The Five Princes

The Choice Part One

August of 19XX

Prince Leone has chosen me and I believe it is my duty that I choose him as well. Mother will kill me, she'll break every bone in my body if I don't "marry" him by sundown. Especially now that Aras, my dear little brother, has finally taken his last breath. Mother and Father are heartbroken and so am I. I wish to see them set his soul feel as it sails down the Lux river and disintegrates from the flames each of my brothers and I would shoot from a distance. But that shall never happen. I've chosen Prince Leone.

The main reason I've chosen Leone over vengeance is that I no longer have a duty towards the Enigma family after one of the princess' confession. During supper, the Princess of Strength spoke about how odd it was that a distant princess of Welch that no one has heard of came to represent the kingdom. I wanted to stab her eyes out that moment with a fork but I resisted. She continued to tell stories to Prince Leone including having visited Welch during her childhood and there was a mysterious tale of a Lord and Lady's child going missing shortly after birth.

She looked at me with a certain intuition as she examined me up and down. Did she know who I was? If she did, there was no time to waste in case she decided she had the strength to inform Leone of my treachery.

That very night, I snuck into her room and although she was strong, flipping me over a table, I was cunning with speed, I grasped her by the wrist, pinning her down, and stuffing her mouth with one of her stockings. In a calm voice, I told her that she would finish that story for her sake and never speak of it or this night to anyone or I would hunt her down and gut her like a fish. Something in my eyes told her I wasn't lying. And I truly wasn't. If she told Leone about me, everything I created with him would be ruined, and she'd probably win by gaining the trust he'd given me. There was already a girl out of the game because she was caught fooling around with one of the guards so I got to spend two nights with him already. Twice capturing my heart and I wasn't going to let him go so easily.

She told me the story of the Lord and Lady who were very close to the King and Queen of Welch, them being proclaimed the godparents of the child. And once things settled down, in the middle of the night, someone just snatched the baby, fighting off anyone that got in the way. What was ironic was that the Queen of Enigma announced having a child the very next day, a small princess. The council, who had visited the kingdom during routine, hadn't recalled seeing her pregnant and whenever they came to see the child, the Enigma Queen would shoo them away, stating that "the child gets sick easily."

And I took the Princess of Strengths words as truth because who would be crazy enough to lie when they had a knife to their throat. Now I had more reasons than ever to not "marry" Leone.

Ajax tossed in bed beside me until he settled and continued to snore into a pillow. Turning back around to the journal, running my fingers along the golden page of the journal, unable to put it down. I wanted to know everything there was about my mother and more before I had to choose a spouse this evening. Inside, I couldn't decide what I wanted, a part of me feeling sorry for Zeph, another desiring Ajax, and the strongest piece of me feeling like I did at the very beginning. This wasn't right. Marrying a man because of s****l interest and only having a week to properly know him.

I flipped to a gold page and continued to read on the ceilings and walls.

The only reason I can think of right now that I should kill the man I love is for the sake of my family, a family that has lied and deceived me my entire life up until now. Now I understood why Keon treated me with such disdain all these years and why the other kids found me different than the rest and why I felt as though I didn't belong. And what hurts the most is that I still loved them, Mother, Father, Rhett, Keon, and Aras with all my heart. I would still protect them with everything I had in me.

I wonder, would they do the same for me?

Sincerely, your dearest friend, Lalita, Queen to be of Dominic

With his body slumped in the crevasses of the wall, a blanket wrapped around him tightly, I felt horrible that I sentenced him to a place like this when it did nothing wrong. It was Hayden that killed my father, now slumbering in his cell quite a ways down from Zeph. Blood boiled through my veins at the thought of him now, all those sincere moments in the garden and that night by the waterfall only made me feel disgusted by him. Because he was a prince, I'd have to wait until the council arrived on my wedding day to commence a trial for him. And since he killed a king of a higher rank, he'd certainly receive the death penalty.

However, a part of me wondered why money compelled him so much to the point of murder. Something didn't add up for me and in the back of my mind, Avant wasn't going to get away scot-free. He had to have help in some way. I needed to find something because there was no way in the underworld that I would be sharing the throne with the likes of him.

"Zeph, Zeph, wake up," I called to him through the bars. "You're getting out of here."

The sun hadn't risen yet as I slipped away from Ajax's warm embrace this morning, barely recalling Zeph's imprisonment. As soon as I did, I ran to the other side of the palace and came to free him, the guard beside me handing me to keys.

It took Zeph a few second to adjust himself as the cell doors squealed open. I couldn't contain myself, hugging him before he could even realize what was happening. "Serene?" he asked, patting my hair.

I nodded, "You're free. You didn't kill my father."

He propped himself to his feet begrudgingly as I offered a hand. "That's what I tried to tell you in the first place."

"I believed you. It's just I had to find evidence and..." Reminiscing on last night encounter as they dragged Hayden through the corridors like a ragdoll, Avant's smug face exuding pride in himself, and my tears as I wrapped my arms around Ajax as we headed to my room. "I didn't know it would be Hayden."

"That tree hugger? Wow."

I rolled my eyes, taking a few steps back so he could get out. Down the murky tunnel of cells, I knew Hayden was looked behind the most impregnatable cell. Rarely had it been used. The door was solid steel and you had to open three locks on the side with three different keys. And the only way you could speak to him was through a netted slot in the middle of the door. That's worrisome when you could hear the foot shutters of a spider if you listened closely down here. Just thinking about the isolation gave me shivers down my spine.

"Let's get out of here," I told him, holding my gown as we marched up the stairs. "You must be starving."

His footsteps followed mine loudly, echoing off the walls. "A little. They fed me but not much."

"There should be some fruit in the kitchen. You can go eat some before returning to your chambers for a good nights rest before the sun comes up."

He stopped me out the entrance ways, touching the small of my back, turning me around to face him once and for all beneath the moonlit sky. His cheeks had stubbles across it with his hair knotted on the top of his head. His clothes absorbed the stench of the cells below and his hands needed a wash as they left a dusty print on my gown. But I care for none of that as he eyes sunk into mine innocently. I missed gazing at him like this, I realized, pressing myself a bit closer. I'd imprisoned the wrong man, the man who brought me closer to my mother through her journal. And for that, I'd always be thankful to him.

"Zeph, you look handsome but you smell like a pig farm," I told him with a smile.

Just to see if I was right, he sniffed himself, his nose scrunching up at the stench. "Being down there so long, I didn't realize. I'll go take a shower before we grab something to eat. I really missed you, Serene."

I stepped back a moment. It would have been so easy to fall back into our old routine of being together, him sneaking into my room so we'd lie together till morning, and he would hold my hand to the dining hall. Nonetheless, Ajax slept in my bed and I wanted to be with him for the time being. Plus, I didn't want Ajax to leave.

"I'll just go to my room and see you at the Choosing Ceremony tomorrow."

I swirled away from him before he captured my arm gently, pulling me back. "Is it because of what I said last time. Serene, you must believe me when I say that I truly have feelings for you. I never meant to hurt you."

"I understand, Zeph, but please, not right now. We'll discuss this later."

"Why?"

I gave him a hard look in the eyes. "Because the sun isn't even out yet and I would like to head back into my room. Tomorrow...will be a challenging day...for all of us."

"It doesn't have to be."

I finally snatched my arm away from him. I knew what he was doing with the puppy dog look in his eyes that could make any woman fall to his mercy but I wasn't having that right now. There was too much in my mother's journal that I wanted to read before I chose a spouse, a rightful king that would rule by my side. And I knew the journal was getting to the point where Zeph would be mentioned soon. There was so much about him I didn't know or understand, so much I didn't know about Ajax as well, and all the rest. They all came here with goals in mind. One was to marry me and the others were all in the palm of their hands.

I just had to make sure I wasn't in their palms as well. "Yes, it does and it will be. Please get some rest and I'll see you at breakfast."

March of 19XX

It wasn't until I looked into the gorgeous eyes of my baby girl for the first time that I finally felt at peace with the choice I made against the family that raised me. Leone and Serene was the only family I'd ever need and I felt content with that. Leone adored her to the fullest, his anger melting away long before and now from the moment I woke up to the moment I fell asleep, he'd have a smile on his face. He was simply intoxicated by our baby and by me.

I haven't told him yet that I was the Princess of Lux. Even on our wedding day (I have no idea what my mother did), the true king and queen of Welch embraced me like a long-lost daughter. When Leone asked questions about my upbringing, they answered politely with, "she was a very composed child" and "she used to say the funniest things when she was young." That seemed to satisfy his craving for knowledge about me. It made be sick having to hide away my true identity from the man I love. Inside though, I was more petrified of admitting the truth. He would love me in the end, right?

He would stay by my side through it all?

He wouldn't resent Serene on my behalf?

I closed the book as I sat back in my seat at the table. I heard Ajax behind me yawn himself awake, stretching his thick arms to the ceiling. Looking over my shoulder, he grunted under his breath about the bathroom used to be on the right as he got out the bed and headed towards my bathroom. I smiled at it.

There was something about Ajax that told me he'd be a wonderful king. I still knew very little of him but at least if I asked him about a few things and his home life, he answers with complete sincerity. Just like when we walked around the village, spoiling me with life lessons, getting me to embrace my people for the first time. There was very little doubt in my mind that he would be so superb by my side.

When he returned after washing his face, refreshed and ready for the day, I stood up and wrapped my arms around his waist. After today, I might not see him again if I didn't choose him. I might not see Zeph if I didn't choose him. I didn't understand the exact feelings I had for the both of them but I knew I'd miss them.

Zeph saved me only a week ago and had been the first man I slept with, taking my virginity. I remember the sting I felt when he wasn't by my side the next morning and also the overwhelming and surprise to see he was a prince.

I didn't want either of them to go.

Ajax held me tight against his chest, his heart pulsing energetically against my eardrum. "Are you feeling better?" he asked, his voice causing his chest to rattle his chest.

I held back my giggle from the ticklish sensation. "Yeah, a little."

He brought my chin up with his finger, his eyes a firmly locked on my own. I felt my body grow hot every second. "No matter who you choose tonight, I want you to stay strong." He grinned broadly, pushing my hair back. "When I came here, I thought you'd be some weakling of a little girl who would whine each time a man touched you."

"Oh, is that so? And how do you think of me now?"

His hands caressed the curvature of my body until he caught my thighs, lifting me into his arms. I shrieked at the suddenness, wrapping my arms around his waist as I looked down at him. My fingers traced the creases of his chiseled jawline, his smooth tan skin, and the strands of bedhead tussles that fell over his piercing eyes. I wanted to kiss him so badly before he opened his mouth to reply.

"A surprisingly strong-willed woman who knows how to take charge and f***s twice as hard."

A chuckle barely escaped before his lips devoured mine greedily. He made my body tremble with excitement. I wanted to stay in bed, kiss him all day, but I knew I couldn't do that. However, now I'd embrace the morning with him. I held onto him tighter as he walked us to the bed.

My gown was, once again, on the ground within seconds as he placed me on the bed, leaning his body deeply onto mine. His kisses trailed down from my lips to my neck and then my breast, the same fervor of lust taking over the both of us. He was already shirtless so I pulled on the hems of the jeans he slept in, begging for him to be inside me. "I want you," I whispered in his ear.

He growled under his breath, taking his jeans off hastily as he brought his lips back to mine. "I want you so much." I arched my back as he entered my core, holding the small of my back. It was strong and unmistakably powerful inside me. I gasped at the controlled position as he ran his hands through my hair, kissing me until I moaned against his lips. The tip of him touched my pleasure box, again and again, hitting my core every time with more vigor than the last.

Rolling on top of him as he fell to the bed, I couldn't satisfy myself enough, needing more and more of him each second. He held my waist, lifting his hips as I rode him, moaning his name until he brought himself up, taking my breast in his mouth. He was tender to my chest as I wrapped my arms around his neck, pressing down on his member. This couldn't be the last time I felt this ecstatic about lust. This couldn't be the last time with him.

I memorized the way his hands slid up my back, holding my neck as he leaned into my chest more. I memorized the throbbing of his member inside me, how my core hugged him so perfectly. I memorized the flakes of light in his eyes when he looked up at me so sweetly yet his body was thrashing my core roughly, which I savored.

He threw me down on the bed, flipping me over as he entered me once more. The animal inside him was more dominant, smacking my ass. I brought myself up so my back was pressed against his chest, finding his lips over my shoulder. They were so delicious. He held my breast in his hands, rubbing them between his fingers which matched the rhythm of his body. The sensation caused me to groan in ecstasy.

I could feel him growing inside me and I feel a roaring rush of pleasure hit my gut at the same time. We both sighed in pleasure as we fell to the bed, our lips connected. "I want to feel you every day of my life," I told him, the words fleeing before I could stop them. I covered my mouth at the surprising honesty.

He granted me a white-toothed smile, pulling my hands off my mouth. "Never be shy about telling the truth. I'd like that too, Serene." He pressed himself against me once more, lips taking over every fiber of my being.

September of 19XX

Rhett came to visit me today. Well, there was a gathering of the kings and queens around the nation and Rhett would be representing father. I hadn't heard anything from them since I closed communication with them years ago. I wanted to ask Rhett all that has happened since I left, I wanted to hug him, and smell the familiar scent of home. However, it worried me that he'd hate me as much as mother did for not executing the plan.

She covered a paragraph with the gold paint and I had to read it on the walls and ceilings as usual. Time was fleeting and soon I'd have to get ready for tonight's Choosing Ceremony.

A few months ago, I caught one of their assassins one night in the garden and had to shoot him out of a tree without anyone noticing. Here, I was innocent and fragile, the girl who painted in her spare time and read poetry beneath the willow trees in the garden. My dagger caught him square in the chest before he could make a move on Leone and I had to scream to cover the thump of his body hitting the ground. I said it was a raccoon and suggested we head back inside. Once Leone was settled, I went back outside, sighing in relief when I saw the body was still there and decided to drag him down to the cellars, having to make excuses for the guards to check something on the other end of the palace. Sometimes I believed these Concord knights were lacking a bit of mental comprehension.

I always used that to my advantage though.

Anyway, Rhett and I had to find the perfect excuse to talk to one another and he used his charm to persuade one of the servant girls to let us use her room to talk. At first, I thought he's shout obscenities at me for abandoning the family and then remembered he wasn't Keon as he drew me into his arms. I missed him so much and I could tell he missed me as well.

'How is everything? You've grown so much,' he complimented, twirling me around like he used to do when we were younger. He's gotten more hairy with a thick beard that made him look older and more reserved.

'Everything is wonderful except these assassins mother has been sending.'

He frowned. Apparently, our mother hasn't been doing well since Aras death and has been trapped in her own mind with fantasies of returning to when their family once ruled. She acts as if it wasn't a thousand years ago. Keon wasn't much help in curing her, continuously fueling her mind stories of one day conquering Dominic, ruling on the throne, and council. He's the one who has been sending assassins. He's already secured a seat with the council and would become a permanent member by winter. It's only become worse since father has grown ill with age and has been bedridden.

'He always talks about you. He wants to see you one last time before he passes.'

There's no way I'd be welcomed back to Lux after the betrayal. But I didn't need to be welcomed, I just needed to find a way to talk to them. He continued to ask questions about my life now and I spoke about Serene, my entire world. I wanted to spoil her as much as possible before Leone and I decide to have more children for her to play with and protect. The one thing I loved about growing up with three brothers was the abundance of adventures with them. I want Serene to have those moments with her siblings as well.

'Zeph is a handful. Running around everywhere and has the same temper and stubbornness Aras once possessed. He's the light of my life...it's just Keon...I don't know what he's planning but I need to keep him away from my son.'

'Do you plan on having more kids?' I wanted to get my mind off our troubles and both our kids seemed to calm our nerves.

He sighed, admitting that his marriage was on the brink of catastrophe. 'The woman I married says I'm not the man she fell for years ago and she's not what she once was to me. She closes herself off doing her experiments and never wants to be with me. Every time I touch her, she acts like she can't stand me.'

'I'm sorry to hear that.' When I said that, it made me feel horrid thinking about my own marriage. Would I one find disappointment in Leone and he, disappointment in me?

However, I found a smile on his face. He told me he'll return because there was someone in the palace he has found love in. I didn't ask him who. I didn't want to get myself involved as I changed the subject. The brother who once told me to get rid of thoughts of cheating was now having an affair with one of my chambermaids. He'd gotten older and was slowly becoming someone I couldn't recognize.

The last part was written with gold over it.

He also warned me never to tell Leone was from Lux, like I already didn't know that. He doesn't ask me that many questions about Welch since I had Serene. Whatever doubt he once had has been disbanded because of her and it has been a calming time for us. But for how long?

He also warned me that once Keon takes his place on the council board, he might try to kill me to get to Leone or even Serene. I couldn't believe it but even then, I didn't want to believe he or my mother would send assassins. They have and they will. Keon was a cunning man who always held his anger and used it as a weapon with ultimate pleasure for results.

He had the highest potential of killing me and my family, and with the council support, there might be nothing to stop him.

Sincerely, your dearest friend, Queen Lalita of Dominic

By the time Trinity had arrived in my room to get me ready for tonight's momentous ceremony, bringing my mothers' gown she'd worn when father chose her, I'd completed the journal. And I was in a daze as she dressed me from head to toes, placing golden jewels through my hair and helping me with my silk gloves. My dress was ruby red with hems of gold that cascaded down my body beautifully, hugging my curves in all the right places. And lastly, my mothers' necklace I rarely wore in fear of it ever breaking. She gave it to me when I was seven, just before she sunk into the deepest depression I'd ever seen in my life. It was before she shut everyone out and now I knew why.

"I finished my mother's journal," I told her. I felt disappointment stab me in the chest, her last words a gift to me.

Sincerely, the mother who adores you, the late Queen Lalita

"Really?" she smiled.

I nodded, caressing the leather one last time, the very essence of my mother from childhood to womanhood captured in it, before handing it to her. "Burn it."

It took her a second to realize what I said. "Wait, burn it? Why? It's your mothers, isn't it?"

"Indubitably. That's why I need you to burn it, to keep her secrets, especially tonight."

She nodded, not questioning my intentions. I knew she trusted me wholehearted, her eyes responding with confidence before her mouth replied. "Of course, I'll burn it immediately." She tucked it in the belt of her dress before giving me a hug. I accepted it earnestly, needing one right now. The moment I stepped into the ballroom where the ceremony would commence, everyone would be looking at me to make a choice once and for all. And I knew exactly who I had to choose.

Taking my hand, we headed out the door and down the staircase where a line of well-dressed guards bowed all the way to the ballroom. I paused at the door, Trinity squeezing my hand before letting go and heading towards the kitchen to burn the journal. I touched mothers necklace, kissing it for luck before the doors open, the scribe announcing my presence.

"Presenting Princess Serene Adela Marie Concord, future Queen of Dominic."

My nose creased at the emphasis on 'princess' and 'future,' knowing Avant told him to present me this way. Anything to kick the stool from under me. He'd get what he deserved very soon. The doors opened to a splendid scene I would have awed at if it weren't for the occasion. Hundred of lights floated above matching the golden shimmer of the curtains and tables. Red roses were placed everywhere from the doors, tables, and floor to the lapels of gentlemen and around the wrists of ladies. Petals were sprinkled towards the stage where two chairs of gold had been placed and beside them, two crowns.

Each of the four princes greeted me warmly as I entered, one by one. Sam was the first, granting me a hug which made me feel safe. He was such a wonderful guy and I admired his attentiveness as a friend. I stood on my tip toes to whisper in his ear, "Thank you for waiting on Trinity. Be good to her." He smiled, nodding that he would. I believed him entirely.

Next was Ethan who kissed my hand. "Your gift is being delivered to your room as we speak," he informed me with a grin.

"I hope it works."

"Oh, it will." He smiled pridefully and I shook his hand, thanking him for it.

"And I'm sorry for last night, I didn't--"

He shook his head, not allow my apology to sink in. "You did nothing wrong. Last night was...different...exciting different. You really know how to leave an impression, Your Grace."

I laughed, nodding my thanks before heading to Ajax, pausing in front of him. He kept his head high, hands behind his back in a soldier stance with his chest out. Only his eyes looked down at me. All that existed were the both of in that moment in time. This was the man who made me feel passionate about everything around, my kingdom, my people, myself. He challenged me in a way no one ever had and for that, I'd always be in his debt. I reached up to stroke his cheek, feeling him lean closer. In a soft tone, I asked him, "Do you trust me?"

He stood silently for a second before giving me the tiniest of nods discreetly.

"Wait for me."

Removing my gaze from his, I strolled to Zeph who was dressed dashingly in an all black suit. He was handsome with his hair sleeked back, a rose tucked in his pocket, standing straight before leaning down to kiss my hand. His eyes were warming me up from the inside out. I couldn't hide my glee at the sight of him, feeling my heart hammer like it used to when I'd gaze upon him. Zeph was my first forever and that would never change. He introduced me to so many new things that were once so foreign to me and made me open my eyes to an entire world of possibilities.

"You smell nicer tonight," I told him. He chuckled, shielding his smile with his hand charmingly.

"Thank you, Your Grace. You look beautiful."

"Thank you. You would wait for me, right?"

His eyebrows questioned me before he quickly concealed it behind a handsome smile. "For an eternity and beyond."

I nodded, turning away to head up the steps to the stage where the crowd turned to me with eagerness in their eyes. Everything we went through this week rested on my shoulders and I straightened my back, ready to give my answer to everything we'd been waiting for.

"Thank you, everyone, for attending this most gracious occasion as I will be choosing my lifelong partner not only for myself but for the kingdom of Dominic. It's been a long week, a lot of struggles and tribulations happened in such a short span of time. I profoundly wish my father, King Leone, was here for me tonight." A chorus of 'May the King rest in peace' and 'Long Live King Leone' rang through the room, glasses lifting in the air to salute his memory. "Each of the princes proved to be a worthy candidate for the throne and for my affection but only one genuinely proved to me the potential of leadership, compassion, wisdom, and strength needed to be the king by my side. And that man is..."