Chapter 5 Ben Is Boss Luke

Jovita woke up late the next morning, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. "I am really grateful," she said to Meg. "That soup you made for me was amazing! I slept so soundly last night. I am feeling quite good today."

Meg smiled warmly at Jovita. "I am here because of you, my princess," she said, her eyes shining with affection. "I am so glad I could help you." That means the world to me."

Breakfast was set for King Richard and his wife, Queen Ruth. To their surprise, Princess Jovita joined them at the table, eager to share a meal and conversation with her parents.

"Welcome, my dear," King Richard said warmly, and with affection. "Soon, you will be a married woman, the beautiful queen of the great kingdom of Allen." He gestured graciously to an empty chair. "Please, join us."

Queen Ruth: "How was your night, my beautiful daughter?"

Jovita: I enjoyed my sleep, mom. Thank you."

Although she had earlier agreed to marry Lucius as long as that would please her father, Jovita had come to discuss her reservations about the marriage. Thinking about the union made her feel uneasy. Also, she still harbored dreams of studying abroad to become a chef, a passion she had long been denied.

Moreover, she had an inexplicable feeling that something bad was about to happen, and a nagging thought that something was amiss about the kingdom of Allen.

King Richard, with a calm voice, said to her: "Jovita, my dear daughter, I understand your concerns, but this marriage is not just about you and Prince Lucius. It is about securing the future of our kingdom, and strengthening our alliance with the powerful and influential kingdom of Allen.

I know you have always dreamed of becoming a chef, but that is not a path suitable for a princess. Your duty is to marry well and produce heirs. As for your feelings about the kingdom, I assure you, everything is fine. You are just nervous about the upcoming wedding. Trust me, I know what is best for you and our kingdom."

"Richard, thanks for not being harsh on her", Ruth said, her voice filled with emotion. She turned to Jovita, tears almost welling up in her eyes. " Your father is right. This marriage is important for our kingdom. However, I promise you, we shall make sure you are happy and fulfilled in your role as queen. And who knows, maybe you can even bring some of your culinary skills to the kingdom of Allen." She smiled reassuringly.

Later that afternoon, Ben dialed the phone number of Jonathan, one of the security officers in King Richard's palace.

"Hello, is this Jonathan?" Ben asked, trying to sound as neutral as possible.

"Yes, it is," Jonathan replied.

"Hi Jonathan, this is Luke. " I have a parcel here addressed to you. "It was dropped off earlier today, and I was told to contact you to pick it up immediately," Ben said, trying to sound convincing.

Jonathan's curiosity was piqued. "What is the parcel about?" he asked.

"I am not sure, but the instructions were clear: you need to pick it up right away," Ben replied.

Jonathan hesitated for a moment before deciding to take a break from his duties. He excused himself from their chief security officer, Joshua, and headed to the address Ben had described.

As he entered the drinking bar, Jonathan was greeted by a young man wearing an earring. " Are you Mr Johnathan? "He asked. Jonathan nodded." Yes."

The young man smiled. "Alright, have a seat, Boss Luke will be here soon."

Just as Jonathan was starting to be impatient, Ben emerged from the restroom, holding a brown envelope. Jonathan's eyes widened in surprise as he realized that "Boss Luke" was none other than Ben, the king's brother.

Ben handed the envelope to Jonathan, who took it hesitantly. "Count the money," Ben instructed, his eyes glinting with a mixture of excitement and menace.

As Jonathan opened the envelope and began to count the contents, his eyes grew wide with shock. The amount of money before him was staggering. It was more than what he earned in an entire year. He felt like he was dreaming.

Before Jonathan could even process his thoughts or ask who the benefactor was, Ben cut in, his voice low and persuasive. "That is a small gift from me. This is how I will reward all those who work with me once I become the new King of Aven. So, I ask you right away: are you for me, or against me? Make the right choice now."

Ben's words hung in the air. Jonathan felt a shiver run down his spine, and trembled visibly as he realized the weight of the decision before him. Would he choose loyalty to the current king, or would he succumb to Ben's temptation and betray his trust?

Just then, Ben's phone rang, shrill in the tense atmosphere. He answered, and a voice boomed from the other end. "Hello, how far have you gone?" it was Lucius. In the background, a female voice could be heard laughing, the sound sending a pang of unease through Jonathan.

Ben's expression remained calm, however. "Everything is moving as planned," he replied, his voice low and confident.

"Good," Lucius said, his tone trickling with satisfaction. "Tonight is the night." With that, he hung up, leaving Ben to turn his attention back to Jonathan.

King Donald sat quietly in his chamber after an important meeting with his chief men. His mind wandered back to how he became the king of Allen. The funeral of their father, who had died at the ripe age of one hundred and twelve, had just concluded. His elder brother, Eric, was supposed to be the next king, but Donald had secretly orchestrated a brutal attack on Eric and his family. It was assumed that Eric, his wife, and only son had perished in the assault. Six months later, Donald was crowned king.

Although the people of Allen seethed with discontent under his tyrannical rule, they felt trapped and powerless, with no viable alternative.

Queen Rose, King Donald's wife, walked into the chamber, her regal presence commanding attention. She settled beside her husband, her eyes locked on his. "Donald, do not forget the promise you made to me and to our son, Lucius. You vowed to step aside and let Lucius take the throne as soon as he is married. Now that the wedding day is fast approaching, I implore you, do not even think about going back on that promise."

Queen Rose's voice was twined with a subtle warning, her gaze piercing. " I have waited far too long to see our son ascend to the throne. Lucius is ready to rule, and it is time for you to keep your word. "The people of Allen will rejoice at having a new young king, and I will finally see my son fulfill his destiny."

" What makes you think that the people will be happier with your son to be their king, woman?" King Donald asked his wife.

Just then, a voice came in, with a knock at the door, which suddenly took the king and queen's attention.

.