautiful granddaughter, Ayanda Black." The crowd applauds, and I can't help but feel a bit proud.
"On her right hand side, she´ll have a life companion, someone to share the burden with her symvoulos" The crowd cheers. I look over at Alison; she's been leaning against the wall like a brooding teenager. I roll my eyes and choose to ignore her. She always makes things difficult. She sucks the joy out of everything like a sadistic vampire. "But before we get into that, we have very special guests, the kings of Lynx." The crowd looks at the auditorium, and there they are: Void, Léonard, and Raveer.
They wave at the crowd, smiling brightly at the people, but Void, he looks unimpressed.
"Now, back to the main attraction, ladies and gentlemen, Queen Ayanda Black! And Allison Jacob: "
The crowd cheers as we finally make our way to the center of the stage, confidently striding, making sure I'm the main attraction, but it's pointless. I'm Ayanda Black; my existence is scandalous enough. We finally reach grandpa, and he gives me a hug. I look at Allison; she looks happier than me. Well, she's selling it well, because I'm buying it too. I glance over at her, and she's dressed in a body tube dress, and she has a thick neck piece around her neck with her hair tied up in a bun. I'm guessing she had to change outfits because of the marks on her back and neck. Well, next time she better think straight before threatening Void.
"We've kept her hidden from the world, but I think we should keep the world hidden from her" says Grandpa. A few people laugh at grandpa joke some only look puzzled.
"Since my granddaughter is a gem around rocks, 8 years ago, I decided to start a program to protect my gem. I sent six boys who are now men to protect their queen."
I look at Allison; she keeps smiling, not even looking bothered by what Grandpa just said. I thought the Devil's Island case was classified unless…
I looked at the main entrance, and the first person to enter the room is Blue, with five men right behind him. They look like the boys I handpicked to go to Devil's Island, but they are all grown up. My heart is racing now; it's taking everything in me not to run to him. He looks so different. When I look at Allison, she still looks more composed than I do, meaning she knew this entire time that he was alive and well. "This is my gift to you. I know you are capable of taking care of yourself, but I want you to have more strength in your corner, so I present to you the royal guard, says Grandpa. I give Grandpa another hug and mumble a thank-you to him. He hands me the mic. I take a deep breath and look around the crowd, making sure I have everyone's attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed citizens of Panthera, Today, I stand before you with a heart brimming with excitement and gratitude as I accept the honor of being crowned your queen. The responsibility bestowed upon me is not one I take lightly, for it is a sacred duty to protect and serve the beloved people of Panthera and this sacred land we call home. As I ascend to the throne, my excitement is fueled by the unwavering love and dedication I hold for each and every While it is important to express gratitude and excitement for being crowned queen, it is also crucial to acknowledge the challenges and responsibilities that come with the position, such as making difficult decisions and prioritizing the well-being of all citizens. Simply basking in the glory of being queen may not be enough to effectively lead and serve the people of Panthera—every one of you. Panthera is not just a kingdom; it is a tapestry woven with the vibrant threads of our shared history, culture, and dreams. Together, we form a resilient and united community, and it is with immense joy that I embrace the opportunity to lead and safeguard our cherished kingdom. My foremost commitment as your queen is to ensure the safety and well-being of our people. Panthera's strength lies in its unity, and I will strive to fortify the bonds that connect us, fostering an environment where every citizen feels secure and valued. Our land is a sanctuary, and it is my duty to preserve its natural beauty, ensuring that future generations inherit a flourishing and sustainable kingdom. I envision a Panthera where education and knowledge thrive, empowering our citizens to reach their fullest potential. By investing in the intellectual growth of our people, we can build a society that is not only resilient against external challenges but also prospers from within. Through collaboration and innovation, we will forge a path towards progress and prosperity. But let us not forget the importance of compassion. A compassionate ruler understands the struggles of their people and strives to uplift the disadvantaged. I pledge to work tirelessly to create opportunities for all, regardless of background or circumstance, fostering a society where each citizen can contribute meaningfully to the tapestry of Panthera. In times of adversity, we shall stand shoulder to shoulder, for a kingdom is only as strong as the unity of its people. Together, we will face the challenges that come our way, emerging stronger and more resilient. Panthera's future is bright, and I am thrilled to embark on this journey with all of you. Thank you for entrusting me with the honor of being your queen. Let us march forward hand in hand, creating a legacy of prosperity, unity, and love for generations to come. Long live Panthera! "
The crowd applauds my speech, knowing that they barely listened to a word I said. But nevertheless, I'm glad it's over, and soon I was off the stage and interacting with the nobles. Most of them were just wondering how they weren't aware that I was a girl and how the castle and the council kept their mouths shut. I gave them all the half truths; they don't need to know the procedures my father took to make sure I was safe. My eyes scan the room. I'm looking for one particular royal guard. Finally, I spot him at the end of the hall. It seems like he has already found me. I smile and excuse myself from the social elites I was talking to and make my way to Blue. When I finally reach him,he is already gone. I smile to myself. I guess he wants to play. I turn around and end up bumping into someone's chest.
"I thought you improved your tracking skills, my queen, he says, and I look up just to see blue. Without thinking, I pull him into a hug, and he wraps his hands around my waist and holds me tighter. I'm on the verge of crying tears.
"Please call me Lykos, I said, remembering his nickname for me; he used to call me that when we were younger. He chuckles and holds me at arm's length to take a good look at me. I do the same, and, oh my !, the boy has grown. He exchanged his lean body frame for a muscular build; his curly afro is now dreads tied backwards; the only thing that's still the same is his kind brown eyes. We both whistled at each other, and we burst out laughing. I missed this. I missed him.
"Why didn't you ever send letters? I thought you were dead, you asshole" I say, slapping his arm. He chuckles and rubs his arm. "You know, it's kind of hard to write when you're losing your mind, he casually says, shoving his hands in his pocket. Guilt consumes me once more. How can I possibly make it up to them?
" Blue Im-
"Well, the rumors are true," says a man rudely interrupting us, dressed in a tuxedo suit with tanned skin and ear-length hair. He looks so elegant yet angry all at once. He takes my hand and gently places a kiss on it,his eyes never leaving mine.
"Who are you, if I may ask?" He seems a bit taken back by my question, but plays it off:
"My name is Zachary Gladstone, head of the council of Panthera." Disgust engulfs me, and I can't help but visibly show it on my face. This man is responsible for the delay of my coronation, along with Sandre. I wonder where the rest of the council members are, but then again, he represents them all. He notices my evident disgust, but he waves it off with a chuckle.
"Ah, Sandre was right; you're not the best at hiding your emotions" he says. I raise an eyebrow at him, so they spoke about me. I bet it was only about my downfall.
"Do not worry, I can't picture hurting you, your majesty; I come in peace; I'm extending an olive branch."
"To what? My ass," I ask, fighting the urge to bite his neck. The council is Panthera's biggest problem, well, from my perspective. I think the council is a poisonous seed that everyone keeps mistaking for a sunflower seed. They have ill intentions, especially towards my family. The council even refused to build my father's statue at the center of town, but they don't mind having buildings named after them for their half-baked efforts. "Since it's our first time meeting, I was hoping we could have a more private conversation," he says, glancing over at me. "There's no need for that; whatever you need to say to me, you can say it in front of me." And I respond, trying my best to remain composed. He probably thinks that I'm doing this for my sake, but I'm actually doing it for his because I'm afraid if I'm left alone with him, he might just not come out of it alive.
"Oh, my Zachary, is that you?" says Alison, jumping into the conversation and shaking Zacchary's hand. She glances over at me, and it blows. She's quick to assess the situation. "I think it's best that we discuss private matters in more private places, don't you think, Zachary? "says Allison. Zachary gives a short smile and nods his head in agreement.
He politely dismisses himself, leaving us three together. "I leave you guys for five minutes, and your already picking fights? asks Allison, glancing between Blue and me.
"He started it."
I say, pouting my face. Allison rolls her eyes at me. She looks over at Blue, and she looks worried about him. They seem to have some weird telepathic conversations; I must say it's disgusting. "Allison, were you ever planning on telling me that Blue is alive or not?" cutting straight to the point, I want to address this now, while my anger is still at its brim.
"Ayanda, don't be mad at her; be mad at me. Oh, it's me"says Blue. Of course, obviously, Blue is going to defend her. I mean, they are in love, so he sees no fault in her, while I see all her faults, and this one is one of them. I think it's actually really unfair.
I liked him first, and I'm pretty sure he liked me too. Unfortunately, Allison played her cards well, and she won him. I'm not mad about it anymore; I let it go and let them be, but it has never actually been addressed. They try not to show it, but Allison visibly melts at the sight of Blue.
"Of course you're going to defend her," I say, looking between the two of them. I would actually pay millions of dollars to have things the way they were before they became a couple. "I'm not picking sides. OK, both of you need to relax. I'm not picking sides. Both of you need to relax."
Allison scoffs . "I'm the most relaxed and calm person here." She says folding her arms.
I ignore her and look at Blue, but he has his eyes on Allison, He looks like a love sick puppy
. "Guys, I don't have all day; I have to meet the kings up the stairs, I say. Blue nods in understanding. "I'll tell Alex to escort you" Says Blue
"Okay, before you do that, I'd like to discuss a common enemy, "says Allison.
This immediately sparks my interest. I didn't expect this from Allison. She leads us out of the ballroom, and we walk all the way to my mother's garden. I guess it's the best way to ensure there isn't anyone listening. We reach the center of the garden, near the fountain. She takes a bottle of wine from the rose bush and three wine glasses. Of course, she planned this, she's always prepared, all Jacobs are always prepared.
"The council members clearly want to rule Panthera and they want to use Ayanda as their gate"
says Allison, drinking directly from the bottle instead of her glass. That's something I've figured out already: "Zachary is their leader; he's polite and kind but he's a master manipulator." I nod in agreement; it's something I could sense from him. "He's also the man who's been sleeping with my father for the last five years."
Blue chokes on his drink; he's as shocked as I am.
"I'm sorry" says Blue, trying to comfort his girlfriend, but she's quick to dismiss him.
"It's not a big deal, she says, taking another gulp from the bottle. I've barely taken a sip from mine. "Each member is guilty of their own crimes, but I think Zachary has been playing his cards too well; he gets them to commit the crimes and keeps his sheet clean." "Wait, how did you find this all out?" I ask. Allison looks down, almost ashamed.
"I stole information from my dad's office and hired a few spies, which Ayanda has been paying for." Im flabbergasted. All this is happening right under my nose how? And who's in charge of my finances?
I've been in the dark for a while now. When was Sandre going to tell me when I was dethroned?
"My father isn't a full member; he seems more like an advisor to them." She sounds defensive now; she's trying to protect her dad from me. I chuckle to myself, which earns me a glare from Allison, but she continues talking.
The six council members and their respective crimes in the kingdom of Panthera are: Cedric Thornfield These crimes include the embezzlement of royal funds meant for forest conservation, diverting them for personal extravagance.
Seraphina Nightshade: *Crime:* poaching rare and endangered wildlife for an illegal exotic pet trade, depleting the kingdom's unique fauna.
Isabella Ravenscroft: *Crime:* timber smuggling and illegal logging, devastating Panthera's majestic evergreen forests for personal profit.
Malachi Shadowbane *Crime:* Extortion and blackmail against fellow council members, exploiting their vulnerabilities for personal gain.
Morgana Bloodthorn: *Crime:* orchestrating a smuggling ring, trafficking magical herbs and artifacts extracted from Panthera's forests.
Ignatius Ironclad: Crime A spy for Zachary collects information about nobles and blackmails them. These council members, once entrusted with the well-being of Panthera, are killing it. They are destroying my kingdom and my family's legacy. These crimes that they've committed, I cannot overlook, and I cannot pretend like I do not know of this information. Allison made the right call by not showing me their pictures; otherwise, I would have killed them all by now. I want to act fast, but I can't because I have to gather enough evidence to prove that they have committed these crimes. We've been seated here in the gardens for about 15 minutes; not a word has been said among us. This new sense of responsibility has already taken its toll on us. The council plays a major role in the development of Panthera, and they are highly respected by almost everyone, so their disappearance should not be taken lightly. "So your dad is gay or bisexual?" asks Blue. I burst out laughing. I can't help it; out of all of the things that Allison said, all he cared about was her father's sexual preference. Allison smacks his arm and playfully scolds him, making everything less tense. I hear the sound of someone approaching the garden, and I immediately tell them to hush, and they do as they're told on the left.
"Ayanda, where are you?"
I sigh and relax. It's just grandpa. This information we just got is extremely dangerous. One wrong move, and I could be labeled unfit to rule. This would force my grandparents into ruling again and being forced to produce an aire by all means possible. I can't let that happen. I need to tread carefully and make sure every decision I make is strategic and calculated.
He walks to us; he looks confused but is not surprised.
"Whenever you guys get together, it's always just chaos."
Blue walks to Grandpa, and he bows to him, and Grandpa pulls him into a hug.
"There's no need to bow, boy."
Blue looks more submissive now; his eyes shine with respect now; and he looks more vulnerable next to Grandpa.
"It's been years now. Look at you, finally a man," says Grandpa, patting his back.
Blue smiles at him, a shy and awkward smile, and I can't help but cringe at the interaction. They look like long lost lovers.
"Well, I would love to stay and chat, but Ayanda, the royals are looking for you. It's time for you to go." I nod , knowing that I must fulfill my duties as queen. I leave the room with an unsettling feeling.
These kings are unpredictable, and I must always be on guard around them. As I approach their room,I feel a surge of confidence as I remind myself that I am the one in control.
I should probably have a polite, soft approach and been the lady that I am something along the lines of :
Well, you gentlemen look ravishing tonight, or, oh, may! Sorry for the delay. I have requested refreshments for you.
I smile to myself as I finally reach the front door. The guard opens the door for me, and I'm immediately introduced to the sight of two women on Void's lap.
The smell of female arousal and smoke fills my nostrils, and their giggles ring in my ears. They've turned this room into a brothel.I'm instantly filled with rage.
'"Oh, Ayanda, you're finally here. Good. Now I can finally see whether you're a man or one of these bad kitties right here!'" says Leo, smacking one of the girls ass as she walks by.
'I want all of you fuckers out of here"