Race for the Throne

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“Well how about we leave after a few dances? That way we were here for some of the dance.” Brandon said. “I can massage your shoulder while we watch the moon rise. I can feel how tight it is.”

~~

Serena feels her knees weaken during Vincent’s kiss. She is thankful that he is holding her close to him. “You have plenty of time to learn Vincent. I like that your love is now and forever. I almost feel silly now thinking that I once thought that you had a thing for Jasmine.” She said.

~~

“Well we aren’t in the maze so I thought this would do.” Iverson said. He holds Kalista as close as he can. He feels a kick and he chuckles. “I think our little one is trying to tell me not to steal mommy. They are kicking me again.” He said smiling.

Serena looks at her mother as her father hands her two plates, one for her and one for Vincent. “I am thinking a little curly and down. If Jasmine is going to wear her hair over her shoulder then I think mine should match and be similar.” She explained.

Brandon smiled at Kalista. Things had been a little strained between them, but he was trying to give her time. He knew her emotional state at the time wasn’t the best. He looks at Jasmine. “I think you would look any way you do your hair. Personally I think you would look good if your shoulders weren’t covered, but I understand why you want to cover it.”

He had wanted to ask Kalista what she thought about it, but wasn’t sure how he should address her. Maybe he should stink with Majesty until he knew he could call her by her name or even by her last name. “What do you think, Majesty?” he asked.

Iverson looked at Vincent. “Good luck with that son. This wedding might be all about Altier and their prince getting married, there will be much controversy over other things. One of those things being a commoner turning into royalty. I hope you are ready for some of that attention. Several of the other royals may want to meet you.” He explained. “Personally I think you can handle it, and it will be a small taste of what is to come. The Altier wedding however will be the biggest talk.”

Serena squeezed Vincent’s hand and smiled.

Kalista nods in agreement. “You can at least call me Kalista. Unless you want me to start calling you Majesty as well.” She winks at Brandon.

Jasmine plays with her hair nervously. “I just want the focus to be on Audra. Especially since what happened to me was in Altiere. It is her day.”

“Well there will be plenty to gossip about, and plenty of royals to gossip with.” Kalista squeezes Jasmine's hand. “I still thank the Goddess you were there.”

Vincent races his hand through his hair nervously. “I meant that I will not be a member of the wedding party and have to worry about all of that. Do you really think people will wonder about me? I was hoping to stay in the background until the council of kings. However I will answer their questions like I was taught.”

The late snack is delicious and the thunderstorms pass. Now it is only raining out. The guys walk the ladies to their rooms. Jasmine waits until Iverson and Kalista are out of sight before kissing him hard. “I will be in that same study tomorrow after breakfast. I know you want to talk with Aunt Kalista and Iverson. I will work on some drawings.”

Vincent kisses Serena. “I will be close if you need me. Don't worry about a thing. Lock your secret passage so no one can enter it. There are guards on patrol as well. I love you Serena.”

Brandon looks at Kalista. She was being very nice to him. He knows her hormones are up and down, but she was being very nice to him. He simply smiles and takes it, considering how she could be treating him. “Thank you Kalista.” He said.

They finished eating and they head to their rooms. Brandon kissed Jasmine and smiled at her. “Don’t worry about going to Altier. Rumors will be flying, but that is all they are, rumors.” He said. He cupped her face gently and kissed her again. “I will see you in the morning. After breakfast I would like to talk to Kalista and thank her for the kindness. She was exceptionally nice to me today. Just remember, if you need me I will be close.” He said. He hugged her and then walked to his room.

Brandon gets dressed and then walks over to the balcony door. He opens it and listens to the rain falling. It was chilly so he closed the doors and went to bed.

~~

Serena smiles at Vincent. “Don’t worry about the people Vincent. The focus won’t be on us, but on Altier. I love you Vincent and I will be there to help you with support.” She gives him a kiss. “I will lock the secret passage and put a table in front of it. She doesn’t know the passages here though like she knows the ones in Moldova. Neither does Anton. I am going to get some sleep. Good night and I love you.” She said as she hugs him. She then kisses his lips gently before going into her room.

Serena walks over to her secret passage entrance and locked the door from the inside of her room. She then puts a table in front of it. It took her a little while to do it, but she manages well enough. She then takes a shower and goes to bed.

Jasmine wakes up to the sun shining. She knows that it is a deception though. It is not warm out there. She takes a shower and gets dressed. She does not feel like a huge family breakfast this morning. Truth be told, it makes her homesick. She misses Daniel's antics, Nathaniel's cooking, and her parents sneaking kisses. She gathers her art supplies and heads to the study Brandon is going to be with Aunt Kalista and Uncle Iverson anyway.

After dropping off her stuff she goes down to the kitchen and grabs a bowl of fruit with a glass of milk. She returns to the study, sets up her easel, and begins to draw.

~~~~~~~~

Vincent also wakes up to the sun. He love Rosario. The weather is changing and after the rain the sun shines. He gets up and gets ready. He knows he will have to talk to Iverson today. The sooner the better. He walks out of his room and goes to Serena's door. He hopes she slept well.

~~~~~~~~

The night was not easy for Nadine. The horrible weather and the talk with Kalista spurred the voices in her head. Iverson was so close, but it is not the time. Not now at least. She gets ready for breakfast and heads to the dining room. She knows it will be expected of her to be here. For now she will play the happy Princess part.

Brandon had slept well during the night. He sees the sun shining and smiles. He gets out of bed and changes. He then walks out of the room and over to Jasmine’s door. He knocks and when she doesn’t answer, he goes down to the dining room wondering if she was already there. He walks in and sees Nadine in there. He looks around but doesn’t see Jasmine. “Good morning Nadine, I hope you are well this morning.” He said, trying to be nice to her.


~~

Serena was up with the sun. She puts on a long sleeved dress and brushes her hair out. She leaves it long and then heads over to the door. She opens it just as Vincent is about to knock on the door. “Well good morning to you too love. I hope you slept well? I slept alright, but it would be been better with you by my side.” She leans up and kisses him gently.

Iverson and Kalista walk out of their room and see the young couple. “Good morning to the both of you. I hope we aren’t interrupting you.” Iverson said. He looks at Kalista and smiles. “I have a lot to do today if we are going to be leaving the day after tomorrow.”

~~

Anton gets up and takes a shower. He hopes he can sit on the other side of Jasmine this morning for breakfast. If he gets there early enough, he can sit with her. He dresses and then walks out of the door to the guest hall. There is a guard on each end of the hall and it looked like one was roving around. He ignores it and heads to the dining room. He knows he needs to keep himself on low key, but he wants to be with her.

He makes it to the dining room and sees Brandon and Nadine there. Great, where the hell was Jasmine at? If he was here, she should have been there. He enters and looks at the others before taking a seat. “Morning.” Was all he said.

Nadine smiles at Brandon. “If you are looking for Jasmine, she is not here. I overheard the staff say that she is already painting.” She looks up at Anton walks in. “Last night must have been rough for her, with the storms that went through.”

Vincent smiles at Iverson. “I was hoping to get a chance to talk to you as well, Majesty.” He directs to Iverson. “It is important.”

Kalista's heart warms to see the two of them together. “I am sure he can fit you in. However breakfast first.”

Vincent offers Serena his arm. “May I escort the prettiest woman in Rosario to breakfast?”

He hears Iverson cough behind him. “That is impossible since she is my wife.” He winks at Vincent before kissing Kalista.

“No offense Majesties, but in my eyes Serena fits that bill.” Vincent quips back.

They all walk to the dining room. Kalista looks to see everyone there, but Jasmine. “I am not used to such a full room. Good morning everyone, I hope you all slept well. Where is Jasmine?”

A servant opens the door with a tray of food. “She is in the study. She got an early start with her painting.”

Vincent walks Serena to her chair, sitting beside her. “We probably will not see her for the rest of the day.”

Brandon takes a seat. He knows that Jasmine will be entranced with her painting for now. At least if Brandon is here with him in the dining room then he knows he isn’t in the room with Jasmine. Everyone greets the royal couple as they enter with Serena and Vincent. They greet them warmly as they take their seats.

Serena takes a seat and looks at her dad as he looks over at Vincent. “I have some things to do this morning Vincent. If you will give me some time before I can talk with you.” He said.

Serena looked at Vincent. “If you want him to talk with you¸ then you are going to have to make him.” She whispered to him. “He has a lot to do before we leave and I think that is all he has on his mind.”

Anton smiles and welcomes the royals into the room. “Good morning Majesties, I pray you both slept well. Queen Kalista, may I say how wonderful you look today.” He said. After breakfast he would make it down to the study. If Jasmine was painting then she would never really notice if he was in the room. That would be good.

“Well everyone seems to be in a good mood. Thank you Anton for your compliment. If my feet weren't aching so much I would believe you.” Kalista chuckles. “Although I am just happy I am not on bed rest yet.” She looks over at Brandon and smiles. “Don't worry she is fine. I will make sure someone drops off some food for her.”

“Knowing Jasmine they would be able to put it into her mouth and chew it for her.” Vincent laughs.

“Oh please it is not that bad.” Nadine rolls her eyes. “She would come around as soon as she is touched, especially now.”

Anton narrows his eyes at Nadine after her comment. However soon it is lost and breakfast goes on. The conversation is light and there is only a slight tension in the room, however not everyone can feel it.

Brandon looks at Kalista and Iverson. “Sometime today if you could spare me the time, I would like to talk with you.” He said. “

“Take a number son, Vincent has requested an audience with me as well, and I have quite a bit of work today. I want to let all of you know that we will be leaving for Altier the day after tomorrow. You have today and tomorrow to get ready. Use your time wisely and keep out of trouble.” Iverson said.


“I understand.” He said. He looks at Anton as he stands. “I am finished with breakfast, Majesties. If you will please excuse me, I think I am going to take a look at the gardens today.” He said. He bows and then leaves the room.

Brandon gets up and looks at his father. “I will talk with you later then. I am finished as well, please excuse me.” He said. He walks out a few minutes later, but Anton is gone from the halls.

Serena looks at Vincent. “I know you have things to do today. If you want to go spend some time with your family, why don’t you. I need to get ready and begin packing again. I will probably help with other things around the castle. That is unless you have something you want to do.”


~~

Anton had made it outside of the castle. He knew there was a secret entrance to the royal wing. All the old castles had them. He begins feeling around for the door.

“Sounds like everyone is going to be busy today. I think I will be in my room and pack for the trip.” Kalista laughs.

Vincent catches Iverson outside the door. “I will go see my family, but Majesty I this is really important. Please I need to talk with you now.” He follows Iverson to his office.

Kalista watches everyone leave. “Brandon, would you mind walking me to the room. Iverson doesn't like for me to be alone. Jasmine is safe in the study painting. Hopefully by the time we are done, Iverson will be free. Poor guy has been working himself to death. I think it is part nerves from his baby getting married.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Jasmine is still working on her painting. It is a Moldovan scene with her family. There are a few pieces of fruit missing from the bowl and the milk is gone.

Iverson looks at Vincent. “I am a very busy man, Vincent. It had better be important to follow me to my office. He opens his office door and lets Vincent in first. He walks in and closes it behind him. “What could be so important that you would have to interrupt my work?” he asked. He was slightly annoyed with Vincent at the moment.

~~

Brandon goes over to Kalista and nodded his head. “I understand. Iver…Dad has a lot going on. His wife is about to have a new baby, and both of his little girls are going to be married. I can only imagine what is going on in his mind.” He said. “I want to thank you Kalista.” He said.

~~

Serena was free for a while. She was a little nervous with Nadine in the castle and herself being alone, but she could do this. At least there were castle guards all around. She makes her way upstairs to her room to see about packing for the trip.

~~

Anton begins opening doors in the hallway. He finds several rooms. Some haven’t been used in quite a while. He sighs and wonders when he will find the room he is looking for. He slightly opens the fifth door he comes too and opens it slightly. There is a decorative rug over the wall where he comes out at. He looks around and sees Jasmine painting. He grins. It only took him what felt like forever to find. He closes the door gently to not make a noise and walks in. He watches her paint for a while and smiles. Goddess…she was beautiful. He would love to have her right then as his.

"Things happened in Langoria that you need to know about." Vincent starts. He then tells him everything about Nadine and Serena. He leaves out nothing. He tells Iverson about hitting Serena and the attempted murder. He sits back and waits for his response

~~~~

"I am glad you came with me. We need to have an overdue talk." Kalista begins. "I am not ready to accept you as my son yet. You are an adult and don't need a mother. However you are Iverson's son and a part of this family. I am hoping that we can be friendly perhaps have an aunt and nephew kind of relationship?"

~~~~

Jasmine continues to draw not even noticing Anton. Her hand reaches to the bowl of fruit. She pops a piece of fruit in her mouth.

Iverson sits there and listens to Vincent. His expression stays emotionless. He is thankful and even proud that Vincent would come to him about these things, and his stomach feels like it almost fell through when his daughter almost didn’t make it to him a second time, and Vincent had also hit his daughter. He sits there for a moment and swallows everything in that Vincent tells him.

“Vincent, thank you for making me listen to you. I knew something had happened, but I didn’t know what. I want you to know that I am angry that you laid a hand on my daughter, but at the same time you both have worked through that to get to where you are now. She wouldn’t have agreed to marriage if you hadn’t work through it.” Iverson pauses to think a moment. “I want to thank you for keeping her safe. I knew Nadine was angry, but I don’t really know why. It makes me feel better that someone was there to protect her and at the same time she was with her in a room where she almost killed her. I have mixed emotions about this.”

~~

“I can understand where you are coming from Kalista. I have to admit that if I were in your position I would feel somewhat upset about it as well, however to me I have had nothing and then to find out I had so much more. I know I will never amount to be your son, but I think an aunt and nephew kind of relationship will allow for us to grow together.” Brandon said. “I can only say that I am sorry about the past. I did not choose for it to happen, but we can learn to grow, love and be family.”

~~

Anton puts his head over Jasmine’s shoulder. He then leans in and kisses her cheek. “Your painting is as beautiful as you are.” He said. He puts his arms around her and squeezes her as if he was hugging her.

"I did not intend to hit her, but she got in the way. I prepared myself to come home then. She forgave me. There is something going on between Jasmine and Anton. I cannot say what, but she should not be alone with him." Vincent explains. "You should talk to Serena about Nadine."

~~~~

"Maybe if you were younger and needed a mother. I cannot replace Celesta." Kalista explains. "I am glad you are dating Jasmine. I have never seen her happier. Promise me you will treat her well."

~~~~~

Jasmine continues to draw until she feels a kiss on her cheek. She yelps and spins around to see Anton. Her eyes dart around the room and sees there is no one else in the room. Her eyes widen. "Get out of here Anton."

Iverson stood up. “If she forgave you then she loves you. Don’t take that love for granted Vincent.” He said. He sighed and rubbed his forehead with his hand. “I am very concerned about what has happened. I will talk to Serena about it. Until then I will have security upped in the castle. I am glad now that Kalista asked for the extra security when you left for Langora. I am going to assume that Brandon wants to talk to me about what happened with Jasmine and Anton. I am a little concerned about the whole situation going on. However I want you to trust me when it comes to security, just as I will trust you with my daughter. I know you will protect her.” He reached out to shake Vincent’s hand.

~~

“I know you can never replace my mother. I loved her very much and it pained me to see her pass, however the memories I hold of her will always be there with me.” Brandon said. “It doesn’t mean that I can’t start new memories with the family I have found however.”

He looks a little nervously at Kalista. “I do love Jasmine, with all my heart, but…” He pauses, unsure if he should mention to her what happened with Jasmine and Anton. “I love Jasmine, and I will do all in my power to protect her, Kalista, however I am a little concerned about some of the company here in the castle…”

~~

Anton walks over to Jasmine and smiles. “You don’t have anything to be afraid about Jasmine. I will not harm you. We are in Rosario, not in Langora.” He said with a smirk on his face. “I just wanted to come and see how you were.” He takes his hand and caresses her cheek gently. “Do you even know how gorgeous you are?” All the while he was getting closer to her.

“I can tell something is troubling you. I know that Nadine is having issues with how Ashton died. I don't think anyone ever told her the truth.” Kalista sighs and looks at Brandon. “I noticed that Jasmine is nervous around Anton as well. Which surprises me because he is such a well behaved young man.”

~~~~~~~~

Vincent takes Iverson's hand. “Be careful Sir, Serena is not her main target. Tell her I will be back later. I need to spend some time with my family. I miss the action.” Vincent walks him out of the office. He leaves the castle and walks home.

~~~~~~~~~~

Jasmine can feel her heart racing. A tear trickles down her face, but instead of being scared she is angry. She slowly stand up and pushes Anton against the wall. “Consider this you final warning Anton. I have never loved you, and I will never love you. I thought at one time that we can be friends, but that has passed as well. When you become King, I will treat you with the minimum amount of respect that deserves.” Her hand are on his collar as she slams him against the wall. “In case you don't understand. I want you to leave me the fuck alone for the rest of my life. I will never be yours, even if I lose this race. I want you to stop thinking of me and find your happiness elsewhere. Because you will never find it chasing after me. Just your face is making me fucking sick.” She grabs her shoulder and runs from the room. She does not care about her picture at this point. She runs to her room, sits on the bed, and cries. Her shoulder is killing her and she is a bundle of emotions.

“Anton started out as a perfectly nice young man on this trip; however something has changed in him. I don’t know what, but he is very serious about his relationship with Jasmine.” Brandon said. He then tells Kalista about what happened between Anton and Jasmine during the trip. “I have never been so angry and jealous before. I almost feel ashamed at how I feel.” He explained.

~~

Iverson walks down the hall. He is very concerned about all that is going on. He starts to look for Serena to find her so that he can talk to her about what is going on.

~~

Anton watches Jasmine leave the room, her words falling on deaf ears. It would only mean that he would have to try harder for her. What did she see in Brandon that she didn’t see in him? He scowled and walked out of the room. He walks over and knocks on her door. “Jasmine, what is it that you see in him that you don’t see in me?” He said. He was trying to keep calm, but his voice came out a little shaky.

Iverson was walking down the hall and saw Anton knocking on Jasmine’s door. He could hear his voice but not what he said. He walks over to him. “Anton, how did you get down this hall? For that matter, you understand it doesn’t look good on you to try and see a lady in her room when she is seeing someone.” He said.

Anton swallowed and looked up at Iverson. “I was just checking on her, Majesty. I wanted to make sure she was alright.” He said. “If you will I will take my leave and go back to my room. There is much to do before we go to Altier.” He said.

Iverson nodded his head. “Go on, and don’t let me catch you back down this hall.” He said. Anton leaves and Iverson knocks on Jasmine’s door gently. He opens it slightly and looks in. “Jasmine, It is Iverson. Are you alright?” he asked.

Kalista gets tears in her eyes. She is reminded about Damaskus and Madeline. "We must stop this now before there is a tragic ending." She stands and gives Brandon a hug. "You should never feel embarrassed about your feelings. Be careful and watch over her. I hope that Anton will calm down once this race is over. However you may have to be on your guard whenever he is around."

~~~~~~

"Why can't he just leave me the hell alone?" Jasmine looks at Iverson with tears in her eyes. She wipes her face with her sleeve. "I am fine Uncle Iverson, I need my pain medication and to get my painting from the study." She doesn't want to tell him about Anton. She could not stop herself from going over to him and giving him a hug. She finds comfort in his arms.

“I don’t want Jasmine to be afraid, but she is afraid of him. Thank you for listening to me and giving me the advice.” Brandon said. He hugs Kalista in return and then sighs. “I always know when he is in the room. The hair on the back of my neck always rises when he is there. I won’t let her be alone with him and if it wasn’t because she was down the royal hall where he can’t get too, I wouldn’t have left her alone this morning. I do want to talk to Iverson sometime today about that. If Jasmine’s parents were here I would have spoken to them, but I think you and Iver…I mean dad have the right to know now.”

~~

Iverson puts his arms around Jasmine and holds her like he used to do when they were little. “I want you to tell me what is wrong. You act like something is bothering you. Is there anything I can do to make things better for you?” He asked. He rubbed her back with his hand. “Tell me what your tears are for.”

"It is good that you told me. Now I know what is going on and will be able to protect her as well." Kalista rubs his back. "Vincent should be done with him now. Why don't you go find him. He needs to know as well."

~~~~~~~~~

Jasmine is trying not to cry in Iverson's arms. "I can't I don't want to add to your burdens. I appreciate this little bit. How did Anton get into the study?" She bites her lip. "I need to get my stuff from there. I left a mess." She backs up from the hug and starts for her door not looking up at Iverson.

Brandon released Kalista and nodded his head. “Thank you Kalista, I don’t know what I would do without her.” He said. He stands and walks towards the door. “I will go find him and talk to him. I will let him know how important this is.” He then smiles at her and leaves the room.

~~

“I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what is wrong Jazzy.” Iverson said. He watches as she walks to her door without looking up at him. He walks over with her and puts his hand on her back. “Don’t worry about your mess; I will have the staff see to it. If you hurt, why don’t you go take something for the pain?” He rubs her back gently. “I don’t know how he got into this hall Jasmine, but both Vincent and Brandon asked me to make sure security was upped and that you were not left alone. They haven’t told me why but I would like to know.”

Jasmine wrings her hands. “Uncle Iverson, please don't worry about me. I can take care of myself. You have enough to worry about with Nadine and everything else. I cannot have your servants clean up after my messes. My parents would throw a fit. I will take my meds after I get my art stuff. I do thank you for your concern though.”

~~~~~~~~

Kalista returns to the packing. She gets her bags packed, but leaves them on the bed for someone else to pick up. After packing she goes to Serena's room to check on her.

Brandon comes out of the room and sees Jasmine and Iverson talking in the hallway. She looks close to tears and wonder what has happened. He walks over to them. “Is everything alright Jasmine?” He asked. He looks up at Iverson.

Iverson looks at Brandon with a puzzled expression on his face. “Don’t worry Jasmine. If you want I will get your art supplies for you. I want you to get something for your arm, I know it has to hurt.” He said.

“Father, do you have a moment to talk after we make sure Jasmine is alright?” Brandon asked.

“Yes son, if you want to take her back to her room, I will go get her art things and then I will meet you in the study.” He explained.

~~

Serena is in her room on the chaise. She sighs as she thinks about this whole trip. She wonders if this was what it was like for her parents. She hears a knock on her door and she jumps slightly. She smiles when she sees her mom. “How are you mother?” she asked.

Jasmine waits until Iverson left before pulling Brandon into the room. She immediately hugs him and cries on his shoulder. She chokes out what happened in the study. "I think I hurt my shoulder when I was holding and slamming him against the wall. I am going to take some pain meds and relax. I need to calm down." She doesn't want to let him know that she is scared now.

~~~~~~~~~

"I had a visit from Brandon and Nadine. From what I gathered, your trip was not very pleasant." Kalista goes to the chaise and hugs Serena. "I am so sorry that you are paying for our actions. I want you to know that you are safe in the castle. We will do everything to protect both you and Jasmine. I may request to Iverson that they be placed in the hotel in town. Don't worry they will ride with us down to Altiere."

Brandon listens to Jasmine as she tells him what happened. “Don’t worry Jasmine, I don’t know how he got in here, but Iverson has upped security. Everything will be alright.” He said. He rubs her back and tries to help her calm down. “Why don’t you take some medication and then lay down. I won’t be too far from here and the study room door will be open. I will stay close by.” He said.

~~

Serena hugs her mother. “I…I was afraid I wouldn’t make it home. We have tried talking with Nadine and nothing changes her mind. She still thinks dad killed her father.” There are a few tears in her eyes as she holds onto her mother. “Why won’t she listen to the truth?” she asked.