Duchess Trilogy: Book 1: Mafia

Chapter Twenty-Seven: A New Family

A month later...

Throughout the month, Janja and I have been in meetings with Queen Mary from Whales and Queen Sara from the royal La Nuit family regarding our recent events. They both extended their warm welcomes, and Lucile and I couldn't be more thankful with the generosity that they had done for us.

When Queen Mary announced the bloodline to be true to Queen Sara and me, everyone was surprised and overjoyed about the news. However, I wasn't. Mary showed us the book that I remembered from when I came of age. I stare at the signature and am surprised at the discovery when I've done some research. But for some reason, it didn't satisfy me how I thought it would. So I closed the book before me and asked to have it back on the shelves.

Both of the Queens were surprised. Sara asked why my actions of this as I pushed the book slowly away from me.

"I truly am grateful that you have found a piece of myself when I thought I was just some crazy person who fell through the well into this world," I began to say. "But right now, I just wish to be me. I don't want to have any power over a kingdom or any sort of that. I just wish to be me and do my own thing. I have always dreamed of being a teacher. Alex gave me part of the dream, but Carmine ruined the possibility of it a month ago. I honestly just want to move forward in life. No more hiding or running away. I just want to live a life with a family that can be there for me, support me, and not limit me to my desires and dreams."

Everyone nodded, and Sara smiled greatly, seeming eager. She reaches for my hand to squeeze it. "Then come join our family? My kingdom is in France but in an alternate reality. It's a magical world where you will be protected at all times with permission to leave as you please. My royal guard, Clyde Arrowny, is the best royal guard and my royal advisor for the kingdom. If I bring you up with him and his wife Alessandra, will you take the oath to join our family? With our help and guidance, I am sure that we can find something for you in our kingdom. Whether it's a royal ball attendee, planning events, or even hosting a comedy club, we can be sure to protect you from these outsiders at all costs. And to be able to support you in any choice that would benefit the family and yourself."

It sounded too good to be true. I was curious about the idea of being a part of a royal life again. But then I wondered if there was a chance to redo it. Could I get another chance at a new life here? So, then I asked, "Other than the oath, is there something to help just have a memory wipe on the mafia community? Like a way that everyone I was associated with doesn't remember me? That way, if I was to step out of our kingdom to socialize within the real community, I wouldn't have to fear for my life wherever I walked if I wanted to travel back to the city because of Carmine."

Sara pondered in thought for a moment. And then stood to her feet.

"I can talk to Clyde and his wife. They have elven gifts and powers unimaginable. They do some work with potions, like me. Maybe we three can come up with something so that way, if it comes to that, you wouldn't have to fear for your life when you step back into reality."

I sit up a little straighter. "Anything will be much appreciated. I happily accept your offer and wish to be a part of your family."

"Splendid! It is truly amazing to have a great relative of mine back in the kingdom territories. I can't wait to tell -"

"Please, my Queen. I wish not to have anyone else but us know of my past history. I want a fresh start in life. I don't want my past to be a nuisance and seem of that burden of running away from the royal life back then to just come here. I don't wish to be judged like that and just want a fresh start in this new royal life. I'll keep my name as Aubrie, but please. Just keep the past for just us four."

She nods my way of understanding. "You have my word." She then adjusts her cape some. "We will form a coronation ceremony for you within a week! You are free to stay with Janja or come with me to get you set up with a new home."