Race for the Throne

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Jasmine laughs at Brandon. "Serena you have my permission to tease him when I get pregnant." She opens the door. "I suppose you guys are hungry. I just want Sakura."

"Baby snatcher!" Vincent crys out. "Brandon, better be careful you may never see your kids."

Lorene and Prescott can only laugh. Serena chuckled but is too tired to really care. "Vincent, can you take me to bed? I am tired." She said.

Reginald began crying."I think that's our cue for a feeding." Iverson said holding Reginald.

Brandon looked at Jasmine. "I love how your so innocent about it." He said winking at her. Berenson looked at Madeline.

"See, your daughter made over." He said.

"Well if it is a guy thing, we can be sure to have Caleb watch them." Sarah adds teasing Jasmine.

Madeline smiles. "There is nothing wrong with husbands dancing for their wives." She leans over and whispers in Berenson's ear. "I love seeing you in the outfit."

Jasmine looks at her parents in mock horror. "She is whispering in his ear...that is a scary thing. That is our cue to leave as well. Get plenty of rest tonight, tomorrow is going to be a busy day."

Vincent helps Serena "Now I know why you miss them so much. I will put you to bed."

Berenson laughed and then kissed Madeline. Ewwws could be heard around the room. Serena laughed as Vincent took her arm. They then headed up to their room. "I really do miss the fun but I know we will have a family soon. I am just so tired. I hope I can sleep."

Brandon offered Jasmine his arm. He then walked her up to her room. "I miss sleeping with you at night.I can't wait till we finally say I do."

Vincent takes Serena to their room. While she is getting ready, he makes a cup of tea for her. "Here you go sweetie, I know you have not been sleeping well. Now I am going to get ready." He kisses her forehead as soon as she was in bed.

~~~~~~~

Jasmine kisses Brandon outside her door. She goes into her empty room. She is still too wound up to sleep. She goes to her closet and sees the costume for the dance sitting there.

She gets changed into her pajamas and sits in bed. She cannot not sleep. She goes over to her desk and find some thank you notes she need to do. She starts them, and still no luck. She looks at the clock and sees a few hours have passed. She grabs her art bag and takes the secret passages to Brandon's room.

She finds him fast asleep in the room. He looks so peaceful. She sits at the desk in his room and begins to draw.

Serena smiles as she takes the tea. “Thank you for the tea, Vincent. This will help me to relax.” She said. She watches him go get ready and sips on the tea. She yawns and barley gets the tea cup on the counter when she begins to lie down. “You gave me a sleeping tea….” She said. Her head hits the pillow and she is asleep.

~~

Brandon had gone back to his room. He gets ready for bed and sleeps in just his boxers. He lies down and is soon asleep.

Morning comes and Brandon opens his eyes. There is someone in the bed beside of him. He rolls over and finds Jasmine’s red hair in his face. How he missed this, but he knows now is not the time for this. He sighs gently knowing that he hates to tell her no. “Good morning sunshine.” He said as he ran his fingers though her hair. “Why are you in my room?” he asked.

Vincent holds Serena in his arms as she sleeps. He knows that she needed sleep and had only used a little bit of the sleeping tea. He wakes up to her still in his arms. He rubs her stomach, relishing having her there.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Jasmine jumps when she hears Brandon. "I don't even remember coming in your bed. I couldn't sleep last night. I finished the thank you notes that were on my desk and drew a picture." She points over at his desk. "Oh Goddess, there is so much to do today. I better go."

Serena wakes up with a smile. She had slept wonderfully through the night. She feels Vincent rubbing her stomach. "The boys are saying good morning to you too. You gave me a little sleeping tea didn't you? Thank you for giving it to me." She said.

~~

Brandon took Jasmine's hand and stopped her. "It is OK Jasmine, I missed having you at night but just remember we have guests." He then pulls her over and hugs her close to his body. "Take a moment to breath and calm down. I love you Jasmine and we only have one more night apart." He said.

Brandon then lifted her chin up and kissed her passionately. He then looked at her in her eyes and smiled.

"I wanted you to rest because I know we are going to be busy. I know the Lanes will open up their house if you need your afternoon nap." Vincent's hand goes to where they boys are moving. "I am still amazed by them and by you. I cannot wait to meet our boys."

He looks up at Serena. "We better get ready for breakfast. Go take a shower first."


~~~~~~

Jasmine looks into Brandon's eyes. "I love you so much. but I really have to go." Jasmine kisses him before peeling herself away. She races to her room leaving her art bag behind by his desk.

She takes her shower and gets dressed in a stylish muumuu. Her hair is in a ponytail.

Serena sits up and leans over. She kisses Vincent before standing up. "I really did need it. It worked." She said. She then walked to the bathroom to get ready.

She comes out and then Vincent goes to get ready. Serena is wearing a nice maturity sundress. "What do you think?" She asked.

~~

Brandon watched as Jasmine gets up to go get ready. He walks over and sees the drawing and smiles. She had drawn him lying on the bed. He then goes to get ready.

He gets ready and gathers Jasmine's things. He then heads up to her room. He knocks gently on the door.

Vincent goes over and kisses Serena. You are gorgeous. Now, I will get ready." Vincent takes a shower and gets dressed. "Now shall I escort you to breakfast?"

Jasmine opens the door and seen Brandon with her art stuff. She takes it and sets it on the inside the door. "Come, we need to have a quick breakfast , then get stuff done."

She puts her arms around him and they walk to the dining hall. it is already filled with people. "Good everyone is here, eat up they are expecting us at the bridal shoppe in an hour."

Junaluska squeezes Lawrence's hand. "I think Jasmine is finally feeling the pressure. I am surprised it didn't happen earlier than this."

Serena looks at Vincent. "I think she's finally feeling the pressure." She whispered. "Don't worry Jasmine. We won't be late getting there." She said as they served breakfast.

Brandon squeezed Jasmine's hand. "Remember to have fun today." He said.

Lawrence squeezed junaluska's hand. "Just think what she would have been like if it was an international wedding." He said chuckling.

"Don't worry, I think us girls will have fun. So what are you guys doing today? I know Nathaniel and Levi have today off. The pageant starts at 1:30. I don't know if I will see you before then." Jasmine sits down and begins to eat.

"I kniw both you and Nathaniel will do great at the dance. I am personally looking forward to spending time with the kids while the parties are going on." Lawrence winks at them. "George and Sarah, you are more than welcome to join us."

"I can't believe our little Jasmine is finally getting married. I remember Madde giving birth to you. I am so glad you found wonderful man to marry." Kalista gushes.

Brandon looked at Prescott and Vincent. "We could always do a little shopping in town." He said.

"Sounds good to me. I was hoping to be able to look around and see what Moldova has to offer." Prescott said.

Serena took a bite of her waffle. "This is so good with lowanberry sauce." She said licking her lips.

Berenson looked at his daughter. "I still can't believe both of my little ones are grown and getting married." He said.

"Ohh is lowanberry your craving?" Jasmine finishes up her meal. There is some still on her plate. "If you guys are ready, we can get going."

The girls leave the guys at the table. They take the carriage to town for Serena. There are some people who ask how she is doing, but more are talking to Jasmine about the dance and wedding plans. She is happy when they finally reach the bridal shop.

"Oh this must be the lovely ladies. Welcome Princesses. Holly will take you back to the rooms to try on the dresses. If there is anything you need, just ask. How are you Princess? I cannot wait to see the pageant."

Jasmine takes a seat and wait for the ladies to come out.

~~~~~~~

Vincent watches Jasmine leave with the girls. "Wow, Brandon you better hope she calms down before the wedding. I know she is nervous about the dance as well."

"Well you guys behave while shopping. I am going to go shopping with Iverson as well." Kalista tells them.

“It’s one of them. My biggest craving is cheesecake. Goddess knows I could go for some now.” Serena said as they walked to the bridal store. Serena goes back with Lorene and they try on their dresses.

“Oh princess, I am going to have to take yours in just a little. I thought you would be a lot bigger.” The seamstress said as she began to pin Serena’s dress back.

“How much are you going to take it in?” Serena asked.

“Not a lot, just enough to make the dress flatter you.” The seamstress said. “There, now be careful and take that off for me. If you need help I can help you.”

Serena was able to get the dress off with ease as the seamstress goes to help Lorene. “What do you think Jasmine?” Lorene asked.

~~

Brandon looked at Kalista. “I hope you and dad have a good time. I hope we see you at the dance.” He said as they get up to leave. Brandon finishes up his breakfast and looked at Prescott and Vincent.

“I know she is tense, but I can’t get her to really open up the past few days. She said for me not to worry about it, but I can see it in her eyes that she is stressing. I know the wedding isn’t as big as yours and Serena’s was, Vincent, but it is still a lot in just two days. The pageant and the wedding has been a lot.”

“She will calm down, I hope for your sake.” Prescott said. “Though I know Serena was nervous even up to the wedding for them. I don’t know how Lorene will be for ours. I know ours will also be an international affair. You guys are lucky to have a small wedding.”

Jasmine smiles and feels her eyes water up. She blinks and hugs Serena. "You are beautiful. You are so lucky to be married and having your family. This dress is perfect, and I am so glad you are here."

She takes a deep breath and waits for Lorene to come out. "Wow the dress looks perfect on you as well."

"I will only have to make a few adjustments. They will be ready for the wedding." Holly puts a few pins in Lorene's dress. "Good luck with your dance Princess."

"Thank you Holly, now do you want to see my dress? It should be in the back room. I am keeping it here so Brandon doesn't see it."

~~~~~~~~

"I think every bride goes through it. You know how she is Brandon, she will keep herself busy until she crashes. You may have to visit her tonight to make sure she sleeps." Vincent proposes.

"I hope you aren't suggesting drugging my sister." Nathaniel claps Vincent's back. "I got word that you guys might be here. So do we need anything for the party tonight? I know it is going to be lower key, but I can bring some food."

"You and food, Nathaniel I think you need a break like your sister." Levi jokes. "I am getting fat because of all the food he is making."

Lorene comes back after changing out of her dress. "I would love to see your wedding gown." She said excitedly.

Serena had her hands on her stomach. "I would love to see your gown as well. I bet it is beautiful!"

~~

Brandon laughed. "I can see! It looks like you gained ten pounds!" He said to Levi. "Seriously though, I will check on her and offer it to her. I've only drug her twice without permission and only because she was hurting herself." He said.

Prescott chuckled. "How about some drinks? I'm certain between Vincent and I, we can have some nice drinks. Maybe have a nice after dinner party."

Jasmine looks over at Holly with her puppy dog eyes. "Come with me, and I would have done it without the eyes."

They take the girls back to where Jasmine's dress is. Jasmine unzips the bag. "There it is, Dad painted the flower on it. And I didn't plan it, but the orchids cover up my scar." She takes out the foot jewelry. "This is what will be on my feet. Isn't it beautiful? Don't worry you guys can wear what we call slippers."

~~~~~~

Nathaniel grins at Prescott. "Don't worry we have plans for after the pageant."

Vincent raises his eyebrow. "I think we need to do some shopping without Brandon for this party."

Serena covers her mouth as she looks at the dress. “Oh goddess…Jasmine it is beautiful!” She said. There were tears in her eyes. “I can’t believe you are getting married!” She started crying. “Stupid hormones.”

Lorene looked at the dress. “Wow that is gorgeous! He actually painted these flowers on here?” She said as she studied the dress. “I wonder if I could pay him to do something like this for me.” She said thinking out loud.

“I will need something for my feet to grip the sand with anyways so the slippers will be perfect.” Serena said as she wiped her eyes with the napkin the store owner handed her.

~~

Brandon looked at Vincent and Nathaniel. “Oh? It sounds like I might be spending some time with the adults later then. I’m almost scared about the party that you are going to give me. Is this like a bachelor party?” He asked.

Levi rolled his eyes. “You need to get out more… Remind me to get after Jasmine. There is more to life then studying and castle life.” He said winking at Brandon to let him know he was kidding. “I cannot wait for tonight. This will be perfect.”

"Oh Serena, you are going to make me cry." Jasmine hugs her before zipping the bag back up. "You will have to ask him. I know your wedding is going to be like Serena's. I love this dress, I know it is understated next to Serena's. It is me though. Now if we are done, I would like to get Serena some cheese cake."

~~~~~~~

"It won't take us long to do some shopping Brandon. Probably when you are drooling over Jasmine after the pageant." Vincent chuckles.

"We know exactly where to go as well." Nathaniel raises his eyebrow. "So who is that girl your Uncle is with? They have been dancing in Mallory's."

Serena hugged Jasmine as she continued to cry. “Oh, I just can’t help it. I am just so happy for you is all.” She said as she tried to straighten up. “The boys and I could really go for some cheesecake. Maybe with some lowanberry sauce as well.” She said looking up with glassy eyes.

“Your hormones are crazy, but you are pregnant. I didn’t know it could be like that.” Lorene said. “I will ask him if he will do it. I am willing to pay him and I will have the dress shipped here if needed.” She said as they left the bridal shop. “I know our wedding will be big like Serena’s was. Both of your wedding gowns were beautiful and still are, but I can’t wait to marry Prescott. I am almost jealous of you both.” She said as they walked towards the desert shop.

~~

“That I can’t argue with; I cannot wait to see the pageant. She hasn’t told me or shown me anything and I am really excited about it. I have seen dances here before but I haven’t seen her dance much. Just once or twice.” Brandon said. He looked at Nathaniel a little surprised. “You mean they are still talking? I think her name was Melody. I am slightly impressed, I can’t remember the last time he had someone’s attention like that.”

“Everyone deserves a little love in their life.” Prescott said with a smile. “Even your uncle.”

“Yea, but he made a vow to love no other which is why it surprises me. I mean I am sure his old flame would understand and would want him happy but she must really be a nice woman for him to keep going back.” Brandon said.

"Who knows they may make a trip out of it. However you may have to be careful Daniel may like that way too much." Jasmine make arrangements with Holly before leaving the store. "Don't be in a rush to get married Lorene. I am doing it now because it feels right."

~~~~~~~~

"You are going to love it that is all I am going to say." Nathaniel winks at him.

"Don't worry he is keeping pretty tight lipped around me too." Levi grumbles playfully. "She seems like a nice girl. Maybe your visit forced him to think. Maybe he is ready to be happy again. Your family seems really nice though."

“We are in no hurry to be married. We are taking our time in this relationship. We are happy together. It was a prearranged marriage that just happened to work out. We are taking the time to get to know one another and enjoying the time together before we do. We do not want to rush things.” Lorene admitted.

“That is a smart thing to do, Lorene.” Serena said. They make it to the desert shop and Serena almost prances to the counter. She gives them her order and squeals with delight. “I so cannot wait to eat this.” She said licking her lips. “So have you guys set a date?” She asked.

“No, and we don’t know when we are going to either. He has started staying in our kingdom sense he will be king there some day. He is taking classes there for the history and started his military training. He was already taking military classes where he is from, but he decided to move them.” Lorene said.

~~

“If it works out for him then I am happy for him.” Brandon said. “Everyone deserves to be happy. Though I would really like to know what the dance is about. Has he not shown you either?” He asked Levi.

“This trip is better than last trip is all I have to say. It took six weeks for me to come out of that cast.” Prescott said laughing. “I have never been more ashamed of a black eye either. Brandon you never would have known I tried peeking in on your fiancé and sister, would you?” He said laughing.

"Brandon's been taking classes as well. He will probably be starting the military training once we get back from the honeymoon." Jasmine doesn't order anything. She is too nervous to eat. She looks up at the clock. "I have to get going. I have to get my costume and be at the ballroom."

"I hope she relaxes a little after the pageant. I don't think I have ever seen her so tense." Lorene tells Serena. "I wish we can do for her what she did for you before the wedding. That was so much fun."

~~~~~~~

"Madeline is not one to cross even when she is not pregnant. She broke Iverson's elbow as well." Vincent claps Prescott on the back. "You have grown up a lot since then."

"Well guys, I have to get going." Nathaniel gives Levi a kiss. "I have to get to the ballroom, and he knows nothing about the dance."

“We will see you there Jasmine.” Serena said. She looked at Lorene. “I don’t see why we can’t. Ohh we should order a dancer for a party tonight. They have some hot guys who are gay that strip for a living. How about we finish up and go order one for tonight?” She said looking deviously.

~~

Prescott shivers. “I never want to make her, Iverson or Berenson mad ever again. They will kill me.” He said holding his throat.

Brandon laughed. “Just be glad you weren’t me. I wound up with a black eye, a bruised ego and almost killed a few times. Maybe a broken leg would have been better. So Levi how are you and Nathaniel getting along? Are you enjoying marriage?”