Reigning Love. (A Sequel To Boundless Love) (Christian Romance).

|| 21 || THE CALM. 💜

"The story is told of a judge who was famous for the way he impartially interpreted the law. One day however, he found himself facing the hardest case he had ever had to deal with. The defendant sitting in his courtroom charged with a capital offence was non other than his own son! Everyone in the town was watching the case with interest to see if the judge would remain impartial, now that his own son was at the receiving end. The famous judge quietly listened to all the heart wrenching testimony and evidence. Finally with tears in his eyes, he pronounced the just sentence. "Guilty on all counts!" All were amazed. Their amazement deepened even further when the judge took off his robe, walked across the courtroom to his son's chair, offered his hands to the policeman and said, "Let him go. Take me instead. I will face the consequences on his behalf." Halima looked up from her book, eyes searching mine. I nodded willing the prickly tears away. It had only been a day since I accepted Christ and I just couldn't stop crying. After Ryan had led me into prayer, we had spent the rest of the afternoon in his study. I had a lot of questions and he did his best to answer. Our session had only ended after Halima sauntered in, carrying thier daughter. She had joined Ryan in the joy for my salvation, promising to continue with the question and answer session the following day.

So here we sat, in their living room. Freya was sleeping in a crib next to me, Ryan and Halima sitting on the couch across from us. After breakfast that morning, they had found me a bible and some study guides.

"Who loves that much?" I asked thinking back to the unbelievable story.

"Niq, in this case, that judge represents God. He loves us to that extent and even more. He loves us even when we rebel. His love is so great that he spent his own wrath on himself. Just like the judge in this case who took up the sons punishment, Jesus did the same for you and I so we can experience a full life here on earth and more so eternity." Said Ryan.

"Why though? I didn't do anything to deserve any of that."

"None of us did. That's just who He is. All we have to do is accept it and continue abiding in him."

"So what now?" I sat back watching them. "I mean, what do I do now?"

"Well, the advice would be to join a good bible based church but we haven't seen one yet in Garviland and believe me we have looked. So in the meantime, read your bible then the three of us will meet at least once a week and share, as we wait on the Lord to show us what to do about a good church."

"Bible based church? There are tones of churches in Garviland. Why not join one of those?"

"Yes there are churches here but we need one that teaches bible truths not tradition or religion."

I was about to ask another question when the main door flew open startling all four of us. Giovanni hurried into the room, his face contorting with rage. "Thank God you are okay!" He said quickly closing the gap between us and enveloping me in a hug.

"Of course I'm okay, What's going on?" I said pulling myself out of his deathly embrace.

"Have you not watched the news?"

"Not since...uhm, two days ago...I guess."

"Well I suggest you watch right now!" He picked himself from the crouched position and reaching for the remote control on the table, flicked on the television. He quickly scanned the channels and settled on the news channel. Displayed on the screen was non other than mine and Mario's portraits. Below it read the words "Miscarriage in Paradise!" That image was quickly replaced by one of Mario holding a press conference. His countenance was shadowed with grief. Tears streaking down his cheeks. "What happened sir?" A reporter asked.

Mario took his time answering him. He bowed his head, and dramatically let out a sob. Someone extended their handkerchief wielding hand which he gladly took, then proceeded to blow his nose. "It's sad what has happened to those two families." He started after composing himself. "I have called for an emergency council meeting, with the Queen's permission. We will come to a solution and have them apprehend the culprit's involved."

"How is the Princess fairing after the miscarriage?" Asked another reporter.

"She...sh...she's not doing well. As you can imagine. She needs time from her normal routine. So by the order of the Queen Dowager, I will be taking over my wives duties until she gets back to full health. Now if you will excuse me, I have a meeting to attend." He alighted from the mini podium and disappeared behind the palace walls.

"Well, there you have it, viewers. The popular Princess Diamonique and soon to be crowned Queen has lost her first heir. Her broken up husband staying strong and filling in for his wife in all matters state...Now back to our panel, is it safe to say that maybe the stress of the throne caused the miscarriage?" The screen turned black, as Giovanni placed the remote back to its previous position.

"What's going on?" Halima broke the silence after a few moments.

"There was an attack late last night. In Muthaigale, the duke was hosting a party for his friend the duke of Rundville. Both Dukes and their family members were there. Gun men stormed the compound killing several people. Some escaped but its bad Niq really bad."

"What? How comes nobody called me?"

"I have been calling you since I first received the news. Your phone is off, in fact all your phones aren't going through including the security and help staff. I thought something happened to you guys. Maybe another attack!" Gio said frantically pacing the open space.

We all pulled out our phones, sure enough the signal bar was low. "I don't have a signal," I said looking at my friends.

"Neither do we."

"I need to go, I don't understand what Mario is pulling with that miscarriage stunt. It was one thing to let him lie to the council the first time but not anymore. Neither do I get why mum would give him that kind of authority. She ought to hold those conferences herself, or delegate someone already in the lineup for the throne, that is if I am indisposed. Of which I am not and I had left you in charge Gio, what happened?"

"I don't know, one minute I'm trying to catch up in the office and next, Mario's calling the shots. I tried to reach your mum, she refused to see me!" Gio said slumping onto a vacant seat.

"Tell security, we are leaving right now. I need to change." I said heading for the stairs.

My temporary room was neatly organized and so I easily located my things. Before long I was out of my pajamas and in decent office wear, bounding down the staircase. The scene that greeted me in the previously calm living room was one that served to confuse me further. Giovanni was frantically banging on the closed door while Ryan was going from window to window trying to open them. Halima stood in the middle of the room, holding Freya tight. Confusion evident in her countenance.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"The door's locked!"

"The windows too!"

"Uhm, use a key." I said not understanding the dilemma.

"Key's not going through and the windows seem to be sealed shut." Said Halima.

"The guards outside are just ignoring us. I mean this thing isn't exactly sound proof so I know they can hear me but they aren't responding." Said Giovanni banging on the door some more.

"I'll check the other doors." Said Ryan who went to try all other outlets. Minutes of frustrated pounding passed before he descended the stairs in defeat. "They are all locked. Every single one of them. Even the windows in the attic...The in-house staff has disappeared too!"

"What?" Halima asked.

"We are locked in!" Said Giovanni in a whisper.

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Thank you for reading and for the feedback, I love you guys. God bless you all. 😘😘😘😘😘.

June.