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"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die..."

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 KJV

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Signing off some official documents and spinning the Royal Seal in another hand out of habit, Vincenzo felt within him that something was wrong before he heard the shouts and running footsteps.

The guards knew better than to act that way around him.

Yet, a certain fear gripped his heart of whatever news they bore—though he did not know what it was yet, he could not shake the ominous feeling in his gut.

He rose as the footsteps to his door grew louder and closer—along with the sound of an ambulance in the distance.

"Principe..."

Immediately he heard the first words, he felt his whole world spiralling, filling his mind with memories that seemed to have been erased somewhere along the line.

But he knew without the shadow of a doubt, that the memories were real, even as his royal seal dropped to the floor at the shock of the news about Violet.

How could I have been so blind to the truth all along?

It felt like a replay button had been activated in his memory.

~

"Could you repeat that?"

"Oh... sure! The verse says, "A day in THY Courts is better than a thousand..."

"Why would he rather wish to be a gatekeeper for his GOD? Surely, the tents in those days would be rather much more comfortable."

Violet perked up at the question. She always enjoyed when her knowledge—though meagre to her—of the Holy Scriptures was tested.

It intrigued her so much that she loved the thought of having such a challenge. Even if she weren't conversant with it, it helped her research more and learn more from her HEAVENLY FATHER.

And that day was one of them.

Vincenzo seemed to notice the twinkle in her gentle eyes at his question as he sipped his tea.

Sometimes, it felt as though he asked those questions just to get a glimpse of that innocent twinkle.

"Well," Violet started, smiling. "Have you ever felt so strongly about something or someone that it feels like you would rather die than live without that person or thing?"

In an instant, Vincenzo seemed to snap back into his cold hiding place. For yes, he knew that pain—and it had been reopened too harshly and too sharply.

"I guess that is seen in the Psalm..." Violet went on, the lowering of degrees unnoticed by her. "When you love GOD that deeply, you would be willing to give up—"

"Enough!" His clipped voice halted her to her shock and surprise.

Vincenzo could not bear how much of his heart seemed to be prying open before... the girl, his wife, Violet.

Maybe a day at the Circolo Reale (Royal Club) will help to calm me down.

He was soon greeted by an overly optimistic Giuseppe.

Now, I did not think I would meet him here today, Vincenzo thought distastefully.

For he knew it was an unusual day to spot him there. And after what had happened at the party, he had felt he was in no mood to be in his company.

"Grande Principe, I did not know I would find you here today."

Vincenzo had not replied.

"I—or rather, we, managed to secure the agreements we were hoping for."

Now, that got Vincenzo interested. And slowly, he began talking with him.

One thing led to another, having frequent meetings with Giuseppe and his group—including Lilith, of course.

But, despite her many advances, he had never given in to her for some reason. It was as though some Power unknown to him was holding him back from yielding.

~

It was only in that moment he realised the memories of what they had done—or almost done—to him at the party had been erased since that conversation with Giuseppe.

He had began to crave more of his company. Meeting him at every call.

And it had been replaced with a loathing in his spirit towards Violet. A feeling which had been decimated immediately the memories returned.

Vincenzo ran towards the ambulance, heedless of anyone watching him.

And seeing her seemingly lifeless form—blood dripping, flowing and coagulating into her soft hair—on the stretcher, he felt the icy walls finally topple.

Seeing her, his Violet, in that state was all it took for the several years of the pent up rage coupled with indifference and iciness to thaw and come crashing down.

No, not again. I can't lose someone I love and cherish again. Mio DIO!

Yes, the moment of truth had come and he admitted it in his heart. He cherished the girl who had stepped into his home with an unquenchable flame of Fire and Light.

The one whose words and actions showed him a clear picture of the SAVIOUR she emulated—none diminishing. Yes, that was the perfect description of Violet. A clear picture of the One she called her LORD.

And above all, finally, the Ice Prince meant it when he called upon HIS NAME—once again.

It's odd how you feel strongly about something or someone, when you lose them. But, per favore (please)... dear GOD, kindly help me.

~~~

Queen Giulia had returned home earlier than the others, not able to stand the final declaration of Violet's prognosis. She could not believe such a thing could occur.

Queen Giulia had been touched by her kind, innocent, selfless spirit which seemed to have transformed many in her little circle of a family.

She had noticed the respect even the guards and Vincenzo's secretary had for her—even the stony-hearted Clarice.

"Sweet, Innocent Violet," she whispered.

The picture of seeing her in that state lingered before her eyes, causing her heart to ache even further.

Her eyes were stained red as a guard informed her of a strange unexpected guest.

Putting herself together, she went forth to greet the man—an Uncle of the Levines, Violet's Uncle.

~~~

Once again, it was time to face their master. And Giuseppe was glad he was not at the brunt of his fury at the moment. Someone else was doing the trembling that day.

"I did everything I was asked to do," Florence whimpered, kneeling and trembling violently on the floor. "It was the same highly potent synthetic neurotoxin you made yourself and gave to me."

She wiped the perspiration off her face and gathered the courage to continue.

"Like you told me, it was colourless and odourless, which can be administered by a mere inhalation or ingestion."

"And how in the world could my masterful work, cultivated in my own yard with the blood of many human sacrifices, prove to be a failure?"

Giuseppe could feel the thunder before it struck.

"Why is she still alive!? She should be dead by now!!!" He bellowed.

The whole grounds shook and the fiery flame from their master's eyes were enough to engrave a writing on a tombstone.

"And you," the venomous voice turned to Giuseppe. "Are you done with your various attacks?! I see no results yet."

"I have one left, master," Giuseppe felt confident about this last resort. He knew it could and will work.

"I have called her Uncle over to pick and send her away."

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Song for the Chapter: MERCY SAID NO 😁

Sorry for keeping the song down here instead.

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So sorry for the short and elusive wording in this chapter.

I guess the real answer to the questions we all had in mind is finally made clear at the end of the chapter by GOD'S Grace.

Sorry, our hearts went on a real ride. Mine did too. And it seems we are not done yet.

But, by GOD'S Grace, I hope this chapter calms some hearts by HIS Mercies. Once again, so sorry that it is short.

May HE continue to lead this (virtual) pen as HE wills it. LORD knows I had to stop writing for about a month struggling with whether or not Violet would die or not.

But, by HIS Mercies, may HE forever be our Guide in this book, though fictional. May it give HIM all the Glory and be pleasing unto HIM.

I hope we are all well by HIS GRACE.

Shalom, Shalom,
Phela 🕊️🤍✨