Returning Reign

Chapter 27

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I step into the lavishly decorated ballroom for the third time in this manner. This time instead of being decorated according to the theme, it is decorated in the royal familys crest and even more sophisticated decor. Tonight was the night that the future Queen would be chosen from the crowd and the whole kingdom would get to experience this monumental moment through their televisions.

I walk down the stairs slowly making sure to not topple over and trying to live in this moment. My small moment with Nathaniel was over. I try to ground myself in this moment and prepare for the worst possible outcome.

I make it to the last step and I walk into the sea of semi-uniformed colored dresses. Sisters and cousins are wearing the same color competing for the same thing. The crown.

I look around and try to spot Lizzy in her formal ball uniform staff wears for these events but I cant see her. A few gentlemen try to make a conversation with me but I keep the topics very surface level and avoid any identifying questions.

I grab a drink from the table and take a light sip. The ball seems to drag even more slowly than usual knowing what I will have to do in a little bit of time. If everything in the plan that Lizzy and I crafted goes smoothly I will find my parents. I must admit it is a little risky.

Finally the spotlights move over to the top of the staircase and King Hugo, Vivian, and Nathaniel descend down gracefully. The King walks beside Vivian without holding her hand and Nathaniel is a few steps behind them.

A hush falls throughout the room and the anticipation of the guests seems to grow infinitely. They make it to the bottom and head to the stage where the balls are usually addressed by the King before they formally begin.

King Hugo begins to speak into the microphone. "Kingdom of Zemira, we are here today on a joyous day to begin the next chapter of this kingdom." My hands tremble beside me, it's almost time. I spot Lizzy and we make eye contact from across the room. She gives me a thumbs up while everyone is looking at the king and I return the gesture.

"As you know, the crown prince is at the age where he can take over the throne, but first he must be married. Being married shows that you have emotional maturity, and is one of life's biggest blessings. When the stressful duty of a king is done at the end of the day he has his wife by his side no matter what." King Hugo reminicies his only marriage and I catch a very subtle look of anger on Vivians face.

"She will also bring him the joys of having a family and will have someone to help him lead the kingdom. I have no doubt that I raised an amazing future King and husband." King Hugo looks over at Nathaniel and gives him a rare warm smile. Nathaniel smiles back and nods to the King.

"Before we commence the ball, we must announce the future Queen of Zemira" King Hugo finishes his speech just as eager as the crowd to find out who Nathaniel will select.

Nathaniel steps up to the microphone confidently and the crowd grows even more silent if possible. I hear the faint clicks of cameramen capturing pictures for future history textbooks and for media coverage.

"I dont want to give a long speech and bore you all to death. I also know that this is not really her style and she would kill me if I got too cheesy on her. I do need her to marry me after all." Nathaniel jokes around lightly for his speech and he has a small smirk on his face. He looks around the crowd as he addresses the kingdom.

The crowd is under his charming spell they have never really heard from him before. They watched him grow up but they have never heard him speak in front of the entire Kingdom. He was usually more serious, and reserved than the relaxed and charming man they are seeing right now.

Nathaniel sombers up a bit and in a more serious manner he clears his throat and finally cuts the chase. "In front of the entire Kingdom I ask you, Cartia Reed to accept my marriage proposal." His hazel eyes connect with mine through the crowd.

Everyone erupts, clapping deafeningly loud and cheering happily for the Prince. The crowd looks around for the Reed girl and I hear whispers asking who the Reed family is. The spotlight finds me and so does the crowd and I walk slowly up the stairs and onto the stage.

The shock of the moment leaves me feeling numb and I appear calm on the outside but on the inside I am anything but. The King and Vivian shake my hand and then I am led up next to Nathaniel in front of the microphone.

I can hardly see anything because of the flashing lights coming from the photographer's expensive cameras. The continuous roar of the crowd is deafening and is something I will never forget. Eventually the crowd quiets down to occasional murmurs and whispers going around and Nathaniel resumes to address the kingdom.

He grabs my hand in his large warm hand and gives it a gentle reassuring squeeze before letting go again. Here goes nothing I sigh.

"It is my pleasure to announce that the wedding date will be-" but Nathaniel never got the chance to say the wedding date. I swiftly unstrap the medium sized sword from my thigh and grab Nathaniel harshly from his neck and bring the sword up to his Adam's apple.

The crowd gasps in horror and King Hugo and Vivian are at the end of the stage about twenty feet away. Too far to protect Nathaniel. I put on my poker face a cold and vengeful facade.

"I lied. To you, I look at Nathaniel's eyes. To the staff that hired me, and to this entire kingdom." I talk into the microphone so that everyone can hear. My voice shakes a little from the nerves but as I go on I find the strength in me I never had. Nathaniel remains still under his compromised position.

"There are secrets in this kingdom that involve me. Ones that I have been trying to uncover and I think your beloved royal family has a lot to do with them. In fact, I have a lot to do with these secrets too because I am part of the royal family!"The crowd is uneasy, murmuring and debating if what I am saying is true.

"Thats impossible!" King Hugo protests in disbelief his face red in bewilderment.

"Is it? Uncle Hugo?" I ask him with a smirk and slightly tsk him.

"That's a lie. My only brother, Diego Laurelli never had any children." The King shouts again. 

"Then tell me why my biological name is Cartia Laurelli and my parents' names are Diego and Alice Laurelli." I calmly speak into the microphone. The crowd breaks out in chaos at hearing the names of the dead royals and their supposed daughter.

The blood seems to leave Hugo's face and he seems as if he is going to be sick. I see the realization click in his brain. My dark black hair, the pale skin, the blue eyes, all distinctly Laurelli features.

No one dared make a move because ordering the gaurds to attack could result in the murder of the crown prince and what do you do when the person holding him with a sword to his neck is also a royal?

Authors Note:
Did you see this coming?
- xoxo Ellie Violet