Nicholas pulled out the chairs for Anthony and Vivian. He picked up the menu list and showed it to them, asking them what they’d love to eat.
Each picked a meal and the waiter got the menu list and left to get them their various order. “So, what do you do, Vivian?” Nicholas asked.
“Do as how?” She asked.
Nicholas stared at her for a moment. Just smiling that he could be before her again after many years. “I don’t have any job.” She replied.
“That’s true. But, if you got the chance to work, what would you really prefer?” He asked her.
“I don’t even know. But I would love to work in a company with you.” She smiled.
“Me?” Nicholas wondered.
“Sure. A company owned by you and I work there as.. maybe your assistant.”
Nicholas chortled. “That’s nice.”
“But I heard something, Nicholas. Do you know anything about that birthmark?” She asked.
Nicholas was shocked. He glanced at Anthony and back to Vivian. Just then, they were served their meals.
“I’ll take you somewhere after this meal.” He told her.
“I’m I going too, Dad?” Anthony asked.
Dad? Nicholas smiled. “First time I’m being called a dad. Yes, son.” He replied as he pulled his cheeks.
** ** **
King’s Palace.
Nicholas’ car screeched to halt at the front of the Palace. He came down and opened the door for Vivian and Anthony. He gazed at Vivian and saw how shocked she was to be there.
“Are you really the…”
“Shhh..” Nicholas shut her up as he grabbed her right hand and carried Anthony. The gate was opened for them as they sighted Nicholas. “Welcome, your highness.” The guard greeted Nicholas.
Even Nicholas was shocked. “Me?” He stared at the guard.
“Welcome, your highness.” He greeted him again.
Vivian’s heart was racing so fast again. Nicholas just entered and continued pacing in with Vivian and Anthony till they got to the main Palace of the King and met the King on the throne and the Palace was filled with Chiefs and Kingmakers.
He dropped Anthony and also halted. “This is something else.” He didn’t know when the words came out of his mouth.
“What’s happening, Nick?” Vivian asked.
Nicholas shook his head. “I just have a little idea of it.” He replied her.
“Welcome the Prince!” A voice thundered amidst the chiefs and Kingmakers and they all stood to their feet and welcomed Nicholas.
The King looked so pale on the throne, but he was there, smiling. “Come and sit here, my son.” He pointed to the seat beside the throne.
Nicholas never left Vivian’s hand till he got to the seat and put her there to sit down with Anthony while he remained on his feet. He motioned towards the King slowly and held his hand.
“I’m really sorry, son.” The King said to him.
He didn’t even know what to say. He turned and looked at the crowd again and faced the King. “Your Highness.” He just called.
“Is the Prince now married?” A Chief asked amidst the crowd.
He turned and glimpsed at Vivian. “About to.” He replied.
Vivian’s eyes widened.
“I have a son, though. But will soon get legally married.”
“He has all the needed criteria to sit on the throne of his father.” Another Chief spoke.
“So I won’t only live to see my son, I’ll also live to see my grandson?” The King waved at Anthony, calling him to his sight.
Anthony walked to the side of the King. Dennis held his hands and was filled with happiness. “After I got to know Edward is not my son, I have never for once thought happiness would end my story.”
Nicholas was just short of words. He never expected all he met. “Come here, my beautiful wife.” The King called Vivian too.
Vivian also stood beside Nicholas, just by the King. “When did you fix your wedding date.” He asked.
“Urgh.. that.. em..” She didn’t know what to tell the King. She stuttered.
“Actually, we gave birth to him ten years back and lost contact thereafter. We met some days back when I just found out I already have a son with her. So, we’ve not even discussed about wedding, your highness.”
“Please start the discussion and let us know the convenient date.” He told them. “And please tell your parents too and let us know their opinions.” The King told Vivian.
Vivian nodded. Would she start the discussion of how she was disowned there?
“We still have a lot to discuss, Prince.” The King told him.
“Okay Sir.” He nodded.
“When are you moving to the Palace?” He asked him.
“You haven’t even asked of those who took care of me, your highness.”
“Ooh.. I’m sorry, son. I have to go and see them myself.” He said.
Nicholas shook his head. “They are dead already, your highness. They were murdered.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll still discuss very well.” The King smiled.
“Can I take my leave now? I’ll come back later, maybe when this place is now free.”
“Okay, son.”
Nicholas held Anthony’s hand and that of Vivian and they began to walk out.
** ** **
… story continues..
