Heirs of Prophecy

ChapterTwo:Identity Reveal

“Home at last!” Suzy exclaimed as they got home.

They both sat in the garden for a while.

“I’m beginning to feel better,” Jenny said, yawning.

Suzy suddenly got up to prepare chicken soup for Jenny. She had started feeling hungry on their way from the hospital. They had stopped at a grocery shop to get ingredients for chicken soup and other things they needed.

As Jenny sat waiting for her food, she remembered seeing Troy for the first time. She was an undergraduate student at the university, studying horticulture. Troy was concluding graduate studies in international relations.

He was a member of the school volleyball team, and she was a cheerleader. He played exceptionally well and possessed the carriage of "a man of the people.”

After major wins from their school team, she observed that the celebrations were at his expense. She noticed he moved about with security, which wasn't the case for other students. She didn't make much of this at first.

In the annual volleyball competition for universities, their school emerged as the winner. The competition was demanding and highly intense. The athletes’ skill, mental focus, and stamina were tested. They sat to celebrate their victory. The cheerleaders sat together.

“Hello, my name is Troy,” he said, giving her a warm handshake. He had come to their table to express his appreciation.

“You practically cheered the team to victory this evening," he said.

Jenny fiddled with the strap of her handbag and looked down. The remark caught her unawares.

“It was a combined effort by the cheerleaders," she replied, wondering how he could pick out her voice from the crowd.

“What's your name?” he asked.

“Jenny Parker,” she replied.

They met once in a while during campus activities, and he was always excited to see her. One day, he asked her to join him for lunch, and she agreed.

Even though she thought there was nothing serious between them, she looked her best. She made it a point of duty to dress well to suit every occasion.

They ate their food quietly.

“Thanks for the delectable meal,” Jenny said as she finished her meal.

“My pleasure,” Troy replied.

For the first time, she gave him a good look. He was handsome and well-groomed.

He was courteous and treated her well. Even though she knew so little about him, she was beginning to be emotionally attached to him.

“As you know, I will be graduating soon," he said matter-of-factly. I’d love to have you cheer me to success as I navigate through my path in life.”

“I didn't get that,” Jenny said, unsure of what she had just heard.

“Oh, just ignore that,” Troy said hesitantly.

She knew he was not telling her the truth, but she let it slide.

After graduate school, Troy saw Jenny frequently.

“I would like you to meet my parents on Sunday," Troy said as they left the restaurant after a lunch date.

“Why is this invitation coming on short notice?” Jenny queried.

”It's Friday already, and you're telling me now,” she continued, trying to process the information.

“I need you to do this for me,” he pleaded.

*******************

The palace rose like a shining city against the evening sky. Jenny tightened her grip on her purse as the car rolled to a stop.

“Is this your house?” she whispered, her eyes widening with surprise.

“Yes,” Troy answered reluctantly, rubbing the back of his neck.

“You never told me you lived in a palace!” Jenny quizzed. “You also did not mention being guarded by armed security,” Jenny added.

“I’m sorry,” Troy said, holding her trembling hand.

“I think I should go. I wasn't prepared for this at all.”

Troy exhaled slowly. “Please don’t panic.”

“Why should I not panic?” She replied, “There are soldiers on guard.”

Before he could answer, uniformed guards approached the car and opened the doors.

“Welcome back, Your Highness,” one of them said, bowing.

“Your Highness?” she repeated faintly. Troy gave her an apologetic look.

“You’re the crown prince?” she asked, her voice rising slightly despite her effort to lower it.

“Yes.”

“Oh my goodness.”

“I wanted you to accept me for who I am first," he explained quietly. “Not the title."

"My past relationships revolved around status the moment people found out who I was."

Jenny slowly shook her head.

“So all this time, you were just casually hiding a dynasty from me?”

They stepped into the entrance hall, and Jenny's breathing became rapid.

Glittering chandeliers hung from the ceiling while royal announcements were projected near the walls.

“I feel improperly dressed,” she said, leaning closer to Troy.

“You look beautiful.”

She glanced down at her modest sky-blue dress and sighed. A woman came down the stairs, elegant and imposing in a gold gown that shimmered under the lights. Her eyes immediately settled on Jenny with scrutiny.

Troy straightened. “Mother.”

Queen Mildred stopped before them. Her face radiated authority.

“So,” she said smoothly, “this is the young lady.”

Jenny swallowed hard and curtsied. Thankfully, she had learned to curtsy as a child.

“Good evening, Your Majesty.”

The queen studied her for some time.

“She understands protocol,” she remarked.

Troy’s jaw tightened. “Mother.”

“What?” Queen Mildred replied innocently. "I expected less from someone outside royal circles.”

Jenny forced a smile even though the remark stung.

Troy gently touched Jenny's arm. “Come. Father is waiting.”

They entered a dining hall where soft music played from hidden speakers. The king stood at the far end of the room.

King Greg carried a quieter presence. Despite his commanding stature, he looked more approachable.

“Troy,” he greeted. He turned towards Jenny.

“Welcome to the palace.”

Jenny curtsied again. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

The king nodded approvingly. “Please sit.”

Dinner was served with expensive dishes and cutlery. The king noticed Jenny's impeccable table manners. Queen Mildred sipped her wine delicately before speaking.

“So, Jenny, what does your family do?”

“My parents are late."

“My father was a school teacher, Ma’am, and my mother owned a florist shop.”

“I see.”

The king looked toward her with mild interest. “And what did you study?”

“Horticulture, Your Majesty.”

“Horticulture?” His brows lifted slightly.

“She was one of the best in her department,” Troy said proudly.

“What are your interests?” the king asked.

“You speak confidently,” he observed after listening carefully to her answers.

The queen spoke again. “Palace life requires a lot.”

Jenny met her gaze carefully. “Then I suppose I still have a lot to learn, Your Majesty.”

The king leaned back slightly, observing Jenny with thoughtful neutrality.

She realized that surviving the palace might become the greatest challenge of her life.