The CEO and His Royal Queen

18th century

"The High Court has ruled Queen Deyanira III a murderer, traitor, and public enemy to the people of this nation. She is to be stripped of all her titles, and authority, and be deprived of her noble standing. She is no longer the ruler of the kingdom and shall not be allowed to carry His Majesty's name any longer."

"Deyanira Alexis Valen is to be put to death through the severing of her head from her body." The hall was devoid of gasps nor cheers. A solemn hush fell on everyone as the Chief Judge passed down the sentence.

But all eyes were on the woman in the center of it all. Despite the heavy punishment, her back kept its posture and her face revealed no hint of emotion. Whether it was her admittance of guilt or grasping for a final shred of dignity was up for debate.

All else was a blur to Deyanira, the only thing on her mind was him.

She placed her head on the block and with even breaths waited for her end.

"If there truly is anyone listening to the plea of an ailing widow, I plead with thee. Let me roam this earth until I find him and feel his embrace again. Please, just let me-"

21st century

"Alright, that's enough screentime for you, young lady." Her shocked reflection stared back at her from the black screen after the woman turned the television off.

"Nooo, Leigh! The show was just getting to the good part!" Alexis protested as she raced for the remote that was a few feet away. She was not going to miss the part where the main character turned the tables on the murderer chasing after her.

But Alexis got there a bit too late as Leigh swooped in to grab the device. So she was given a lecture instead, "Allie, if only you put the same energy of watching those corny shows onto your work."

Leigh always found a way to scold Alexis for the carefree way she decided to live her life. Always talking about taking care of spending money and planning for every little situation. A complete opposite of the meek, little girl she remembered from centuries ago.

But so was she, Alexis used to be the pragmatic one and now, she was more laid-back that it would put a hippie to shame.

Alexis crossed her arms and raised a brow at the woman looking down at her. "You seem to forget who you're talking to, Leigh. Or should I remind you and start calling you Leah from now on, hmm? So it's best if you give the remote back," She hinted about their past life as she did whenever Leigh was being too strict.

The woman matched her gestures and sternly replied, "Well, sucks for you because I was born 6 years earlier this time. You don't get to order me around because we're not in a palace anymore. I'm your boss now. And as your boss, I'm telling you to go get changed because we still have a lot to prepare... Your Majesty."

Leigh did a mocking curtsey which made them both laugh.

Alexis then groaned as she plopped on the couch, "Ugh, I love that you were reborn as my sister but why did you have to be older?"

"Cause whoever did this knew someone had to kick your lazy ass. Now get!" The older woman practically dragged Alexis to her bedroom and shut the door. "Make sure you wash your hair!"

Alexis chuckled as she went to the bathroom. From the moment she started having cohesive thoughts, all the memories of her life from the 18th century came flooding in.

At first, she would run to her parents in horror and tell them about her long past. But realizing that they were never to believe her and were about to have her committed to a mental institute, Alexis decided to stop mentioning being the queen of an old civilization.

Thankfully, one look at her older sister, Leigh, and Alexis understood that she was not crazy. Her once sweet and innocent handmaiden, Leah, whom she brought to her care in the palace fulfilled her promise and followed the queen to this new life.

Alexis stepped in front of the sink and stared at her reflection. Nothing much changed from back then compared to the present. With the only exception of her fiery, red hair being a brunette now. She wished it was still the same color, he always liked to tease her about it.

She shook off those thoughts and splashed herself with cold water. "No use thinking about that now, Deyanira. Seems like you won't be seeing him in this life." Even now, she was still used to calling herself her old name.

After her quick shower, Alexis met up with her sister in the living room where they talked about the upcoming interview to offer their catering service.

"I don't get why you're so nervous, Leigh. It's a gala dinner in a museum, we've done those before already. I'm sure you'll get this gig."

"You seriously forgot what I told you about this event? This is a big deal!" Leigh's voice increased in volume and pitch as she continued, her face turning beet red at Alexis's nonchalance.

The younger woman began to sweat at the outburst and raised her hands in surrender. She let out a nervous chuckle, "Heh, come on, Leigh. Of course, I didn't forget. This one is important because it's, it's..."

Leigh crossed her arms and huffed, "You're hopeless. What am I going to do with you?"

Alexis smiled widely and attempted to make her speech sound cuter, "Heh, can you remind me again?"

"We're proposing to cater for Crown Jewel Museum, just the most prestigious one in the country! And during that gala, they're going to unveil lost historical items they acquired. Which means the most important people will be there."

"Which will improve our standing in the business and will be enough to get our employees through the rest of the year," Alexis continued. "I get it. But you know that I believe you can get any client you want, right? They'd be the fool if they refused us."

Leigh finally mellowed down and leaned on the couch. "Thanks, but. Well, the museum's at a different level. I don't know who the owner is but I heard that politicians like senators and even some A-list celebrities are invited to this gala. So this is very much a big deal, far from what we've done before."

Alexis's eyes bulged as her pupils focused on her sister. "Say what now?"

Leigh handed her the open laptop. "I just finished my research. Turns out, the largest art and history auction company, Lane Heritage, owns the museum. You know they've got the biggest connections. I just wish they'd at least hear our small business out."

She looked at Alexis who was transfixed on the screen. Leigh shook her lightly. "Hey, are you listening to me?"

"Look at the logo," Alexis whispered. She zoomed into the company's emblem just beside its name and formed a sad smile. "It's a castle before Lane. Together, you could read it as Castellane. I know it's just a coincidence, but, huh, isn't that something. What if..."

Leigh recognized what she meant and hurriedly took the laptop. "Good, you already see that it's merely by chance. Please, don't get your hopes up again, Allie. That hope has burned you several times before."

Alexis's features darkened and her eyes dimmed. "I know. But I just can't help it whenever I hear his name. I guess this is my punishment for what I did-"

Leigh interrupted her right away, "Stop it."

They never really discussed Deyanira and the king's deaths, knowing that it would only break their hearts even more. The large birthmark on Alexis's nape that looked like a huge gash was the only constant thing reminding them of the tragedy of it all. Which Alexis rubbed whenever she was anxious like right now.

"I'll try. It's not like the Castellanes could magically appear there anyway."

Although their discussion ended on a sad note, Alexis did her best to lighten up for Leigh's sake. This was finally the time they both had the freedom to do what they wanted. She was not going to waste it wallowing in guilt.

The women soon reached the museum and were guided towards a conference hall. There, a panel of well-dressed individuals waited for them. Alexis felt her sister shiver so she held her hand as encouragement. All the while wondering if the owner was one of them.

The older of the two greeted, "Hello, we are Leigh and Alexis Tyne of CaterReign. I'm Leigh, the lead planner and this here is my sister, Alexis, the chef."

"Welcome, ladies. We're the managers of both Lane Heritage and Crown Jewel Museum. Please sit down so we can proceed with your presentation."

Alexis took her seat while Leigh passed their prepared proposals around. She looked around the cold room until her eyes landed on the blinking red light of a webcam by the table.

One of the managers noticed and informed them, "We have to keep a recording for our superiors to review. As you should know, we take even the most minute detail seriously, most especially on what our guests are going to eat and drink."

She gave them a polite nod. But in her head she thought, "Why does it seem like someone's already watching on the other side of that thing?"

And she was right. Because as Leigh was about to sit beside her, a call came for one of the managers.

"Yes, Sir... I don't think that's a good idea... But we-... I understand... Yes, Sir."

The sisters looked at each other in confusion as that person told everyone, "It seems we will be meeting you guys at the gala dinner. It's been decided that CaterReign will be providing our food and drink services."

Leigh argued, "But you haven't even seen our proposal yet."

"And we are sure that it will be great. Don't worry about the cost, we'll pay in full. If all goes well by the end of the night, you'll also be receiving a 20% addition. Consider it as your tip for a job well done."

Alexis knew that even though Leigh was in a daze, her mind was already computing how and where that 20% was going to go.

The managers' jittery voices and shifty eyes didn't sit well with Alexis and the way they acted felt like they wanted them out there as soon as possible.

"Oh, well," Alexis thought. "Maybe museum people are just this weird." She got off the chair that hadn't warmed up yet and pulled her sister up.

As the two were being escorted out of the conference room, she caught a glimpse of the room next door where the managers were hurriedly marching into.

A split second was all it took for her to lock gaze with a man sitting in the middle before the doors closed. But a stranger, the man was not. Every last bit of emotion Alexis had ever felt all came rushing that it became overwhelming.

"Allie, are you okay?" What's wrong?" She stood frozen, Leigh's questions and concerns went unanswered as Alexis waited for the doors to open again. Surely, he must have seen her too.

"It's you," she muttered, tears pooling in the corners of her eyes. "You're here."

18th century

"Your Majesties, Lord and Lady Valen, the Earl and Countess of Lehnrose have arrived. We have made ready for them to wait at the Grand Library by your command," the court herald announced, getting everyone's attention in the luxuriant throne room.

The 17-year-old Richard let out a stiff exhale. "Finally, some respite from this dreary ordeal," he thought to himself, having been forced to sit alongside his parents so 'he could learn what it was truly like to be a ruler'.

But it bored him to death watching his parents do the most menial tasks a king and queen could partake in, reading through the countless local officials' reports and petitions. Which came just after their court sessions of listening and advising on the kingdom's affairs and grievances.

Queen Helena clasped her hands together in glee. "Oh, that is wonderful! And what of their dear daughter?"

"Her Ladyship Deyanira is present as well, Your Majesty."

Richard's ear perked up at the name and he internally groaned. Of course, the only reason his mother would squeal like that. The name of his intended.

The relief of escaping from the court was replaced with vexation as he said to his parents, "Please tell me I don't have to face them."

The king and queen rose from their thrones and stepped down to the marble floors. King Stephen warned in a low rumble, "Richard Franz Ellis, you will be gracious to our guests and I will hear nothing more of this tone."

His father mentioning all his names meant Richard was in trouble if he didn't follow. But that still didn't mean that he was going to behave. The whole way to the library, he had been thinking of ways how to test this girl's patience.

"Your Majesties, Your Royal Highness, we are deeply honored by your invitation." The family of three all bowed to the royal family.

"Lady Alice! Lord Edmund!"

Richard watched as his parents greeted the Earl and Countess. From the looks of it, it seemed like the two mothers knew each other way before Helena even was chosen for the throne. His eyes moved to the shorter figure beside who still had her head down, wavy, flame-colored hair flowing down her shoulder.

He grinned, teasing her that that would be a good start. "Maybe about her red hair being bad luck."

King Stephen tapped his back. The older man gave him a look that spoke volumes compared to his words, "Prince Richard, why don't you show our Lady Deyanira around the garden? The flowers have already started to bloom."

But to her parents' horror, Deyanira spoke up all the while ignoring Richard, "Thank you, Your Majesty. But the books here are just too tempting that I find myself affixed to this room. I would prefer to stay here."

Richard, too, was shocked at her impudence in refusing what the King said. Granted, she was not rude but still.

The Earl went back to his knees. "Please forgive us, Your Majesty, Your Highness! It seems our daughter is reeling from our long journey that she's forgotten her manners."

The royal couple chuckled to one another. Queen Helena assured them, "There's nothing to apologize for, Lord Edmund. Youth is the best time to speak our minds, you should ask Alice how worse I was back then."

"And you, young lady, you will have all the time in the world to read every book here once you're quee- older. For now, delight in the open air while you can."

That was where Richard found himself now, leading the way to the grounds with the girl still not speaking to him. "So what would you like to see first? The garden or the stables?" He had to know a bit about Deyanira first before Richard could find ways to get under her skin.

They stopped in front of a small glass house and now that they were closer, Richard could see her features much clearer. Her pursed lips, furrowed brows, and flat gaze.

Even her voice didn't have much emotion to it, "You can leave me here, Your Highness. I'm sure there are other pursuits you favor more to do."

Her statement sounded as if it was implying something that he couldn't put his finger on. He had met other ladies before who were candidates for the queendom and no one had ever dared to be this insolent towards him.

Richard huffed in an attempt to calm himself. "If what they say is true that you are to be my wife and queen of this kingdom, I fear they have made the wrong choice."

But the young woman's reply incensed him further, "I do feel the same way, Your Highness, as it is best that I tell you now that I do not like you."

Words no one had ever told him. Richard was almost hurt had he not also loathed the thought of being married to a stranger. He scoffed, "You dare speak as though you've known me your whole life."

"I don't know you well, Your Highness. Even so, words of your indifference towards your subjects have reached even us from the farther lands. And I wish not to be a part of it. I have tried to appeal to my parents to call this engagement off but they couldn't. Maybe if Your Highness could tell the King and Queen..."

Richard was affronted but couldn't reply. Yes, he refused to take part in occasions where he had to be seen by their people. He'd rather duel in a swordfight with his teacher rather than visit their territories to learn more about who lived there. He even made sure to avoid festivities in his name if it meant having to force a smile while strangers talked to him.

But that didn't mean he hated his subjects. Is that what they all thought? And was this really a 15-year-old girl he was talking to?

Not able to think of a clever response, he straightened his back and sneered at her. "Do whatever you want. I shall make sure that you will never be a part of my life."

Richard left her, stomping his foot on the soiled pathway. How dare that girl pass judgment on him from mere hearsay. Had their mothers not been friends, Deyanira's discourteous attitude would have led to her death already.

"Hmph! Who does she think she is?" He spent the next half hour soothing his wounded dignity when out of the hedges came a disheveled gardener, one Richard was very familiar with.

"Pray, what's bothering you, Jude?"

The man fell to his knees and pressed his forehead on the Prince's shoes. "Your Highness, I cannot find my son! I bid him to fetch me the garden tools but he hasn't been back for some time now!"

Richard sighed and was about to dispel the gardener's fears that his son was just somewhere idling around when Deyanira's resonating words replayed in his thoughts.

Wanting to prove the girl wrong, he ordered, "Get up, Jude. We'll go find him."

It was then that they heard a scream far off the west. Their heads whipped towards the direction and before he could even think about it, Richard's feet were taking large strides. No doubt, that was Deyanira just now.

"Curse that woman! She has just arrived and she's already causing trouble!"

Richard and the gardener ran until they left the field and reached the river on the side of the palace. It was mostly a safe one save for a few rapids residing in some parts.

Richard swiftly glanced around, seeking the crimson color he had begun to hate and fear. Should anything befall her, he would have to take the blame.

"Your Highness, right there!" Jude pointed to a rocky part of the river where the water flowed faster and fiercer. In stark contrast with the frothy, white water, Deyanira's hair looked like an autumn leaf adrift upon the waves.

The gardener breathed out, "Oh no, it can't be! George!" She wasn't alone. In Deyanira's arm was a smaller boy clinging on to her, pale and wide-eyed. The girl was reaching for any rocks she could hold on to but with their weight and the current, she was barely floating.

Richard, in a panic, looked around for anything to get to them. Surprisingly, a long rope tied to a tree trunk was there but was torn in the middle.

"Jude, help me tie this together then use it to draw us forth."

It didn't take more than a minute before Richard jumped into the waters and swam with the rope in hand. He slowly made his way to them, realizing how deep this part of the river was.

Once he made it, Richard grabbed her by the waist and instructed Deyanira, "Grab hold." With the help of the gardener, he and the girl were able to swim back to land with George in tow.

Deyanira began coughing up water while Jude tended to his son. George recounted to his father how he slipped on the way and was about to drown when the young woman came to his aid.

Several patrol guards have also arrived to check on them. One of the men reported, "She tied the rope steadily. Had it not been cut, the lady's rescue would have been a success." Strange, that meant it was done on purpose.

"Our deepest gratitude, Your Ladyship, Your Highness! We owe you George's life."

"What's paramount is that all is well," the young woman concluded. The three shared a merry expression until Richard, who had been quiet this whole time, vented his ire.

"What made you think to do that? You could have summoned me or the guards before jumping out there! You not only put yourself in peril, you put this child's life on the line too!"

Despite her heaving, Deyanira was still able to voice out her answer all the while shaking. "I did call for help when the rope broke, but I couldn't just stand idly. I was the only one here and was capable of doing so, I would never in my life abandon someone calling out for my help."

There she was again, insinuating something else with her speech. In his frustration, Richard stormed off and went back to the garden where their parents were sprinting towards the river having heard of Deyanira's misadventure.

Edmund and Alice dashed past him to comfort their daughter while the King and Queen covered Richard with a fur coat.

Helena cooed, "Oh, those poor children. It was fortunate you were there. But what are we to do? Deyanira now has more reason to refuse the monarchy. Her parents have told us about her reluctance, now they might just agree with her because of this incident."

"She did most of the work and I know, she told me," Richard sighed in defeat. "But you are right to choose her as heir to your place, Mother. Deyanira is more fit for the crown than I ever will be."

The royals looked at each other in surprise, smiles creeping up their faces.

King Stephen chuckled, "It seems our Prince finally met his match."

"It seems I have, Father."

Helena jumped up and smothered Richard with a hug. "Does that mean..?"

"Yes, I do like Deyanira to be my wife if she'll have me. Maybe only after I pledge to do better for this kingdom."