Chapter 47

"Wife?" Ronaldo scoffed. "It has not been two weeks since you came here princess. How can you be married already?"

Talia pulled me to her side. "You have connections. We have ours. Let's leave it at that shall we." She turned to me. "Did this scum hurt you Cybele?"

"If anything, his ugly face hurt me more." I addressed Ronaldo. "As my wife said, there's no reason to act like monkeys on our wedding reception. Do not make a scene. Even if you are protected by Esmeralda, you are still harassing citizens of this country. Our own parliament will not like it. You may not make it back to your country."

Ronaldo glanced at the guests. A distinct flash made him cover his eyes. Some model friends and old colleagues of mine from Cambridge was taking pictures and videos. If he was wise, he would know better than to continue this show of bad manners. Ronaldo turned to his companions. The ones who were manhandling Brooke and Van.

"Make sure to cuff them and take them directly to the car. Nicely," he added, turning to me. "As for you Iris, you're coming with me. Even if you have citizenship here, you still committed a crime in our jurisdiction. The parliament of this country agreed to hand you to us for trial." He sneered. "You're going home."

I held my ground. "And what of the princess? Will she be punished beside me, knowing that she married her kidnapper?"

He shook his head. "That is for Queen Esmeralda to decide." His eyes gleamed. "Your marriage with her will not protect you."

"I didn't expect it to." I intertwined my fingers with Talia's. "We got married out of love. Something you wouldn't understand because the woman you are bedding at night feels nothing for you." I leaned to my wife, whispering, "Sorry you have to hear that."

She squeezed my hand. "The truth can't hurt me anymore." Talia shifted her attention to Ronaldo. "I take it that my mother arranged for a ride back to our country?" He nodded. "How can we be assured that you will not hurt Cybele?" Her voice was loud. She made sure that it carried all the way to the guests.

He answered in kind. "The police from this country will serve as an escort. Rest assured that your citizen will not be harassed." He lowered his voice, speaking directly to me. "But the moment they leave, you're going to be mine."

"I doubt that." My voice was calm. "Let me say goodbye to mother and father first before we go with you." He was about to shake his head when I said, "Don't worry Ronaldo. We won't escape. We're way past that point don't you think?"

He scowled. "Hurry up."

"Thanks man." I patted his shoulder good naturedly, putting some force on the movement. He winced. "Heard you got shot there," I whispered. "Hurts like a bitch doesn't it?" I was dragging Talia to my parent's table before Ronaldo could refuse.

Mum and dad hugged me fiercely. "My baby!" mum said. "I'm not allowing this to happen. I'll use our connection to save you and your friends."

"Don't drag yourself into this mum." I broke away from them. "It's enough that you've made me and Talia happy for this day. Thank you. You've done so much for me." I glanced at daddy. "Trust me."

He stroked my hair. "I'll take care of your mum for you. You handle yourself and Talia." He winked at her. "Give us those twelve grandchildren you promised."

Ronaldo didn't wait a second more. He had me handcuffed before escorting me and my friends out of the venue, straight to a car. Because the police accompanied us, he stayed quietly on the front of the vehicle. His eyes betrayed his happiness though. He was immensely satisfied with capturing me for Esmeralda.

Our trip to the airport was a short one. Though we rode a private jet back to our homeland, it wasn't a grand vacation at all. Brooke, Van, and I were still handcuffed. Each of us were assigned with four guards, while Talia was closely monitored by Ronaldo himself. As if a couple of girls could take on so many people with guns. Well we probably could. But that would be for another day. We needed our strength today.

The moment our plane landed, the police surrendered us to the palace guards. They would make their journey back to England, now that they have completed their task. "I can't wait to present you to the Queen," Ronaldo said as we made our way to the airport. "She's been missing you so much Cybele."

"Oh, so I'm back to being Cybele now huh? What a bummer. I liked hearing you call me Iris. It sounds so phony coming from you. Like the rest of your personality."

He pushed me roughly. "Shut up! You're in my world now. Don't forget that while the guillotine is coming down on your head."

"It's not the 18th century anymore." I smirked. "But from the smell of your dirty clothes, you haven't changed it since that time."

Van giggled a few feet from me. "I'm beginning to rub off on your highness."

Ronaldo turned to her and stopped. The other guards made us halt too. He spoke to Vanessa. "The title your highness only belongs to her majesty Esmeralda." His eyebrows met on the middle of his forehead.

"I'd call her that if she was really the Queen. But she's not." Van stuck her tongue out. "Poser!"

"I will really cut your tongue you filthy scum!"

Brooke moved in front of Van. "Stop. She didn't mean anything by that."

"Of course I did," Van complained. "And if he cuts my tongue, then I'm sorry Brooke, but it's the truth. You just have to make do with my fingers."

Ronaldo walked to them. "Maybe I'll cut those off too."

Before he could reach the two, a mob began to swarm around us. A flash from all directions blinded me for a second. There were photographers, cameraman lugging their equipment's, and news reporters holding their microphones. They were all staring at our direction, bombarding us with question after question.

"We heard from a reliable source that the princess got married to a model named Iris. Is that true?"

"We are live reporting from the airport where we can see princess Talia with her entourage."

"Princess Talia is wearing designer jeans, boots, and a simple white shirt. I heard it's not what she wore on her wedding. Get her look and the brands she's supporting by going to our website."

"The princess was reportedly missing, but here she is now, allegedly married to her kidnapper. Did she suffer from the Stockholm syndrome or did they really run away from the palace together because they were in love? More of this news on our channel."

"Okaerinasai Hime!" a foreign reporter shouted.

"What is going on?!" Ronaldo turned to the guards. "Protect the princess. Guard the others."

As one, the guards made a protective shield around us with their body. Before someone pushed my head down so the photographers wouldn't take a picture, I saw Alex leaning against a vending machine not far from us. She smiled as our eyes met, mouthing, "You're welcome."

More reporters were waiting for us at the main lobby. They were accompanied by a large crowd. Some of them were holding banners. It read: YOU KIDNAPPED MY HEART TOO IRIS. One was wearing a t-shirt that said, VAN IS MY BAE. Another was openly proposing to Brooke. YOU LOOKED MIGHTY FINE AS A RAMP MODEL BROOKE. YOU'LL LIKE MIGHTY FINE AS MY WIFE TOO. MARRY ME. Most of them were holding signs that congratulated the princess for being married.

The look on Ronaldo's face as he saw the crowd and reporters was priceless. Alex made good on her promises when I called her before the wedding. She was able to spread the news fast. She was a very good friend to me. I never should have doubted her loyalty back then.

Van was waving to a group of girls. "I love you all too! I have a girlfriend now, but I love you!"

The press and group of civilians was so large that the palace guards couldn't push through. They were outnumbered by the people. "Call for backup," said one security personnel to his walkie talkie. "The princess is being mobbed."

One reporter was able to reach us with her microphone. "Princess Talia, we heard you got married behind your mother's back. How will this affect our country? Will she disown you because you can't bear a child that will be next-in-line for the throne?"

Talia was all smiles. Being polite and game in front of the camera was the best tactic if we were to sway people. "That's shouldn't be a problem anymore. Everyone knows that there are modern ways to help me conceive with Cybele's child." Her smile turned to sadness. "But I doubt that my mother will allow that. My wife is her enemy."

Ronaldo pushed the reporter. The reporter and the people behind them pushed back. Ronaldo couldn't do anything as the reporter placed the microphone near Talia's lips. He was separated from her during the commotion. "You said she's the Queen's enemy. Care to elaborate on that?"

Talia nodded solemnly. "My mother was always afraid to get the throne stolen from her. After all, she stole it herself."

"Don't you dare speak another word princess!" Ronaldo shouted. "Guards! Make sure she didn't talk."

"Stand down," Talia commanded the guards surrounding her. "Have you no respect for your princess?" She glanced in my direction solemnly. "Cybele and I have known each other since we were children. Her mother and father, the former king and queen of this country were kind enough to invite us to the palace."

"Are you saying that our former rulers had another child who was still alive today, and Cybele is that woman?"

"I'm saying Cybele is the princess that supposedly died in the fire. She not only survived, and is the rightful heir to the throne, but can also attest to how my mother orchestrated that heinous crime."

The silence that followed was so loud that nobody could break through the barrier. The reporter was the first one who dared. "Are you accusing your own mother of treason?"

"If telling the truth equates to that, then yes. I am accusing her of treason." Talia pointed to me. "When we leave this place, my mother will have my wife executed. I can't allow that. I demand a public trial. If you love this country, you won't allow tyranny to rule anymore. I'm saying this to everyone who was wronged by the present Queen."

The backup guards arrived. Because of their numbers, the guards were able to swarm the civilians and retrieve us. We weren't worried though. The words we were meaning to say was already spoken by the princess. Everyone in the land would have seen the live interview. It would give them time to think. Ronaldo and his troop had an easier time taking us to the palace. The familiar gate swung open before we were permitted to the massive land. Mother and father, I am home.

Once inside, we were thrown to the dungeons immediately. Talia was separated from us. Knowing Ronaldo, he would have her delivered to Esmeralda to beg for forgiveness. Then she would be locked inside her room like a bird until the Queen has beheaded me and the others. It was enough punishment for her daughter's treachery.

I sat on the hard mattress. Being back on this forsaken dungeon was not my idea of a honeymoon. "Good thing they allowed you to change eh your majesty?" Van said, sitting on the cold stone floor. "Imagine being here in your dress." She whistled. "Looked good on you too."

Brooke rolled her eyes as she sat beside me. "You should really learn to shut your trap sometimes Van. Ronaldo almost cut your tongue. Bullocks! How do you think you can cope without all that talking then?"

"That's why they invented the Braille Brookey."

"It's for the blind smartass." Brooke turned to me. "Don't worry about Talia. She'll be fine. The Queen will punish us first before she lays a hand on her daughter." She placed a hand on my leg. "And we've talked about this thoroughly haven't we? It will all go according to plan."

"I hope so."

The Queen took her time before she made a move. It was in the wee hours of the night when our cell opened. Two guards roused us. "The Queen is expecting your presence."

"In the middle of the night?" Van said as she shook Brooke who was curled to her chest. They fell asleep hugging, making me miss my wife sorely. "The Queen wants to hookup or something?"

"Quiet Van," Brooke hissed as they got up.

We were escorted by eight guards to the throne room. The Queen was in full garb as she stared at me from across the room, studying me with eyes that were like Talia's. Though hers were grey too, the resemblance stopped there. Everything about her was sinister and evil.

"Still stubborn as ever aren't we Cybele?" she asked as we were forced to kneel in front of her.

"You're sitting on my chair Esmeralda."

Her eyebrow arched. "It's my chair now." She drummed her slim fingers on the armrest. "The game of thrones is rather cruel. It's a finder's keeper's world in here. You do everything to keep your power, but when you lose it, you lose it forever. Isn't that what happened to you and your parents?"

"Oh you meant your best friend and the love of your life?" I nodded. "Yeah, it happened to them alright."

Esmeralda was in front of me in a few steps. She slapped me hard on the cheek. "You're as insolent as your mother."

I locked gaze with her. "I'm also as lovable as my father. Is that the reason why you hated how your daughter fell in love with me? Where's my Talia?"

Esmeralda turned her back to me and headed back to her chair. The throne that was rightfully mine. "She's in her room recovering from the whipping I personally gave her." My hands tightened to fist. "Are you mad at me?" She laughed. "Parents have a right to discipline their children. Especially one as wayward as her. Imagine falling in love with the enemy's daughter."

"Was that your reasoning when you had my parents murdered in front of me?" I spat. "That they were your enemies?" It was my turn to laugh. "I feel sorry for you. No wonder my father chose my mother over you. You're crazy."

"It doesn't matter what you think does it?" she said with malice in her eyes. "No matter how much you fought for this moment, you will still die in front of me." Esmeralda smiled. "Public trial they said. Ha! There is no trial in the world of monarchy's Cybele. When I say you will die in this very instance, you will be dead. I am the Queen and I have all the power over this land. Neither you nor Talia will be able to stop me."

"What will happen then when you die? How will you take all of this with you? Your daughter will refuse to sit on the throne if you execute me. She will hate you forever."

Esmeralda sneered. It sorely reminded me of the villains in the fairy tales I used to read. "I trained Talia to be weak. She won't be able to do anything but to follow my commands. She wouldn't last a day without my guidance."

I looked incredulously at her. "Are you hearing yourself right now? You have really gone mad Esmeralda." I shook my head sadly. "To think of your daughter in such low regard is despicable."

"Like I said, it doesn't matter what you think. You're a dead woman." She glanced ahead. "Ronaldo," she called. "Bring me my sword. I'll execute this girl myself." A few seconds passed and he didn't come in. "Ronaldo," she called again, standing from her chair. "I swear to God this man is useless."

"Maybe he's having a beauty sleep," Van remarked in a bored tone from behind me. "He needs it too."

"And who are you?" Esmeralda asked.

"My name is Um. From Umbridge." She snickered. "Get it? No? Then go and watch more movies instead of being so crazy." Van threw her hands up. "Oooh I'm Esmeralda, I'm the Queen." She rolled her eyes. "Go and get laid lady. You have some serious issue going on in there."

Esmeralda's mouth opened. "I cannot believe my daughter associated with the likes of you."

Van glared at her. "And I can't believe you tried to seduce my dad." Esmeralda's features changed from appalled to surprise. "Now I look familiar don't I?" Vanessa asked. "I wonder how many children you orphaned because you can't get their fathers. You didn't stop with Cybele's father. You had to kill my daddy too. I hate you!" she shouted.

Van's face was masked with fury. She was trembling on her knees. "And mark my words. You will be seeing this face." She pointed to herself. "The face of my father a whole lot. I will guard the place where they will imprison you."

If Esmeralda was stunned a while ago, she certainly didn't look like it now. She was able to hide her expression well. "The talks of a desperate lunatic," she scoffed. Esmeralda turned to a guard standing by. "You. Give me your sword."

"Yes my Queen." He marched to her, unsheathed his weapon, and presented it to her.

Esmeralda snatched it from his hands. She then turned to me. "I'll start the execution with you. My daughter will mourn your death but will learn to live with the pain as time passes. Just like I did with your father." She walked to me, taking her time. "Contrary to what you think of me, I did treasure your mother as a friend." The sword gleamed as she held it up high. "The only problem was she took what was mine."

The wooden doors opened before the sword crashed down. Lance, Alex, Chandra, and five more individuals who I didn't recognize came in. "Who are this people?!" Esmeralda wondered as she lowered her hand. "Ronaldo! Ronaldo where are you?"

Talia entered the throne room. "The swine escaped." A booming sound echoed from the south west side of the property. I barely noticed that because I was concentrating on Talia. Her eyes glinted as she gazed at me and Esmeralda. "Didn't I tell you earlier to lay the fuck off my wife mother?" she said.