The Heirs

Ethan: Pressure

This series of stories takes place after the Road to Coronation and all other stories that I have written and will cover the next generation of characters. At this point in the timeline Sofia and Hugo's son, Ethan is 15 but is close to his 16th birthday and attending the Corinthian Sports Academy like his dad did. His brother Alden is 13 in his last year of Royal Prep, and his younger sisters, Emma and Mia, are 11. James and Clio's oldest son, Andrew, is 15 years old, attending Chivalry Hall, and their daughter Ella is 9. Amber and Desmond's twins, Aidan and Della are 14, both attending Everrealm Academy, and their youngest daughter Lorelei is 10, in the same year as Ella in Royal Prep. Hildegard and Zandar's daughter, Amara is 14 years old and also attends Everrealm Academy and is courting Andrew.

Chapter 1:

(Ethan POV) -Albuquerque-

I got home from school and plopped down on my bed sore from the grueling day. Flying derby. Enchanted Ice Dancing. Hockey. Back to back to back. My muscles were sore from going at this pace but, I loved it. I loved the rush I felt flying across the finish line, or when I landed another fireball flip or when I scored a hat trick. The one part about sports I didn't like was when people found out who my parents were, "Your the son of King Hugo and Queen Sofia... They are legends... No wonder you are so naturally gifted." I wanted them to see the blisters on my feet, the bruises along my torso and every broken bone I every received when they said that. I earned this and I am sick of getting cheap shotted at every turn.

I heard a knock on the door, "Come in." I said not bothering to get up. "Hey baby," I sat up and saw my Mom walk in. I smiled as she came further into my room. "How are you feeling? I know that it is hard on Wednesdays when you have all three practices," she said sitting down next to me. I loved moments like these with her. My mom is different than most other royal parents from what I had heard. She doesn't care about what others think about us as long as we are happy and I know when she asked me questions like those it was because she genuinely wanted to hear the answer. I stretched out my back, "Nothing I can't handle. I'll probably hit the rink later once I catch my second wind." She shook her head with a smile, "Just make sure you are cleaned up in time for dinner." "Of course Mom," I said.

I then heard the door squeak open more, "Hey champ, how was practice?" Dad asked walking in. "It was good. Coach Jackson is still asking if you would come down for a demonstration," I shrugged. Dad sat next to Mom, "I don't know. What do you think my Queen can we still show these kids how it is done on the Enchanted Ice Rink?" Mom laughed, "Maybe before the twins. Now I think it is up to you and Ethan over here." Dad and I rolled our eyes. Mom was always doing that. Saying she wasn't as good as she used to be when we were younger and that I am better than she ever was. "Mom you are amazing, I'm sure you can show those royals a thing or two" I said. "I completely agree," Dad added wrapping his arms around Mom. "Well, I'm going to go down to our rink and practice some more I have an Ice Dancing competition in a few weeks that I need to get ready for," I said standing up. Mom and Dad smiled and nodded at me. As I slung my bag over my shoulder and went outside.

(Sofia POV)

I watched Ethan as he left the room and smiled. My baby had grown up so much, I couldn't help but worry about him something inside me knew he wasn't happy. "Hey," Hugo said regaining my attention, "what are you thinking about?" "Nothing important," I smiled, "I just have a headache." Hugo shook his head, "Sofia it is always important." I stood up dusting myself off, "I'm going to check on the girls and finish the paperwork in my office." Hugo grabbed my arm, "Sofia what's wrong?" "I told you I have a slight headache," he gave me a look letting me know he didn't believe me. I sighed, "I'm just worried about him. He is working himself to death." Hugo sighed, "Sofia, Ethan is going to be fine. You are the one I'm worried about. How are you today?" "Hugo I'm fine." He shook his head, "Neither of us are ever fine today of all days." I glared at him, "Hugo, I'm fine. It was 18 years ago." Hugo nodded his head, "Yeah and I know that it still hurts every anniversary." Tears started to break the surface of my eyes and Hugo pulled me into an embrace. "I miss her too." "Clara," escaped my mouth as we held onto each other in the quiet of Ethan's room. We had told Ethan and Alden about their older sister but we tried not to be upset about it in front of them, it was our demon to deal with not theirs.