After the president welcomed everyone and said his piece, the host came back on stage with a confident smile, ready to go on with the event. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome again to the grand announcement ceremony,” she began. “Very soon, the recipient of the prestigious presidential contract will be unveiled.”She paused for a moment, increasing the tension in the hall. “The competition has been fierce and the stakes have never been higher. Before we proceed, allow me to outline the schedule for this ceremony. We will start with a few words from our esteemed president, followed by the much anticipated announcement of the chosen candidate.”“We know we are all busy people so this event will be as brief as possible, then you can all have the time to wine and socialize,” she added.The entire hall was as silent as a graveyard as everyone listened attentively to the host, the air thick with suspense.After a while, the president came back on stage, his presence commanding absolute atten
Suddenly, the sound of helicopter blades whirring filled the air, growing louder with each passing second. The crowd fell silent first, as everyone turned to look outside through the transparent windows.But they realized the sound was coming from above the building. “Can you hear that?” “Who brought a helicopter?”Whispers and speculations buzzed through the crowd. The president had a puzzled expression on as he exchanged curious glances with his advisors. Everyone waited with bated breath, a mix of confusion and anticipation spreading through the hall. The helicopter then descended gracefully at the rooftop of the building. They all could feel it.“What’s happening?”“Who brought a helicopter to this event when the president himself didn’t come with one? People just like to show off.”Everyone waited patiently, their eyes fixed on the entrance to see who was capable of pulling this off.“Who could it be?”“A mafia?”Seconds passed. Minutes passed. No one came.Guests began to
When Dario got to the mansion, he was greeted by his workers; royal maids and royal guards, as they were all happy to have their Emperor back hale and hearty.They had all lined up, standing at the front of the mansion waiting for Dario’s arrival even if it was late in the night already. As Dario’s car drove in, he saw them from a distance with wide and bright smiles plastered on their faces.His brows furrowed in confusion at first and his face broke into a smile, their gesture melting his heart. His eyes lit with joy and gratitude.He got down from the car and as he approached them, his gaze fixed on them, they all bowed in unison and chorused, “Welcome, Your Majesty. We are very happy to have you back.”They were indeed happy to have him back. “Thank you so much. I’m glad to be back home alive and strong as well,” Dario replied gratefully. They then divided the line and paved the way for Dario to go in…The event had already been concluded and the official arrangements concernin
“Hey love,” the unknown caller greeted, her voice smooth and seductive.‘Hey love?’ Dario thought to himself. Who would greet him in such a manner? He tried to guess who it was, his brows furrowed deep in confusion and slight irritation but he couldn’t recognize the voice. ‘Delilah?’ a voice in his head suggested since Delilah is the only one he knew was capable of this. ‘No,’ he disagreed with his thoughts. ‘This ain’t Delilah.”“Who is this, please?” he asked politely. “It’s me, Your Majesty,” she replied, making moaning sounds. At this point, irritation was evident on Dario’s face. “Don’t you have a name??” he asked, his tone firm and laced with irritation.“It’s me, Claire. King Tunde’s daughter.”“Hello, Claire,” Dario greeted with a neutral tone, rolling his eyes inwardly. “I wanted to say congratulations on your big win,” her voice dripped with seduction. “Oh my god, you were perfect out there! I watched the entire event,” she squealed and continued, “You truly are a remar
“Is this a warning?” he murmured to himself as he looked straight ahead, his expression serious. He placed the box back to where he had placed it initially. He thought about different things the gift could mean. He knew it was a message and it meant nothing less than danger.As he thought, his anger simmered beneath his calm exterior. “We have to be prepared for anything and everything,” he murmured again to himself. Without wasting any more time, he gestured to one of the guards to come and when the guard got to his front, he ordered, “Get me Bruce.”The royal guard bowed and left immediately to find Bruce. And after a while, he was back with Bruce.“Pass a message to the generals of the empire for an impromptu meeting later today in the evening. I want them all at the palace by Six PM,” Dario ordered. “Okay, Your Majesty,” Bruce said and bowed before turning to leave. “Wait!” he said, stopping Bruce in his tracks. “Have one of the guards dispose of this,” he said, stretching fo
Dario sat on his throne, staring at Claire who stood before him with his expression unreadable. “Now, tell me about this very sensitive allegation you have placed on your father.” Claire rolled her eyes inwardly. “Why don’t you believe me, though?” she asked, her brows knitted in a frown. “Why should I believe you? You could be saying this to play mind games on me. You want me to believe I can trust you and believe that you care enough to betray your father for me.” Dario seemed nonchalant and unbothered, but a part of him needed to get to the bottom of this. ‘King Tunde wants me dead??’ he asked himself in confusion. ‘How could someone who I did a favor and is also an ally, want me dead?’ Claire smiled sheepishly, playing with a loose strand of her hair. “Well, you’re right about the part where you said I want you to believe you can trust me and that I care enough for you, but you’re wrong about the rest.” Dario’s eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Claire’s face, trying to
Claire’s heart raced faster as she ran after Damian. “Wait! Please!” she called out, her voice tinged with desperation. Abruptly Damian stopped in his tracks making Claire reduce her pace as she got closer, her breath coming in short gasps.He turned to face her, his eyes blazing with fury. “Is everything you said in there a joke?” he asked, his voice low and dangerous. “You’re in love with him?”Claire’s eyes darted around, unable to maintain eye contact with Damian. “I… I’m sorry Damian. I didn’t mean for you to hear all that.”“You didn’t mean for me to hear all that?” he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “I guess you would have preferred I kept fooling myself with you while you’re in love with someone else.”Her brows knitted together and she pressed her lips together, her heart filled with guilt. “Damian I… I love you and you know it…”“But?!” he interrupted, his head tilted, prompting her to speak.She sighed sadly. “I don’t know how it happened. I just fell in love with
Later in the evening, Dario slowly walked to and fro in his room as he received a call from Claire. His expression was serious with fury burning in his eyes. Her voice was soft and urgent as she spoke. “I overheard my father making new plans so I thought to inform you for your safety,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.She had to whisper so her father or anyone else doesn’t hear anything she says to Dario. She knew that if her father heard her, she would be dead before the next day. “He’s planning on hiring assassins from the northern tribes. And trust me… “ she paused to peep outside her door to be sure no one was listening. “Trust me, they are ruthless and won’t stop until they have completed their mission,” she said, her tone laced with worry. She loved this. She loved that Dario was interested in a call with her. ‘Another step forward,’ she thought to herself. Dario kept her for the sake of gathering and providing him as much information as he would need. “Thank yo