Race for the Throne

“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.

Jasmine feels Brandon's hand on her shoulder. “Dad will want to dance with me. I just don't think I can. Not with my shoulder like this. My arm is like a dead weight.” She turns her head and playfully yells at her shoulder. “Why don't you move?”

~~~

Vincent smirks at Serena. “Well I do have a thing with Jassy. It is a friendship, and brother or not if Brandon breaks her heart again, I will kill him.” He twirls her around and pulls her back to him. “However the only one I love is you.”

~~~~~~

Kalista laughs. “Could it be that the baby like the music or you? Remember how Serena would move whenever you were around. It was like she had a dad sensor. I am happy that I am not on bed rest, but at the same time I want this baby out.”

Brandon rubs Jasmine’s shoulder. “You should try to dance with him. It will make him happy.” He said. He lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. He then kissed her lips. “I know this is hard for you, but you can make it through this stronger than you went in.”

~~

“You know what I meant silly. I don’t think you will have to worry about Brandon anymore. He has barley left her side sense he has been back.” Serena said. She was enjoying the dance with Vincent. He was twirling her around and making it fun. When she landed in his arms again she smiled as he told her that she was the only one he loved. “I love you Vincent. I can’t believe I get to keep you in my heart forever.”

~~

Iverson laughed as Kalista and he begins to dance. “That girl always knew when I was around. I couldn’t believe she was like that, but it was so fun. I miss the two of them when they were little. I know we are about to have another child to make memories with, but it’s like going through parenthood all over again. I know it won’t be too much longer before the baby comes. You are six and a half months pregnant now almost seven. You can do it.”

The song ends and another one begins. It is a faster pace song. Jasmine does not make it to the edge of the dance floor before Berenson intercepts her. “May I have this next dance?”

Jasmine nods and takes his arm. “Just be careful with my shoulder. It is dead in the water now.”

Berenson winks at her. “There is more to dancing than one shoulder. I bet that we can still clear the dance floor.”

Madeline goes over to Brandon. “Looks like your girlfriend is busy. I don't know how long we will be dancing for, but may I have the honor of dancing with you?”

~~~

“Do you want to try a faster song. I know I am not a dancer like the Lanes, but I can hold my own out there.” Vincent asks. “Well look at that Jasmine is going out with her dad. This should boost her confidence.”

~~~~~~

Kalista grimace as the baby moves more. “Wow, I think I need to sit this one out. Go take your daughter out on the dance floor. I think she needs a break from Malachai.”

Brandon watches Jasmine and Berenson go back out to the dance floor. Madeline comes up to him and asks him to dance. He is a little nervous but accepts it. “I will accept your offer.” He said. He takes her hand and they walk out to the dance floor.

~~

Serena looks out and smiles. “If we do, we won’t be dancing long. Those two can clear the dance floor as fast as Aunt Madde and he can.” She said chuckling. She shook her head. “Why don’t we watch from the side lines?”

~~

Iverson looks up at Audra as she and Malachi are talking. She doesn’t seem too happy. He walks Kalista back to the table and gives her a kiss. “I think I will.” He said smiling.

He walks over to Audra and Malachi and interrupts them. “Audra, could I have this dance?” he asked.

Audra smiled a little and nodded her head. They walk out to the dance floor and Iverson begins to dance with her. “You don’t look happy.”

“I’m just upset is all dad. I think it is the hormones talking right now.” Audra said. “I just have a lot going through my mind and it’s been one thing after another. Malachi is trying to be supportive of me, but I am afraid. I think this is so fast but it’s our fault anyways.”

Berenson and Jasmine's footwork are perfect and Jasmine is having so much fun dancing with him.

Madeline smiles at Brandon watching the others out of the corner of her eye. “She needed to dance with him. Ever since the injury, she lost some of the sparkle in her eye. Some of it came back when you did, but she needs this. She needs to know that she can function like she used too.”

Vincent nods. “I will get you something to drink.” He runs off and returns with a glass of wine. “They are moving well out there.” He smiles while watching them. “She really needs this.”

Iverson looks at Malachai with a grimace on his face. “If you don't want too, you do not have to marry him. I know it will be a scandal, but I don't want you to be stressed out. It is not good for you or the baby.”

“She needs to know that she can do anything. I will always be there to support her and to let her know that she can do anything. Someday Mrs. Lane, I will marry your daughter. I love her so much and she brings a lot of joy to my life.” Brandon said.

~~

Serena accepts the glass of wine and sips on it as they watch Berenson and Jasmine dance. “She is dancing just like before she had the surgery. She is doing so great out there. I have to admit, I am jealous at how well she dances.”

~~

Audra shook her head. “No, that isn’t what I mean. I want to marry him, I love him so much dad, but I’m saying it’s faster than I thought it would be. I was thinking of a wedding next year with and to give me time to transition from here to Altier, but it will be like mother was here. She came for a visit and it turned into the rest of her life. It’s just me coming to terms with that.”

A group begins to form around Jasmine and Berenson watching them dance. She is having a fun time with her dad. And for a little while she forgets about her shoulder.

~~~~~~~

“Whether you do is for her to decide. However I will stand behind her decision. A word of advice though, before marrying her get to know not only her better, but Moldova as well. That way when she does become Queen the transition is easier.” Madeline tell him. “Appears they are beginning to clear the floor.

~~~~~~

“I hope you will have a better transition to power than we had.” Iverson gets a wistful expression. “We never wanted either of you to experience that, but there is nothing I can do about it now. I know you mother has been designing a dress for you.”

Brandon swallows hard. It’s always in the back of his mind that she might be queen but then he wonders where he will fit in. “What’s it like to be married to a royal?” he asked. “I hope I get to know Moldova well. I hope someday I can call it home.”

~~

Audra hugs her father tightly. A few tears trickle down her face. “I am not afraid to have our baby. I know Malachi will be there with me. I know things won’t be easy, but we can do this.” She said. “She hasn’t let me see it yet. She wants to finish it first. I want her to show it to me.”

Jasmine hears the crowd cheering. “What do you think Dad, should we give them a show?” Berenson laughs and twirls her around avoiding her bad shoulder. The cheers get only louder.

~~~~~~~

“I could not answer that, but remember you are not alone. You will have Jasmine, Lawrence, Junaluska and even Jacobi there to help you out.” Madeline cheers along with the others. “You won't have to worry about being a King right away. Don't be afraid to ask for help.”

~~~~~~

Iverson wipes the tears from her face. “Don't cry my baby girl. Everything is going to be just fine in the end. Your love story will have a happy ending.”

Brandon claps and whistles some watching Jasmine and Berenson dance. He looks up at Madeline. “Who is Jacobi? I met Lawrence and Junaluska today, but I have never met or heard of Jacobi.” He explained.

~~

“I hope so dad, I really do.” Audra said. She smiled some. “It just may be that I will have a happy ending more like Uncle Berenson and Aunt Madde.” She said.

The dance is over and both Jasmine and Berenson are panting. “Wow Dad that was fun. Thank you I never thought I would be able to do that.”

~~~~~~~

“Well I am going to have to talk to Jasmine. Jacobi and Mallory Miranda are my parents. He and Uncle Lawrence are brothers. My dad was first in line for the throne. At that time the law stated that a King can only marry royalty. Well Dad fell in love with Mom and abdicated the throne for her. They run a pub in Moldova.”

Berenson bows with Jasmine as the crowd cheers for them. “You can do anything you set your mind to Jasmine. Don’t let your arm make you think you can’t when you really can.” He said hugging her.

~~

Brandon was clapping for Jasmine and Berenson. “I see. That sounds like a love story for an afternoon sitting.” He said smiling. “Thank you Mrs. Lane for talking with me. I feel a little relieved that you would spend the time to talk with me and tell me some about your family.” He said.

“Well if you are going to be part of the family like you said, you will have to know the history.” Madeline tells him. “Looks like she is coming back. I am going to see if I can dance with my husband.”

~~~~~~~

Jasmine returns to Brandon, her face is still red. “Wow that was fun. I think I have to go rest though. So did you have fun with my mom?

~~~~~~

Vincent and Serena applaud Jasmine and Berenson as well. He leans to her. “So do you want to go back out there?”

Brandon smiles at Jasmine. “I cannot believe it Jasmine, you dance like a professional.” He said. He put his arm around her. “Would you like to take a seat? I can get you something to drink if you like.” He asked.

“We talked and I feel a little better now.” Brandon said. “Your mother is very nice to me. She talked to me about some of your family.”

~~

Serena smiled and took Vincent’s hand after she put her wine glass down. “Of course I want to go back out there. I love dancing with you.” She said. She lead him back to the dance floor and they began to dance.

Berenson takes Madeline out for a spin as well. Vincent is there with Serena. “I know I am not Berenson or even Nathaniel, but I hope you are having fun tonight.” He kisses Serena quickly before spinning her out.

Jasmine blushes. “I am not a professional, I learned how to dance from Mom and Dad.” Brandon takes her to a chair. “Just what did Mom tell you. I am innocent, I promise.” She jokes with him. “I could go with a drink and a long shoulder massage. If you want to skip the rest of the dance I would not mind...”

Serena smiles at Vincent. She spins out and is pulled back into Vincent’s arms. “I am having a wonderful time tonight Vincent. Nothing is as good as good wholesome fun.” She said. He spinned her around again and they had to watch out as Berenson and Madeline were beginning to clear the floor. She chuckled. “They are having a good time too.” She said.

~~

Brandon kissed the top of her head and chuckled. “Let me get you a drink.” He said. He walked over and got them both a little wine. He bought it back and handed her the glass. He stands behind her and rubs her shoulder. “She told me some about her parents. I didn’t know your grandfather had abdicated the throne for the love of his life.” He said. “Whenever you are ready to leave we will.” He said.

Vincent loves having Serena close. He doesn't even know the photographers taking their picture. “I hope you don't mind missing them dance. Right now I just want to dance with you. I wish I could take you to the playroom and watch the harvest moon like when we were kids. I don't want any reason for Iverson to be upset with me though.”

Jasmine takes the glass from him. “This is really good.” Her eyes roll when he begins to massage her. “Oh Goddess that is doing wonders. You know I have this cream you can massage in if you want. It is at home though. Yes Grandpa loved Mallory enough to give up the throne for her. I think it is rather romantic. After the race I hope to take you to Mallory's. Although it may be under Nathaniel's care at that time.”

She sets down the glass. “I promised you that I will show you the Harvest Moon. The best place to see that is from the hammock in our backyard. I know Mom made some of her special drink as well.”

“I don’t mind missing them dance. Right now I am happy enough that you are dancing with me now.” Serena said. She could see the photographers taking their pictures. A part of her is sad about that. It means her life is about to go from private to public and at the same time it doesn’t matter. She is with the man she loves and one day they will be married. She looks at Vincent and smiles. “I say we should do it. It’s not like we are going to be physical or anything. We can sit there and you can hold me as we watch the moon rise.”

“I would like to meet them someday. I would also like to get to know Moldova more.” Brandon said. He continued to massage her shoulder a little longer. “What is the special drink?” he asked. He picked up his wine glass and finished drinking it. He then offered his arm to her. “Are you ready?” he asked.

The song ends and Vincent takes Serena from the dance floor. “You are a little temptress aren't you. I would love nothing more than to take you there, but I don't want your father to aim a sword at me.” He is a bit nervous. “Aww hell with it come on let's go.” He offers his arm to her.

~~~~~~~~

“Tell you what I will give you a glass when we get home.” Jasmine and Brandon walk to the Lane house. Jasmine goes to get her cream. Then after a stop in the kitchen where Jasmine pours two glasses of the special drink. They go outside to the hammock. The Harvest Moon is in the sky. “Typically after the festival we go to Moldova for the winter. I hope to introduce you to everyone for the Solstice festival. Tell me do you know anything about the stars?”

Serena chuckles. “Don’t you know I will be the death of you?” She asked. She winked at him and they left the park grounds together. “I don’t think dad is going to aim a sword at you this time. He did give us his blessings.” She said. “Vincent, I don’t want to scare you but they were taking our pictures tonight. I don’t think our lives will be private anymore. Are you ok with that?” She asked nervously.

~~

Brandon goes to the bathroom while Jasmine gets the things ready for outside. He then joins her after washing his hands and they go out to the hammock. They get comfortable together and Brandon enjoys the closeness that he has with Jasmine. He takes a sip of the special drink. “Wow that is good.” He said. “What’s in this?” he asked.

He put his cup down and rocked them in the hammock together with his foot. He put his arms around her and sighed happily. “I do actually. The same soldier that taught me how to use the sword taught me about the stars. He said I would always be able to find my way home if I knew where the North Star was.” He explained. “It’s the biggest star in the sky. Some of my favorite constellations are in the stars tonight.”

"I am ready for it, but are you? This is a much bigger deal for you than for me." Vincent tells he on the way to the castle. "I know that I love you, and I am not afraid to share the spotlight with you. What I am afraid of is losing you." He takes her through the kitchens where they pick up some drink before heading to the room.

~~~~~

Jasmine cuddles up to Brandon. "Sorry I cannot tell you the recipe. Not until we are married. It is a family secret. When were you born? You know both Nathaniel and I were born on the Solstice. Serena shares a birthday with Aunt Kali, and Audra a few weeks before that. Oh and what are you favorite constellations?"

Serena picks up two glasses and Vincent picks up a bottle of wine. They head upstairs and Vincent opens the wine bottle. He pours them a glass each and they take a seat on the daybed together. Serena sips her wine and then sits it down on the table. She looks at Vincent. “I have to admit, I am slightly nervous about opening my life up to the public. I love you so much Vincent and I don’t want to lose you, but I am afraid of what a public life really means for us.”

~~

Brandon looks up at the skies as he listens to Jasmine talk. “I am a little older then Audra, but I am younger than Serena. My birthday is actually soon.” He explained. “My favorite constellation is Sagittarius. He is the half man half horse beast. He uses a bow and arrow as his weapon of choice. Legends say that long ago that he was the god of war, but he was also known as a wise beast. He was said to wear a crown called Corona Australis which is another constellation in the sky.” Brandon explained. He was pointing them out to her in the sky as they talked.

Vincent has to admit, he is surprised. “You have lived your whole life in the public eye, and you are afraid of being in the public eye now?” He takes a drink of his wine. “I am not afraid. I know that I will make mistakes, but as long as I have you beside me I will be fine.”

~~~~~~~~

“I will have to get you something for your birthday. It will have to be something special since it is our first one together.” Jasmine looks up to the sky. “I am a Capricorn. However I don't pay much attention to that. Although the birthstone is a pretty blue color.”

“Well yes and no, I mean I am not afraid of being in the public eye and at the same time I am. Before I was a child and I could make mistakes but now I am an adult and everything I do can be used against me. What if I do something wrong?” Serena asked.

~~

“You don’t have to get me anything for my birthday. I have you and that is all that I want.” Brandon said as he held on to her. He was still rocking them with his foot. There was a smile on his face. “I am a Libra. When you spend a lot of time alone then you do what you can to keep yourself interested. I didn’t have anyone besides my mother.” He said.