Race for the Throne

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Vincent scratches his chin. "I don't know..." He sticks his tongue out playfully. "Don't worry I will get you some." He makes the tea first and brings it to her. Then he starts to make lunch for the two of them.

Upon finishing he brings a tray into the living room. "I hope you are hungry."

~~~~

Jasmine shrugs. "I don't know, but we will think of something. The room will be our room after we get married. Unless you want to have a different room. Mine is more than big enough for the two of us."

They get downstairs and there is a meal waiting for each of them. It is a simple lunch of a creamy broccoli soup with ham sandwiches. "Thank you so much Tina, this looks delicious."

Iverson laughed and then smiled at Kalista. “I fell in love with those eyes the first time I saw them. They are beautiful.” He said.

“I don’t know what our little ones will look like. I just hope that I make it through this pregnancy.” Serena said. “I think Reginald is enjoying you Vincent. “You should let us keep him one night. It would help to get some practice in. Any help would be wonderful.”

~~

“How about I help those sore muscles? I know your shoulder must be bothering you.” Brandon said as he kissed her forehead. He put his hands on her shoulder and began to rub them. “Why don’t we head over to one of the chairs? I can massage you there.”

"We will have to take you up on that offer once you get well enough to be home." Kalista tells her.

"Are you kidding, having him will be a breeze. Remember I have younger brothers." Vincent boasts. "Now girls are another story."

~~~~~

Jasmine leads him back to the couch. "I am surprised you lit the fireplace. I must say it does add to the ambiance of mood. I am surprised you didn't want the bed."

“I had the pleasure of helping with all of you boys at some point.” Iverson said chuckling. “I remember the first time Nathaniel peed on me.”

Serena laughed at her father. “That story never gets old. We would love to have him over night. I know Vincent might think it will be easy, but I’m not so sure.”

~~

“I wanted it to add to the ambiance. I know usually I don’t have to light it because it stays warm in here, but I think it adds to the mood.” Brandon said as he sat down. He began to massage her shoulders. “Normally I would go for the bed, but I remembered that you didn’t want to fall asleep on me this time.” He said winking at her.

"I will be sure you are up for the first half of the night. I know you will make a good mother." Vincent winks before making another funny face.

Reginald grunts and his face turns red. "I think your brother is working on something there. Hand him over and I will go change him. It is nice to have you in the castle. Let us know when you want to make the announcement."

~~~~~~

Jasmine closes her eyes as Brandon massages her shoulders. "Oh this is wonderful. I may not need any pain meds if you keep that up."

“The first half of the night is easier than the second half of the night. I can attest to that.” Iverson said as Serena handed Reginald over to her mother. “Kalista and I would switch so that we could get rest though the night when you and Audra were little. We do it now with Reginald as well.”

“That is really a good idea. We are thinking of doing the announcement when I am released from the castle. Cadence wanted me to be here for a day or two to make sure I could at least hold down these meals. At home, Leigh Anne will transition my food over.” Serena said.

~~

“That would be good. I hope this helps you with any of your pain. You are doing so well and I am proud of you.” Brandon said. He was working hard on her shoulders as they talked.

"My parents did the same." Vincent tells them. "It may be tougher with two though. Is it odd that I am looking forward to the sleepless nights?"

Reginald starts to fuss. "That is our cue. Good night guys and take it easy." Kalista stands with Iverson.

Vincent watches them leave. "Are you ready for bed my love?"

~~~~~~~

"You are proud of me why? I am proud of you. Dillon has nothing but nice things to say about you. You are doing excellent in your classes. And you are putting up with a moody dad. I swear he is the one with hormones." Jasmine leans back on Brandon.

Serena watches her parents leave. She looks at Vincent and takes a deep breath. She then yawns. “Yes, I am actually getting sleepy.” She said. She stands up and walks with Vincent up to their room. He opens the door for them and she walks in as he walks in behind her. He closes the door and Serena walks over to change her clothes. “Vincent…I am going to need to go shopping soon. Some of my clothes feel a little snug. Not bad and it can probably wait a little bit, but I just noticed it earlier.”

~~

“Because you have been working hard with your shoulder, you are able to do so much more and you have done most of it on your own.” Brandon said with a smile. “That is very good. I think this dancing is very good for you.” He explained. “As far as your father goes, I am certain he probably feels bad about it now. There is nothing I can do to make what happened better. All I can do is to continue to show him that I love you and that I want to care for you for the rest of our lives.” He wrapped his arms around her as she leaned back against him.

"Maybe you and Kalista should have a shopping day after we make the announcement." Vincent suggests. "Make it a complete girls day?" He gets changed and turns down the bed. "For now let's get some rest."

~~~~~~~~

"I will never have full range of motion back though. It is frustrating sometime especially when I am dancing with the troupe. They have to change some of the dance moves because of me." Jasmine explains. "I love lying in your arms."

Serena crawls into bed. She cuddles up to Vincent and sighs. "Only a month into this pregnancy and I'm already getting fat. Having a girls day out sounds like fun though." She said. She laid her head on his chest. "I love to listen to your heart. Its soothing and calming. Its a perfect end for a perfect day." She said as she closed her eyes.

~~

"They understand though about your limited movement. You should still feel accomplished though." Brandon said. He held her there in his arms happily. "It may be hard Jasmine, but if anyone can do it you can. I love holding you in my arms. I could do this for the rest of our lives and be happy."

"I love having you in my arms. Now get some rest, my love." Vincent keeps her in his arms as closes his eyes. He is thankful that she was not in the infirmary again. Those chairs are not comfortable.

~~~~

"Why don't we change the venue to the bed and you can hold me in your arms all night?" Jasmine suggests. She looks up at him with her doe like eyes. She loves being in his arms as well.

Serena smiles as she nodded her head. "Goodnight my love." She said as she closed her eyes. She then is fast asleep.

~~

Brandon smiled at Jasmine. "That sounds like a great idea." He said they stand up and he takes her hand. They walk to the bed and Brandon takes off his shirt. Jasmine gets in and soon Brandon is holding jasmine in his arms. "I can't wait till I can do this for the rest of our lives."

He puts Jasmine's head on his chest before kissing her forehead. "I love you Jasmine, I hope you sleep well tonight." He said as he closed his eyes.

Vincent wakes up before Serena does. He looks down at her. He knows he needs to get ready for work soon. He feels bad about taking yesterday off already. He manages to wiggle out of her arms and goes into the bathroom to get ready.

~~~~~

Jasmine is surprised that Brandon agreed. She places her head on his chest. "It will be soon enough, my Angel." She closes her eyes to his heartbeat.

The sun beams wake her up the next day. She looks up and sees Brandon staring down at her lovingly. "I promise one of these days I will wake up before you." She kisses him and sits up in bed. "I have to get ready for a day of studying with Lawrence."

Serena wakes up to an empty bed. She looks around for Vincent but then hears the shower running. Her stomach is bothering her but not as bad as it has been. She sits up and rubs her stomach slightly. She has to go to the bathroom so she gets up and goes. Vincent is stepping out when she finishes up. "Good morning, how are you this morning?"
~~
Brandon smiles before kissing Jasmine. "I wish you luck. I have always been an early bird." He said. "I have to get ready for my lessons with Dillon. I am not positive what we are studying about today but it will be an adventure." He said as they sat up in bed.

Vincent jumps slightly. "I am still not used to sharing a bathroom. You were sleeping so peacefully for once. How are you feeling?" He begins to dry himself off. "I have training to do this morning, but I will tell Glenn to stop by if he needs anything from you."

~~~~

"You better get dressed then. Thank you for last night." Jasmine gets up and goes to the bathroom. She is wearing a pair of shorts and a t-shirt with sandals.

Berenson was at the castle early. Nathaniel woke him up with one of the newspapers. The headline was "Trouble in Paradise" with a story of Berenson threating Brandon at the store. He knows that Lawrence would want to know about it. He knocks on the bedroom door and shows him the paper.

“My stomach is bothering me a little, but not like it has been. I am thinking about going on up to work anyways. I am going crazy just sitting around here doing nothing.” Serena said looking at Vincent. She smiled. “I have a sexy husband.” She said winking at him. She walks with him back into the bedroom where they get dressed. “Do you think it would be alright for me to go work today?” she asked.

~~

Brandon kissed Jasmine before heading to his room by the secret passage way. He goes to the bathroom once he reaches his room and takes a shower. He then dries himself off and gets ready for the day. He puts on a polo shirt and a pair of slacks before heading down to the dining room. He wonders where everyone else is at once he gets there.

Lawrence takes the paper from Berenson. "I see. Now tell me what really happened and how you feel about Brandon?"

Berenson explained to Lawrence what happened while they were out. "I don't hate the boy, I just don't want Jasmine to go through what Madeline did. I just want to protect my little girl from what I know all guys want."

"Has Brandon done anything to earn your distrust? I must tell you that I know what happened earlier in Rosario. I can spin this as an overprotective father. Unless you know of any reason I should not." Lawrence asks him.

Berenson shook his head. "Only the incident, and I didn't mean for that to turn out how it did." He explained. "I am just being over protective. I don't hate Brandon, I just don't want him to hurt my daughter."

"Excellent, we will leave Brandon out of this for now. However I must tell Jasmine. She may not be happy with you." Lawrence sighs. "Thank you Berenson for letting me know about this. Now go home and spoil your wife for me."

Both he and Junaluska get ready for breakfast. Jasmine and Brandon are in the dining hall already by the time they get there. "Well hello you two, how are you this morning?"

"I am great, I cannot speak for Brandon though." Jasmine sits beside him at the table.

~~~~~~

"I don't see why not as long as you stay in the castle, but you may want to check with her first." Vincent gets dressed. He waits for Serena and escorts her to the dining hall.

Brandon smiled as the staff brings them breakfast. “I slept great last night.” Brandon said. “I hope you and grandmother are well this morning?” He asked.

“Every morning is a blessing.” Janaluska said with a smile. She was a little worried about how this would play out or even if they would be able to keep it from Brandon, but she trusted Lawrence.

“I have studying to do today with Dillon.” Brandon said. “It is getting better, just still a lot of boring stuff.”

~~

Serena and Vincent make it to the dining room and take their seats. She smiles as she looks at her parents as they walk in. “Good morning, I hope you two are well.” She said. Reginald was being fussy as Iverson held him.

“I think someone is not feeling well this morning.” Iverson said. He yawned as he took his seat. “I hope the two of you are well this morning. How are you this morning Serena?”

“I am feeling much better, but my stomach is still bothering me a little. I am hoping it goes away soon. I was thinking of working today. I am getting tired of doing nothing, but if you need a baby sitter, I could do that for you.” Serena said.

"I really don't wish a crabby Reginald on anyone, but I will not say no." Kalista tells her. "I know you are getting bored, but you need to take care of yourself."

They are served breakfast. Serena's is almost like an oatmeal consistency. "At least you can pretend it is oatmeal. I will gone only for training today. Then we can study together maybe." Vincent winks at her.

"Not if she is taking care of Reginald." Kalista teases.

~~~~~~~

"I am sure that Dillon will keep you busy. It may seem boring, but it is important. Jasmine you are mine again today." Lawrence tells them both.

"I have to keep my afternoon open to work on the invites though. I am so happy for Levi and Nathaniel." Jasmine gushes.

“I can’t remember the last time I studied.” Serena said with a sigh. She stirred her bowl up and sighed as she took a bite. “It wouldn’t hurt, but it wouldn’t hurt to get any practice in either.”

Iverson chuckled. “You should be thinking of rest. If you want to take Reginald for the first half of the morning, I will pick him up from you at lunch so you can do some studying. He won’t be easy though.”

“What do you think Vincent? Think I can handle a cranky baby and then some studying?” Serena asked.

~~

“I know it is grandpa. I am doing my best as well.” Brandon said. He looked at Jasmine and smiled. “They are good for one another.”

“They are indeed. It will be good to see them get married. I still can’t believe that all started with a joke.” Junaluska said chuckling.

"That is up to you. I am sure if you need help there are plenty of servants who will volunteer." Vincent kisses her cheek. "Don't worry Kalista, I will get some studying done. I know I still have a lot to learn."

"In that case I will drop him off with the diaper bag. I only hope he behaves for you." Kalista tells them.

~~~~

"Then we can start planning our wedding. I am thinking of a traditional Moldovan ceremony. Do you think you can help Lawrence?'" Jasmine asks.

"It will be my pleasure." He replies.

“Sounds like a plan.” Serena said as she ate. She looked at Vincent. “This is not very appetizing.” She said.

“If it makes you feel better, we are having oatmeal.” Iverson said. “It’s not much different then what you having.”

“Yea, but yours looks more appetizing.” Serena said. She looks at Reginald. “Just think buddy, you are going to be eating things like this soon.” She said chuckling. She finished her breakfast. “I am going to head upstairs. Mom, I will see you soon.”

Serena kissed Vincent before heading upstairs. She had at least ate all of what had been given to her for breakfast.

~~

Brandon swallows a bite of breakfast and looks at Jasmine. “I looked at a few of the traditional outfits for weddings. I don’t think I want to be as brave as Nathaniel and Levi and wear the traditional gear, but I like a few of the shirts and pants outfits that I looked at.” He explained. “Do you think Thomas would make the lei’s or maybe your mother?” he asked.

After breakfast Kalista bring Reginald up to Serena. "He seems to have calmed down. If you need anything just go to his nursery. If he gets to be too much, I will be in my office."

Vincent heads out his office. He is concerned about Serena, but not as much as before. It does feel good to have the drills to do with the troops as well.

~~~~~

"You don't have to wear the traditional clothing. I am not either. I know that either one will love to make the leis for us." Jasmine squeezes his hand.

Serena takes Reginald and smiled at her mom. "Don't worry, I will take care of him." She smiles as she watch's her mother leave. She then looks at Reginald who is looking up at her. "Hello there, it's good to see that you are in a better mood." She said. He coos at her makes a bubble with his mouth.

"You are so silly. Now let's have some time together."

~~

Brandon sighed happily. "That is good. I always feel a little weird in the outfit."

Junaluska chuckled. "I'm sure you don't look any different than anyone else." She said.

Brandon finished his breakfast and looked up at Jasmine. "After you finish helping Nathaniel and Levi we can focus on our wedding. That will give me time to do research on the kind of wedding you are talking about so I can help you plan it. If that is alright with you."

Jasmine stands after finishing her meal. "First though we have your studies to attend too. I will see you this afternoon." She gives him a kiss before walking with Lawrence.

Lawrence takes her to his office. "There is something I need to make you aware of." He takes out the magazine and shows her the front page.

Jasmine pales and continues to read. "I cannot believe they printed this. Lawrence, I pulled Dad to the side and we talked. He is just being overprotective as usual. Who else has seen this?"

"Your father brought it to my attention and Nathaniel has brought it to his." Lawrence gets out a piece of paper. "I was hoping you would say that. I will get an official announcement set up with Laramie. We will include that Brandon is studying hard as well."

"So for now if asked, I will just say that Dad is just being a typical father. His reaction is not to Brandon personally, but any boy dating his daughter." She looks up at Lawrence. "He really needs to back off though. I hope this is a wake up call."

Brandon heads over to Dillon’s office. They are set to learn several different things today, more on verbal skills and manners as well as more traditions with Moldova. He looks at Dillon as they talk about manners. “I think I am pretty well adverse with manners.” Brandon said.

“That may be so; however I am going to go over them with you just to make sure that you do. Dealing with the public and dealing with diplomats and royalty are different but yet the same. It is best not to argue and know when to stop. Dealing with public in said fashion can cause problems with the people of the nations. People start talking and that can come up to an uproar. You have to be able to handle those problems when they arise because they will happen from time to time. That is called damage control.” Dillon said.

“I see.” Brandon replied. “So being rude can even cause problems. How do you tell the people to back off then?”

“The people want someone who can be on their level but yet are able to protect them from danger. It is a fine balance that in time I am certain you will clearly understand. The logic is you should ask that the people understand you and give you your personal space as if you were one of them. They will understand and give you that space.” Dillon explained.

“I see.” Brandon said. He was writing notes down as he talked with Dillon. “So all I have to do is be one of them?”

“In a sense yes, they want you to be like them but they also want you to be stronger than they are. It’s like being a family man. If you are a father then you are strong, you protect your family and provide for them. At the same time you are loving and caring for your wife and children. You would not hurt them yet you would discipline your children when needed. It is the same way for a king. You protect and care for what you have, but you discipline those who are bad when you need too.” Dillon explained.

“That makes more sense. I understand now.” Brandon said as they continued on.

~~

Serena was enjoying Reginald. He gave her something to do when she had been bored all day. She is playing with him and he is giggling. They are having fun until he starts to make some grunting noises. His face is turning red. She smiles at him. “Looks like someone has a dirty diaper coming.” She said.

She gets into the diaper bag and pulls out a bottle, wipes and a diaper. She lets him finish and then she walks over to him. He is lying on her bed and is starting to cry. “Someone doesn’t like a dirty diaper. Here, let me clean that up for you.” She said to him. She changed him and then picked him up. She began to feed him while they sat in the chair in front of the fireplace.

“I can’t wait until your little nieces or nephews meet us. I want to hold them in my arms like I’m holding you.” She said with a smile. She lets him finish and she burps him. “You are such a good baby.”