Race for the Throne

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"I cannot wait until we leave for the wedding." She hasn't told anyone about her doubts. She knows that Sangria would not be able to see her as a ruler because she is a woman. Langora want to see her with Anton. How is she going to be able to handle international affairs if there is this much resistance. "Do you think they will have the meal in the dining room?"

~~~~~~~~

"We will present Anton with both options and let him choose. If it wasn't for lack of protection, I may have suggested that Jasmine and Serena stay in the Lane house." Kalista sighs. She stand up and stretches. "Well I have some works to do. Don't worry Serena, you are safe in the castle."

Iverson chuckles at Kalista. “I do remember the pins.” He said winking at her. “It was very fun using the map.”

Serena looks at her mother. “I know he went to see dad after studying. After that I figure he went home. He is probably with his family.” She said. “I am learning to know when I need to distract him. I am certain that we will have him here a few times for dinner.”

~~

“That I can understand, it is just different to have one season versus different seasons.” Brandon said. “And on top of that, I do like to see you dress in your dresses. They are quite beautiful.” He said as he decided to float on his back. “I could really get to like this.”

Jasmine stands up and stands behind Brandon. She kisses him passionately as he floats. "I love it here. There is another part of the beach that is more public, but this is private. Did you see some of the dresses when shopping?"

~~~~~~~

Kalista smirks at Iverson. She is happy Serena didn't ask about the map or the pins. "Well just be sure he can balance out work and play and you will have a good marriage."

Brandon enjoys the kiss from Jasmine. He can feel the happiness and love in her kiss. He sighs as he thinks about the dresses. “I did, and I saw a one that I would have loved to have gotten you. It’s just that right now I am broke.” He said.

~~

“I am hoping he can learn that for himself, but if he needs taught I am certain that it can be done.” Serena said smiling.

Iverson looks at Serena. “Just don’t keep him on a leash. A good man may work himself to death. That is why they need a good wife to keep them happy.” He said smiling. He wink’s over at Kalista.

"You don't have to get me anything. You already got me this. That reminds me we need to talk to Lawrence about a job for you." Jasmine tells him. "Is there anything you would like to do?"

~~~~~~~

"I don't think she could keep him on a leash. It is good advice though. All relationships are about balance." Kalista sits back. "You will argue about some things, especially being royalty."

“I am willing to do anything.” Brandon said. “I just don’t know what kind of skills I have. I am willing to learn though.” He swims around Jasmine before standing up. He puts his arms around her and kisses her.

~~

Iverson chuckled. “There are always up’s and down’s in relationships, but the best advice I can give you is to always work through them. Never go to bed angry at the one you love.”

Serena looks at her parents. She could tell that they loved one another greatly. “I only hope I have a marriage that is as wonderful as yours.” She said.

"I do too, just without all the trials we had at the beginning." Kalista adds. "We had to work hard to make this marriage last."

Kalista sits back in her chair. "I was hoping we can go to Jonathan's tomorrow and drop off the dress design. He is going to need some time to work on it.

~~~~~~~~

Jasmine's body tingles as Brandon holds her close. She deepens the kiss until they are breathless. "I think we should get something to eat." She continues to hold him close.

Iverson smiles knowingly. “Hard is not the word…I think we both poured our heart and soul into it to make it work. I was reckless when I was younger, but you learn from your mistakes. I almost lost everything that ever mattered to me.” He took Kalista’s hand and squeezed it gently.

“I don’t see why we can’t go. It would be nice to get the dress to him. I know it will take him longer to prepare this dress.” Serena said. “I am really glad that you are sharing with me these things. I will use them and take them with me though life. I want Vincent and I to always be happy, but I know we will have our up’s and downs. We have thought about moving outside of the castle until we take the throne.” She said looking at her mom.

~~

Brandon has to take a few deep breaths to catch his breath. Damn she was good. He smiles at her before picking her up. “How about I carry you over to our dinner?” he asked as he walked onto the shore. He walks her over until they reach their things. He then puts her down and helps her spread out the blanket. They sit down and Brandon opens the basket.

“Wow, they packed us some wine.” He said pulling it out.

Kalista raises her eyebrows. "Oh really. Well I think that will be doable. Please stay within the city though. That way we can keep the proper guards on you."

~~~~~~~

Jasmine hold onto Brandon as he takes her to the shore. She spreads out the blanket and he empties out the basket. "Ohh that is nice. Our wines are more fruity than in other places. Oh and look at this fruit and cheese spread. Wow." Jasmine takes a lowanberry and plops in her mouth. She holds one up for Brandon. She kisses his mouth before placing it in there.

“Vincent mentioned that to me earlier when we talked. I have to admit, that saddens me a little, but I know the two of you are here and you know you are always welcome here at the castle.” Iverson said. “I understand the need to live your own lives, and not only that, but you were always close to the people.”

“Well I don’t mind living out in the city. We don’t really know where we will live, and I am certain until we find a place that we will probably stay here until then.” Serena said. “We will stay in the city and probably stay somewhere close by.”

~~

Brandon is enjoying the time with Jasmine immensely. Its times like this that make him want to ask her to marry him right then. He chews up the berry and licks his lips. “That was really good.” He said. “Kind of like your kiss…Sweet and amazing.” He pulls her over to him and kisses her passionately on her lips. His hands come up her sides, sliding up and down her wet skin.

Jasmine loves the attention from Brandon. "You are making it hard to think about food." She plops another piece of fruit in her mouth. "Have you ever had mangoes before?" She places a piece of one in his mouth. "Fruits were my sweets as a kid."

~~~~~~~

"That is good. We can arrange to have a staff for you as well. Your culinary skills are just better than mine." Kalista teases.

Brandon chews up the mango. “Wow this is really good. I had mostly local fruits to where we were living at the time, or what we had on the road.” He said. “I can understand why they were your sweets. This is amazing.”

He puts some of the cheese on a cracker and eats it. “Where have I been this whole time? These foods are delicious.” He feeds her a bite as a ball hits his back. “Youch!” he said.

The force of the ball pushed Brandon on Jasmine. He sits up and looks around as he rubs his back. “I am so sorry Jasmine, are you ok?”

“Hey, that’s ouw ball! Can we have it back?” a little kid said. They walked over to the couple and one girl put her hand over her mouth. “You hit the pwincess!!”

~~

Serena laughs at her mother. “Hey, at least I didn’t try to burn Aunt Madeline’s house down.”

Iverson shook his head. “Oh goddess…Madeline still teases you about that.” He said chuckling. “But your deal with the kitchen here at the castle, Serena…was a close one as well.”

Jasmine laughs as Brandon falls on her. Two little kids approach quite timidly. "Don't worry about it, I am fine. Would you like a piece of fruit?"

"T...Thank you pwincess." The boy grabs a lowanberry and the girl takes a cheese cracker.

"Now where are your parents?" Jasmine asks them

"Der at da beach. We wehe playing ball in da lake." The girl tells her.

"Well both of you go have some fun and hopefully I will see you in town later." Jasmine tells them.

"Thank you pwincess." The kids hug both her and Brandon and go back in the lake.

Jasmine looks at Brandon. "How about we pack up and finish the wine back at the castle?"

~~~~~

Kalista laughs. "That is because you weren't given the chance." Reginald begins to cry. "I have a little one to feed. I am going to take him to the room. Good night you two. Serena, I never did thank you for moving. The nursery is perfect for Reginald."

Brandon chuckles at the kids. “I think we should pack up and finish the wine at the castle. I did have fun this evening with you.” He said. They started to pack the things up and get their clothes on so they can go back to the castle.

Brandon helped Jasmine into the carriage before riding back. “The people here are nice. They are friendly it seems like.” He said. “It’s different then the cold countries. I don’t know…” He said.

~~

Serena looks up at her mother. “You are welcome mom. At first I didn’t want to leave the room. I really loved the mural that was on the wall and I still do. I do like the mural that Jasmine has on my wall now, and I will miss it when Vincent and I are married.”

“Well I am certain if you ask she may paint a mural in your new home when the two of you decide to move out.” Iverson said. He watched as Serena walked over and kissed her mother and Reginald on the head.

Jasmine leans her head on his shoulder. "I had fun too. I cannot wait to show you the town."

They arrive at the castle. The servants take the horses and their basket, spare the wine. They go to the a small library. Jasmine pours two glasses. "I am going to take a break from my studies tomorrow. I am thinking I can show you the maze, maybe take in a show at the shell. How would you like that?"

After they finish their wine, Jasmine reluctantly kisses Brandon good bye. She returns to her room and sits on her bed. She looks around wondering what kind of scene she is going to put on the wall. She lies on the bed staring at the blank wall. Eventually her eyes close and she falls asleep.

~~~~~~

Vincent had a wonderful time with his family. It was fun just to hang out. Some of the people approached him to congratulate him on the engagement. They seem happy that Serena found a Rosarion to marry.

They get home and he helps put Lucas to bed before retiring himself. He wakes up the next morning and heads to the castle with his father.

Brandon had enjoyed the time with Jasmine. He knew that they shouldn’t skip studies, but it was important that he know the place where he was going to be living for the time being. He gets up the next morning and puts on a pair of slacks and a short sleeved shirt. He then heads down to breakfast. He had at least managed to find that. He walks in to see Lawrence and Junaluska there. “Good morning, I pray you both slept well.” He said.

“I hope you enjoyed your time yesterday. Will you begin your studies today, or will Jasmine be showing you around town?” Junaluska asked.

“She wanted to show me around the city today. I don’t know anything about it, and if I am going to be living here I should know some about it. I am sure we could turn it into a history lesson.” Brandon said.

~~

The Sentali’s are headed for breakfast. Serena is ready for the day, knowing it will be another day hard on the books. Not only that, but she was certain that Vincent would want to get into his work a little. She wondered if he would be able to juggle a husband role, a worker and a student all at the same time. She did love him and wanted him to be able to succeed.

She sees Vincent walking with his father. “Good morning Vincent. Dad told me you got the job! I am so excited for you!” She said.

Jasmine wakes up peacefully. It is a bit unnerving for her still. She hustles to get ready. She puts on a pair of shorts and a light blue T-shirt. She wears a pair of sandals on her feet. She goes to Brandon's room, but does not find him there. One of the maids tells her that everyone is in the dining room.

She enters the dining room. "Sorry I am late. I am not used to sleeping in at all." She sits next to Brandon. "You may want to change into some shorts. You are going to be hot in slacks."

"I understand you are going to show him the town." Lawrence motions for breakfast to begin. "You are the best tour guide for that. I know you have done it for our visiting dignitaries as well."

"I cannot wait, it's been a while since I have shown off my home to anyone." Jasmine squeezes Brandon's hand.

~~~~~~~

Vincent falls into place next to Serena. "I am thrilled as well. It will be hard work especially at first, but I will love it." He kisses her and escorts her to the dining room. "Good morning Majesties."

Kalista shakes her head. "No need for formalities Vincent, you are family now. Oh and Serena I have changed your schedule around. We are going to Jonathon's this morning. Do you want me to bring Reginald, or should this be a girl's thing?"

“You will enjoy the city, Brandon. Jasmine is an excellent tour guide. There is so much history and culture going on here in the capital city.” Junaluska said.

“I am sure I will. It will be good to know the lush history of Moldova.” Brandon said. He smiled at Jasmine. “So where are we going to start at first? Are we going to loop around or just wing it today?”

~~

“As much as I would like to take him, why don’t we make it a girl’s day out?” Serena asked.

Iverson put his hands together. “Does that mean I get to keep the baby for the day? You girls go enjoy yourselves and make sure you have fun while you are out. I will keep Reginald here with me today and show him the ropes.” He said with a smile.

“Do you think you can handle a baby on the job?” Serena asked.

“Ask your mother, I used to take you and Audra on the job all the time.” Iverson said as they ate their breakfast.

"Just please make sure he isn't beating his chest by the time we get back." Kalista winks at Iverson. She is glad that Serena wanted to have a girls day. "Don't worry he has the staff here to help him as well. Too bad Kristen is retired or she would kidnap him for sure."

~~~~~~~

"Well I want to show him the maze, the marketplace, the park, and maybe take in a show at the shell." Jasmine gives their itinerary. "Capped off by dinner at Sebastian's. I hope you like seafood."

"Wow you have a full day ahead of you. Brandon, you are going to need a comfortable pair of shoes." Lawrence winks. He turns to Junaluska. "It's been a while since we've been to the shell. I am going to take you out as well." He leans over and kisses her. Jasmine could not resist making gagging noises.

Iverson chuckled. “Don’t worry; I will have enough help here. Remember, I have had a lot of practice with all of Berenson and Madeline’s boys.”

Serena chuckled as she finished her breakfast. “I don’t doubt that dad, but please, what mother said.”

Iverson laughed. “I don’t think our little man is ready to beat his chest and scratch his own butt yet.” He looked down at little Reginald. “Besides, he will have a good day. I will probably take a half day and spend the day with him.”

“That sounds like a good day. Maybe to relax?” Serena said.

Iverson chuckled. “There is no relaxing when your little ones are little like this Serena. I hope you are prepared someday. Now you ladies go on with yourselves. Shoo.” He said shooing them away.

~~

Junaluska laughs at Jasmine. “You are making gagging noises now, but just wait till you have little one’s running around and you want to have a date night with your husband. See if a simple kiss doesn’t turn into a gagging game.” She said winking at her. “I hope you guys enjoy the day. It sounds like the itinerary is going to be a good.”

Brandon looks at Jasmine. “Sounds like a full day. Do I need to go change into something nicer than this?” he asked. After what the man said yesterday to him, he wondered if he would look nice enough. “I don’t want the people to think that my taste in clothes is bad or something. I don’t know, the man yesterday said that my clothes weren’t even good enough to use as rags.”

Kalista goes up to her room to pick up her notebook. "I am sure Jonathan will have some bridesmaid dresses for you to look at as well." They go to the carriage house and take a carriage to town. The people greet them asking about the baby. Some are disappointed that he was not with them.

~~~~~~~~

"I told you that guy is a snob. Actually you are dressed too much. Go put on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. I will grab some items and join you in your room." Jasmine finishes up her breakfast. "Oh and I hope you guys do to go the shell. The shows are wonderful."

She stands up and walks Brandon to the intersection. She gives him a kiss before walking to her room. She picks up a shoulder bag. She places some supplies in it including her money. She practically bounces to Brandon's room and knocks on the door.

Serena and Kalista make it to Jonathon’s after fighting the mob of people who wanted to see Reginald. “Please tell me that it wasn’t like that when I was born.” Serena said.

Jonathon comes out of the back room to see the royals closing the door behind him. “Far worse actually, if you ask me.” He said chuckling. “I pray you both are doing well, majesties. What can I assist you with today?” He notices that Kalista has her sketch pad. “Oh does the majesty have a new dress design I can see?”

“Actually, it may be a wedding gown.” Serena said winking at Jonathon. “While she is showing you the dress, can I see what bridesmaid dresses you have?”

~~

Brandon makes it to his room and does as Jasmine tells him to do. He puts on a pair of shorts and a nice short sleeved shirt. He looks in the mirror before putting on a pair of tennis shoes. It sounded like there would be a lot of walking done today. He hears a knock and walks back to the door.

“Welcome back Jasmine, so are we ready to leave?” he asked. Junaluska was walking down the hall towards them.

“Brandon, before you leave here, I wanted to give you this. After your studies begin, we will be using the both of you as dignitaries as long as you are here Brandon. I know you probably don’t have any money, so I wanted to make sure you have some. Here.” She said. She handed him some money.


“Thanks grandma, I really appreciate it.” Brandon said.

“Now, go enjoy your day.” Junaluska said smiling.

Brandon offered Jasmine his arm. “Are you ready, love?”

"It was a lot worse. I remember people congregating outside. We actually had to close the gates." Kalista walks over to Jonathon. "I do have a dress for you to make. It will probably be the most talked about dress you will make."

Jonathon calls back to his assistant to help Serena out. "Hello, I am sure you will find something. I know you are going to need a formal dress for the bridesmaids. Are you looking for a ballgown?"

Jonathon gasps when Kalista shows him the dress. "It is beautiful, and has lots of beading. It is going to take some time to make."

"I knew it would, so I brought it early. Do you think you can do it?" Kalista asks him.

"You are right this will be the epitome of all dresses. I am honored that you chose me." Jonathon takes the book. "Of course I will have it done especially now that I have help."

~~~~~~

"Well that was nice of Junaluska. I did have plenty of money though." Jasmine takes his arm and they leave the castle. It is a beautiful day in Moldova as they walk to the city. "I want to take you to the maze first. The one in Rosario is built after this one."

They make it to the maze. Jasmine leads Brandon through at a leisurely pace. "This maze was built for Kalista's mother Serena on the anniversary of her death." Jasmine sighs. "She died giving birth to Kalista. Mom barely remembers her, but told me she was the first one who told mom that she was a princess. Grandma and Grandpa wanted her to grow up as a normal child. Plus Grandpa and Lawrence were not talking to one another."

They reach the fountain at the center. Jasmine digs in her bag and take out a coin. She kisses it before throwing it in the fountain. "Mom used to take care of the flowers in the maze. She still helps out, but now she as a crew."

Serena is looking through some of the gowns that Jonathon has on display. She shakes her head at a few of them, knowing they do not fit the criteria to be HER bridesmaid dresses. She turns around to see the assistant walking towards her.

“It is a pleasure to meet you.” Serena said. “I am looking for something that is formal and maybe close to a ball gown style dress. This will probably be a big wedding.” She said with a smile.

“Well considering you are the crown princess getting married, I would believe you are right.” The assistant said. She smiled and she curtsied to Serena. “My name is Leah; it is a pleasure to meet the crown Princess Serena in person.”

“The pleasure is mine, I assure you.” Serena said as they began to look at some ball gowns.

~~

Brandon watches as Jasmine kisses the coin and tossed it in the fountain. “What did you do that for?” he asked puzzled. He looked around the maze at the flowers and the fountain. “So if the fountain was built for Serena, whom I am certain my sister is named for, then this must be Serena herself. She looked like she was a beautiful woman.” He said. He walked over and sniffed one of the flowers and smiled. “These are beautiful flowers. Who cares for them?”

"Good, I know as a Rosarion, you want to have a gold colored bridesmaid gown as well. Are you looking for a sleeveless one or one with sleeves?" Leah asks bring her to a different section of the store. It is not the typical bridesmaid dress are, but this is not a typical wedding.

~~~~~~

"It's been a tradition for people to do that. The coins are donated to various charities. Serena was loved by the people so much. This has been a place for a lot of weddings and proposals. Your dad proposed to Kalista here." Jasmine sits at a bench. "The flowers are maintained by a crew now, but up until mom first went to Rosario she did it. Serena, I would like you to meet Brandon, my Angel."

“You talk to her as though she were really here.” Brandon said as he turned his gaze from Jasmine to the statue. He studied the features on the statue and then looks around the center of the maze. “I can see why there have been many weddings and proposals here. It is beautiful.” He said.

~~

Serena is looking around and is immediately bought to a standstill when she sees a gold ball gown style dress. It was a floor length strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline. The fabric was amazing with sequins and fabric that was made of an iridescent net. It was accented with silver embroidery, rhinestones, crystals and several other sequins that caught her eye. “This one…I really love how it looks. It’s not typical, but it is like you said, it’s not a typical wedding.”