Uncle Benjamin had a plan. He was going to kill Nicholas, the reigning king, and return to his accomplices with Nicholas's blood smeared on his clothes as proof. The idea was to show his accomplices that he had completed the task and, in turn, gain their trust and loyalty.As the night wore on, the Phoenix family and their guests slowly dispersed back to their businesses across the world. The only ones left behind were the conspirators waiting for Uncle Benjamin at their secret hideout. They paced up and down, some of them worried about him. Why was he taking so long?Some of the men didn't like where this was going. They were unsatisfied with Nicholas's rule over them as king, but the risk of assassinating him was too high. They argued about aborting the mission or waiting for Uncle Benjamin. They debated the possibility of Uncle Ben being caught and revealing their names as accomplices, which would mean they were as good as dead.The second in command calmed them down, reminding the
As Nicholas stood before his people, his arms wide, everyone in the Phoenix Court was shaken to the core. They couldn't believe that he was alive, and yet there he was, standing before them. The eight followers of Uncle Ben were surrounded by the Phoenix Guards on all sides, and they were filled with questions."How is Nicholas alive?" they thought. "Uncle Ben killed him, we saw his bloodstains with our own eyes. And how did we not notice that Yumi was wearing Uncle Ben's disguise to fool us?"The Phoenix family in the Phoenix Court were all asking themselves the same question as they gaped at Nicholas. He smirked and walked over to his high seat, with Yumi following him from behind, standing beside him."Raise your heads!" Yumi shouted at the top of her voice.The Phoenix family raised their heads from bowing before Nicholas, and he waved at the Phoenix Council elders, thanking them for setting the stage. "I'll take it from here," he told them.The council elders bowed before Nic
It was July 24th, the day Alveria, now the United Republic of Niklauria was founded. As the first king of the newly formed republic, Nicholas was determined to make a statement. He ordered a grand banquet to celebrate the founding day of the country. He invited the most powerful commanders in the army, members of the parliament, and even the opposing political parties. The banquet hall was filled to the brim with the political elites of the country. The meals were served on gold plates and the drinks were the finest in the land in crystal glasses. The entertainment for the night was a performance by the most talented musicians in the land. The sound of music and laughter filled the air as everyone enjoyed themselves. After they had drunk much wine, Nicholas dismissed the guards and everyone else except the opposing political parties. The opposing political parties were made up of the most powerful and influential people in the land. There were over two hundred of them, and t
Nicholas, the reigning king of the United Republic of Niklauria, was a man who valued loyalty above all else. When he first met Harry, he was struck by the young man's intelligence and work ethic.Despite Harry being the lowest employee in Nicholas' company, and they soon became close confidants. Nicholas was impressed with Harry's talent in finance, and he quickly rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming a top management official after Nicholas sacked his former manager. Harry's talent in finance was unmatched. He had a sharp mind for numbers and could see opportunities where others saw only risk. He worked tirelessly to move the company forward, cutting costs where necessary and investing in new projects that promised high returns. With Harry's expertise, the company's revenue increased by leaps and boundsNicholas quickly realized that Harry was an asset to his company, and he began to rely on him more and more.After some time working together, Nicholas made the decision t
Nicholas sat at his desk with his prime minister, William, by his side, signing some important paper documents.Yumi, who stood behind Nicholas, was the only other person in the room. As they finished signing the papers, Nicholas turned to William and asked, "So, how many gubernatorial candidates do we have for Zaravia's district?"William gave reports of how many candidates were ready for Nicholas to appoint them a city. Nicholas was thoughtful, as Zaravia district had over fifteen cities. Six members of the phoenix family were part of the candidates, while the rest were non-members.Suddenly, Nicholas said, "I want to appoint Mount City to Harry."William was shocked. "Mount City? That's the biggest city in Zaravia district. The same city where you established your company. But why Harry?" he asked."Harry oversees all projects and companies in Zaravia," Nicholas said. "He's got a flair for business. Also, he was born and raised there. He'd do good as a governor in Mount City."A
Nicholas and Yumi were on a flight outside the country in his private jet. Nicholas noticed that Yumi was uneasy, and he asked her what was wrong."Is everything okay, Yumi?" Nicholas asked, noticing her nervousness.Yumi bowed her head before answering. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I feel uncomfortable with your friend, Harry," she said, hesitantly.Nicholas looked surprised. "Why do you feel that way?" he asked, concerned."I apologize for saying this, Your Majesty, but I believe that your father, the minister, was right to challenge you against giving Harry too many privileges," Yumi said, her voice shaking slightly.Nicholas's face turned red with anger. "How dare you speak to me like that, Yumi? Harry is my friend, and I trust him completely. I will not have you or anyone else question my decisions," he said, his voice rising.Yumi looked down, her eyes full of regret. "I apologize, Your Majesty. It was not my intention to upset you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.Nic
Harry sat alone in his penthouse, with a scowl etched on his face as he plotted out a coup against his best friend, King Niklaus. He was determined to take the throne at any cost, even if it meant betraying his closest ally.As he scribbled down ideas for the coup, Harry took careful notes of each plan and the risks involved. He knew that the biggest risk was the phoenix family, who were extremely loyal to the king. He could never turn them against Niklaus, which made Harry reach a stumbling block in his prep time.Standing up and walking around, sipping his drink, Harry couldn't help but think about how not only the phoenix family, but also a greater percentage of the country were very loyal to the king. That was because Niklaus had made it clear the implications of betraying him; the consequences of disloyalty was death. Harry remembered that the king had even made his own mother drink the same poison she poisoned his grandfather with. Such a man like King Niklaus should never
Harry was sitting in his office, surrounded by paperwork and lost in thought when his secretary burst through the door, her face flushed with excitement."Sir, you won't believe it! We just got a letter from the Elysium family!" she exclaimed, waving a crisp white envelope in the air.Harry's eyes widened in surprise. The Elysiums were one of the most powerful families in the World, known for their lavish parties and luxurious lifestyle. Harry had never received an invitation from them before, and he couldn't help but feel a little curious."Let me see that," he said, reaching out to take the envelope from his secretary. His fingers trembled slightly as he tore open the envelope and pulled out the letter inside.As he read the contents, Harry felt a thrill of excitement run through him. The Elysiums were inviting him to their annual summer party, a lavish affair that was the highlight of the social season. The invitation was signed by Alexander Elysium himself, the patriarch of t
The TV crew diligently attended to the needs of King Nicholas. It was Nicholas's first appearance on an international live television, and the world-renowned News Broadcasting Corporation had secured the exclusive interview.The corporation, renowned for its unparalleled reach and influence, had managed what others could not. Every major news channel, including BBC, CNN, and Al Jazeera, had vied tirelessly to secure an interview with the esteemed King Dominik Niklaus, but their efforts had been in vain. It was a testament to the magnitude of this moment that the world's most influential news broadcaster had succeeded where others had failed.The TV crew, well-versed in the art of capturing history in the making, orchestrated their preparations with precision. Cameras were positioned strategically, lights were adjusted to perfection, and microphones were meticulously tested.The crew members moved with a quiet efficiency.As the crew carried out their duties, Nicholas stood before
The grand doors of the throne room swung open with a resounding creak, drawing the attention of all who were gathered inside. The courtiers, advisers, and members of the phoenix family turned their heads towards the entrance, anticipation evident in their eyes. The room was filled with an air of both tension and hope, for this was the day when King Nicholas would make his return home. Nicholas, adorned in regal attire, stepped into the room with measured grace. Every eye was fixed upon him, their gazes filled with a mix of reverence and relief. His recovery from the treacherous poison that had nearly claimed his life had been nothing short of miraculous. He had defied all odds and emerged triumphant from the clutches of death, earning the unwavering loyalty and respect of his subjects.The king was dressed in a flowing royal blue velvet robe, intricately embroidered with golden thread that glinted in the light. A golden crown adorned his head, gleaming with precious gemstones,
As Nicholas lay unconscious at the base of the well, his mind engulfed in darkness, a faint voice called out to him. "Your highness. Your highness, wake up." The voice was familiar, like a distant echo penetrating his subconscious.Slowly, the sound seeped into Nicholas's unconscious state, stirring him from his slumber. His body felt heavy and his mind foggy, but the urgency in the voice compelled him to respond.With great effort, Nicholas opened his eyes, only to find himself surrounded by the cold, stone walls of a well. Confusion washed over him as he tried to piece together his fragmented memories.And then, like a beacon cutting through the darkness, he saw Julia's face.Her eyes were filled with tears, her expression a mix of relief and anguish."Julia?" Nicholas muttered, his voice hoarse and weak. "What... what's happening?"Tears dripped from Julia's eyes, falling softly onto Nicholas's face as she held him in her arms. "My lord, we found you. You're safe now," she whisp
After Nicholas had been thrown into the well, Rose ordered her men to close the opening, sealing him inside. The heavy stone slab slid into place, shutting off any glimmer of light from the outside world.Satisfied with her sinister act, Rose ascended the stairs, leaving the chamber behind.Returning to the upper floors of the castle, Rose made her way to a vantage point that overlooked the vast expanse of the sea. As she gazed into the distance, her thoughts swirled with a mixture of anticipation and a hint of trepidation.A wry smile curled on Rose's lips as she imagined Julia and her relentless pursuit.She knew the Phoenix family would be on her trail, to rescue Nicholas. But Rose was prepared. Even if they came with an army, she was unyielding and unafraid.In her mind, she played out various scenarios, envisioning the forces that could be marshaled against her.She reveled in the prospect of a battle, relishing the challenge that awaited. Rose was a woman consumed by her thi
Nicholas's mind raced with thoughts of escape with each steps he took. The air in the narrow tunnel was stale, suffocating, and the sound of their footsteps echoed ominously. It seemed like a desperate race against time.As they ventured deeper into the tunnel, they stumbled upon an unexpected sight. The passage suddenly widened, revealing a hidden opening that led to the vast expanse of the sea. Moonlight spilled through the opening, casting an ethereal glow on the churning waves below.Nicholas's heart skipped a beat at the sight. A motor boat, small yet sturdy, bobbed gently in the water, its engine idling. Rose's voice cut through the air, filled with sinister delight. "Oh, how touching. A family reunion at the precipice of doom. Nicholas, my dear, you get on board. Yumi and William will be staying behind."Nicholas turned to face Rose, his eyes burning with anger. "No, Rose! They have nothing to do with this. Let them go. It's me you want, isn't it?"Rose sneered, her grip t
A thick silence fell between Nicholas and William. Nicholas could sense his father grappling with the weight of this revelation. "You believe your mother is alive? How come? She couldn't have survived that Poison all these years."Just as Nicholas was about to speak, the door swung open, and Yumi emerged, her hands raised in surrender. A look of panic flashed across her face, mirrored by Nicholas and William's shocked expressions.Before anyone could react, Mariam stepped out from the shadows, holding her rifle with a steady hand, her eyes filled with determination. "Nobody move, or else I'll shoot!" she declared with a mix of desperation and resolve.Nicholas's voice quivered with confusion as he asked, "Mariam, what's the meaning of this? Why are you doing this?"As if on cue, another figure emerged from the darkness, accompanied by three imposing men. The shock reverberated through Nicholas and William as they recognized the figure leading the group – it was Rose, Nicholas's mo
Seated at the dining table, Nicholas, Yumi, and Mariam enjoyed a cup of freshly brewed coffee, its aroma filling the air with warmth and comfort. The atmosphere had transformed from initial tension to a sense of collaboration and shared purpose.Yumi, with a warm smile, introduced Nicholas to Mariam. "Mariam, may I present to you Nicholas, the King of The United Republic of Niklauria."Mariam bowed slightly, a mix of respect and curiosity evident in her expression. "Your Majesty, I have heard a great deal about you and have seen you on television. It's an honor to finally meet you in person."Nicholas returned the gesture with a nod, acknowledging her words. "The pleasure is mine, Mariam. I have come here in search of answers and a possible cure. I was poisoned by the viper's veil, and Mrs. Abigail offered to create an antidote for me."Mariam's eyes glistened with a mix of nostalgia and sadness. "My mother-in-law told me about your visit and your request, Your Majesty. She believed
Coughing and wheezing amidst the swirling dust and rumbling aftermath of the explosion, Nicholas and Yumi struggled to regain their composure.Nicholas, wiping away the dirt from his face, turned to Yumi. "What in the world just happened? Who could have done this?"Yumi coughed and replied, her voice hoarse. "Could it be... Mrs. Abigail's killer?"Nicholas nodded, his expression determined. "It's a possibility. Someone must have gotten to Hans, overpowered him, and orchestrated this explosion to seal us inside."Realizing the gravity of their situation as the dust gradually cleared, they surveyed their surroundings and discovered that they were indeed trapped within the secret chamber.Nicholas remained composed and calm. "We cannot afford to panic, Yumi. We need to find a way out of here."Yumi's eyes widened in concern. "But how? We're surrounded by collapsed walls. There's no visible exit."Nicholas's voice carried a note of reassurance. "There must be another way, a hidden passage
Fear gripped Hans's face as he stared at the gun pointed directly at him. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, his heart raced uncontrollably, and his trembling hands betrayed his intense unease. The shadowy figure emerged further, revealing the person behind the weapon.Hans's shock only deepened as he found himself looking directly into the eyes of Rose. Her gaze was hardened, and she appeared like a fugitive on the run. His lips quivered as he called out her name, barely able to believe what he was seeing. "Rose... you're alive?"With the gun still trained on him, Rose responded with a cold, unwavering voice. "Yes, Hans. I survived, thanks to Nicholas's foolishness. He thought a small dose of poison would slowly end my life."Hans was trembling. "How... how did you manage to survive? After taking that poison, I thought..."Rose gaze hardened as she interrupted him. "I returned to Mrs. Abigail, who concocted a cure for me. From that moment on, I started planning my revenge ag