The room fell silent once again as everyone processed what had just transpired. They knew that this argument had deeper implications for the phoenix family.William was taken aback by Nicholas' threat. "You would impeach me for speaking the truth?" he asked incredulously.Nicholas stood his ground. "Harry is my friend, and he has done nothing wrong," he replied firmly. "I will not have baseless accusations being thrown around and tarnishing his reputation.""But what about the reputation of our family and the bank?" William retorted. "We have lost a quarter of a billion dollars, and we need to get to the bottom of this.""I agree," another family member spoke up. "We need to investigate every possibility, including the involvement of outsiders and our own employees."Nicholas scoffed. "Investigate all you want, but Harry is not to be touched. He is innocent, and that's final."William sighed heavily, realising that he wouldn't be able to convince his son. "Very well, Nicholas. But ma
Nicholas was brought before the throne room in chains. He saw Harry sitting on his throne with the crown on his head. "Harry, how could you do this to me?" Nicholas said bitterly."I did what I had to do, Nicholas," Harry replied with a smirk."You were my friend. My brother. And you betrayed me," Nicholas said, his voice filled with anger and hurt.Harry shrugged. "You were a weak king. You couldn't even hold your family together. You lost the faith of your people. I did what needed to be done."Nicholas struggled against his chains. "You took everything from me. My family. My throne. My people. How could you be so heartless?"Harry stood up and walked towards Nicholas. "Because I am a better ruler than you ever were. And now, the United Republic of Niklauria has a king who will lead us to greatness."Nicholas shook his head in disbelief. "I never thought you would do something like this. You were supposed to be my friend. My ally."Harry laughed. "You were too blind to see that I w
A year and eight months has gone by since Harry became king of The United Republic of Niklauria. The government representatives gathered in the throne room for the official meeting with Harry.They expressed their concerns about the welfare of the people. They were worried about the state of the country under Harry's rule and how the people were suffering.One of the representatives spoke up, "Your Majesty, the people are rioting in the streets. They are demanding that you release Nicholas and step down from the throne. We must address their grievances and work towards a solution."Harry angrily stood up from his throne and yelled, "It's none of your business what I do with Nicholas! I am the king, and I will rule this country as I see fit. If the people don't like it, they can suffer the consequences."The representatives tried to reason with Harry, telling him that the people's grievances were valid and needed to be addressed. They urged him to consider stepping down for the goo
Aurilia prison was a forsaken place, built by the Phoenix family to contain the worst of society.It was located on a small island, surrounded by the treacherous sea, and was known to be inescapable. Once someone was sent to Aurilia, they were never seen again. It was a place of doom, and those who were condemned to it were considered to be beyond redemption.Nicholas, the once beloved King of the United Republic of Niklauria, was now a resident of Aurilia. He was serving a life sentence for a crime he didn't commit. He had been betrayed by his friend, Harry, who had taken his throne and left him to rot in the infamous prison.Nicholas was in the midst of his uncle, Hans, who he had sentenced to Aurilia for killing Lord Fitzpatrick, Nicholas's grandfather. Hans had taken this opportunity to exact his revenge on Nicholas. He beat him up every day and insulted and mocked him at every turn."Look at you, the mighty king reduced to nothing," Hans said, as he kicked Nicholas in the r
Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Nicholas's hope of being released slowly began to fade away. The other inmates treated him with contempt and disgust, calling him a traitor and a coward for allowing Harry to take his throne. Nicholas suffered greatly in prison, both physically and mentally. Hans, his uncle, beat him every day, insulting and mocking him at every opportunity. Nicholas was made to sweep and clean the floor like a slave, and he was given only the bare minimum of food and water to survive. But through it all, Nicholas held onto the hope that his father would come through for him. He spent his days staring out of the tiny window in his cell, waiting for a sign that someone was coming to rescue him. As the months dragged on, Nicholas grew increasingly anxious. He knew that time was running out. The people of Niklauria were growing more restless every day, and Harry's grip on the country was tightening with each passing moment. But despite
Harry sat in his throne room, his face twisted with fear and anger. The news of Nicholas' escape from prison had struck him hard.He was trembling with fright, the thought of what might happen if he was on the loose again making him break out in cold sweat. He couldn't afford to lose his kingdom, not after all the work he had put into it.In a fit of rage, Harry stormed towards the chief army commander, demanding to know how Nicholas had managed to escape. He was yelling, his voice booming in the empty throne room. "How could this happen?" he demanded. "How could you let him slip away?"The commander bowed his head, his voice trembling with fear as he tried to explain. "Your majesty, we don't know how it happened. No one saw anything. We're still investigating."Harry's face grew even redder. He knew he was in trouble if Nicholas was free. He paced back and forth, his mind racing with thoughts of what he could do. "The Phoenix family," he said suddenly. "They're a prime suspect
Nicholas stepped out of the bathroom, feeling refreshed after his long shower. He wrapped a towel around himself and began to rub it over his body, drying himself off. He had taken a nice long shave and put himself into a good, decent look. He had to make sure he looked his best for the family gathering that awaited him.He made his way back to his room, where food was waiting for him. It was a lavish spread, with all of his favorite dishes. He hadn't had a decent meal in two years since he was in prison all these while. Nicholas eagerly dug in, savoring every bite. The food was delicious, and he couldn't help but feel grateful for his family's generosity.After he was done eating, he put on his clothes and walked out of the room to the living room where his family was waiting for him. There were over twenty of them gathered there. The rest had to return to their respective homes and businesses so as not to raise suspicions from Harry. This island was where William had built
Nicholas stood alone at the edge of the cliff, gazing out at the calm and serene sea. The light breeze brushed his face, soothing him with its gentle touch. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps interrupted his solitude. He turned to see Yumi and Julia walking towards him.As Yumi and Julia approached him, they went down on one knee and bowed their heads. "Your majesty, you called for us," they said.Nicholas approached them and said, "Stand up."Yumi and Julia stood up, and Nicholas turned to Yumi. "I owe you an apology, Yumi. I was foolish not to listen to you when you were trying to protect me from Harry."Yumi looked up at Nicholas with a soft smile. "Your majesty, you weren't foolish. You were just trying to do what you thought was right."Nicholas nodded, then continued. "I also shouldn't have suspended you. I'm sorry." He began to bow, but Yumi stopped him immediately."Your majesty, there's no need for that. I was only doing what I thought was best for you and our country."Nic
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