Royals & Love | Royal Fanfictions

Prologue

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ᴏᴄᴛᴏʙᴇʀ 2014

Baronia's Richest Man, the Duke of Caminha, Dies Aged 59

Baronia's richest man, Gabriel Willard Lopez, 14th Duke of Caminha, has died aged 59, leaving a fortune valued at nearly $20 billion.

He died suddenly after suffering a heart attack at his estate in Caminha in north-west Baronia.

The duke had thrown himself into the real estate business at an early age, the better to understand and manage the source of his wealth. Over the years, his holding company, Caminha Estate, expanded internationally, with projects from Hong Kong to Vancouver.

It mourned him Wednesday as "a passionate country man, committed soldier, an excellent shot, a true entrepreneur and, importantly, he went out of his way to be courteous and humorous with all people, regardless of status or wealth."

As is usual for the Baronian aristocracy, the estate will pass more or less in its entirety to the first duchess, the (unmarried) 32 year-old Jennifer.

She will be the first Duchess of Caminha in her right instead of being married to a Duke.

Her title style will be Her Grace The Duchess of Caminha.

She is also very successful as Forbes has stated that her net worth is $8 billion. Making her the richest woman in Baronia, once she inherits her father's fortune.

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Jennifer woke up feeling sick. She immediately closed her eyes again, sighing heavily and wishing she never had to get up. But she did have to, today, more than ever. Today was her father's funeral. She could hardly believe it was even true.

No one had seen it coming, no one had expected it. It seemed so utterly impossible a concept to grasp. That one day the Duke of Caminha, could be claimed by death. It had only been a week, and everyone was still reeling from the loss.

It had caught them completely by surprise.

"Jennifer?" said an adolescent voice through the bedroom door. "Are you up?"

Jennifer sat propped against the pillows and allowed her mother to come in. Nicolette perched on the edge of the bed uncertainly.

"How are you feeling?" Nicolette asked hesitantly.

"Just great, Mum, I'm just about to bury my father. It's going to be a great day!" Jennifer answered.

Nicolette sighed and closed her eyes.

"Have you finished the eulogy?" Nicolette asked.

"Yes," Jennifer answered. "Would you like to read it?" She asked.

"No, save it for the funeral." Nicolette replied.

Jennifer nodded, rubbing her face and trying not to cry. There would be enough tears as the day continued. Sometimes she wondered if she would ever stop crying.

"Have you got your outfit picked out?" Jennifer asked.

"Yes." Nicolette answered.

"Would you help me do my hair?" Jennifer asked.

Nicolette looked up quickly and smiled, genuinely touched by the request.