( The Croft’s Palace, Los Angeles.)
***
“In fact, this conversation is over!” Nicky yelled and aggrievedly jerked up but Elva held her back.
“Nicky, we never replaced you! No one can equal your badmouth and fiery attitude.”
“Is that an insult??” She shrieked and bulged her eyes.
“No!” Elva hastily breathed. Nicky grudgingly weighed the compliment and decided it was worth accepting.
“I never said you could touch me!” She yapped and Elva quickly let go. She slowly sat down back.
“Continue!”
Elva smiled.
“We’re sorry for not telling you. We had no choice. Natalia’s grandmother ordered us not to.”
Nicky partially looked at her. “I heard what happened. I’m sorry. How’s Natalia doing?”
Elva looked gloomy for a while. “She… she’s healing slowly but I know she’ll survive. She has to.”
Nicky nodded softly.
“You have two more minutes!” She declared and Elva gasped.
“Well I just wanna say that we missed you so much.”
Nicky thought about it for a while.
“Your apology is totally cheesy and floppy…” Elva’s eyes bulged in disbelief.
“… but manageable.”
“So can I get a hug now?” She grinned nervously. Nicky pursed her lips before happily crushing her in a bear hug.
“I terribly missed you guys too.” They pulled apart.
“Honestly, I didn’t think you’ld forgive us that easily.”
“Me too.” She pouted. “But I guess I was happy for one reason.”
“What reason?” Elva skeptically looked at her and Nicky smirked evilly.
“I got back at my brother for supporting Jeff to betray me.”
“How?” Elva was still confused. Nicky shrugged innocently.
“By now, half the world would’ve found out he just made out with a girl from all the lipstick he has on his face!”
“What?!” Ricky yelled from the bush he and Jeffrey were quietly hiding in….
***
Natalia blinked repeatedly. She couldn’t believe she was making out with the same person she said she was never getting back with!
She gasped and tried to break free but Arian’s lips expertly took control, placing hers under a spell and they reciprocated without her permission.
Her fingers twitched to touch his smooth, raven black hair which had grown longer in a few months but she forcefully pulled away and smack!
She slapped him.
“Are you insane?!” Natalia choked, wiping her tears. Arian pushed his hair away and gazed at her.
“In what other way do you want me to prove it because I will!” He yelled back. She angrily stared at him.
“Do you really wanna know?”
“Yes!” He didn’t for once blink.
“Then stay away from me! That’s all I ask.”
“Y…”
“Is there a problem?” Someone asked. Natalia panicked and flipped around to see Edmond’s confused face.
Her heart froze in a bit of panic but she flashed him a smile.
“N… no, right? Mr De’ Argent?” Arian didn’t talk or take his eyes away from her either.
“The event’s almost over and it’s time for the toast. Father wants you to be the anchor.” He smiled.
“Oh, okay.” She didn’t spare Arian another glance before Esmond delicately escorted her out.
They walked back to the party and the annoying cameramen resumed their…. what the upset Empress would call ‘madness’ at this point. Seriously, how could they take one picture repeatedly??
Natalia was mad and disappointed. Mad that Arian had forcefully kissed her and disappointed in herself for letting him! Esmond seemed to notice because he asked her if she was alright and she gave a half-hearted nod again.
They got back to the couches where Emperor Miller and Queen Loretta were waiting. Natalia casually turned around and flinched when she spotted Arian De’ Argent storming over with a determined look on his face.
Heavenly father!
She slightly bulged her eyes and tensed up. But before he could get to them, his family surrounded him and hugged him. They looked happy for some reason.
Elva, Naomi and Jake reappeared behind Natalia as the Emperor stood at the podium to start a brief welcome speech.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s been an honorable night of dance, celebration, nostalgia and pride which I must thank you for attending. And now to close this anniversary celebration, I welcome the Empress Alexis Santiana to….”
Natalia wasn’t concentrating. Her eyes were curiously zeroed on Arian, Sir Argent and the strange man who stood next to Selena. Since Damon looked a lot like him, Natalia concluded he was their father.
Arian looked like he was having a heated argument with his father, but she took her attention away recalling it was none of her business.
Natalia beautifully smiled and walked to the podium after the Emperor was done. She did her part and gave a toast, forgetting all about him.
Everyone applauded and cheered before sipping the refilled champagne in their glasses. Emperor Miller went back to the podium, smilingly.
“Also, as a favour to an old friend, I plead with everyone here to spare a few minutes for what he has to say.” Everyone started murmuring and turned towards the stage light which was now focused on Arian De’ Argent and Selena Lorenzo.
For some reason, Arian couldn’t take his eyes away from Natalia who emotionlessly stared back at him. He looked tensed and breathless. But after a silent seemingly-happy whisper from his father, he turned to Selena and slowly opened a little, elegant box.
Those around him cheerfully gasped but none noticed his shaky hands…. including Natalia.
“In the presence of everyone gathered here this evening…” He faltered for a while but continued with a bit more bravado.
“I ask Selena Lorenzo to please, marry me.” He showed the 14 carat exquisite diamond ring.
Natalia didn’t know the details of what happened later on because her world suddenly turned dark…
***
Elva watched the whole scene behind Natalia while Emperor Miller and his wife stood side by side behind Esmond.
Dressed in a snow white suit and red strap heels, Natalia looked like an angel.
An angel with a heart of steel!
The white blazer was elegantly cut in a such a way that the two frontal ends ended at her upper legs with only three huge buttons covering her nude skin from the outside world. The high waisted skirt was plain but stylistic and flaunted her crazy curves while the stiletto heels brought out her sexy, long legs.
Natalia’s nails, purse and lipstick were all bright red! Her long brownish blonde hair was parted in the middle and fell in waves from the sides of her face down to her waist.
Elva didn’t know if it was a new habit or something but Natalia became more passionate about her wardrobe when she was determined about something!
The court clerk presented some legal documents which Esmond and Natalia signed. After on, the Chief judge of the Supreme Court declared the union permanent and left with his panel.
Everyone shook hands merrily.
Woah! It wasn’t a wedding, y’all!
It was the official ceremony which instated Esmond La Croft and Natalia Alexis Santiana as the parties in charge of the University construction partnered by both Empires.
Natalia had come up with the idea after the La Croft’s party because of the wonderful drama the talented kids presented. It was a gift from Astheria to La Croft.
Aside the ball of the century hosted by the Empire, the media had been buzzinnnng about the Empress Alexis’ identity since the past two days. All newspapers had her on their front pages and countless news houses kept calling for a five minute interview.
Another trending news was Arian’s engagement to Selena. After he proposed and Selena kinda forced a kiss on him, Elva thought Natalia would fall weak and pass out.
But she didn’t.
She didn’t even bat an eyelid.
Instead, her face became coldly emotionless which freaked her out!
“Empress.” Esmond smiled, walking over to her.
“Emperor.” She returned it making his attractive smile increase.
“Are you never gonna stop teasing me?”
“Nah, you’ll get used to it.” She shrugged. He chuckled at the memory. His father had him coronated the day after the anniversary.
It might seem a bit rushed… but he was ready.
“Shall we?”
“We shall.” She smiled and they walked out. King Miller and his wife were already halfway down the first dozen stone stairs which was in three stages.
By noon, the sun was still soft and lazily lurking around. A train of limousines, Jeeps and motorbikes were lined up to convey them back to their residences.
Jake and the La Croft’s head of security dispatched men to keep the growing reporters away. An hour ago, there was just a few but word had gotten out…. fast!
“Thank you so much for this partnership. Giving the best to those kids means a lot to me as it was to your mother. You are so much like her.” Queen Loretta smiled genuinely as they got to the row of cars.
“It’s a pleasure.” Natalia smiled. King Miller turned to them.
“Thank you again, Empress. I have complete faith in you both. Convincing Esmond to assume the throne feels like a life time achievement that a few months in the Bahamas sounds fair to us.” He breezed merrily.
Esmond tried not to roll his eyes which made Natalia chuckle.
“…. And also to help you get justice.” He added seriously. Natalia nodded and they shook hands.
She had informed them about her mission and Empire La Croft had promised to use all their resources to help. They walked to their limo but Esmond stayed behind.
“So…” He faced her. “While the architects are still occupied…. I was serious about meeting May. She’s been really bugging me to bring you over.”
Natalia nodded sarcastically because with his straight face, you’ld think animals could talk!
“Well Emperor, when next she fusses tell her I’ld be delighted to meet her… A talking horse.” He smiled and gave a brief nod before walking away with his guards.
Jake opened the car door and Natalia elegantly got in. As they drove out of the premises, her phone beeped and she took it out.
~ A recent mindlink with May. She’s looking forward to welcoming you with a basket of flowers and hay. I hope you wouldn’t mind? ~
~ I haven’t yet written my will but I’ll make an exception. ~
Natalia texted and dropped her phone. Elva who was sitting across, raised her head suspiciously.
“What?” She dropped the smirk which she didn’t know she was wearing and cocked a cold brow.
Elva innocently nodded with a weird smile and returned to her laptop…