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Chapter 47: A King Without a Crown
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2026-01-29 02:41:46Three days into their stay in Montbert, Jackson was already bored.
He sat on the velvet sofa in the Royal Study, reading the local morning paper. Alex was sitting next to him, translating the French headlines.
"This one says you are an 'American Gangster' who laundered money through pizza shops," Alex giggled.
"Creative," Jackson flipped the page.
"And this one says you are holding the Queen hostage," Alex continued. "They call you 'The Barbarian of New York'."
Jackson threw the paper into the fireplace. "They hate me because they can't control me."
Just then, the heavy doors opened. Serenity walked in, looking furious. She was followed by Count Hemlock and a stranger—a young, preened man in a ridiculous military uniform covered in medals.
"Your Highness," Hemlock bowed stiffly. "We must discuss the issue of your... current marriage."
Jackson stood up slowly. "Issue?"
Hemlock ignored him and turned to Serenity. "Grand Duchess, the people are uneasy. They don't trust a foreign commoner as their Prince. For the stability of Montbert, the Council suggests... an annulment."
The room temperature dropped below freezing.
"An annulment?" Serenity repeated softly.
"Yes," Hemlock gestured to the young man. "Allow me to introduce Prince Frederick of the neighboring Principality. He has pure blue blood. A union between you two would secure our borders and..."
"And strengthen our economy," Prince Frederick stepped forward, kissing Serenity’s hand lingeringly. He looked at Jackson with disdain. "I can offer you security that money cannot buy, my lady. I can offer you pedigree."
Jackson didn't speak. He just walked over to Prince Frederick.
Jackson was 6'2". Frederick was barely 5'8". The physical difference was comical.
"Frederick, right?" Jackson smirked, looking down at him. "Nice medals. Did you win them in a war? Or did you buy them at a gift shop?"
"I am royalty!" Frederick spluttered. "Who are you? A merchant?"
"I am the man who owns 40% of the real estate in your 'Principality'," Jackson patted Frederick’s cheek patronizingly. "If I make one phone call, your castle will be turned into a shopping mall by next Tuesday."
Frederick turned pale. He looked at Hemlock for help.
"This arrogance is unacceptable!" Hemlock shouted. "He has no title! He has no rank! He is a nobody in this court!"
"ENOUGH!"
Serenity’s voice cut through the air like a whip.
She walked to Jackson's side and linked her arm through his.
"You speak of pedigree?" Serenity glared at the Council. "When Stefan tried to kill me, where were you blue-blooded princes? Hiding in your castles."
"This man," she pointed at Jackson, "Walked through fire for me. He fought killers for me. He saved this country with his own money."
She looked at Hemlock.
"You say he has no title? Fine. I will give him one."
Serenity straightened her back, radiating regal authority.
"Prepare the Cathedral. Tomorrow, at my coronation, there will be a second ceremony."
"What... what ceremony?" Hemlock asked, trembling.
"The Investiture of the Prince Consort," Serenity declared. "Jackson Sterling will be crowned as my equal. His word is my word. His command is my command."
"If you disrespect him, you disrespect the Crown. And that," she stepped closer to Frederick, "is treason."
Frederick backed away, terrified. "I... I think I left my oven on. Goodbye!"
He ran out of the room.
Jackson chuckled, wrapping his arm around Serenity’s waist.
"Prince Consort, huh?" he whispered in her ear. "Does that mean I have to wear tights?"
"Only if you want to," Serenity smiled, looking up at him with love. "I'm sorry they treated you like that."
"Don't be," Jackson kissed her forehead. "I don't need a crown to be your King. But watching you defend me? That was... incredibly sexy."
"Get out," Jackson looked at the frozen Hemlock. "We have a coronation to plan. And I need to choose my outfit."
Hemlock bowed deeply and scrambled out.
As the doors closed, Jackson picked Serenity up and spun her around.
"Long live the Queen," he laughed.
"Long live the Prince," she kissed him back.
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