Chapter 9. Storm not Stormy

   

 Storm's head drifted from the laptop he was staring at to the door when he heard a knock. Rising he dropped the laptop on the desk and trekked to the door. He opened it and met Adolfo's smiling face.

    

    "The queen requests your audience, I'll lead you to her, "he says.

    

    Storm said before turning around, "give me a second."

    

    He walked to his laptop and shut it down afterwards he went to the walk-in closet at the far corner of the room. He took off the slippers he was wearing and wore his shoe. He trotted to the bed and picked up his phone. Putting it in his pocket he walked to the door.

    

    Storm and Adolfo walked side by side as they strolled through the red-carpeted hallway. They kept walking straight till they were standing in front of an elevator.

    

    "The queen's court is on the 5th floor, " Adolfo explained and Storm nodded.

    

    After a few minutes of standing in the elevator, it dinged and they stepped into a large living room.

    

    A white-haired woman rose from where she was sitting. Beaming she walked to Storm.

    

    Seeing a snake on her neck, Storm stopped her with both hands when she was a few steps closer to him, "hold on Progress is that a snake on your neck?" he asked.

    

    Stroking the white serpent and gazing at it lovingly she said, "his name is Cree , " with a wave of her hand she added, "thank you, Adolfo, you are dismissed for now."

    

    Progress gently put the snake on the floor and it slithered to her foot and coiled it.

    

    "Clingy snake huh?"Storm said, looking in the snake's vertical eyes, he knew it is dangerous, "you better stay there because I know it's a poisonous one." 

    

    Progress rolled her eyes, "Stormy for the love of god it won't hurt you unless you have the intention of hurting me, "she told.

    

    Storm's left brow lifted, "is that what it told you?" he asked sarcastically.

    

    Progress rolled her eyes again, she looked at the foot the snake clung to and rubbed its head, "Cree please let me hug my cousin he is not a magical creature I promise, "she uttered and the snake reluctantly uncoiled it's body from her foot.

    

    "Magical what? Since when do you believe in magic?"Storm chimed out loud in disbelief but before he could utter another word, Progress hugged him, "since I married a prince, "she replied to him.

    

    "Seat with me, "Progress said and she dragged Storm to a white couch. "How are you holding up without Roseline?" she asked with concern in her eyes.

    

    Storm patted her hand that was entwined with his, "am doing okay or would say I was holding up just fine until Roseline decided to make me a babysitter, "he said.

    

    Progress laughed heartily, "what are you talking about ?"

    

    "Well Rose had this bright idea to adopt two kids without informing me . Now she is forcing me to leave with two strangers in the name of beneficiaries and one of them is a drug addict, an ungrateful one too, " Storm lamented , referring to Bash as a drug user.

    

    Progress chuckled again, "Roseline always wanted kids , too bad death took her away from her dreams. You should love them , try to be the father they need as Rose expects of you, "she rubbed Storms hand as she spoke.

    

    Storm shook his head, he had no intention of discussing fatherhood right now . He looked around the room before changing the topic, saying, "does Timere stay here with you?"

    

    "No he has his penthouse, "Progress said with a straight face.

    

    "Is that healthy for a newly wedded couple? "Storm questioned her.

    

    "It is in this empire, don't worry we sleep together every day, " Progress defended.

    

    Storm sighed, he knew she wouldn't tell him anything even if she was having issues with her husband so he didn't bother to press further, "So , did you give Miracle up for adoption to get the snake?"

    

    "What? No hahahaha, he is getting groomed. He doesn't get along with Cree so I try to keep them apart, you will see him at the festival, " Progress said, Miracle is her dog but he hated snakes. "Talking about the festival, I sent Adolfo to prepare you an outfit, you and your assistant, "she winked.

    

    Storm was unsure what her wink meant but knowing her, she was just fooling around. Glancing at his wristwatch , he told, "seems like it's almost time for it."

    

    "Yeah I should also get going before my mother-in-law loses her mind, "Progress said and turned to her snake that was a foot away, "come here, " she commanded.The arm long snake slithered towards her, passing by Storm's making him lift his feet hurriedly. Progress laughed at him as she carried the snake and placed it on her neck.

    

    Storm lifted a brow at what she did, "sure that thing won't strangulate you?" he asked because the snake began to roll round her neck.

    

    "Mmmm, "Progress nodded. She picked up her phone and dialed a number, saying, "you can come now."

    

    Shortly after the call, Adolfo came and escorted Storm back to his room. Storm quickly showered and was assisted by servants to wear the ceremonial attire. It was a wine-colored embroidered thick above the knee long sleeve shirt and pants. It was fitting on him although it was not his style, he now understood why his cousin winked, she is going to make fun of him .

    

    Outside his room, he met Maggie waiting, she was wearing a wine-colored sleeveless long gown and her hair was flowing down her neck." I feel like a princess, "she squealed with excitement in her voice.

    

    Storm loop-sided smiled and gestured with his hand for her to be ahead of him. They were led to a grand arena behind the palace. The delegates that came with Storm were also present but they were with other people while Storm was led to the podium where a bunch of royals was seated and chatting happily within themselves.

    

    Maggie stayed down in the lower level of the podium with the delegates. After getting comfortable in the queen's corner Storm heard a familiar voice call his name, "Storm Rehan is that you?"A female called out as she walked up to him.

    

    Storm lifted his head to see the caller and his brows dropped, "hello Catalina, "he said with a false smile.

    

    Catalina sat beside him and hugged his shoulders saying, "that's no way to greet an old friend Storm.""you simply forgot about me."

    

    Storm eyed her with the corner of his eyes but was fast enough to look away before she looked at him, "I have been busy, " he said with his hands on his laps making no attempt to hug her.

    

    Catalina released Storm, "tut-tut, "she sounded with her tongue and the shake of her head, "that's not a good excuse, I would have made it to Roseline's funeral but I was having a medical emergency then, "she explained.

    

    Internally, Storm scoffed, 'if you made it am sure Roseline would have risen from her slumber and kick you out herself.' "It was a very private ceremony not many were allowed in, "he said.