"She was the queen.."

Chapter 20

"Nika - (On the TV, everybody is talking about the final, calling me and Tatiana the "new gen Nicki vs Cardi". I'm a bit annoyed by this comparison, but I don't care.

Her dad entered Kanye's personal studio.

Dad - How are you feeling?

Nika - Stressed. I really don't know what to do with this crown, if I'm being honest. Will I keep rapping? Or was it just to secure mom's throne.

Dad - What about both..?

Nika - Yes, I guess.

Dad - But in the end, if you don't want to keep rapping, you don't have to.

Nika - You know what's the funniest part? I've started to love this. Writing raps, recording my verses, working with Kanye West.

Dad - That's a good thing. If you enjoy it, maybe you should listen to your heart and keep doing it.

Nika - I'll think about this later.

Kanye joined them.

Kanye - What's up, princess! Ready to snatch that crown off that industry plant's daughter?

Nika - Damn, you really hate Cardi.

Kanye - Of course I do, that woman really tried to fight Nicki years ago.

Nika - Yeah, I saw the videos. I don't really understand why she didn't end up in a mental hospital.

Kanye - Right, but let's not talk about her. Hello, princess, are you ready to work hard today?

Nika - Of course!

They worked together as usual. 3 hours later, they ended their sessions. Elijah texted her.

Elijah - Hi pretty, ready for the final?

Nika - Yes, I just hope to see you in the crowd.

Elijah - Sadly, I won't be able to make it... I'm sorry, I really wanted to support you.

Nika - It's okay, let's meet up after the contest, just you and me.

Elijah - I'm already excited to see you.

Nika - Me too, I have to go now. See you soon.

Elijah - See you soon.

Night of the competition.

Before the competition, the host announced a surprise for the audience. The lights dimmed, Drake appeared on stage and started singing "Only". The crowd cheered as Lil Wayne joined him on stage. More Young Money artists joined them to perform their iconic songs. To finish the performance, they sang a new unreleased song sampling "Super Bass" by Nicki Minaj. The crowd went wild, and many were in tears. The 20-minute performance was a tribute to the queen of rap.

Nika - (This is amazing, I wanted to cry but I have makeup on. I'll definitely rewatch the performance later and cry my heart out.)

Host - After the legendary performance, let's focus on the most important moment of the night, "Who's the princess?: The Finale!" Both Tatiana and Nika thought they would have to perform, but there was a new rule. They had to freestyle over a beat.

Nika - (Freestyle? I'm scared now.)

Host - Let's welcome Tatiana!

Tatiana freestyled on stage, and though she stumbled a bit, she gave a decent performance.

Nika - (Oh no, it's my turn now!)

Host - Now, let's welcome Nika Maraj!

Nika came on stage, nervous at first. Once she heard the beat, her nerves disappeared, and she began to freestyle effortlessly. Making references to Nicki Minaj, the crowd was impressed. Her freestyle was flawless, and she rapped with confidence. The crowd cheered and applauded her, standing up in admiration.

Nika - (I. Fucking. Did. That.)

After her performance, she went backstage as they played ads. Elijah surprised her backstage.

Nika - What are you doing here? You said you couldn't make it...

Elijah - I wanted to surprise you so I lied. I knew it would make you happy!

Nika - You were right, seeing you really helped me with my performance. You gave me energy.

Elijah - Happy to hear that.

Nika - Oh, you don't know how happy I am to see you!

She hugged him tightly, and he hugged her back.

Elijah - I missed you.

The staff called Nika to join Tatiana on stage, and she had to leave Elijah.

Elijah turned to see March, who surprised him.

March - We need to talk.

Elijah - Oh, what is this about?

Host - Alright, we're back! You had the chance to vote for the princess you were rooting for during the break. Let's see who the winner is.

Nika was nervous, but she felt Tatiana hold her hand, offering a smile of support.

"And the Princess of rap is..."

Silence.

"NIKA MARAJ"

The crowd cheered for her.

Nika - (Mom, I won!)

Tatiana smiled and hugged Nika, whispering, "I hate you."

Nika walked away, accepting the crown and thanking everyone for their support. The host handed her the mic, and she paused to take in the moment.

Nika - I can't believe it. I want to thank everyone who supported me. Shout out to my mother Nicki Minaj, who will always be remembered as a legend.

As she was about to continue, her speech was interrupted by a commotion.

Police - Is Tatiana Almanzar here?

Tatiana was arrested, and the crowd gasped in shock.

Nika finished her speech and went backstage where March and Elijah were waiting for her, smiling.

Nika - Damn, you two get along now?

Both boys hugged her, congratulating her and explaining the situation with Tatiana's arrest. Tatiana was the one who tried to kill them by burning their house.

Nika - She's so crazy!

Elijah - Yes, but let's not dwell on that.

Nika - Where are the others? Dad? Celine? Kanye?

March and Elijah took her to a door, revealing a surprise gathering of friends and family applauding her victory.

Nika - (I love them, I love them so much!)

"NIKA!!" "Nika, one question!" "Nika, how does it feel to be the princess!"

The media surrounded her, eager for interviews and questions.

Nika - (I'll get used to it.)"

"Nika decided to focus on her rap career and collaborated with Kanye on her first album. She declined March's invitation, but he understood and respected her decision. March and Elijah developed a close friendship and often hung out with Nika and Celine, forming a tight-knit group of best friends."