GHOSTLY Kingdom

CHAPTER 12:The AWAKENED!?

Sorry for not updating as usual but I promise to update ghostly kingdom CONNERBALISM will resume later on(writers block) we are close to the end of ghostly 👀(kidding we atleast have 20 more chapters) but anyway ENJOY CHAPTER 12

The tour had begun with the Queen showing the kids around the palace. Jackson, still bragging about his kingdom, was interrupted by his mother.

"Jacky, can you stop annoying our guests?" she admonished.

"Mom, it's Jackson," he corrected.

"It's the same thing, no big deal. Anyway, this way to the dining hall," the Queen continued, unfazed.

Grace was seen walking down the hallway, returning from the washroom. She noticed Jackson looking down, clearly disappointed about something. Concerned, she approached him and gently held his arm.

"Is everything okay?" she asked softly.

Jackson shoved her hand aside and screamed, "It's nothing! None of your business!" He walked away, leaving Grace stunned.

"I've never seen him this angry. He's always bragging about his kingdom and royalty. But I have other things to do. He'll be fine, I hope," Grace muttered to herself as she moved on.

In the dining hall, Octavia marveled at its size. "Wow, this is big. Very big, actually," she said, spotting Sammy and walking over to him. "Wow, this place is truly to die for, don’t you think, Sammy?" she added with a sarcastic smile.

Sammy responded with a smirk, "Yes, it is, Octopus. I thought you said I shouldn’t speak to you anymore. What’s going on? Got cold feet, my love?"

"That’s so tacky, Sammy. I know you can do better. Your attitude is killing, but it’s not killing me, though," Octavia shot back.

"How many brothers do you have?" she asked suddenly.

"Two. Why are you asking? You saw them. Do you like one?" Sammy replied, his eyes narrowing.

"No, I don’t do murderers," Octavia said, realizing her mistake immediately.

Sammy's face darkened. He grabbed her arm tightly. "What did you say?" he hissed.

"Let go of me, Sammy. You're hurting my hand. Let go of me," she pleaded.

"What if I refuse? What will you do? Now, tell me, what did you say? What did you call me?" Sammy demanded, his grip tightening.

Octavia, in shock, stopped struggling. "Yes, I understand. Let go, please," she said quietly.

Sammy released her hand, noticeably agitated. At that moment, the Queen announced, "Everyone may join us in the garden as they prepare lunch for you."

The students looked around, then followed the Queen to the garden. As they waited for the dining hall to be prepared, Octavia pondered the Queen’s neglect of Jackson.

She sat alone with a book, pretending to read, but hidden inside was Henry’s diary. As she read, she learned that Henry enjoyed the kingdom only because his mother made it fun. The kingdom didn't see Henry as royalty because of something terrible that had happened. As Octavia paged through, she noticed three pages were ripped out, with only the words "mommy was" visible on the first ripped page.

Sammy approached her. "What are you reading, my dear?" he asked.

Octavia, shocked, didn’t close the book. She knew if she did, Sammy would see the extra book and might cause a scene. "Anyone with eyes can see I’m reading," she replied calmly.

"Oh, sweet Octavia is upset. Don’t worry, I won’t do anything bad, I believe," Sammy chuckled.

Just then, a maid announced, "Everyone, the dining hall is ready for you to eat to your hearts' content." Everyone stood up and rushed to the dining hall, starving.

The dining hall looked completely different, amazing even. As they took their assigned seats, they waited for the Queen to make her entrance.

Their teacher, Ms. Blanche, addressed them, "Be on your best behavior, please. Especially you, Sam and Octavia." She gave them a stern look, and everyone nodded.

The Queen approached, looking lavish and elegant in a red dress with diamond patterns. "My kids, welcome to our kingdom. You may have a seat," she said.

As everyone sat down and began to eat, it was peaceful for a while. Then, the Queen called out, "Jackson, sit up straight. You’re embarrassing me in front of guests. Have you no shame?" Jackson, guilt-ridden, sat up straight.

The Queen continued to attack Jackson throughout the night. "Don’t eat like that. Don’t do that. What are you doing? You’re embarrassing me. Why were you BORN?"

Silence struck the room. Even the maids were shocked but couldn’t intervene. Octavia wiped her mouth, put her fork down, and stood up.

"You may be his mother, but how can you humiliate and say such twisted things to him? Don’t you have any shame? I see now you care only for your kingdom, which is why it looks perfect, but you can’t even take care of your own son. What type of woman—what type of queen—are you?" Octavia’s voice was steady and strong. "Jackson, don’t take such abuse from your mother. No one deserves that treatment, whether commoner or royal."

"OCTAVIA!" Jackson screamed, tears in his eyes. "It's fine, not like she will change. Please, I'm leaving. I'm going to bed. Enjoy your night, everyone."

The Queen snapped out of it and said, "Jackson, it’s all your fault. You insult to the family!"

Later, as everyone was going to bed, Ms. Blanche approached Octavia. "Good job for standing up for Jackson."

Octavia responded, "Listen, Ms. You have no right to be thanking me. I still remember when you said commoners should not be treated as royals. So, I believe you should be the last person to thank me. But anyway, thank you. The kingdoms we visited so far have taught me to never trust royals because happiness, love, and care can’t be bought. That’s what my father taught me."

"The Kingdom of the East taught me lies can get you far in life. Just be careful how you use them because the truth will be revealed one day. The Kingdom of the South taught me those who believe status is more important than family are truly selfish. Which is why I’m going to break this system and bring democracy. Not now, not tomorrow, but in the future. People will be treated equally."

As Octavia entered her room, she declared, "This girl will do anything for her dreams...and I will make sure I see a little bit of her change."

Ms. Blanche watched her go, a mix of pride and concern in her eyes.