Hiyya! I’m back finally with another chapter of RON! This one was INTENSE, and hopefully will give that vibe off to you guys! It took awhile to try my best to capture emotions and get feedback from the RON Series Team. I think the execution is worth the wait!
I want to say that there might be a bit of a TW for just over all sadness and grieving. We get a flashback in this chapter, and it talks about losing someone close to you. If that’s at all triggering for you, it might be best to skip the flashback portion of the chapter. It won’t make a lot of sense without it, but your safety comes first <3
Feel free to email me (cuteypie0518@gmail.com) with any questions, concerns, feedback, or anything about the series! :D
Let’s get right into the chapter!
Chapter Six; Why
I sat in my room that night, not sleeping a wink. There were things I wasn’t being told, and I didn’t know who to believe anymore. I didn’t want to think that my father would lie to me, but my mother is a manipulator.
I looked out into the night sky from my opened window. I knew that Xavier would tell me the same thing again, that we would talk about it later. The main focus is making sure Olivia is okay. Of course I agree, but there’s a lot more that needs to be discussed besides my past. We need to know what happened with Olivia and my mother, and fast. She’s farther ahead than us, and that part I believe fully.
I got out of my bed, checking the time. 4:38 AM. I snuck out of my room, making my way to Olivia’s bedroom. When I neared it, I noticed lights underneath the small crack of her door. I inched towards it slowly, hoping to get a glimpse of Olivia. I wanted to make sure she was okay, but if I could ask her some questions, that would be perfect. I needed answers, and I needed them fast.
“Your majesty, you need rest.” I heard the doctor’s faint voice whisper.
“Not when my daughter is hurt and my psychotic ex is out there.” Xavier whispered back harshly.
“Sir, Olivia is perfectly healthy. Not a bone broken, not even any major scratches. She’s perfectly fine.” The doctor assured him, but he scoffed.
“She’s fine now. What about when Hatchi had her? Jamaa is more vunerable than I thought, and it’s been getting worse ever since Mariah arrived.” Xavier explained. I gasped quietly. This is my fault?!
“I don’t believe Mariah’s arrival had much to do with Hatchi other than giving her more of a reason. She was bound to go rogue given her past actions.” I heard Liza’s voice explain. He brought the Alphas? Why?
“I just can’t trust Hatchi, and I don’t know if I can trust Mariah. I know it sounds horrible that I can’t trust my own kid. But after as much damage as her mother has done to my family, I don’t know who I can trust anymore.” Xavier sighed. I felt my heart drop into my stomach. Hearing the words of being untrusted broke my heart that was finally being pieced back together after years of being crushed to dust by my mother’s terror.
“I don’t think Mariah has any intentions of harm, your Majesty.” I heard Gilbert say, but with a harsher tone. Are they sticking up for me?
“I don’t know who I can trust anymore. Hatchi deceived me just to get the throne. I don’t want to risk that again.” Xavier said. That’s it.
“But, you’re majesty I-” Liza began, but I barged into the room without any more thoughts in my mind. I was mad. No, I was livid. I wanted answers, and I wanted them now.
“That’s it. I want answers, and I want them right now.” I growled, my eyes starting to flash a slightly brighter green.
“Oh, you want answers? You want answers? So do I!” Xavier yelled, causing me to back up.
“Your majesty I-” Liza started, but he shot her a nasty glare. I heard footsteps outside.
“Xavier honey?” I heard Lucy’s faint voice call.
“Everything is fine. Go back to bed.” He said slowly, shooting his glare back at me.
“What is wrong with you?” I asked, looking at him. I couldn’t see any evidence of a spell. This was completely him.
“Your mother is what’s wrong.” He said, letting out a sigh before sitting back down. I untensed, taking a step forward.
“I guess we have a common issue then.” I began. He looked up at me.
“I need to know what happened between you and my mother. I want the truth. No more lies. I want the full story. No half truths.” I demanded.
“Your mother broke my heart and then some.” He said, looking over at Olivia.
“How so?”
“You might want to sit down for this one. If you want the full story, it’s going to be a long one.” He said ushering to the chair across from Olivia’s bed. I looked at her. She looked perfectly okay. The doctor respectfully excused himself, while the Alphas stood in a ready stance. I took a seat, anxiously waiting for the truth to unfold.
***
(First Person; Xavier’s POV)
“Prince Xavier!” I heard one of the maids call. I was busy in my room studying before my arithmetic test to care about what I was needed for.
“Xavier!” My mother called, bursting into my room. I looked up from my book to meet her angry, blue eyes.
“Where in Jamaa have you been?! We’ve been waiting at the doors for fifteen minutes!” She scolded me, closing my book for me. She fixed my tie and grabbed my crown.
“I’ve been busy.” I explained as she ushered me to the exit of my room.
“There’s no time. Your brother’s memorial is being revealed in three minutes!” She explained, pulling me along. I sighed, following her out into the grand hall, past the grand stairs, and to the main doors of the castle. The guards smiled, nodding for the trumpets to be readied.
“Hear Ye, Hear Ye!” The castle stewart called out to the giant crowd of citizens who came to see the unveiling of my older brother’s memorial.
He was out on a school trip with Majestia Prep when a group of phantoms attacked the nature center with a strange Jammer-phantom hybrid leading the way. Not much is known about the attackers, since the leader was gone before the Alphas could arrive. The guards who were already with the group couldn’t fight off such a large crowd, and my brother, being the natural born hero he is, sacrificed himself to save his classmates. He was twenty, about to be king next year when he turned the Jamaa royal age of twenty-one. Since my parents opted him in for the extra two years of studies and job-shadowing before he was of age, he was still a student at Majestia Prep.
I had my time to grieve his loss, and now life needs to move on. I didn’t want to rehash what I had already sealed up. My mother cried for days on end, and my father locked himself away in his office. I was stuck in my room, all alone. It was painful. When my mother did come out of her room, she tried talking to me about how I was feeling. I’m not much of a talker, and I didn’t need someone to bring up what I wanted to sink. It’s only been two weeks without him, and nothing has been the same in my family or the kingdom.
“I present Queen Lucinda, King Benjamin, and Prince Xavier of Jamaa.” The announcer blared, but the crowd stayed silent this time as my brother’s name was not mentioned. I could already hear my mother starting to cry, but my father consoled her by holding her hand.
“We gather today at the gates of the Jamaa Royal Family Castle to grieve the loss of our future King, Prince Marcus.” My father began, standing at the podium. My mother stood beside him, holding onto his arm. Just as we all were for the funeral, we were all dressed in black attire. Most of Jamaa was in black as well.
“He was a great man.” My father’s voice cracked as he wiped a tear falling from his cheek. I couldn’t help but start to tear up. My older brother had left the world too early, and he left in honor and courage. There was no way I’d ever reach his potential and success.
“My boy was twenty, about to be crowned the next king of this beautiful land within a years time.” My father continued.
“He left this world with a legacy behind him, and a message to spread to all of Jamaa. Phantoms are not to be messed with. They are ruthless and don’t care if you’re just a boy or a King. They will destroy everything that is pure and beautiful to see the destruction and the pain of the Jammers around them. My son died saving his classmates and his friends. Let his spirit live on in your hearts and within your actions. Let his loss be a lesson to those of you who don’t fear the phantoms. They’re more powerful than you think.” My father finished, motioning to Liza to unveil the statue.
The red silk fell off, revealing a large scaled statue of my brother with a sword in his hand. They had replicated an idea of what my brother was doing before he passed. My mother instantly broke down into tears, almost falling to the ground. My father was also crying, holding her. I stood there, silent tears falling from my face.
My brother’s death had impacted the entire country, but he also passed the kingdom onto me in the process. It was insensitive to think of myself instead of him and my family, but my mind couldn’t help but wander off as the warm tears fell from my face. Much of Jamaa was also in tears, holding onto their loved ones. Experiencing a loss in the royal family affects the entire kingdom.
“While my son’s passing comes as a shock, life must go on. And his loss will not be in vain. I promise that each and every phantom will pay for the life they have taken from this kingdom.” My father concluded, instantly moving back to go into the castle doors once again. The maids started to usher me back inside as well as the press began to flood the stairs. The large doors shut behind us, leaving the castle dark and empty once more. Maids ran around with trays and brooms doing their tasks. I watched as my mother and father walked upstairs together leaving me alone to wallow in my own thoughts. I made my way back to my room, wiping the remaining tears from my face.
***
I closed the door to my room behind me, seeing one of my windows left open. I walked over to shut it when I noticed the statue shining bright in the sun. When I looked closer, I noticed a beautiful girl standing by the statue. She looked about my age and had beautiful, green eyes that captured my gaze quickly. I continued to look at her until her gaze moved up to the window. We continued to make eye contact for a few more moments before I started to back up. I had to meet her.
“Prince Xavier, your parents do not want you to go outside.” One of the servants called after me as I slipped on my coat. I kept going, reaching the main doors. I pushed them open, seeing the girl still standing by the statue.
“Hi.” I said quietly, walking over to her. I took off my crown.
“Hello.” She responded, her voice chiming. She wore a long, purple dress with her hair in a tight bun.
“I don’t think I’ve seen you around before.” I noted.
“I’m not from the village. I go to a private academy.” She explained. I nodded.
“I apologize I didn’t introduce myself,” I cleared my throat, “I’m Xavier.”
“Prince Xavier?” She asked, bowing. I shook my head.
“There’s no need for that. Say, do you want to go to the park? I think I can sneak away long enough for a nice stroll.” I smirked, looking back at the castle, The guards weren’t paying much attention to me.
“Sure.” She smiled, starting to walk towards the large gates of the exit of the castle. I followed her, walking beside her.
“What’s your name?” I asked.
“Hatchi. My name is Hatchi.”
“That’s a beautiful name.”
“Thank you.” We continued to walk along the path as I noticed a royal guard walking near us. I coughed, gesturing to the weeds. I ducked behind them as she continued to walk. The guard didn’t seem to notice me, as he left shortly after. She was giggling as I emerged from the weeds. I brushed myself off.
“Hatchi, I think we’re going to be great friends.”
***
(Three Months Later, Jamaalidays)
“Mother, Father?” I asked, sitting at the family dinner table. Tomorrow was the Jamaalidays, and I wanted to ask them if I could bring someone to the feast.
“Yes son?” My father asked, picking up his cup.
“May I invite someone to the feast tomorrow?” I asked. He put the cup down.
“Is it one of your friends?”
“Sort of.”
“Who is it?” He asked, narrowing his eyes at me.
“Her name is Hatchi. She’s a girl I’ve been seeing.” I explained as my parents’ eyes grew wide.
“Seeing?” My mother asked. I cleared my throat.
“I met her after the memorial. She’s really amazing, mom. I think I want her to be my Queen when I come of age.” I explained and my father spit out his wine.
“Your Queen?” My mother shrieked.
“She means everything to me, mom.” I explained, pushing for acceptance.
“Is she royal?” My father asked. I could tell my parents weren’t liking this. It’s tradition for parents to pick the King’s bride, but I hated that idea.
“No, but she comes from a rich family.” I explained. I had just turned twenty a few days ago, so it was about the time I’d meet my Queen. It reminded me of how my brother’s twenty-first birthday was last month. He would’ve been the king…
However, I didn’t want to meet the girl my parents wanted me to marry. I wanted Hatchi as my queen, and I would push for that as much as I could.
“Nonsense. You know the tradition. We already selected your bride. Her name is Lucy. She’s also from a rich family, and she attends the Lavender Academy of Excellence. She’s a straight A student and has a talent for playing the piano. We feel she would make a fine queen.” My mother explained. I shook my head.
“Give her one chance. If you guys don’t approve of Hatchi, I’ll break things off completely and be willing to meet Lucy. Deal?” I asked, pleadingly. My father sighed, looking at my mother.
“It couldn’t hurt, Lucinda.” He shrugged.
“I’ll let her know!” I exclaimed, running to my room. My mother called after me for my manners, but I didn’t care. This was my chance to prove to my parents that Hatchi was worthy of being the queen. I quickly texted her a simple THEY SAID YES before turning off my phone. This had to work!
***
(Jamaalidays)
“Hatchi!” I exclaimed, rushing to greet her at the door. She stood in a beautiful, dark purple gown with her hair still in a bun. Her blonde hair was gleaming. She was gorgeous as always.
“In here.” I led her to the dining room where my parents were. I opened the door for her. I could feel the tension in the air, but I knew things were going to work out. I can tell that Mira and Zios were on my side.
“Hello, Ms. Hatchi.” My father greeted, and Hatchi smiled. She bowed.
“Hello your majesty. Hello, your highness. It’s an honor to meet you.” She said, taking a seat next to me. I squeezed her hand.
“So, Hatchi. Where do you attend school?” My mother asked.
“I attend Lavender Academy of Excellence.” She answered. My mother raised an eyebrow.
“That’s weird because when I went personally to tour the school to find a bride for my son, you weren’t there.” I looked at Hatchi.
“I- I must’ve been sick that day.” She stuttered. She’s acting odd. She must just be
nervous.
“Interesting because I even asked for records of each female student in that school.” She pushed. I saw Hatchi’s heart drop.
“You got a bride?” She asked, realizing what my mother had said prior.
“No I didn’t.” I said, but my mother nodded.
“Of course I found him a bride. It’s tradition. I allowed you to come here to see if you were fit enough for me to call off the marriage in a little less than a year from now.”
“What?!” Hatchi screeched. I sighed. Everything went downhill in less than a minute.
“Your behavior and lies already show me that I don’t think you’re fit for this royal family. You may leave now.” My father said, putting his fork down. Hatchi immediately stood up, slamming her chair onto the ground. I looked up as two guards started to come near her.
“Oh your majesty. You’ve made a big mistake.” She smirked, looking right at me.
“You think I’m a fool? You led me to believe I would be your queen when you’re getting married!? Jammers are weak and ridiculous. You were able to fall so helplessly in love with me in weeks and forget those silly traditions you have.” She cackled, her eyes glowing a bright green.
“Guards!” My father yelled, ushering my mother and me behind him.
“You’re all fools!” She shrieked as ten guards barged into the room. She was covered in purple smoke. I was horrified. What happened to Hatchi? She lied to me? But why?
“Why did you lie?” I asked quietly, but my father’s voice was louder.
“What are you?” He asked as Hatchi emerged from the smoke. Her hair was a dark black with purple roots. She wore a torn black dress with a purple coat.
“My mission will not fail!” She exclaimed, shooting some sort of blast at us. Two guards took the hit for us. Guards were trying to attack her, but there was no chance.
“You lied to me. I loved you!” I exclaimed behind my father. I tried to push in front of him, but he wouldn’t let me.
“You silly little prince. I am a Phantom Princess. I don’t need a pathetic little king when I already have a throne awaiting me!” She cackled, shooting more energy blasts at us.
“You!” My mother shrieked, tears forming in her eyes. Hatchi cackled, knowing what she was referring to.
“My original plan backfired, but it was to take out the original king to get the more naive, younger one. It was going just fine.” She growled, looking right at me.
“Why are you doing this?” I asked as my family was being ushered out by the Alphas.
“The same reason you’re doing this. To prove something to your family.” She said, her energy deflecting off of the Alpha’s staff. I tried to push back into the room, but Sir Gilbert wouldn’t allow me. I screamed, trying to make sense of what was happening. My mind was spinning, and I felt hot. My father grabbed me, holding me tightly as my mother was screaming.
Everything after that is a blur. A complete blur. Doctors call it trauma, but I call it heartbreak.
***
(Present Time; Mariah’s POV)
“A few weeks after the events at the castle, the Phantom King led an attack on Jamaa. My father, wanting to avenge my brother’s death, was on the front lines. He died in battle. Within a week, Lucy and I were married, I was crowned King, and I had to bury my father.’
“My first love turned out to be the evil phantom that killed my own brother. She caused my family years of grief, pain that has yet to be subsided. She tore my entire life apart, and I will never forgive her for what she’s done to me or my family.” Xavier finished, tears forming in his eyes. Lucy was already beside him, consoling him. She must’ve already known the story from when I first arrived.
“I remember you being very standoffish when we first met that week. You were horrified, but I never knew why until last year.” Lucy added. I sat there, frozen.
“My mother truly is a monster.” I whispered, shaking.
“It’s not your fault honey.” Xavier told me, but I shook my head.
“No I know it’s not. I couldn’t control my mother’s actions. But after everything she put your family- this whole kingdom through, this is what I do to repay that?” I was fuming, but this time, at my own mother.
“I said I would never repay your mother for what she’s done, but I don’t regret having her in my life for those months.” Xavier told me.
“Why?”
“Because I wouldn’t have gotten you.” I couldn’t help but start to cry at that statement.
