Belly cramps.

Anne-Marie puffed her cheeks with air for a few seconds, contemplating if to just let it out and let herself breathe again. She was nervous, nervous to the point that she had given herself a belly ache. Her palms were sweaty everytime she thought about leaving that room, everytime she narrowed her gaze to the ground or took a look into the mirror and saw how the court ladies were doing all they could to make sure her royal blue dress fitted perfectly around her body while the others made sure her face was perfectly beaten and she wasn't sweaty at all.

She couldn't believe it, it was the day at last, the royal engagement day. She didn't know much since one of the royal chauffeurs had arrived at the Vutron mansion so early to pick her up and drive her all the way to the palace to get ready, but she could tell how the palace was almost filled with guests and it wasn't even twelve yet.

She even had to stay off her phone because the engagement party happened to be all everyone talked about. She remembered how she heard the guards rush out of the palace in a hurried attempt to help control the crowd at all three gates who had arrived at the palace quite early to pay their respects. She could remember how the court ladies talked about how difficult it was trying to control all those people in their great numbers. Who wouldn't want to witness the royal engagement anyway?

It was funny how she happened to be the least person interested in the royal engagement. How she was almost raped by the very man she called  uncle during the previous engagement and now, she was the one getting engaged.

Anne-Marie took a good look in the mirror. She could see the media taking the perfect shots and clips of her whole dress up session. She couldn't even believe the number of them that were outside or in the royal hall, waiting to cover the event. She placed her hand on her belly, taking a deep breath as she looked at herself once again.

She looked different.
Way different than she had ever imagined herself for be. Very...royal. Her dress was covered in rhinestones and had some parts of it, highlighted in gold while the best parts were sewn with lace. Every detail was perfect, every curve, every stitch. Her hair was wrapped up in a chignon, letting a few strands out at each side of her face while the glam team did a very good job with her make up. She was almost unrecognizable. What did she expect when the queen had made sure to prepare the very best to cover every detail of her look, down to her nails.

This was it, she was really getting engaged and not to just anyone, to the prince of Breton. She was getting engaged into the royal family and what was worse, it wasn't exactly a spot that was hers to begin with. She was nervous, her anxiety multiplied by the minute and she was having a hard time getting all that around her head.

"Your highness." She froze the moment she noticed how everyone in the room stopped whatever it was they were doing just to acknowledge the Queen as she found her way into the room looking as elegant as ever. They all bowed to show their respects. Anne-Marie gasped when she realized the Queen was walking to where she stood. She turned around immediately, right before she got closer.

"Your highness," she bowed too before Vanessa reached for her arm to stop her.

"You don't have to do that today."

Anne raised her head slowly to meet the really warm smile on Vanessa's face. She looked excited, way excited than she thought she would. It had Anne- Marie thinking about how much that engagement meant to all of them. Why was she the only unexcited one?

She was indeed beautiful. Vanessa's gown was made from the purest silk the country ever had. The black dress with red highlights here and there was everything and so was her make up, elegant. It was the first time, the first time Anne-Marie had ever seen her with her crown on. Yes, the people of Breton were old fashioned. They found a way to maintain their values as far as the royal family was concerned even with the coming of civilization. The King and Queen never attended an official event within and outside of Breton without their symbol of authority, their crown.

"Leave us." Vanessa instructed as she turned just a little bit to the court ladies that were in the room. In a second, they were all out, including the media. The smile on Vanessa's face widened as she slowly turned to Anne-Marie who happened to be extra nervous now they were both alone.

She watched Vanessa slowly reach for her hands and squeeze them, narrowing her gaze on her with a huge smile on her face.

"You look beautiful." She said. Anne-Marie's cheeks reddened.

"Thank you your highness." She said in a whisper. She remembered how Oliver had mentioned how close Paris and the Queen were, but ever since she arrived at Bostwood, she never really got to talk to the Queen like this even when she moved to the palace. She could never get used to this, to the Queen of Breton talking directly to her or holding her hand. Her heart was racing coupled with all the other anxiety attacks she was having. To think that the moment she left that room, she was going to be on TV for the whole world to see.

She had a lot to think about, a lot of questions with one question troubling her the most; what if someone recognized her?

The royal engagement was practically the face reveal of the next Queen of Breton. Even though Oliver had assured her that she had nothing to worry about, she couldn't help herself but feel worried about it.

Vanessa's weak sigh brought her attention back to her.

"I got you something." She told her and in a minute, Felicia, the Queen's loyal head of court, walked towards them with a tiny box in her hands and a smile spreading across her chubby round face. The older woman bowed slightly as she stretched the box towards her.

Anne-Marie hesitated.

She slowly reached for the box after she made sure it was okay to.

"The pendant of Queen Catherine the second."

Anne-Marie gasped when she saw how the necklace in the box shimmered right after she opened it. She couldn't believe her ears, was Vanessa right? Was that really the famous pendant of the fifth queen of Breton? Queen Catherine? One of the greatest Queens Breton had ever known?

Queen Catherine was not only the youngest queen of Breton, she was also known to be the wisest and kindest and her story was most known around the kingdom especially for her grace and unending bravery. She wasn't only a Queen, she was a warrior, who fought side by side with the King, King Ronald the first.

Queen Catherine, was the fifth out of King Ronald's three wives and his favorite. Even though she was used by her father, who was the King of Lenover as a peace bargain to king Ronald when she was only twelve years old, to unite the two kingdoms who used to be at war in the thirties.

She became the most popular out of the king's three wives after she led the war, side by side with the king against Wincolton and brought back victory to Breton. The King gave her the sapphire necklace as a reward and to show his undying affection for her and ever since then, it was passed down from Queen to queen until it got to Vanessa and now Vanessa was giving it to her.

Anne-Marie knew the story revolving around the pendant. The entire Breton knew. It was thought in all of Breton's history classes. She couldn't believe she was finally seeing the pendant with her own eyes let alone, touching it.

"Coeur du roi, the heart of the King."

Vanessa nodded her head slowly in agreement.

"I want you to keep that from now on." Vanessa went on. "So you could always remember who you are and what you're going to be. Today marks a new beginning for Breton, the forthcoming of a new administration, an administration where you'd be Queen, loyal and supportive to the prince. I chose you for a reason Paris, and after the situation at Niyagra, after I saw how you stood side by side with the prince to save them, how you protected them even with your life on the line, I was sure I made the right decision. In a few years, you would be the Queen of Breton. You would be the new mother of our people, leading them, loving them and being a shoulder to lean on for the Prince."

She reached for Anne-Marie's hands again while Anne listened attentively, too dumbfounded to even speak.

"I am grateful you didn't run away after what happened at the engagement. I'm grateful to you for sticking to Aiden after all these years, even though he has fallen short of caring about you the way you care about him. I'm grateful that you've not grown exhausted of him, of trying to win his heart. I can't thank you enough for what you did, for jumping into that bullet to save the prince at the expense of your own life but I can promise you one thing, your sacrifice would never be forgotten. I couldn't protect you back then, but I promise you that what happened, would never happen again, especially not today. You are a Royal now and your life is just as important and valuable as all our lives and we would protect you with everything that we can. "

"Your highness," Anne-Marie couldn't explain it but she suddenly felt how tears were welling up in her eyes. For that moment, it felt like it was her, like it was her she was talking to. She was touched at the Queen's sincerity. Why did she feel that way? Why had she become so emotional all of a sudden? She sniffed, trying to push the tears in her eyes back.

"Oh my, are you about to cry?" Felicia asked her as she noticed the tears lingering in her eye.

"No." Anne-Marie lied, shaking her head. Of course she wasn't about to cry in front of the Queen. She turned to Vanessa. "Can I hug you, your highness?"

Vanessa let out a jestful scoff just as Felicia chuckled. Was that it? Was that what she wanted? A hug?

"Not anyone can just hug the Queen you know." Felicia told her.

"I'm sure we can make an exception on this one Felicia." Vanessa turned to Anne-Marie. "Of course you can."

Anne-Marie sniffed and pushed herself closer to her. She hugged her as tightly as she could, making the Queen chuckle in surprise at how tight she was hugging her while Felicia just stood behind them, smiling as widely as she could.

They warmed her heart.
Finally, it was going to be a great day.

╞═════𖠁𐂃𖠁═════╡

The gates were a sea of people.

Containing the crowd outside the palace had become a monumental task, with throngs of onlookers gathering from every corner of the kingdom to witness the royal engagement. The media swarmed in droves, their cameras flashing as they captured every detail of the grand occasion. Inside, the royal hall was awash in vibrant colors and meticulously arranged decorations. Everything was unfolding according to plan, and the music—the ethereal notes from the orchestra—filled the air with an enchanting ambiance.

The royal engagement ball was not just an event; it was a spectacle. The first one had set the standard, and this one had to surpass it. Guards were stationed everywhere, their vigilance unwavering. The royal family had ensured that security was airtight, with all entrances and exits to the palace sealed, save for one. The hall was surrounded, protected against any potential threats.

Dignitaries from across the globe were in attendance. Presidents, vice presidents, ministers, lords, kings, and prestigious businessmen—all graced the event with their presence. It was reassuring to see that, despite the previous scandal, no one had dared to decline a royal invitation.

Valerie scoffed, a bitter taste lingering on her tongue.

She had deliberately missed the last engagement, choosing instead to drown her sorrows in tears. But this time, her father had insisted on her presence, wanting to show the world that their family was not retreating, not ashamed, not broken. The very thought irritated her beyond measure. She snatched a champagne flute from a passing waiter and raised it to her lips, seeking solace in the bubbly liquid.

"No drinking in public, Valerie," her father's voice cut through her thoughts, a sharp warning. Her older brother, ever the opportunist, snatched the flute from her hand and downed the contents in one swift motion.

"Hey," Valerie snapped, turning to glare at him. "I was going to drink that."

"'Hey, I was going to drink that,'" he mocked her, his tone dripping with disdain. "Grow up."

She rolled her eyes, frustration bubbling up inside her.

"Your father is right," her mother chimed in, stepping forward to adjust her father's necktie. "We don't want you getting caught on camera drinking underage. Remember where we are. You need to conduct yourself properly; this is the royal engagement, and there are eyes everywhere."

"Don't blame me," Valerie retorted, her voice tinged with bitterness. "I just can't stand being in this place."

"Well, don't blame anyone for your misfortune," Kevin interjected, his tone cold and unforgiving. "If you had kept your legs closed until after the selection, you would have been the one on the cover of the royal magazine today. You're the reason our family has faced so much disgrace these past months. You brought this on yourself."

Valerie's heart sank, her father's words cutting through her like a knife. She dropped her gaze, her anger momentarily replaced by a wave of disgust.

"At least I'm not a liar and a rapist—"

"Valerie!" her mother hissed, her tone low but commanding, as Kevin's eyes widened in shock. He hadn't expected her to go there. For a moment, he was too stunned to speak.

"And let's face it," Valerie continued, undeterred. "We all know why I wasn't chosen during the selection. It has nothing to do with my virginity; the royal family isn't that old-fashioned. It's because of what you did, Kevin. It's because the prince still despises you for it. The Queen knows he's still hurting, and she wouldn't be so cruel as to make him in-laws with someone like you. She knows it would only deepen his hatred for her and the King. He's her only dear son, after all."

She blinked twice, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of triumph and disdain as she smirked at her brother.

Kevin scoffed, trying to mask his discomfort.

"Valerie, you will stop this nonsense at once!" her mother reprimanded, her voice tense with barely contained anger. Valerie rolled her eyes, dismissing her mother's words with a huff.

"Dad," Kevin turned to their father, desperation creeping into his voice. "Dad, don't you think it's time we abandoned this stupid plan to make Valerie Queen? It's time for a better one . The prince has moved on, and the Queen and King are still determined to make Paris their choice. The Vutrons are winning this battle—"

"And who, pray tell, would be a better replacement?" Valerie's voice was icy,  Kevin glanced at Valerie, who was glaring at him with folded arms, her posture defiant.

"You?" she sneered.

"You think I wouldn't do a better job?" he shot back, his voice rising. "Come on, Valerie. We both know I'm the better option. I'm the only feasible plan we have. I'm the only one who can give Father what he truly wants. We've tried everything—Dad even tried to get rid of Paris—"

"Kevin!" Fabian's voice cut through the air like a whip. Kevin clamped his mouth shut, realizing too late that he had said too much. He turned to his father, who was scanning the room, making sure no one had overheard their conversation. The last thing they needed was for their secrets to be exposed.

Fabian grabbed Kevin by the lapels of his jacket, pulling him close.

"Let me remind you, boy, that we are in the presence of the King. And when you're in the presence of the King, you are surrounded by enemies who would do anything to gain favor with him. Do you need me to spell out the consequences of our actions? If the King ever finds out what happened weeks ago, we will all lose our heads. I will die, and the rest of you will be exiled to Nothenland. Do you understand why it's crucial for you to watch your mouth from now on?"

Kevin dropped his gaze, shame washing over him.

"I'm sorry, Father," he muttered, too embarrassed to meet Fabian's eyes. Valerie scoffed quietly, a smirk playing on her lips. She had known he would slip up.

Fabian released his grip on Kevin's jacket, giving his shoulders a firm squeeze as he spotted Oliver and Denise approaching, arms intertwined. Talk about the devil.

"We'll discuss this later," Fabian whispered, straightening up and forcing a smile as Oliver and Denise reached them.

"Fabian," Oliver greeted him, his tone polite but laced with an undercurrent of tension. He extended his hand for a shake.

"Oliver," Fabian replied, matching Oliver's tone as he grasped his hand.

"Esther," Denise nodded at Valerie's mother with a warm smile, though her eyes were sharp and watchful.

"Denise," Esther returned the greeting, embracing Denise and exchanging air kisses on each cheek. The tension between the two families was palpable, hidden beneath layers of false pleasantries. Valerie could practically taste the insincerity in the air, and it made her skin crawl. The charade was exhausting.

"It's an honor to see you accepted our invitation," Oliver said, his voice measured.

"Of course," Fabian replied smoothly. "We wouldn't miss the royal engagement for anything, especially considering how the first one ended. It's admirable that your family is so persistent in holding on to certain positions."

"Of course," Oliver said, his tone unyielding. "The Vutrons don't back down from a fight. We've never lost a battle, and we're not about to start now. My daughter, Paris, is destined to be Queen. She was chosen by the Queen herself to carry on her legacy. Not even a few bullets can stop her."

Valerie stifled a groan, rolling her eyes in irritation. The Vutrons' arrogance was insufferable, and it was no wonder Paris had inherited such an inflated ego. It was genetic.

"Oh yes," Fabian continued, his smile widening. "Paris is certainly a fighter. She must have inherited that trait from you, Oliver."

"You can say that again," Oliver replied, his tone edged with pride.

"Kevin," Valerie interjected, turning to her brother with a mischievous grin. "Remember how you used to have a crush on Paris when we were younger?"

Kevin stiffened, his eyes darting nervously between the adults before returning to Valerie. What was she doing? Why was she bringing that up now?

"You were so smitten with her back then," Valerie continued, relishing his discomfort. "You had a crush on her for what, five years? Maybe longer?"

Kevin chuckled nervously, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. He cast another quick glance at Oliver and Denise, who were watching the exchange with frowns etched on their faces.

"Don't be ridiculous, Valerie," he mumbled, trying to laugh it off. "That was a long time ago."

"Really?" Valerie's smile widened as she leaned in, her voice dripping with mockery. "Don't lie, Kevin. You still have pictures of her on your bedroom wall."

Kevin's face turned crimson, his embarrassment was palpable, and he nudged her with his elbow, silently begging her to stop. The humiliation was unbearable.

Valerie had to press a hand to her mouth to suppress the laughter threatening to burst out. She lived for moments like this, where she could humiliate her older brother and watch him squirm. It was her little revenge for all the times he had lorded over her.

but Fabian's forced chuckle masked the underlying tension.

Oliver's smile faded, and his tone turned cold.

"It seems my son still harbors some feelings for your daughter," he joked, his gaze shifting to Oliver. "Ah, kids," Fabian said, his smile faltering slightly.

Oliver's expression remained unyielding as he responded with a thin smile.

"It's unfortunate for Kevin then, that Paris has her sights set much higher these days."

The barb hit its mark, and Valerie could see the irritation flare in Fabian's eyes, though he quickly smothered it with another smile.

"Indeed," he replied, his voice laced with a thinly veiled edge.
"it's impressive how quickly Paris recovered after such a tragic incident. I was concerned she might not recover at all."

Oliver's gaze sharpened, and the air between the two men crackled with unspoken animosity.

"Why, Fabian, were you hoping that she wouldn't?"

For a moment, the two men simply stared at each other, the tension between them thick and heavy. Then, as if on cue, they both forced out stiff, humorless laughs, the sound hollow and false in the grand hall.

"Perhaps one day," Fabian began, his tone smooth but his eyes dark, "the Vutrons and the Westrovs will find a way to work together for a common cause."

"Perhaps," Oliver agreed, extending his hand once more. "One day."

As the two men exchanged handshakes, the pretense of civility barely holding, Valerie could see her father's jaw tighten, the smile on his face a brittle mask. But the Vutrons had won this round, and it was clear that neither Oliver nor Denise had any intention of letting Fabian forget it.

Fabian, however, was not one to show his hand so easily. He turned back to Kevin and Valerie, his eyes steely with determination.

"We'll talk more at home," he said in a low, firm voice that brooked no argument.

Valerie and Kevin exchanged glances, the weight of their father's words settling over them like a dark cloud. The Vutrons had won this round, but the Westrovs were not finished yet. There was a long game being played here, and both families knew that every move counted.

Valerie allowed herself one last glance at Paris's parents. They were talking quietly now, their expressions serious. The Vutron pride was evident in every gesture, every word, but underneath it all, Valerie could sense their wariness. They knew, just as well as the Westrovs did, that nothing was guaranteed. Not even Paris's future as Queen.

Valerie's lips curled into a bitter smile. This was far from over. And she was ready to play her part, whatever that might be.