Chapter 100: Five Years Later

Five Years Later.

The sun rose over the Kingdom of Montbert, shining on a palace that was louder, busier, and happier than ever before.

In the Royal Dining Room, chaos was served for breakfast.

"I am not wearing the blue bow!" A high-pitched voice screamed.

A silver spoon levitated off the table, hovering threateningly in the air.

"Aurora!" Serenity walked in, catching the floating spoon out of the air before it hit a servant. "No telekinesis at the table. Rule number one."

Sitting in a high chair (though she was five and definitely didn't need one) was Princess Aurora. She had wild curly hair, her mother’s beauty, and her father’s terrifying temper.

"But the blue bow is ugly!" Aurora crossed her arms. Her eyes flashed a faint violet color. The chandelier above them jingled nervously.

"Wear the pink one," Alex didn't look up from his tablet. He was ten now. He wore a crisp school uniform and glasses that hid his sharp, calculating eyes.

"Thanks for the help, Alex," Serenity sighed, pouring coffee.

"Just offering a logical solution," Alex muttered. "By the way, Mom, I hacked the school cafeteria database. They are serving broccoli today. I deleted the order and replaced it with pizza."

"Alex!" Serenity scolded him, but she was smiling. "Put the broccoli back."

"Too late. The trucks are already dispatched."

The doors swung open. Jackson Sterling walked in.

Five years had treated him well. He looked even more distinguished, a few strands of grey in his hair making him look dignified. He was holding Mia, also ten years old, who was dressed like a runway model.

"Daddy says I can wear heels to school!" Mia announced triumphantly.

"I said low heels," Jackson kissed Serenity on the cheek. "Good morning, my love. Is our youngest witch terrorizing the staff again?"

"She tried to execute the butler with a spoon," Serenity handed him a coffee. "Just a normal Tuesday."

Jackson sat next to Aurora. "Princess, be nice to Mommy. Or I'll call Prince Archibald and tell him you want a playdate."

"No!" Aurora gasped. "Archie eats glue! He's gross!"

"Then eat your eggs," Jackson commanded. The spoon fell back onto the table. Crisis averted.

"Everyone ready?" Jackson checked his watch. "The motorcade leaves in ten minutes. First day of the new semester at the Royal Academy. I want no lateness."

"Do we have to take the armored convoy?" Mia complained. "It's so embarrassing. All the other kids arrive in normal Bentleys."

"Normal Bentleys don't have missile countermeasures," Jackson said simply. "As long as you are my children, you travel in tanks."

The family walked out to the courtyard. Five black SUVs were waiting.

As they got into the car, Jackson grabbed Serenity’s hand.

"Five years," he whispered, watching the kids argue over who got the window seat. "It went by so fast."

"Are you bored?" Serenity rested her head on his shoulder. "No villains. No doomsday devices."

"I have a daughter who can move objects with her mind and a son who controls the national grid from his watch," Jackson chuckled. "I am definitely not bored. I am terrified."

He kissed her deeply. "But I wouldn't trade it for anything."

The convoy rolled out of the palace gates, heading towards the most prestigious school in Europe.

But unbeknownst to them, across the street, a man in a delivery uniform watched the cars leave. He touched his earpiece.

"Targets are on the move," the man whispered. "The children are exposed. Phase Two begins now."