Chapter 53
Jasmine's POV
My suspicion was correct. Hector and his family were the ones who betrayed mine. I was furious and wanted to rip his head off. He knew all along who I was and he was toying with me. Now the game was reversed and I’d be the one toying with him. He had to feel trapped and I knew exactly what to do. I had to tell him that I knew my true identity, but I couldn’t tell him anything about the fact that I knew that his family betrayed mine. I’d make his life a living hell.
“It’s rude to whisper while in company. Why don’t you tell us what was so important? I believe all of us are curious about it.”
“It doesn’t concern you, my Queen. It’s a family problem, but I told Cecily to wait.”
“I see. I also heard that none of you know what that power you felt earlier was. I know the answer to that question. The true Queen, the rightful heir returned and took back the crown that went missing in the battle. She found it and now she’s ready to avenge her family. Someone betrayed her ancestor and stole the crown, but she found it.”
“Impossible! They died, all of them died! You’re lying!”
“Hector! Stop screaming. And why are you so sure that they died? Just like the man said earlier, the body was never found. All of you just assumed that Nicholas died.”
“Why are you so calm? It’s about you and the King. She’ll take everything from you then, she might even kill you.”
“I know her and I can assure you that the only people she’ll kill are the ones who betray her now and betrayed her family hundreds of years ago. Dimitri already agreed to give up his title as King once the true Queen can prove her identity. Now she has the crown in her hands and that’s all she needs.”
“Jasmine, please don’t do anything reckless.”
“Don’t worry, Calypso. He already knows that I’m the true Queen. It won’t make any difference if I reveal myself or not. This action will force him to act quickly and make a mistake in the process.”
“I trust you, but maybe you should talk to Dimitri, Axel and Ares first.”
“I don’t have time for that. I have to reveal myself today and take back the throne. I don’t have evidence against him yet, but I’ll find it. As the saying goes, keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”
“Who’s that person?” - the same old man asked.
“I am that person. I know this is shocking news and some people won’t be happy about this, but they don’t have a choice. The throne belongs to me and my family and now I’ll take back what’s mine. Nicholas didn’t die, but he grew up on Earth. The details are still shady, but I’ll figure out the truth. The former Queen was betrayed and her most trusted friend stole the crown. I don’t know who that person was and I’m afraid that his descendants would try to do something to finish what he started. The only clue I have is a medallion which most likely is an heirloom. If someone sees it or knows something, please tell me. Let’s work together. I want to improve the realm and I won’t be able to do that without your help.”
To prove myself I took out the crown from my bag and put it on my head. The same thing happened again and all the demons were kneeling in front of me. There was no turning back and the cat was out of the bag. I had many errands to run and I desperately needed some help for that. The council needed to be changed, apart from Hector. The power would be in my hands, the council would only advise. That’s the most important thing, but of course after Axel’s and Dimitri’s wrath. Calypso might’ve been right and maybe I should’ve talked with them beforehand. Damn my stubbornness and irrationality. I looked at Hector and he was shaking with anger. He wouldn’t be able to leave my sight from now on, so meeting with Barbie would be challenging for him. Taking care of Cecily would be a piece of cake.
“As much as we appreciate this celebratory moment, why weren't we also invited?” - uh oh, Axel and Dimitri arrived.
“Well, you see…I didn’t have time to send out all the invites, but you’re here now and that’s all that matters.”
“We’ll talk about this in private. This stubbornness is a family trait. I had a suspicion that Ares is involved in this too, but refused to say anything.”
“Yes, he is. He was the one who helped me retrieve the crown and he promised he won’t tell you anything.” - I threw him under the bus too. He had to go down with me too. What are siblings for?
“Unbelievable! You actually told them without your heart skipping a beat? I wasn’t expecting this from you, little sister.”
“Oh, just shut up! You’d have done the same if the situation was reversed.”
“True, true.”
The crowd slowly dispersed. Apart from my family only Hector and Cecily remained outside their house. I couldn’t say anything in front of them, but I needed him to gather the council members for a meeting.
“Hector, tell all the council members to come to the castle in an hour. We’ll have a much needed meeting. Ajax, can you bring us to the castle? We need to talk about some serious things.”
“Of course, my Queen.”
“Axel, Dimitri, I’ll tell you everything, but don’t interrupt me. You can ask questions later.”
“Is this even a question? We won’t interrupt you and your monologue. You have some serious explaining to do anyway.” - Axel said and boy he was pissed.
The three of us made our way towards the elevators and soon we stepped inside Dimitri’s bedroom. That was the only place where I could talk freely, without fearing that someone would hear our conversion. I took a deep breath, calmed my nerves and started talking.