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khoicesbyk · 1 year

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The Royal Romance.

Love Everlasting.

A/N: I had a different name and plot for this fic over a year ago. But after being in the RP community for more than a year, I've decided to write the current Royal Life of my favorite OTP.

Rated: Mature (at times can and will be Explicit. I'll be sure to change the rating when and if that happens). | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual. Y'all should be used to this from me by now 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: King Marquise Rys (LI) and Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and original characters created by me and/or other authors [their characters have been mentioned and/or used in the story with their permission] ) are property of Pixelberry.

Current Word Count: 7K words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or dm me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘

This series is rated Mature and/or Explicit. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

Missing a chapter or want to read a chapter again? I got you covered! Click ——> Here!

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @shewillreadyou @txemrn @busywoman @peonierose @twinkleallnight

Chapter 13.) A Royal Debut.

Marquise felt like time had stood still. He couldn't breathe. His palms were sweaty. His heart raced. He was in total shock.

“Your Majesty?” Dr. Ramirez asks.

He blinked himself back to reality.

“Say hello to your son, my King.”

He looked at his wife’s OB and it still didn't register.

Not until she placed the tiny newborn in his arms.

“Congratulations to you and Her Majesty.”

He looked down at the baby in his arms.

“My son…my son…”

He gently ran his thumb over the soft skin of the baby’s cheek.

“You're here. You’re really here.”

His vision blurred as his eyes welled up with tears.

“My boy. My sweet beautiful boy. You’re here.” he said as he broke down into tears.

His dream had finally come true. Shanelle had given birth to their eldest son. And the baby boy was safe in his arms. While his heart celebrated the birth of his second son, it also still mourns the death of his first.

“Look at you. Look at how beautiful you are.” he said as he cried, “You’re so tiny. And so precious.”

Marquise didn't want to put him down but he knew his wife was anxious to hold him. He gently placed the baby in her arms where she lost it.

“My baby. My beautiful baby. You’re here. You’re real.” she said as she cradled their son.

This was an answered prayer. They prayed for this moment. Ever since they lost their first child. And now that prayer has been answered.

“Your Majesties?” their nurse asked, breaking their reverie.

Shanelle looked up at the nurse.

“Do you have a name for your son?” she asks.

Shanelle nodded as she took a steadying breath.

“Yes. His name is Kylo Jeremiah Rys.” Shanelle replies.

The nurse nodded as she wrote his name down.

“Very well. I will register his name and give you both a few minutes. We still have one more to go.”

Shanelle nodded before looking down at their son.

“Kylo Jeremiah Rys,” she whispered.

Marquise wrapped his arms around her and their baby.

“First Prince Of Cordonia.” Marquise quipped.

Shanelle smiled tearily.

“Eldest Son Of The King Of Cordonia.”

“First Heir Of The Queen Of Cordonia.”

“First Heir Of The Queen?” she asks.

“Yes. The twins are officially your heirs to the throne. After all, The Royal Family is essentially two families in one. And Because Khari is my heir to the throne. Or at least the boys will be once the paperwork is filed. So no one can say our children aren't the heirs.”

Shanelle smiled softly at her husband.

“Congratulations my love, you finally have your son.”

Marquise looked at her as she held the baby close to her heart.

“All because of you. You gave me our son. This beautiful boy is here because of you.”

“I don't want to let him go. I just want to stay in this moment forever.”

She kissed their son's forehead before handing him back to his father.

“My sweet boy. I swear to you that I will always be here. I will always love you. I will always protect you. I will always defend you.” he said with tears in his eyes. “I refuse to fail you. Like I failed your brother.”

Shanelle laid her head on his shoulder, rubbing his arm.

“I wasn't there for him or your mother. I couldn't save him. I failed him. And I will never forgive myself for that. But with God as my witness, I swear I will never fail you, your brother, or your sister. I will never be able to forgive or live with myself if I ever do.”

He held his son close to his heart as tears streamed down his face.

“I love you so much, my beautiful little love. You will always be safe in my arms.”

He was obsessed. His son is here. He's safe. He's healthy. He's alive. This moment is what Marquise asked, begged, and prayed to God for.

When Kylo quietly fell asleep in his arms, Marquise handed him to the nurse who had quietly reentered the room.

“I promise you, Your Majesty, we will take good care of the little Prince while you wait for his brother,” she said, smiling warmly.

Marquise nodded before going to check on his wife.

“How are you feeling my love?” he quietly asked.

“Exhausted. Elated. Scared. Still wondering if I'm dreaming.” Shanelle replied.

“I know. I'm still in shock.”

She looked at him, tears shining in her eyes.

“We did it, baby. We finally have the son we prayed for.”

Marquise shook his head.

“You. You did it. You blessed our family. I am eternally grateful to you. For your love. For your grace. For your poise. For your patience. And for your sacrifice. Our family is complete because of you.”

“You deserve credit too, Marquise.”

“No, I don't. I didn't do anything. You did. You nurtured our children. Followed the orders and advice of your doctors. Even when you were exhausted from the process, you stayed the course. All I did was watch you go through the emotions and physical changes. Our children…our family is blessed because of you.”

“You still deserve credit. Everything I felt, I took it out on you. And I'm sorry. But after 9 months look at where we are. Our son is here. And soon his brother will be too.”

Shanelle took a breath.

“Are you okay, love?” he asked.

“Yeah, but I think he's ready. Go get the nurse,” she replies.

Marquise nodded before going to get her nurse and Doctor Ramirez.

“Well, my Queen. This is it. Are you ready?” Dr. Ramirez asked Shanelle.

“Yes. I'm ready to meet my baby,” she replied.

“My King, are you ready?” Dr. Ramirez asked him.

“Beyond ready!” he replied.

“Okay. Take a deep breath my Queen. And on the count of three, you’re going to push. One…two…three…Push!”

Shanelle took a deep breath, squeezed her husband’s hand, and pushed with everything she had in her. And soon a baby’s cry was heard. When Shanelle looked up, Dr. Ramirez held their son in her arms.

“Congratulations again Your Majesties. Your son is here.”

Shanelle’s vision blurred as the tears welled in her eyes. The moment she had been patiently waiting nine whole months for was finally here. Her sons, her Princes, her boys, her babies, are finally here. They're alive. They're healthy. They're safe. After Marquise cut the cord, Dr. Ramirez placed the baby in her arms, she thought she would drop him. He was so little.

“Look at you. Look at how small you are. My son. You’re here. You’re actually here.”

She was enamored with him.

“No wonder I had so much heartburn and indigestion. You and your brother have heads full of beautiful hair.”

There was no bigger joy than this.

“You're so small. I never thought I could love someone this much.”

Shanelle looked at her husband who was in tears himself.

“Say hello to your Daddy baby. He's been waiting to meet you,” she whispered to the baby.

“My Queen. Do you have a name for the baby?” her nurse asked.

“Yes. His name is Zyon Shomari Rys.” Shanelle replied.

The nurse nodded.

“It's a beautiful name for him, ma'am. Congratulations again to you and His Majesty.”

Shanelle smiled at her nurse before turning to her husband.

“Come meet your son.”

She gently placed the baby in his arms and he was a mess of tears all over again.

“I love you. I love you so much little one. I can't believe you’re here. You and your brother are here. I asked God for one healthy baby and he gave me you two. You and Kylo. My sweet boys. My loves. Thank you for choosing me and your mother. I will always love you. I will always protect you. I will always defend you. You, your brother, and your sister are the reasons why my heart beats.”

Soon the newborn was on his way to the nursery and His Majesty was just beside himself. His wife had safely and successfully given birth to their children. He was in awe of her. Her power, her patience, her strength, all of it enamored him.

He pulled his chair up to her bed as he looked at his wife and she smiled at him.

“What is it?” she asked softly.

“You. You amaze me. You mesmerize me.” he replied as he gently ran a thumb across her forehead, “I know you’re exhausted. But I…I just want you to know how eternally grateful I am for you. You did it. You pushed through an unimaginable pain to bring our boys into this world. They're here because of you. I love you so much. I will never be able to repay you for giving me the ultimate gift of fatherhood.”

He gently took her left hand in his, wrapped his right arm around her, and laid his head against hers.

“I don’t know what I did to deserve you. But I will never stop loving or appreciating you. You are the love, strength, and backbone of our family.”

Marquise squeezed his eyes shut to hold back tears.

“My Warrior. My Goddess.”

“A Warrior Goddess?” she asked.

“Who needs Xena when I have you?” he replies.

She chuckled softly before letting out a yawn.

“You must be exhausted, my love. So get some rest.”

“Stay with me? At least until I fall asleep.”

He kissed her forehead softly.

“I am at your side, My Queen. I am always at your side.”

He held her until he heard her snoring lightly. He felt as if his heart would explode when he looked at her. He watched her chest rise and fall peacefully as she slept. He moved a few stray strands of hair from her face.

“Je t'aime mon amour. Je suis entièrement et entièrement à vous. Je serai toujours à toi. Merci pour tout ce que vous m'avez toujours donné,” he whispered, before kissing her forehead and quietly leaving her room.

Once outside Marquise took a deep steadying breath. The reality of the situation was starting to set in. He's a father again. There was no more waiting for his sons to arrive. They're here. And he still has so much to do. He has to formally announce their births but first, he has to tell their daughter.

When Marquise finally arrived back at the residence of the palace, he was greeted by Margo and Shanelle’s parents.

“Why are the three of you still awake?” he asked.

“They were waiting to hear from you. I'm just here as moral support,” Damien replies.

Marquise snorted.

“Well?” Shantel and Margo ask impatiently.

Marquise chuckled before choking up again.

“They're here. My boys are finally here,” he replied.

Margo and Shantel looked at each other before squealing happily at the news.

“That is fantastic! Congratulations Your Majesty.” Damien said to Marquise.

The grandmothers couldn't get enough of the news.

“They're here! Our grandsons are here.” Margo exclaimed.

“This is everything we wanted to hear. Our grandbabies are here.” Shantel added.

Margo hugged her son.

“Congratulations my son. Your family has been blessed beyond measure. And you…you finally have the sons you always wanted.”

He hugged her.

“Merci Maman. You are as much a part of my family as anyone. Je t'aime.” he said to Margo.

“Je t'aime aussi mon garçon. Papa serait si fier. Et ta mère aussi.” she replies.

“You look exhausted Marquise. You should get some rest.” Damien said to his son-in-law.

“I said the same thing to your daughter.”

“Go rest, honey. We’ll celebrate later.” Shantel added.

Marquise nodded before yawning. He watched his in-laws and mom walk down the hall before turning in the direction of his bedroom. He had just enough energy to take a hot shower and change into something to sleep in before inevitably crashing.

When he woke up later, he had a renewed energy. His first task was telling their daughter that her brothers were here. After freshening up, Marquise was off to see his baby girl.

When he entered her room, she was sitting on her bed reading her favorite story to their corgi quartet and her kitten Paisley. When she looked up from her book and smiled at him.

“Hi, Daddy!”

“Good morning my love!” he said to her as he sat down on the edge of her bed, “Did you sleep well sweetness?”

“Uh-huh! When did you get home?” she asks.

“Earlier this morning. You were still asleep. And I didn't want to disturb you,” he replied.

“Is Mommy getting ready for breakfast?” she asks.

“No mon amour. Mommy isn't here. She's at the hospital.”

“Is mommy okay?” she asks.

“Yes. Mommy is just fine. As a matter of fact, I have some very exciting news for you,” he replies.

“What is it, Daddy?” she asks as she climbed into his lap.

“Mommy gave birth earlier this morning. Your brothers are here,” he replied.

“They're here?” she asked.

“Yes, my love. And I can't wait for you to meet them,” he replies.

He watched her face light up.

“They're here! They're here! They're here!” she cheered.

He loved seeing the excitement and love in her eyes.

“Will we go see them, Daddy?” she asks.

“Yes, my love. But first, we have to make a very big announcement,” he replied.

“We do?” she asks.

“Yes. We have to announce that the boys are here,” he replies.

“Yay! Let's go, Daddy!”

There was a knock at Khari’s door before Margo entered the room. An animated Khari made a beeline for her.

“Grammy! Grammy! Grammy! Grammy! Guess what! Guess what! Guess what!”

“Yes? What is it, my sweet?” Margo asks.

“Mommy gave birth! My brothers are here! They're really here!” Khari replies.

Margo chuckled.

“I know my sweet. Your grandparents and I stayed awake until your father came home and told us the great news. Are you excited my Princess?” Margo asks.

“Yeah! I get to a big sister Grammy. That's a very big job.” Khari replied.

“Indeed it is my love. But Grammy and I have all the confidence in the world that you will be the best big sister ever.” Marquise quipped.

“Your father's right. You will be the best big sister ever.” Margo added.

Khari nodded.

“But first Daddy says that we have to make a big announcement and tell everybody that my brothers are here.”

“Well then! We'd better find you an outfit.”

“Yeah! It's gotta be something big and pretty!” Khari said before running into her closet with the corgis and Paisley hot on her heels.

This caused Marquise and Margo to laugh.

“I've never seen her so excited before.”

“She just became a big sister, Maman. It's to be expected.”

“This is true. And how are you?” Margo asks.

Marquise smiled.

“I feel like I'm dreaming. Like I should be waking up any moment now. I'm still in shock. I held them Maman. I held them both. And it hasn't registered that I did.” he replies.

“I'm sure son. This was everything you always prayed for. It's everything Papa and I always wanted for you.”

Marquise shook his head with a smile.

“God I miss him so much. He’d be so thrilled.”

“Hah! Thrilled nothing! He would be marching up and down the halls with his chest out saying that not only are his grandsons here but he finally has his golf proteges. He'd be especially happy that they were born today.”

“Why?” he asks.

“It's our wedding anniversary today,” she replies.

Marquise winced.

“I totally forgot I'm so sorry.”

Margo patted his arm affectionately.

“It's alright my son. Papa wouldn't have paid attention anyway with the boys being born today.”

“I promise. We'll visit him together soon.”

Margo smiled.

“Very well my King. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to help my granddaughter get ready.”

Marquise pulled her into a warm loving hug that she returned.

“Somewhere in heaven, Ellie is smiling because she is even prouder of you than I am. And she loves you just as much as I do. Maybe even a little more. Always know that.”

Marquise kissed Margo on the cheek before leaving to go get ready.

As the King got ready, he felt a strange sense of nervousness. The announcement of the birth in the Royal Family was common yet this felt monumentous. For the first time since his birth was announced, Cordonia would have not one but two Princes.

But what made him nervous was he wondered if he would end up making the same mistakes with his boys as his own father made with him. He was so lost in thought he didn't hear his father-in-law walk into the holding room outside the throne room.

“Are you alright, Marquise? You seem a million miles away.” Damien asks.

“Huh? Oh! Yeah. I'm fine. Hell, I’m more than fine. I was just lost in thought.” Marquise replies.

“Something troubling you?” Damien asks.

Marquise sighed.

“Yes? No? I don’t know?” Marquise replies.

Damien gestured to the chairs for them to sit down.

“What's wrong son?” Damien asks.

“I'm excited. I'm exhausted. I'm so full of happiness and joy and love. But I can't shake this nagging voice in the back of my head.” Marquise replied.

“What is it saying?” Damien asks.

“It keeps saying that I'll be no better of a father to my boys than he was to me,” Marquise replies.

Damien nodded in understanding.

“Let me ask you this. Do you think you and Constantine are the same in terms of fatherhood?” Damien asks.

“No. We are indeed night and day. He abandoned his children whereas I would die for mine. But I also know that he lives with me. As much as I despise him, I can't ignore the fact that parts of him are a part of me.” Marquise replies.

“This is true. And while we grew up together in a sense, I didn't know your father all that well. But you do. No one knows Constantine quite like you. And you have worked hard to not repeat his mistakes. Now I'm sure there are parts of you that are just like him. But there are parts of you that are just like Eleanor. While I never met her formally, my mother did. And she always spoke of her gentleness, of her kindness, and when I look at you, I see that in you. Yes, you and I don't always get along, but even I know how much of an amazing father you are. I see how much of an outstanding husband you are. I say all of that to say this, you'll be just fine. You'll continue to figure out this whole trial-and-error journey of fatherhood. And you'll love and protect and defend like you always have.”

Marquise nodded at Damien gratefully.

“Thank you. I know I shouldn't be in my head but sometimes I can't help it.”

“I understand that. Every father has that nagging voice in their head, even me.”

“Really?” Marquise asked.

“Just because she's a Queen doesn't make Shanelle any less my daughter. I will always worry about and for her. I'm not saying that I don't trust you to keep her safe and protected, it's just sometimes I can't help but wonder if she is truly safe.”

“I get that. And to that, I can assure you that I take her and Khari and now the boys’ safety seriously.”

Damien nodded.

“I know you do.”

As they walked out of the holding room they were greeted by Khari and both of her grandmothers.

“Look at Pop Pop’s sunshine! You look beautiful.”

Khari curtsied to her grandfather.

“Thank you Pop Pop. What do you think Daddy?” Khari asks.

“You look ever a vision like your mother, my love.”

“Thank you, Daddy. Are you ready for the announcement?”

“Yes, my love.”

Before taking his daughter’s hand Marquise looked at Damien.

“I might be a bit busy today so can you start the paperwork on the boys’ official titles for me?”

“I would be honored. Now you two go.” Damien replies.

Marquise nodded before taking Khari’s hand and walking into the throne room. They made their way to the thrones where the press was already gathered. With Khari sitting on his lap, Marquise cleared his throat, quieting down the voices in the room.

“Good morning everyone! I know it's a bit early to be awake on a Sunday but I do thank you all for being here. I assure you all that this won't take long. On behalf of my wife, my daughter and I have a very special announcement to make.”

Khari nodded before looking up at her dad.

“Can I say it Daddy?” she asked.

“Go ahead, my love,” he replies.

Khari smiled brightly.

“My baby brothers are here!!” she announced.

“My daughter is correct. Earlier this morning, shortly after returning to Cordonia, Her Majesty was taken to St. Regis Memorial Hospital where she gave birth to our sons. Prince Kylo Jeremiah Rys and Prince Zyon Shomari Rys. I can assure all of you that mother and babies are doing quite well.”

Many of the press began excitedly talking at once.

“Your Majesty! Your Majesty! On behalf of everyone at the CBC, I'd like to congratulate you and Her Majesty on the birth of your sons.” Donnie Brine spoke up.

“Thank you, Donnie! We are overjoyed and completely grateful and blessed.” Marquise replies.

“And happy too!” Khari chimed in.

“How are you feeling, Your Majesty?” Donnie asks.

“I am everywhere at once. I feel everything. Joy, excitement, gratefulness, thankfulness, adoration, shock, intimidation, and love. This moment has been a long time coming. And now it's here.” Marquise replies.

Donnie looked at a smiling Khari with a gentle smile.

“And how about you Princess? Are you excited to be a big sister?”

Khari nodded.

“Yeah. I can't wait to see my Mommy and meet my brothers too.”

“That's great, Your Highness.”

Marquise cleared his throat.

“Now I would love to take more of your questions but I think this little one is anxious to meet her brothers. So I thank you all for being here this morning. I will have an official statement for you all very soon.”

He looked to Khari.

“You ready to go?” he asked.

Khari nodded enthusiastically as she took his hand.

“Yeah! But first, we have to get Mommy some flowers,” she replies.

“Very well, my love. Now let's go see your mother.”

Soon, they departed the palace for a local flower shop and then to the hospital to see Shanelle and the twins. Khari couldn't run out of the elevator fast enough.

“Whoa! Wait for me!” Marquise said to his daughter as she raced down the hall. She stopped when she got to her mother’s door.

“Sorry, Daddy. I forgot you’re not fast anymore.”

Marquise made a face at his daughter.

“You're lucky I love you.”

Khari knocked on the door before they went inside.

“Mommy!” Khari said before running to her mother.

“There's my girl.”

Khari threw her arms around her mom.

“Are you okay Mommy?”

“Yes, baby. I'm okay.”

“We brought you flowers, Mommy.”

“Thank you Peanut. They're beautiful.”

“Are my brothers here?”

Shanelle nodded to the corner of the room.

“They're right over there.”

“Can I see them?”

“Of course baby. Go on over with Daddy.”

“Come on, my love.”

Marquise led Khari over to where the boys were resting.

“Say hello to your brothers, Princess.”

She was in awe.

“They're so little Daddy.” she said as she looked at them, “Hi Kylo. Hi Zyon. I'm your big sister. We're gonna have so much fun.”

It was at that moment her parents knew she was in love.

“Can I hold them, Daddy?”

“Of course my love. Here, have a seat by your mother.”

Khari sat down on the bed with her mother behind her. Marquise placed both boys in their sister’s arms.

“They're so small. They're like little dolls. And they're warm.” Khari said as she held her brothers, “I want to hold them forever.”

Seeing the love she had for her brothers, melted her parents’ hearts. Eventually, she gave her brothers back to her father. After spending all day around the boys, Khari found herself laying in her mother’s arms.

“When do the boys and Mommy get to come home?”

“Tomorrow babe. We'll be home tomorrow.”

“Okay Mommy,”

“My sweet girl. You’re gonna be the best big sister ever.”

Khari nodded before laying her head on her mom’s shoulder. As Shanelle held her daughter close she glanced over at her husband who winked at her, making her smile at him.

“Mommy?”

“Yes, babe?”

“Are you happy?”

Shanelle nodded.

“Yes, baby. I'm very happy. Because I have you, your pigheaded Daddy, Pop Pop, both of your Grammies and now I have your brothers.”

Kharu nodded with a smile.

“I'm happy too. We have a big family now.”

“Yes, we do.”

Khari snuggled in her mother’s arms then slowly and accidentally fell asleep. When Shanelle looked down she smiled softly.

“And she's out.”

Marquise chuckled.

“Like a light. I should get her back home.”

“Okay. Thank you for bringing her.”

“Always my love. I'll be back after I put her to bed.”

“Okay. I'll see you when you get back.”

With a sweet kiss to his wife, the King gathered his sleeping daughter in his arms and took her home. True to his word, His Majesty was back at the hospital that evening. Watching his wife and sons as they slept. It was at this quiet moment that his heart continued to swell. The peace that settled over him was a feeling that he wanted to have bottled.

He moved a few strands of her hair from her face, causing Shanelle to stir from her sleep, and smiled at him.

“Hey, handsome.”

“Hey yourself beautiful. I didn't mean to wake you up.”

“It's okay. I'm just glad you’re here.”

“I'll always be here love.”

Shanelle smiled softly.

“You know it hasn't hit me yet.”

“What?” he asked.

“Reality. I still think I'm pregnant. Like I'm in a dream and when I wake up I'm still gonna have this huge stomach.” she replies.

“I know the feeling. Like we should still be waiting for the boys to get here.”

“Exactly. But nope. They're here. Our boys are finally here.”

“We have never been more blessed.”

“No, we haven't. And that's a blessing in and of itself.”

Shanelle nodded with a smile.

“Thank you.”

“For what? I haven't done anything. At least not lately.”

“For being the amazing father that you are. My children could never ask for a better Daddy than you.”

Marquise chuckled softly.

“You let the world tell the story, and they'll say I don't deserve you or our children. But I will never stop proving my undying love and utter devotion to them or you.”

Shanelle ran her thumb over his cheek.

“I love you.”

He softly kissed the knuckles of her left hand.

“I love you too, my Queen. Always and forevermore.”

The next day it was time to head home and Shanelle couldn't wait. While the staff at the hospital were nothing short of fantastic, she was ready to go home and get in her own bed. With the boys safely in their carriers, The Royals headed back to the residence where her parents, Margo, and Khari eagerly awaited their arrival.

“Welcome home Mommy!” Khari said as she greeted her parents.

“Thank you, baby. It's good to be home.” Shanelle replies.

Shanelle greeted her parents as well.

“Hi, mama. Hi Daddy.”

Damien wrapped his daughter in a loving hug.

“How are you my darling?” he asks.

“Tired but I'll be okay Daddy,” she replied.

Her mother couldn't get enough of the boys.

“Look at them. My precious grandbabies. I am going to spoil you two rotten!”

Shanelle shook her head with a smile.

“Welcome home Your Majesty. And congratulations on the birth of your sons.” Margo said to Shanelle.

“Thank you, Margo. Now go love on your grandsons.”

It did Shanelle’s heart good to see her babies receive so much love. After spending the day with family and getting the boys settled in their new nursery and opening the gift box she received from Vescovi Boutique’s new baby line, Shanelle was finally able to climb into her bed and relax.

“God I've missed this bed,” she said with a sigh of contentment.

“I'm sure you have.” Marquise quipped.

“And I missed food. I missed real food. Don't get me wrong, the food at the hospital was decent, but I missed food that didn't taste sterilized.”

Marquise chuckled as he wrapped her in his arms.

“Well now that you're home, you can have whatever you like. And it won't taste sterilized.”

“Thank God. But you know what I missed most of all?”

“What?” he asks.

“You. I missed being with you. I missed being in your arms.” she replies.

Marquise tightened his arms around her.

“I missed you too. I hate being in this bed without you.”

“You're spoiled, Your Majesty.”

“Pot. Kettle.”

“Touchè.”

The two snuggled together, enjoying a quiet moment together until the baby monitor on Marquise’s nightstand crackled to life.

“It seems it's time to feed the boys.”

“Okay, I'll go.”

He stopped her.

“Nope. I will. You rest.”

“You sure?” she asked.

“Positive. You did most of the heavy lifting so get some rest.” he replies.

“I love you so much right now.”

Marquise chuckled before kissing her forehead.

“I love you too.”

The next two weeks were a blur of diapers, feedings, bottles, sponge baths, and uneven sleep schedules for the new parents. But they handled it beautifully. They took turns so one could rest and so the boys could get used to either parent being alone with them as well as together.

While their daughter was at school they were enjoying a quiet moment walking down the hall with the boys. Shanelle was tickled with how animated her husband was with their sons.

“You are too cute, you know that?”

“Thank you. I love talking to them.”

He rocked Zyon as they walked.

“You’re a natural at this Daddy thing.”

He snickered.

“Thanks. I have 5 years of experience.”

The two laughed. It did his heart good to hear his wife laugh.

“I love this feeling.”

“What feeling?” She asks.

“This feeling of pure happiness. I have never been this happy.” He replies.

Shanelle smiled.

As they turned a corner, they were greeted by an attendant.

“Pardon the interruption Your Majesties. But you have an audience waiting for you in the throne room.” she informed them.

They looked at each other.

“When did you put an audience on the schedule?” Shanelle asked.

“I didn’t. I cleared our schedules through the end of the month.” He replied before turning to the attendant, “thank you.”

The attendant bowed then walked away. They looked at each other before Shanelle texted her parents. Asking them to meet them outside the side door to the throne room.

“What is it butterfly?” Shantel asked her daughter.

“Someone is waiting for us in the throne room. So we need you and Daddy to take the boys if you two don’t mind.” Shanelle replies.

“Of course.” Shantel said as she took Kylo from her.

“Can I be of assistance?” Damien asks.

“No but thank you. I’m sure it’s nothing serious.” Marquise replies.

With their children safely with their grandparents, The Royals stepped into the throne room to some unexpected guests.

“What are you doing here?” Shanelle asked.

They were greeted by Genevieve and two other guests.

“Well hello to you too, niece. And to you as well Your Majesty. I heard the great news. Congratulations on the birth of your sons.” Genevieve replies.

Shanelle and Marquise looked at each other.

“You requested an audience?” Marquise asked.

“Yes I did. I had to come see and congratulate the two people who ruined my life on their two new bundles of joy.” Genevieve replied.

“The two people who ruined your life? What are you talking about?” Shanelle asks.

“If it weren’t for you and your husband exposing your uncle I wouldn’t be a laughingstock among the court!” Genevieve sneered. Her face ugly.

“With no due respect Genevieve, if your husband had kept his dick to himself you wouldn’t be in this situation. And the only reason the world knows he fathered a child is because Naya tried to use that pregnancy as an excuse to not be convicted of murder.” Marquise replies.

“And you just had to tell the entire court!” Genevieve snapped at him.

Marquise let out an annoyed sigh.

“I’ll remind you to watch your tone, Genevieve. My wife and I are not your children nor are we your staff. When you speak to me or her you will be respectful of our titles.”

“You think you scare me?! Without me you wouldn’t be King!”

“I became King because my cousin’s mother took him out of the line of succession when my uncle died and my brother abdicated. And before you tell me how your kingdom was stolen from you and your children, South Cordonia was never meant to be yours or Edward’s. Your father-in-law, King Dominic made sure my wife would be the next monarch. Because at that time not only was she the oldest living child of the Miller Clan but he was still King when she was crowned Princess. Not that I need to remind you of this.”

Genevieve looked at him indignantly.

“Now why are you here? And don't lie to me.” Marquise said.

“I'm here in an official capacity as a representative of the next Head Of State Of Comery Isle.”

“Is that why Former Prime Minister Ballenger’s grandson and I assume his wife are sitting on my thrones?” Marquise asked.

Genevieve nodded. Seemingly impressed.

“Very good. The hollow King knows his nobles. Yes, that's them.” she replies, “Marquise, Shanelle, meet Lord and Lady Alden Douglas Joseph of Gallagher. The next Heads Of State Of Comery Isle. My Lord and Lady meet your sad excuses for Monarchs.”

“Do you enjoy your life and the comfort it provides you, Genevieve?” Shanelle asked.

“I earned the comfort my life provides me!” Genevieve snapped at Shanelle.

“Then if you want to continue enjoying that comfort you'll respect my husband and his title as YOUR King as well as my own. Don't you ever forget that I control what you get from the Monarchy.”

Genevieve scoffed.

“And you had the nerve to call me and your uncle tyrants.”

“I never wreaked havoc on the people or the economy of this kingdom. But you did. So yes, you and your husband, separated or not, were indeed tyrants.”

Marquise cleared his throat.

“Now that we know who's with you, you can get on with the reason why you're here.”

“As I said, I'm here as a representative of the next Head Of State.”

“Okay. You could've just sent that in writing to the campaign committee.”

Genevieve smiled venomously.

“Why do that when I can happily inconvenience you and my niece? Besides, I wanted Lord Joseph to see you up close so he knows the type of watered-down leadership that he would be dealing with now that he's the next Head Of State.”

Lord Joseph finally spoke.

“I'm glad she did. It's high time someone stood up to the tyranny of you and your highly unqualified wife.”

“Highly unqualified you say? Then I guess that includes your grandfather.”

“Unlike this Queen, my grandfather served this kingdom with distinction!”

“While feeding state secrets to Auvernal when they tried to force our daughter into a betrothal and attempted a hostile takeover.”

Lord Joseph stood stock still.

“The schmuck you call a grandfather was willing to sell this kingdom out for a check. Oh! You thought my husband and I didn't know? Why do you think the man is in exile now?” Shanelle asked.

Lord Joseph kept his mouth shut.

“That's what I thought.”

Meanwhile, Marquise tilted his head to the right.

“Hello, Makenna. It's been a while since you and I have seen each other.”

“Not long enough Marquise.”

“It's Your Majesty.”

“I don't care what it is.” Lady Makenna sneered.

Marquise rolled his eyes and then turned to his wife.

“My love, meet Lady Makenna Laurent-Joseph. Aka Naya’s cousin.”

“Your ex has a cousin?” Shanelle asks.

“Yes. She, Geoffrey, and Lord Joseph are the same age.” Marquise replies.

Shanelle nodded.

“Charmed I'm sure.”

Makenna scoffed.

“Of all the women in this world for you to choose from, you pick this bleating sheep to be your wife Marquise?” Makenna asks before shaking her head, “Such a shame. But not surprising given how much of a failure you've always been.”

“Your cousin didn't seem to think so.”

“My cousin was a fool! Falling for you was the worst thing she could ever do!”

Marquise raised an eyebrow.

“How is King Elgin doing Kenna?” Marquise asked.

“My uncle is none of your concern!” Makenna replies.

“Oh well since he's no longer my concern, I can tell the Monarchy to stop paying for his dialysis treatments now.”

Makenna fumed.

“If you dare…” she sneered.

“Careful my Lady. You don't want to end up like your cousin.” Shanelle warned her.

When Makenna backed down Marquise turned his attention back to Lord Joseph.

“If you plan to run for the Head Of State, be my guest, and should you win, I will do my job as your King and congratulate you. But don't let the power go to your head. Because just like I told Edwin, I reserve the right to remove anyone from their position.”

Lord Joseph took a menacing step toward Marquise.

“I look forward to the day your reign as King goes down in flames.”

Marquise cleared his throat.

“My Lord. Don't ever forget that your station is LIGHT YEARS BELOW mine. Don't ever threaten me. It never ends well.” Marquise said to him, “And oh! Don't you ever touch MY Thrones again!”

“So dramatic! This isn't a threat, Your Majesty. It's a preview. To let you and your wife know that I am a wolf. And I will not play nice with bleating sheep!”

“Guards!” Marquise commanded, “Get these people out of my throne room.”

The couple watched as their guests were ushered out of the throne room.

“They're going to be a problem I see.” Shanelle quipped.

Marquise nodded resolutely.

“Nothing we can't handle, my love.”

“True. Now let's go see what my parents are up to.”

Marquise led his wife out of the throne room and down the hall. The next few days were filled with family, fun, fellowship, and the twins’ first Thanksgiving of many. This was all Marquise wanted. He even took time out to honor his mother on the 25th anniversary of her death. As hard as the day was for him, he was comforted by the fact he had his family all under one roof.

That following Monday, the elections for Comery Isle had concluded and the winner was announced. Marquise and Shanelle were in his office when the results were announced. As predicted Lord Joseph won by a landslide over his opponents.

“Well, it's official. Lord Joseph is the new Head Of State.” Shanelle said to her husband.

“So it would seem,” he replied before taking a sip of his whiskey, “but we needn't worry though. Always remember Comery Isle is still under your jurisdiction, my love. You are the Queen. No one bullies you. You are the one who sets the tone and the standards.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“Good as long as you know.”

Just then Marquise’s phone buzzed.

“What is it?” Shanelle asked.

“The latest news on the kingdom of Gemmora,” he replies.

“What's the latest?” she asks.

“It's up for grabs,” he replies.

“What?! What about King Eli and Queen Vanda?”

“According to this press release the Gemmoran High Court has decided not to award control to either and instead will sell the kingdom to the highest bidder.”

“Wooow! Their divorce cost them both. So what happens now?” Shanelle asks.

“Simple. We enter and win the bidding war to acquire Gemmora,” he replies.

“No, we are not.”

“Yes, we are.”

“No. We're not. We don't need Gemmora.”

“I'm not about to just let it sit there.”

“We already have Auvernal to the west and Monterisso to the south. We do not need Gemmora.”

“Yeah well, we're getting it.”

“Oh My God! You're being greedy.”

“Don't act like this isn't a great opportunity.”

Shanelle crossed her arms and challenged her husband.

“Okay, Your Majesty. Convince me to agree to this.”

Marquise raised an eyebrow at her.

“Gemmora is home to the largest Nintendo manufacturing plant outside of Japan. The jobs from that plant alone will bolster our kingdom’s economy. It will give us a chance to have land that will not be given to the nobility first for once. Their schools and educational system is one of the best in the world. Think of what that will do, not just for our children but all of the children of our kingdom. On top of the fact that their Aerodynamics sector is the best in all of Europe. They're a leader in cancer research and cure development. On top of the fact that it would be nice to acquire the homeland of my grandmother.”

“Your grandmother is from Gemmora?” Shanelle asks.

“Yes. Her father was a well known Duke in Gemmora before her family fled when she was a child to Cordonia during WWI and she met my grandfather,” he replies.

“What is it with you Rys men and marrying outsiders?” Shanelle asks.

Marquise chuckled and shrugged.

“Okay fine, since I know you'll never let this go.”

“See? I knew you would eventually see things my way. Besides, Drakovia has wanted Gemmora for decades. So that means beating Queen Viktoria at her own game.”

“You are so cocky,” Shanelle said with a laugh, “Okay. Go win us a kingdom, Your Majesty. Don't lose.”

“Always remember, I don't lose. I either win or I learn.”

“No one knows that more than me,” Shanelle said with a wink.

Marquise winked back at her. This was his chance to expand his kingdom’s borders further north and east. And he is determined to take it.

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