Nicholas and Julia were seated in a meeting room, discussing the future of Castlemine city. Nicholas sat patiently while Julia spoke, waiting for his turn to present his plans."Now you've conquered Castlemine city, Lord Niklaus," Julia said, "What is your next line of action?""I want to rebuild this city," Nicholas replied firmly. "I want you to hand over contracts to the Snow family. They're outstanding engineers. Also, employ Loki to aid with the construction. I'll leave everything to my family."Nicholas knew that only his family could build a magnificent city like Liberty State. This would be a fresh start for Castlemine city.Julia bowed and said, "My Lord, there is a little matter at hand now. I received a call earlier this morning. Your father has organized a party to celebrate your victory over Castlemine city. He requests your return home."Nicholas was surprised. He hadn't anticipated that his father would organize a ball for him. The capture of Castlemine was indeed so
Nicholas walked into his bedroom with a look of disbelief on his face. He couldn't believe what he had just found out. He walked out to his balcony outside and stared out to the ocean, trying to clear his mind. The salty air did little to calm his racing thoughts.Suddenly, a knock fell on the door and it opened. "Lord Niklaus, I'm coming in," Julia said as she stepped inside his bedroom. Nicholas turned around to face her and stared at her for what seemed like an eternity as she bowed before him."I'm glad to see you're unhurt, my Lord," Julia said. Nicholas's mind did a flashback to their conversation on the private jet.Nicholas had suspected that something was off about the party his father had organized, and Julia had confirmed his suspicions. She explained how Lord Fitzpatrick had been poisoned at the gala. Nicholas smiled at her, telling her he had been thinking the same thing since he got the call.Julia was surprised, but Nicholas explained that he had his suspicions,
Nicholas Uncle, Hans, stood before everyone, his head bowed in shame. He knew what he had done was wrong, and now he had to confess his crimes.Hans couldn't deny the evidence presented to him. It was all glaring at him right in the face. He had manipulated Rose to poison Lord Fitzpatrick's drink. He wanted to be the new Lord of the Phoenix family, and the best way to achieve this was to get rid of his potential threat, which was Nicholas.Hans explained how he knew Nicholas was going to be the next Lord of the Phoenix family. He overheard Lord Fitzpatrick discussing it with the council. Hans didn't want that to happen, which was his reason for having Lord Fitzpatrick poisoned. The poison was a slow-killing poison but only he had the antidote. Hans' next move was to have Nicholas banned. Once an outsider, Nicholas would never be made Lord of the Phoenix family. It was the safest and surest way to get rid of Nicholas. An outsider was destined to suffer and die.With Nicholas ou
Lord Niklaus' dining room was grand and spacious, easily accommodating a large group of people. The long dining table, made of polished mahogany, stretched the entire length of the room and was flanked by twenty servants dressed in crisp white uniforms. The table was set with golden plates, crystal goblets, and gleaming silverware, and was adorned with a variety of exotic foods from all corners of the world.As Lady Isabella entered the dining room, the door opened with a slight creak, and she was ushered in by Edgar. The room was silent except for the clinking of silverware and the soft footsteps of the servants as they moved around the table, attending to their duties.Lady Isabella could hardly contain her excitement. She couldn't believe that she, a mere mortal, was dining with one of the most powerful men in the world. She felt a flutter in her stomach as she took in the opulence around her.Despite her excitement, Lady Isabella couldn't help but feel unworthy of such a rare
Nicholas had always been a private person. He didn't believe in grandiose displays of wealth or extravagance. When it came to his wedding, he wanted it to be simple and quiet. He had no desire to draw attention to himself or his brides. His reasons were simple, he wanted to keep a low profile.Nicholas had been careful to maintain his mysterious identity. In North Hills, a great number of people believed Lord Niklaus was a woman. A few others knew the truth, that Lord Niklaus was a man. Nicholas understood that it was left for people to imagine whatever they wanted to imagine, but he wasn't going to confuse everyone. He wanted to carry on with his mysterious identity. It gave him a great advantage and power.As the wedding day approached, Nicholas was careful to keep the guest list small. Only Marcus Black and his wife were invited to the wedding. Nicholas had Adriana flown in from North Hills to Liberty State for the occasion. He wanted to keep everything as simple and low-ke
The city of Zenith was home to a wealthy man named Samuel Blackwood, who had formed a secret organization called The order of the Elite Ten.The ten members of The order were all wealthy men from different parts of the country, carefully chosen by Samuel himself for their influence and resources.The meeting place of The Order was a hidden chamber beneath the Blackwood mansion. The meeting place of The order was a large, dimly lit room by flickering candles with high ceilings and thick, stone walls.The men were gathered around a long table. They all wore masks to conceal their identity and strange, oversized robes to hide their physique.This was to ensure that their meetings were kept secret and to protect their identities from potential enemies.The men were curious when they received the summons, as it happened rarely twice in a year. As they waited, they discussed their businesses and speculated about the purpose of the meeting.When the head of the organization arrived, the m
Nicholas noticed Julia's distant behavior and how she had been speaking to him less frequently since his marriage to Adriana and Lady Isabella. He couldn't help but feel confused and wondered if something had happened to her. Nicholas knew he needed to address this before they departed from Argatha city.As they departed, Lady Isabella flew to Helveta, while Nicholas took Julia along with him. He had an appointment with the Dutch family, whom he had kept aside for a long time because of his busy schedule with his wedding and the two cities, Helveta and Argatha. However, now that he had more time on his hands, he was going to meet the Dutch family and do business with them, just as he had promised.The Dutch family lived in Maplewood, a neighboring city off North Hills. Nicholas knew the Dutch family recognized Lord Niklaus as a woman, and in Maplewood and North Hills, no one knew his true identity. As such, Julia would have to play the role of Lord Niklaus.Nicholas had kept his
Julia's heart was racing as she stood before Nicholas in just her towel. They were in a hotel room, the two of them alone, and she had just confessed her feelings to him. The atmosphere was tense, and Nicholas was stunned. He hadn't expected this from her.He didn't know what to say. Nicholas had always thought of Julia as nothing but a loyal subject who had saved his life more than once. This was an unexpected announcement. Julia likes him? Where did that come from?Julia continued, her voice trembling, "I like you, Lord Niklaus. I've always secretly admired you. I want to become one with you. I want you to see me as a woman, not just your Subject."The silence between them was deafening as Julia waited for Nicholas's response. She felt vulnerable, and when he didn't say anything, she continued, "I'm sorry it took so long to relay my feelings across to you, Lord Niklaus. I was afraid you would reject me, and things would go awkward between us."Julia paused for a moment before c
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