CHAPTER 1: Welcome Home Virgile
Fena ran out joyfully as her father's motorcade slowly drove into the massive compound in the palace. She was held back by one of the two guards stationed in front of the huge golden door. Her nanny, Chairess joined her outside, almost out of breath from running after her ward.
Virgile stepped out of the royal limousine, and all the guards saluted. Squatting down and spreading his arms wide, he enveloped Fena with a bear hug. He planted kisses all over her face, as she giggled with delight.
“I missed you Dad”, Fena said, still smiling cheerfully.
“I’ve missed you too, Sugar-plum”, Replied Virgile as he picked her up.
A week away at Molan had been too long. Virgile had missed his daughter greatly. Carrying her in his arms, he climbed the staircase and walked through the golden door which was opened by one of the guards. Chairess bowed down as Virgile walked past her. He barely noticed her.
Inside, Fena probed her father about his journey to Molan. She also updated him about her welfare and all that she did while he was away. Virgile looked at Fena with admiration. He was fond of her and seldom refused any of her requests.
After taking a shower and dressing up in fresh clothes, Virgile made his way to the King's quarter with Fena in tow. The duo crossed the vast compound and ascended the flight of stairs in front of the royal mansion.
Queen Leina was with the king in his salon when Virgile's presence was announced by Ronin, the King's butler. King Deima signaled his permission and Prince Virgile was ushered in. Fena ran into the Queen's waiting arms. Virgile bowed before his father before taking his seat beside his mother.
“Welcome home, son”, Queen Leina greeted her son.
“Thanks, Mom, it's good to be back home”, replied Virgile, as he leaned to kiss his mom.
“How was your journey, son?” King Deima asked in his characteristic baritone voice.
“Stressful, but fruitful. I was able to convince the good people of Molan that the new tax reforms were for the benefit of the entire kingdom”, replied Virgile.
“How about Count Tola and his associates?” The king inquired.
“They sent their warm regards and assurance of their unflinching support”, said Virgile.
“And the women of Molan, I hope they didn't wear you out”, Queen Leina teased. “I hear they are almost sexually insatiable.”
“Mother!” Virgile said, pointing his hands to Fena.
“It's alright Virgile, Fena knows her dad is a rake”, Queen Leina continued. “Your dad used to be just like you too.”
“Leave me out of this Leina, cause even in my best days I could never have outdone Virgile”, King Deima said.
“Okay, I think this is my cue to take my leave”, Virgile said, rising from his seat.
“Sit down son, your father and I would like to have a word with you,” said Queen Leina.
Rolling his eyes, Virgile resumed his seat. Judging by the look on his father's face, he knew what was coming.
“Fena, would you like to ride one of my horses?” King Deima asked, turning his gaze to Fena.
“Of course, Grandpa!” Fena yelled with excitement.
King Deima, pressed a little button on his intimidatingly huge throne, and Ronin came in. King Deima instructed him to take Fena to the royal stall and allow her to ride on any of his horses that caught her fancy. Fena kissed her grandparents on their cheeks, before gamboling out of the salon with Ronin.
When they were alone, King Deima turned to Virgile, with a grave expression on his face. Virgile met his father's gaze with a faint smile dancing on his face.
“Son, your mother and I are worried about you”, King Deima said.
“I wonder why, Dad”, Virgile said, rolling his eyes.
“Virgile”, Queen Leina said, as she turned to face her son. “You are our only son and the future king of Airos. It's been two years since Genta died, and you haven't been in any serious relationship since then, let alone talk about marriage.”
“Thanks for your concern, mother, but I'm fine,” Virgile said, trying desperately to bring the conversation to an end.
“No, you're not, son”, chipped in King Deima. “You can't continue living your life like this, sleeping with every married woman and beautiful lady that catches your fancy. Count Lalor, is still very upset with you for sleeping with his wife and daughter.”
Virgile tried his best to suppress a giggle. He remembered how he had succeeded in seducing Count Lalor’s wife, Countess Zeight and their daughter, Molly during the queen's birthday party at the palace last year. Molly had found out about his tryst with her mother and cried to her father. Count Lalor has not spoken to him since then.
“If you continue like this Virgile, you will have no kingdom to rule when your father dies.” Queen Leina said, looking concerned.
“I'm fine, Mom, I've got my own business and money. I don't need to become king to live a good life.” Virgile said.
“So because you have made a few billions from your inventions, you now want to throw away your inheritance?” King Deima asked, looking flabbergasted.
“This throne is your birthright son, and you must not throw it away”, Queen Leina said.
“Then find yourself a woman of noble blood, get married, and stop trying to divide this kingdom with your insatiable libido”, King Deima, signaling the end of the discussion by rising to his feet.
Virgile also rose and bowed down as his father exited the salon.
“Have your seat son, 'cause you are having dinner with your father and me tonight. We have a special guest, I'd like you to meet. You'll love her”, Queen Leina said, winking at her son.
“Oh, mom!” Virgile said, throwing up his arms as he sank back into his seat.
“May I ask who this special guest is?” Virgile probbed.
Shaking her head, the queen replied to her son, “No, Virgile, it's a surprise. Now tell me all about your escapades at the Province of Molan. I hope you didn't leave Count Tola furious.”
“Mother!” Virgile exclaimed, “You've got a dirty mind for a queen you know”.
Queen Leina laughed, as she continued to chat with her son. She loved Virgile so much, and always enjoyed his company thoroughly whenever he came to visit.