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."

“That is good Vincent. Just remember to juggle everything evenly. You don’t want to overdo it.” Iverson said.


“Jonathon showed us a tux today that he thought you might like. I think he has at least two or three that you would choose from. If you don’t go down to pick it up, at least have dad go choose it for you.” Serena said.

“Would you not like to pick out your tux Vincent?” Iverson asked.

~~

“Do they have show’s there year round? I don’t know a lot about Rosario either so I would think their theaters would be indoors.” Brandon said. He had given the menu to the waiter. “I am surprised we are not being watched by a big group. I mean I know we are being watched, but it’s different here. The atmosphere is different.”

The waiter brings their drink order. Brandon had ordered a regular sweet tea to go with his meal. He takes a sip of it as both he and Jasmine talked.

"I just figured it would be a royal thing, but yes I would like to go take a look. No offense Sir, but I would like to bring my father. I hope you understand." Vincent tells him. He looks over at Reginald. "He is growing like a weed. Pretty soon he will be holding his head up high."

~~~~~

"We are in an upscale restaurant, so people are going to be more....stuffy." Jasmine explains. "Yes they have all different shows. I think we are going to a play."

They are brought their food. "You must tell me how you like the salmon."

“You are more than welcome to bring your father. I know he will know what to look for as well and will be able to help you.” Iverson said. He picked up Reginald and smiled. “He is a good little boy. It feels like he keeps gaining weight. Which I am just fine with.” He said smiling.

Serena looked at Vincent. “I hope you find a tux you like. What matters is that you love the tux. I know we may never use it again, but what matters is that you like it.”

Iverson looks at Kalista. “I remember your wedding dress…It was beautiful. You looked stunning and elegant all at the same time.”

~~

Brandon takes a fork and knife and cuts into his salmon. He takes a bite and chews it up. It melted in his mouth. “Goddess…this is good.” He said. He looks up at the waiter who is smiling. He walks away knowing that the royal couple will be happy with their meal. “I have never been to a play before. I haven’t done anything before compared to the rest of you…” He said.

Brandon cannot help but feel out of place. An upscale restaurant, a play, and people hanging all over them this afternoon. Could he really handle this kind of pressure? He didn’t want to crack but that wasn’t his biggest concern. His biggest concern was that he felt out of place and he didn’t know how to fit in. His life had been so meager compared to the fancy lives that Jasmine and the others lived. He didn’t look up as he ate.

Vincent finishes his meal. "Thank you very much for inviting me to dinner. I will return tomorrow for my studies." He kisses Serena whispering 'I love you' in her ear before leaving. He has a lot to do before the Council not to mention the wedding.

~~~~~

Jasmine looks over at Brandon, puzzled. He raved about the food, but has been quiet since. She reaches across the table and takes his hand. It is not the easiest for her since she is using her left hand. "Tell me what is on your mind."

Serena looks at her parents after Vincent kissed her. “I love you Vincent.” She said before he left. She looks at her parents. “I feel like it is a lot for him to take in.”

“He probably does feel some pressure, Serena, but unless he asks for help or prioritizes, there is nothing I can do.” Iverson said.

Serena sighed as she finished her meal. “I will be praying for him and giving him my support.”

~~

Brandon feels Jasmine’s hand on his and looks up. He puts his bite down that he was about to put in his mouth. “I feel…overwhelmed. It is a lot and it’s a life change that I am making, I just feel out of place. I have never done any of these things or ate at an upscale restaurant before. It’s new to me.”

He squeezed her hand gently and looked up at her. “I don’t want to mess up or do something wrong, nor do I want to screw this relationship up.”

"Just watch him and let him know that you are there for him. Also know when it is time to step in and distract him from work." Kalista smirks at Iverson remembering when she interrupted him before.

~~~~~~

Jasmine is relieved. "I know this is hard for you. Don't worry about screwing up. The best part of it is you don't have to be perfect! The people don't expect it and will laugh off the smaller mistakes. The bigger ones may require more work, but you have been raised correctly."

Jasmine stands up and goes over to him. She slides his chair back slightly before sitting in his lap and kissing him passionately. There are gasps heard around the restaurant. "One more thing, I don't care what people think. I love you."

Iverson looks at Kalista. There is a smile on his face. “There have been many a time I have been hard at work and your mother has come to me to take my mind off work.” He sees the smirk on her face and winks at her. “I am thankful for those times when she has. It reminded me to love her and that the goddess gave me the greatest gift of all.”

Serena shakes her head. “I am glad that you guys are happy. I know I will learn when to do some of these things and when not too. I am thankful that I have someone to learn from.”

“These are not things you learn from others, Serena, they are things that you learn between you and Vincent. You will know when he is stressed out and when he needs you, and he will learn the same for you.” Iverson said.

~~

Brandon’s face turns beet red. He looks up at Jasmine after she kisses him and wraps his arms around her. There is a soft smile on his face as he laid his head on her stomach. “Thank you Jasmine. You know what to say and when to say it. I’m not perfect and I never will be, but that is who I am. The most important thing is that you love me, and no matter what anyone says, that is the most important thing to me.” He looks up at her with a few tears in his eyes. “Thank you…I love you.”

"Oh trust me Iverson and I still butt heads to this day about things." Kalista smiles at him. "You will have to find out what buttons to push of Vincent's."

Reginald begins to get crabby again. "That is my cue to get back to work." She winks at Serena.

~~~~~~~~~~

Jasmine looks into Brandon's water eyes. She reaches for her clean napkin and dabs his eyes. "I am sorry that today was overwhelming for you. I promise that it will not always be like that. Now cheer up and finish your meal. We have a show to go to!" She returns to her chair and finishes her meal.

Iverson watches as Kalista gets up to leave. He hands Reginald to her and then looks at Serena. “Just remember that you both love one another.” He said. He gets up as Serena gets up and kisses the top of her head. “I love you.” He said as they left the room.

~~

The rest of dinner goes by nicely for Jasmine and Brandon. Jasmine takes him to the shell and they enjoy a comedy play. As they walk home they laugh and joke about the play. Jasmine escorts Brandon to his wing where he kisses her good night. He thanks her for the day and then they part for the night.

~~

Two weeks have passed and Iverson is seeing that the carriage is being loaded. Serena has watched as Vincent has been pushing himself. She wants to do something nice for him sometime. She walks into the library to see Vincent working on some last minute papers. “Vincent, are you about ready to go? Dad is ready to leave soon.” She said.

~~

Brandon puts his bag by the door and heads down for breakfast. They are leaving to go to the council today. Jasmine is walking towards him as he comes down the hall. “Good morning beautiful, are you ready to travel today?” he asked.

He had worked with her on her therapy and she was doing much better. He was very impressed on how far she had come. “I have my things packed and by the door. I will help you do your therapy on the way.”

The last two weeks have been a blur for Vincent. He got all the assessments done as well as more classes. Glenn voiced his pleasure about having him as a student. He also got his tux picked out, going with the one Jonathon described to the ladies earlier.

He looks up at Serena when she interrupts him. To be honest he is a bundle of nerves. He is checking of the proposal again. What if the kings don't like it? There is always a chance even now. "Yes I am as ready as I ever will be. So how is the wedding planning going? Have you picked out the flowers yet?"

~~~~~

Jasmine meets Brandon in the hall. "I have a surprise for you. It took some discussion, but I convinced Lawrence to let us camp out one of the nights. We will be close to the city limits. I am so excited. Although we will have separate tents and guards around. It will be the first time I camped since I got injured."

Serena can tell Vincent is nervous. She sits down beside of him and takes his hands in hers. “Vincent, I want you to know that I am behind you one hundred percent. I know you are going to do well at the council and that the kings will be impressed. I love you Vincent Watson and you are the best thing to ever happen to me.” She said with a smile.

“We have actually. We are going to have the Thomas do the flowers. He already knows and has sent word back to the greenhouse. He is rather excited to have the business. He and Aunt Madeline will be back a week early to make sure the flowers are proceeding as scheduled.”

~~

Brandon’s week has been crazy. It has been full of lessons and learning more nations and names. His brain feels like it is about to explode. Had he known these things when he was younger, he wouldn’t have had to know them now.

He looks up at Jasmine with a smile on his face. He almost felt relieved to be back on the road. “To be honest a camping trip is just what I need. I don’t care if there will be guards around, but at least it is a little time for my brain to relax. I cannot remember the last time I felt so pressured.” He explained as he walked over to her. “How does your shoulder feel this morning?”

"Wow Aunt Madeline should be careful traveling, but it is a good thing. Will the whole family come as well. I know that Lucas is missing Daniel." Vincent hugs her. "Don't worry about me. It is only natural to be nervous like this. I love you so much as well." He offers her his arm and grabs his jacket with the other one. He takes her down to the carriage house where Iverson is waiting.

"I have the folder here with every thing. May I ask you to go over the speech one more time?" He hands Iverson the folder and waits for Serena to say good bye to Kalista and Reginald.

Kalista hugs Serena and puts Reginald up to her cheek. "Be safe and learn lots. I know that the council can seem boring at times, but you need to know how it works."

~~~~~

Jasmine walks next to Brandon. "I heard a rumor that someone has been a good student. I wish you would not push yourself so much. You have a lifetime to learn this. My shoulder is doing good. The rotation is coming too slow for my taste though, but I understand that was the most damaged of the ligaments."

They make it to the carriage house where Junaluska and Lawrence are waiting. "Hello guys, I hope you are ready to travel." Lawrence smiles at them as he helps Junaluska into the carriage. "Brandon, you don't have to be in the council. If you want Junaluska can introduce you to her side of the family. However Jasmine I do want you there. I want to just to observe this time though. I will announce that you are the heir to the throne as well."

Jasmine is helped into the carriage by Brandon. She is nervous about the council. She hopes that Anton is not there. It will be her first time in the limelight as heir. She looks at Brandon as he enters the carriage and squeezes his hand.

Serena smiles at her mother before hugging little Reginald. “Don’t worry mom, I will take the counsel serious. I am glad that I am getting to go.” She said. She hugged her mother after giving Reginald back to her. “We will do what it takes to show them that we are ready and willing. The council is no joke, and I am ready to show them that I can be a good leader for my nation.”

Iverson looks at the folder and nodded his head to Vincent. “I will read over it again and go over it with you in the carriage. Don’t worry Vincent, you have done an exceptionally well job here and I think the council will be impressed.” Iverson said. When Serena was finished talking with Kalista, Iverson walked over and kissed both Kali and Reginald. “Be careful Kali and send word if you need me. Glenn and Justin will be here if you need them.” He said.

They then load into the carriage. Vincent helps Serena in and gets himself in. Iverson is right behind him. They leave and Iverson opens the folder. “You should know this speech by heart by now. As much as you have read it, it wouldn’t surprise me.” He said with a smile.

~~

Brandon smiles at Jasmine. “Yes, the rotation had a lot of damage on it. You will get some of it back in time though, so don’t be too worried.” He explained. He hugs her and sighed gently. “I just wanted to be prepared. I want to make sure I don’t screw this up.”

He sees Junaluska and Lawrence and they are loaded into the carriage. He feels Jasmine squeezing his hand and he smiles. “I know it would mean a lot to meet family, but I know it is important that I learn some about the counsel. What do you recommend?”

“The choice is up to you Brandon.” Junaluska said. “If you want to skip the counsel and meet my side of the family that will be fine, we will also have family in the counsel as well. My brother is the king of Sangria now and he will be there with his son.” She explained.

Jasmine looks between Lawrence and Brandon. "I know you are stressed out about everything, so take a break this time. Besides you need to learn about family. There will be other councils for you to attend."

~~~~~~~

Vincent closes his eyes and takes a deep breathe. He then starts his speech. When he is finished he looks at Iverson. "That is my intention. I know nerves will take over once I am in front of everyone. I figure if I have it memorized, then I won't be stumbling with the notes."

“Is that appropriate? I mean I am new to the counsel as well.” Brandon said. He looked at Lawrence and Junaluska.

“The people may wish to see you, and they will. You just don’t have to participate in the counsel.” Junaluska said. “Sense we are going to Sangria, you will meet most of our family. It is important that they know you.”

“I understand.” Brandon said. He sighed gently. “It will be good to not have to stand before the council. I have been pushing myself so that I don’t screw up. I am afraid of doing or saying something wrong, like they will judge me. I know I shouldn’t think that, but it always comes to my mind.”

~~

Serena listens to Vincent as he does his speech. She is really impressed with how he sounds. Iverson is also impressed; however he does give Vincent some advice on how to do his speech. “You know the easiest way to do your speech in front of a crowd is to think that they are naked.” He said chuckling.

“Oh yea, just imagine all those royals out there are naked and you will be just fine.” Serena said with a smirk. “Or you can look at me and focus on me.” She said.

"Actually enjoy the time with you family. I am not sure if I want to introduce you just yet at the council. Rosario is going to be well represented with Vincent introducing a new law. You will have plenty of time to meet with the diplomats outside of the sessions." Lawrence explains.

"In other words you can leave the lip gloss behind, you have a reprieve from the ass kissing." Jasmine winks at Brandon.

"You are too much like the other women in your family. I hope you are more diplomatic at the council." Lawrence shakes his head. There is a smile on his face though.

~~~~~

"I don't think that is going to work in this case." Vincent looks over at Serena. "I am sure there will be a goofy smile on my face if I picture you naked. I don't need the council to see that."

Junaluska laughed at Lawrence’s statement. “You know he is right. You are just like your mother.”

Brandon looked at Lawrence and nodded his head. “Thank you grandpa, I do appreciate it. I know if I were introduced today, I would be introduced under Rosario.”

“Well at least you will have time to focus on other things. You have more than enough time to learn. Being a royal, you will always be learning something new.” Junaluska said.

~~

Iverson laughed as Serena’s face turned slightly pink. “I think I know that face. I have seen you look at Serena a few times with that look. Don’t worry Vincent. You will be just fine.”

Serena’s face flushed slightly. “I am flattered Vincent, but I don’t think I want to share that grin with everyone else. I want it to be mine and mine alone.”

After a day's travel the carriages stop for the night in their respective villages. The Rosarion is on the Altiere border, and the Moldovan on the Sangrian.

"Are you sure that you guys want to camp instead of staying in the nice hotel we have for you?" Lawrence asks them.

"Lawrence we will be alright, remember we've been through this." Jasmine tells him.

"At least have dinner with us. I will send the guards out to set up the camp for you. You can also pick up some goodies." Lawrence offers.

Jasmine looks at Brandon. "What do you think?"

~~~~~~~~

Vincent helps Serena out of the carriage. "I forget how much faster this is in a carriage. For once everyone is healthy as well."

Brandon shakes his head. “I think we will be just fine. I can set up camp with help from one of the guards.” He said. “This will be good for me…and for Jasmine.”

Junaluska looked at them a little worriedly. “Are you sure? I am worried about the two of you being out overnight.”

Brandon smiled and hugged his grandmother. “I can handle this. Remember, I did this my whole life. This isn’t new to me.”

~~

“That is a relief to be honest. I know Jasmine and the others are thankful to that as well.” Serena said.

Iverson walks towards the entrance and turned to see Serena and Vincent. “I will get our room keys. Vincent, I ordered a sweet for the two of us and Serena will have a room for herself.” He said. There was a grin on his face as he turned back to the door. He didn’t want any problems while they were on this trip.

Serena looked up at Vincent and chuckled. “I think that is dad’s way of saying ‘no sharing a room tonight’. Come on, let’s get cleaned up and ready for dinner. I am hungry.” She took his arm and they walked in behind her father.

Iverson handed Serena a key and smiled. “If you want to go get cleaned up for dinner, The lady said that that dinner would be served soon.”

Vincent almost rolled his eyes when Iverson mentioned a suite for the two of them. He isn't that close to him, and is a bit uncomfortable spending a night. He wraps his arm around Serena as they walk. "I understand that, but why do I have to share with him?"

Vincent walks into the shared room and turns to Iverson. "Go ahead and get ready first."

~~~~~~~~

Jasmine hugs Junaluska. "Trust me, I learned the lessons of my parents mistakes. Technically I am one of them." She winks to indicate she was just kidding. "Plus I have been camping with my family enough times." She sighs as she thinks about hunting with Nathaniel. "Just don't forget us in the morning."

Serena could only chuckle at Vincent. She kisses him before going up to her room. She takes a nice hot shower and puts on a dress with flowers on it. She then brushes her hair out and head out to meet her fiancé and father.

Iverson smiles at Vincent. “Thank you son, I appreciate it.” He takes his things into the bathroom and takes a quick shower. When he comes back a few minutes later, he is dressed in a pair of slacks and a long sleeved sweater shirt. “We can dress a little down today, it’s not like we are going to impress anyone right now.

~~

Junaluska can only chuckle. “Just like your mom.” She said. “You two have a good time. We will pick you up in the morning.”

Junaluska and Lawrence leave. Brandon smiles as the carriage leaves them behind with a few guards. “So are you ready to set up camp with me?”

Vincent goes next and comes back out in a sweater and slacks as well. This is dressing up to him. Come to think of it he doesn't think he has ever seen Iverson in just a T-shirt and jeans before. "I am going to see if Serena is ready."

He goes next door and knocks on her door. He chuckles at the idea of Iverson in shorts or even the Moldovan outfit.

~~~~~~~~

"Well I would like to pick up some smore supplies and possible some dinner. Unlike before I cannot hunt. I am getting better at the crossbow though." Jasmine pulls him into the store and they pick out some food and smore makings.

They walk to the camp. "I cannot wait to take you camping with my family. Nathaniel's cooking, Thomas and Daniel playing games, Mom telling scary stories, and Dad helping me set up the camp. It is a lot of fun."

The guards had the tent set up and fire going when they arrived. Jasmine shakes her head. "Well let's make the best out of it."

Serena opens her door and sees Vincent standing there. “You look good in your sweater and slacks.” She said as she walked out of her door. “So why is there a smile on your face for?” She asked. “Are you ready to share a room with my father tonight?”

Iverson comes out of the room a few minutes later. “Dinner is being served downstairs you know.”

~~

Brandon chuckled as they see the already made camp. “Well there went my sense of security. At least we can enjoy the night together. I need a little stress free in my life right now. How do you keep from going insane?”

They take a seat and Brandon gets their things for dinner started. Fish with some fresh vegetables over the fire.

"I will bring her right down sir." Vincent tells him as Iverson walks by. He turns back to Serena. "You father thinks that is informal. I don't think I have even seen him in T-shirt or shorts. Not even when we were in Moldova. I think he would be happy if he could put a leash on me." He grumbles as he walks with Serena downstairs.

~~~~~~~

"I guess I am used to it." Jasmine shrugs. "I also have my art as well. It's been my outlet since I could remember. Nothing but me and the canvas." She waves her hands in front of her like she was painting.

"I am not used to the quiet like you are. Do you think that I can sneak in your tent tonight?"

Serena chuckles. “Dad doesn’t wear that kind of clothing when we are in the public. He only wears them when we are out of the public eye. Dad has worn shorts when we took vacations or out to the lake behind the castle.” She said smiling.

Iverson had taken a table for all of them. He sees them and waits for them to join him.

~~

“If you want to sneak into my tent tonight, I wouldn’t mind it. Or we could sleep here by the fire while I hold you in my arms.” Brandon said with a smile. He leans over and kisses her on her cheek. “What I am used to is the heavens and the stars. They make everything so much easier to deal with. You know you are kind of like the stars to me. You bring calmness into my life.”