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."

Serena cuddles up to Vincent and laughs. “My mother always told me stories of how all the staff helped and practically helped to raise all of us. We were born around the same time and we get to have our lives together, until death do us part.” Serena said as she looked at Vincent. She kissed his cheek gently. “I bet we can do the same with our kids.”

~~

Nathaniel studies Jasmine for a moment. “Take those hands out from under the table; you are keeping something from me.” He said cocking his eyebrow at her.

Brandon laughed and took Jasmine’s hand. “We are engaged, Nathaniel. We want to wait to get married until after you and Levi are married.”

"I know we can. The staff maybe different, but the feelings are the same. Who knows if we have a boy, he and Reginald maybe good friends as well." Vincent sighs contently.

~~~~~~

Jasmine shows her finger to Nathaniel and Levi. "Oh congratulations you two. I knew you were going to get engaged sooner than later. Now you will have to tell us all about it." Levi bursts out.

Jasmine tells the story from the beginning leaving only them being intimate out. She tells them about the chicken and milking the cow, and even about Caleb, George, and Sarah. She looks at Berenson. "I have something to give you later, I hope you will really like it." She leaves out the information about his parents for now as well.

Nathaniel stands up and whistles really loud. "Ladies and Gentleman. I want to announce it first. My sister, Princess Jasmine Lane and Prince Brandon Sentali are engaged. Everyone please join me in welcoming Brandon to the family."

"Well to me it doesn't matter. I love our baby already." Serena said with a smile. "I hope the little one gets along great with Reginald. It would make things easier. I wonder what Cadenw will tell us tomorrow."

~~

Everyone begins to cheer for the couple. "Thank you all so much. I know it seems like this relationship started out fast but I do love Jasmine so much. I could not live my life without her." He said smiling.

Berenson looked like he was thinking. "Those names sound familiar. I knew a Caleb in the military but I can't remember the older couples names. I don't know why." He said.

Jasmine kisses Berenson's cheek. "Don't worry Dad, we will talk later. For now let's celebrate!!" The band starts to play a lively tune. Jasmine grabs Brandon and takes him on the dance floor.

Lawrence has to laugh. "She has your spirit that is for sure Madeline. Brandon will have to reign that in sometimes."

~~~~~

"I love our little one as well." Vincent rubs Serena's stomach. He hums a soothing lullaby. "I cannot wait to learn about our child tomorrow. However I don't want to share this with the world. You will have to promise to let me have some private times like this."

Brandon begins to dance with Jasmine. “This is a wonderful way to celebrate. I couldn’t think of a better way to do it.” He said as he spun her around.

Berenson laughed and looked at Lawrence. “He might not ever rein that in. She is just like her mother. In a way I am proud of both of them for overcoming so much in their lives.”

~~

“I can’t hide my pregnancy from the world Vincent.” Serena said. She was leaning against him as he rubbed her stomach. She was happy and smiling as she looked up at Vincent. She loved to hear him hum or even sing to their little one. “I do promise to make sure that we have moments like this. Moments that we can share that will be in our hearts for a long time and that we will hold dear in our heart. We do have to tell the people though. I’m sorry I can’t keep it from them.”

Jasmine is impressed with Brandon's dancing. He twirls her out. "Wow Brandon, have you been taking lessons? Or are we just finding our rhythm?"

"Quite talking about me like I am not here. There is nothing wrong with Jasmine or I." Madeline sticks out her tongue at Berenson.

"Oh Mom, we love you just the way you are." Nathaniel raises his eyebrows at her.

~~~~~~~

Vincent keeps rubbing her gently. "I know I have to share you with the people. I just wish I didn't have to. Just promise me you will not let it overwhelm you. I know how you get when you start over thinking."

Brandon smiles as both he and Jasmine dance. “A little of both, I haven’t taken any lessons sense Nathaniel gave me a few.” He said smiling. “I think we are finding our rhythm. I love you so much Jasmine.”

Berenson laughed. “I love you Madeline.” He said. “I know there is nothing wrong with you, I am just proud of you.”

~~

“You know me too well.” Serena said smiling. She was enjoying the attention from Vincent. “I know it will take a little for me to become over whelmed but when that time comes I might need your help to realize I need to step back a little. I don’t like for my imagination to start running wild on me.”

The song ends and the go back to the table. "Wow I worked up an appetite, so what's for dinner Nathaniel?" Jasmine asks playfully. "Oh that reminds me, I have something for you." She reaches into the bag she brought and pulls out the cookbook. "You have to make the stuffed tomatoes. They were so good."

Nathaniel takes the book and flips through it. "Wow Grandpa, look at these recipes. I cannot wait to try them. I will bring out some food in a bit." Nathaniel and Levi both stand up and go to the kitchen.

~~~~~~~

Vincent looks up at Serena and smiles. "Why don't we head upstairs? That way we can rest and talk some more?"

Brandon takes his seat and takes a glass of water. “They are stuffed peppers, not tomatoes.” He said chuckling. “Those recipes are from my grandmother. She is a wonderful cook and thought that you might like the new recipes.”

Jacobi took the book from Nathaniel as the boys went to get dinner. “Wow, I forgot how some of these dishes tasted. Its been years sense I have had some of them.”

~~

“That sounds good.” Serena said. She picks up her empty tea cup as she stands up. She takes it to the kitchen and both she and Vincent head to their bedroom. Serena yawned slightly as she stripped down from her clothes. She shivered slightly as she reached for her pajamas. “Are you going to start a fire for tonight? It is chilly in here.” She said as she put on her long pajamas.

“I wonder if we will be able to hear the little one’s heart beat tomorrow.” Serena said as she pulled the blankets back. “I wonder what all Cadence can tell us as well.”

Vincent starts a small fire before joining Serena in bed. "I want you to take is easy and rest. I cannot wait to hear our baby's heartbeat. He sets Serena's head on his chest. "I love you."

~~~~~

Jasmine shakes her head. "All I know is that they were delicious."

"Please don't tell me Jasmine tried to help in the kitchen." Jacobi tells Brandon teasingly.

"I will have you know, I did a good job with Sarah. I really love Brandon's family. I cannot wait until our wedding. Lawrence, we will need to get a carriage and some guards for them. I want them to have a full Moldovan experience." Jasmine pleads

Serena listens to Vincent’s heartbeat. “I will do that Vincent. Right now I don’t have much of a choice. My body is shutting down on its own and when it says it is time to sleep, I sleep.” She said chuckling. “I love to hear your heartbeat. It is so soothing to me and relaxing. It tells me how much you love me.” She said kissing his chest gently.

~~

Brandon laughed as he looked at Jacobi. “She actually did help in the kitchen. Poor woman was pecked by a rooster as well.” He said chuckling. “I think she did a great job with that gravy and eggs and she helped with Christmas dinner.”

Lawrence raised his eyebrows at Jasmine as he ran his fingers over his chin. “That is something we will need to plan and to talk about. We will most definitely host them at the castle and we will provide and arrange a carriage ride for them here and upon returning to their home.” He said as he looked at Junaluska.

“Why not? They are grandparents to the future king of Moldova. It is only fair to treat them as they deserve. They are probably hard working people.” Junaluska said as she squeezed Lawrence’s hand.

Nathaniel and Levi bring out a variety of dishes. "Here you go enough for everyone." They set out the dishes.

"Oh Brandon, you have to try this." Jasmine scoops up a bit of a rice dish. "I love this." She waits for him to take a bite.

"Aww isn't that cute she is feeding him." Levi teases.

Daniel scoops up a huge plate. "Now Daniel don't take more than you eat." Madeline reminds him.

~~~~~~

Vincent sighs and falls asleep with her in his arms. He is so content.

Brandon takes a bite of the rice dish from Jasmine. “Oh wow…” he said as he swallowed the food. He took a sip of the special drink and took another bite. “You guys are going to make me fat with all this food.” He said as Jasmine kept putting new foods in front of him.

Junaluska laughed at him. “Well having a cook in the family can put the weight on you. Good luck getting it off. I’m sure Jasmine can help with that.”

Daniel looked at his mother. “But mom!!! How am I supposed to eat and get full if you won’t let me eat till I’m full!” He said.

“Don’t argue with your mother, Daniel. You know better.” Berenson said as he wiggled his finger at Daniel.

“And what does Juwnaluska mean about Jazzy helping Bwandon?” Daniel asked.

~~

Serena was happy and it didn't take long till Vincent's heartbeat lulled her to sleep. She was happy and content with Vincent and the little family they had made.

"It means I will have to teach him to dance, just like I do to you. And that you need to come up to the castle and play ball with us. Isn't that right Brandon?" Jasmine answers innocently. "Because I am a good girl aren't I Dad?"

Nathaniel covers his mouth to hide his laughter. "You are the sister we all love, isn't that right Daniel?"

Daniel looks at Nathaniel a little confused. "Of course we love jazzy! Why wouldn't we?" He asked as he hugged jasmine tightly.

Brandon chuckled. "This is why I will fit right in. Thank you all for accepting me."

Berenson couldn't help but laugh at his daughter. "Your about as innocent as your mother is!"

Madeline raises her eyebrow at Berenson. "I know you are not insulting your pregnant wife now are you?"

Jasmine yawns. "Well guys thank you so much for the welcome. I am so glad to be back home. Oh and I did get the mural painted for the Watson's as well. Dad, will you be at the castle tomorrow. There is something I need to give to you. Right now I am tired. I just want to lie down and sleep in my own bed."

Levi smirks at her. "Just be sure you are alone in that bed... What they are at the castle away from us."

Berenson puts his hands up in the air. “Me? No melm, I am not.” Berenson said as he crossed his heart. “I cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle in my eye.” He said.

Brandon laughed at them as he took Jasmine’s hand. “I am tired as well. I promise to sleep in my bed.”

Berenson looked at Jasmine. “I will come to the castle to see you tomorrow.” He said. “I hope you both have a good night.” He then hugged both of them. “Welcome to the family Brandon.” He said shaking his hand.

Junaluska yawned as well. “I am tired as well Lawrence. It was good to see everyone. We can take the carriage back.” She said as they started to leave Mallory’s.

Jasmine sits opposite from Lawrence and Junaluska. "I am going to give Dad the book and picture tomorrow. I wonder how he will handle it?"

Lawrence looks at her puzzled. Jasmine explain what she has for him. "I only wish I knew what to expect."

“That will probably be emotional for him.” Junaluska said. “Don’t be surprised if he cries. He has very little that was his parents and he doesn’t remember much about them.”

“Reading about them or learning more about them would be good though. It is something he can do with Daniel and even the new little one that is on the way.” Brandon said.

“Exactly.” Junaluska said as the carriage pulled up at the castle. “I wish you luck with that tomorrow.” She said to Jasmine.

They arrive at the castle and the couples head to their rooms. Brandon escorts Jasmine to hers. "I am so happy to be home." She kisses him. "Soon enough you will be here and this will be our room. Are you sure you don't want to spend the night?"

~~~~~~~

Vincent wakes up and Serena is still sleeping. He wonders if she was up earlier. He slowly pries away from her and goes to the bathroom hoping she stays asleep.

Brandon kisses Jasmine gently and smiles as he runs his fingers though her hair. He shakes his head. “I will sleep in my designated room.” He said. “I love you Jasmine. Have a wonderful night.” He said before turning to leave. He then goes to his room that is on the guest hall. He gets ready for bed and lies down. There is a lot on his mind and it takes a while before he can sleep.

Morning comes and Brandon looks out the window. Sleep had not come well to him. He sits on the bed for a moment before getting up to take a shower.

~~

Serena had slept well for most of the night. She had awoken sometime during the night with an upset stomach, but it was nothing that made her sick. She had been able to go back to bed after going to the bathroom. She continues to sleep as she does not feel Vincent pry away from her.

Jasmine sleeps soundly. A little too soundly. She wakes up slowly, enjoying the peace and quiet. She gets up and goes to the bathroom. After showering she puts on a pretty sundress and sandals. She goes to Brandon's room to see if he is ready for breakfast.

~~~~~~~

Vincent finishes cleaning up. He leaves the bathroom and sees Serena still sleeping. He will surprise her. He meets Leigh Anne downstairs. She already had some tea brewing. "I am going to make a tray to bring up to Serena."

"That is a wonderful idea. Please let me help you." Leigh Anne helps to get the tray ready and goes upstairs with him. Vincent sets the tray on the bench at the foot of the bed.

He goes to Serena. "Time to wake up, my love."

Brandon had just finished showering and getting dressed when he heard the knock on his door. He walks over and answers it. “Good morning my love, I hope you are well this morning.” He said as he hugged Jasmine. He was wearing a pair of slacks and shoes with a polo shirt. “You look nice in your sundress.” He said.

~~

Serena’s eyes flutter open. She looks up at Vincent and smiles. “Good morning Vincent.” She said. She felt her stomach roll. No….not this morning she thought. “I hope you have a cup of tea to go with those beautiful eyes of yours.” She said as her smile slightly faltered. “I slept so wonderful last night, and now my stomach is rolling. I am so glad I can see Cadence tday.”

"You look good. Are you ready for some breakfast? It was nice to sleep in my own bed for a change." Jasmine asks as Brandon hugs her. "I love being in your arms."

They walk down to the dining room where they meet Junaluska and Lawrence. "I hope you are ready for your studies Brandon, we are going to break you in slowly. There is no need to rush. If you need to take a break, please feel free too. Jasmine, I know you want to meet up with Berenson. I gave you the day off to do that."

"Thank you Lawrence. Don't worry Brandon. Dillon is a good teacher. He will take his time and teach you properly." Jasmine assures him. "Now you don't need to learn everything in a day, so take your time."

"She is right. These are life lessons you are learning, so take your time and enjoy it." Junaluska reinforces as they sit down. The servants come out and begin to serve breakfast.

~~~~~~~

Vincent stands and goes to the tray. "Not only that, but I brought food as well." He grabs the tea and brings her the cup. "Surprise my love. Please tell me the appointment is not to the afternoon. I have some lessons in the morning."

Brandon takes a seat beside Jasmine after pushing her seat under. He then looks up at Lawrence and Junaluska as they take their seats. “I will make sure to take my time so that I understand everything I learn. If I am going to be beside of Jasmine for the rest of my life then I don’t only need to know about her, but about this wonderful nation.” He explained.

The attendants bought out breakfast for them and they began to eat breakfast. “That is a good way to put it.” Junaluska said with a smile. “Dillion is a wonderful man so he will do you wonders.”

“I am rather excited to begin after this long break. Before it was the basics that any prince or princess needed to know like how to act and grammar, the likes.” Brandon said. “But now I get to learn about everything else and the important things and things about this nation.”

~~

“The appointment is closer to noon. If you want to meet me after your class, I will meet you at the infirmary.” Serena said as she took the tea. She took a sip. “Thank you for the tea and for breakfast. I hope it’s not a big one.” She said as she sat the tea cup down. “I am hungry a little though.”