A Secret Heir

Chapter 17, Masquerade Ball

Warning ⚠️⚠️  Character death? Gunfire.

Adam’s POV

I give Karyn’s number a call. I was delighted that the press statement went well. Karyn answers quickly,

“Hello my King. What’s going on?”  Karyn asks with interest,

“With the press statement going well. Are you with Ryler and Zoey at the boutique.” Karyn chuckles,

“Yes,  we are.” I chuckle, over the line.

“I’ll be there in a few minutes. “

We hung up, I head to the boutique.  Upon arrival, Rylee and Zoey were in the changing area. I see a chair next to Karyn, I sit down,  pulling her onto my lap.

“Did you see Selena at the press release?” Karyn nods,

“I did. I bet she was disappointed that you were ahead of her story.” I chuckle,

“I don’t care if she release the story.  I would never trade you to prevent a story from being published.” Karyn giggles,

“I’m grateful. I adore Rylee and Zoey. I hope they like the dresses I picked out.”

A few minutes later,  Rylee and Zoey came out in a pink and black organza gowns. They wore black masks with small pink stones.  They looked beautiful.

“Those gowns look beautiful on the two of you.”

Karyn chimes cheerfully, Zoey jumps up and down with excitement. She sings happily,

“Pwetty! Mommy is pwetty!” We all chuckle at her excitement.

“Are you happy with these choices Rylee?” I ask with  interest,

“This is the third set I’ve tried on. I really like this one the best.” I nod,

“Well, consider the dresses yours. Zoey looks like a princess doll. Would you mind if Zoey wears a small crown?” Rylee  gives a small smile,

“Yes, since she’s being honored.”

I motion for Karyn,  to bring  one of the crowns to try on. She found a small pink one with small diamonds on it. Rylee approved of it. We wrapped  the gowns and crown up. I asked Tony to take them home. For Dylan wasn’t done at the stables.

“Rylee,  besides your interview with Selena. Have you heard from her since ? She was at the press release.

“Rylee shakes her head, laughing.

“She brought the pictures of the wedding at the interview.. I bet she’s frustrated that she didn’t get the story out before you. Believe me you have a wonderful queen.  Selena seems to be a good gold digger.“ With that Rylee and Zoey  leave the palace with Tony. I sent a text message to Dylan.

Adam: Hey, bro… Rylee and Zoey are on their way home to the cabin  via Tony.

Dylan: Thanks. I’ll be leaving the stables in around thirty minutes.

I close the text app. I smile at my queen,

“Karyn my queen, let’s get ready to head to our quarters. Did you pick your dress?” Karyn giggles,

“All I’ll tell you is that the color is dark royal blue. If that helps you.”

I shake my head, I know it’ll  help me know what color shirt to we
ar.

****Week Later, Event****

A couple  of days before the ball, Rylee, Dylan,  and Zoey came to spend  overnight. It was to have them close and for some more dance lessons.
I wanted them to learn the  Antipaxos swirl waltz. The signature dance upon royals and nobility.  Dylan grumbles, but he had been to enough balls to know what happens.

As we watch them being  trained. Poor Dylan kept ste wpping on Skylar’s toes,

“Eh… sorry,  Skylar.. I don’t mean to step on your toes. “ Skylar giggles  at his words,

“it’s all part of learning.”

When the two of them were getting  the hang of the steps. So Franklin clears his throat,

“Your majesties, would you mind joining me so we can see how that they handle the exchange of her partners.” I turn to Karyn,

“My Queen, may I have this dance?” Karyn smiles up at me.” She takes my hand, where we walk towards the others.

Karyn’s POV

We walk up to the other dancers. Though I started dancing with Adam in the beginning, during the exchange I ended up with Dylan. As we were dancing,  I ask.

“Dylan,  how is it going?” He gives me a sheepish grin.

“Well, I keep stepping on  Skylar’s toes. I guess okay.” I could tell that Dylan was tense as we danced.

“Dylan, please just relax and you’ll do fine.” As the song ends, Franklin chimes in.

“It looks like that Dylan and Rylee are now ready.” We separate  to get ready for the masquerade ball.

****Night of the Ball****

Selena’s POV

After I submitted my story to Macy. I smile at myself. I wonder if the king will be able to deal with this kind of stain. The next day. I called Nathan. He answers on the second ring.

“Hello,  this is Duke Nathan,  how may I assist you?” A deep but whiny voice answers,

“Hello,  Duke Nathan.  This is Selena from World press Trending. I met during the Zinn engagement party. I could see with my own eyes, that you seem attracted to Rylee.? Am I right?”

I hear Nathan chuckle on the line. There is a smile on my face,

“Yes, I am drawn towards  Rylee. I do not care that she is married.“ I frown to myself,

“So what was so intense with you and the king? I have my eye on him.” Nathan chuckles,

“Does the dear Selena want to be Queen?” I giggle at his words,

“Yes, I would love for that.. But he keeps picking Karyn. I’m nor sure what to do.” Nathan sighs contently,

“The King wanted me to pressure Rylee to let  her daughter be a princess.  But now that isn’t an issue. But I’ve come with a plan where I can be with her. Maybe if it’s done correctly,  you could be with the king.”  I frown, but very thoughtful.

“Please tell me your plans…:” He goes  into what he was thinking.  I love his plan…

“Is there any way I can assist you?” Nathan You n chuckles.

“You can be my plus one.” I smile,
“When is it?” Nathan sighs,

“Tonight. Do you need a gown?”  I thought for a moment,

“There’s a boutique here in the hotel. I can get one there.”  Nathan sighs with a smile,

“I’ll pick you up in the front of the hotel at 7pm.” I smile at this,

I “I will be ready and waiting for you.

I went to the hotel’s boutique to see what gowns they have. I found  a black halter dress that has criss cross straps with low back. There was a long slit to show my leg.

The dress fit me perfectly.  It was between mermaid and a A line. I took a shower, and then went to the beauty shop to have my nails and hair done. Then one of them did my make up.

I went back to my room to put  on my dress. I was impressed on how  I looked. Around 6:50 pm, I head towards the hotel entrance.

And right at 7pm, a black limo pulls up. The driver gets out to open the door. And Duke Nathan steps out. I felt like I need to curtsy. He takes  my hand kissing it. We get into the limo, heading towards the palace.

*****At The Palace ******

Adam’s POV

From what I knew, Dylan, Rylee and Zoey were getting ready in the family suite in the palace.

I left my study,  to get dressed. I wore the black tux with a red banner,  but my bow tie was the same color of Karyn’s dress.

I dressed in the guest room, to give her privacy. She really loves the dress, she’ll be surprising me with this dress. When I was ready, I knock on the door.

“Love,  I’m ready . I’ll  meet you at the bottom of the stairs.” I hear a muffled voice.,

“Yes, my King. I’ll  behind you in a few minutes.“ I smile,  I was so excited  to see her.

Around five minutes later,  I look up at the top of the royal staircase.  I see the most beautiful queen in blue with a black/blue mask.

When Karyn reaches the bottom of the staircase, I take her into  my arms kissing her tenderly.  I smile down at her,

“Are you ready to celebrate  honoring Zoey?” Karyn smiles at me,

“Yes, I am. This is a wonderful.”

We walk towards the ballroom. The four of us  Agreed that  Rylee and i will be walking in together, with Zoey. Mostly because they are her parents.

I notice that  Karyn didn’t seem to care. I know that she adores Zoey.  I instruct the announcing servant what to announce. When we were ready, he proceeds.

“May I have your attention. Please help me welcome His Royal Majesty King Adam with Lady Rylee Zinn and crown princess Zoey Tomas.”

I walk in holding Zoey, with Rylee beside me. Then I the servant announcing.

“Please welcome Sir Dylan Zinn and Her Majesty Queen Karyn Tomas.”
Rylee,  Zoey and I stand to the side waiting for Dylan and Karyn to join us.

When they do. We head to the front of the ballroom. Karyn  taps a spoon against a glass. Now we have their attention 

“Attention everyone!! We are gathered here to welcome and present to all of you Antipaxos own crown princess Zoey Tomas.”

I could see that Zoey  was very nervous. I whisper to her affectionately,

“Zoey Bear, just wave and say hello. People will love to see how sweet you are.” 

Zoey gives a bright smile to everyone with a small wave that was very precious.

“Hello everyone.“

Everyone cheers when she does this. Shyness overcomes her, burying her face into my shoulder. Everyone awwws at her acting this way. I hand Zoey over to Rylee.

We were serve things I know that Dylan and Rylee  love. She feeds Zoey. After  the dinner,  Sage takes Zoey to care for her along with  her son.
Soon after  Zoey left, the Antipaxos Swirl Waltz starts. As I notice that Rylee and Dylan did well.

After a small break Karyn and I were joining them . A new song comes on, that I know Karyn enjoys to dance to. I hear Rylee ask Dylan,

“May I have a dance.” Dylan chuckles,

“Eh… when did you start liking to dance.” 

He does take Rylee out to the dance floor. As the four of us were dancing,  we hear a popping noise.

Then I see Rylee start falling . When the couple hit the floor. I see that Dylan’s hand was red.

“Rylee!!! Rylee!! Please wake up!”

Dylan cries out, as  Karyn, David and I rush  up to them. Tony calls for medical assistance. I see Duke Nathan  with a gun with Selena by his side.
Dylan screams in anger,

I hear more popping sounds.  And I feel being pushed down.  After I hit the floor,  I notice that Karyn down beside me. I take ahold of her,

“Karyn!! Please stay with me!” I tell Karyn, as I hold her.

“Adam , please… save baby.. I love you…”  Karyn whispers,  as her eyes flutter close.  I look over to Dylan,

“Why Dylan??” I plead with him, as he snarls at me.

“it’s your fault,  Adam!!!!”

The paramedics work on both women.  They took Karyn first, she was worst and pregnant. I tell David I’ll ride with the queen. He told me he would join me after making sure Nathan was secured.
I hear Dylan  tell David,

“Why would you let him leave. This is his fault.“ David quickly quiets  him,

“if the majesty is involved. We have Nathan.”

I climb into the ambulance,  when we get into traffic, I hear the paramedics in back say…

“Driver, speed up!!! The queen is… flatling!!”