Chapter 91: The Annoying Neighbor

Life in the palace returned to a new normal.

Jackson had converted the East Wing into the "Sterling Global Headquarters." He ran his business empire from a gilded desk, occasionally pausing to change a diaper.

"Stocks are up, gold is down," Jackson muttered, typing on his laptop while rocking Aurora's crib with his foot.

"Sir," Luke walked in, looking exasperated. "Prince Frederick is at the gate. Again."

Jackson groaned. "What does he want this time? I already sent him a crate of vintage wine as a thank you for the key."

"He says the wine gave him a headache," Luke sighed. "He insists on seeing Her Highness. He says it’s a matter of 'National Security'."

---

In the Royal Drawing Room.

Serenity sat on the sofa, trying to look patient. Prince Frederick was pacing back and forth, waving a document.

"It is a simple request, Serenity!" Frederick whined. "My Principality is small. We need a trade alliance. If you lower the tariffs on my cheese exports..."

"Frederick," Jackson walked in, buttoning his jacket. "If you say the word 'cheese' one more time, I will buy your entire country and turn it into a dairy farm."

Frederick straightened his ridiculous feathered hat. "Jackson. My friend. I helped you destroy the evil cult. I deserve respect."

"You gave me a key. I saved the world," Jackson sat next to Serenity, putting a protective arm around her. "We are even."

"Fine," Frederick sat down, crossing his legs. "But since we are neighbors... I have a proposal that will unite our lands forever."

He signaled his assistant, who brought in a picture of a chubby, grumpy-looking baby boy.

"This is my nephew, Archibald," Frederick announced proudly. "He is third in line to my throne. He is two years old."

"So?" Jackson frowned.

"So," Frederick pointed to the cradle where Aurora was sleeping. "I propose a Betrothal. A marriage contract between Archibald and Princess Aurora. When they turn eighteen..."

The air in the room vanished.

Serenity covered her mouth to hide a laugh. She knew what was coming.

Jackson stood up slowly. Very slowly.

"Let me get this straight," Jackson’s voice was dangerously low. "You want to book my daughter? Like a table at a restaurant?"

"It is tradition!" Frederick argued nervously. "Royal bloodlines must be preserved! Think of the power! The Montbert-Arden Alliance!"

Jackson walked over to the fireplace. He picked up a heavy iron poker.

"Frederick," Jackson inspected the poker. "Do you see this?"

"Y-Yes?"

"If you ever mention my daughter's dating life... or marriage... or even if your nephew looks at her before she is thirty..."

Jackson bent the iron poker with his bare hands into a perfect U shape.

"I will twist you like a pretzel."

Frederick swallowed hard. He stood up quickly.

"I... I see. Perhaps thirty-five is a better age. Or never. Never is good."

"Smart choice," Jackson tossed the ruined poker away.

"Anyway!" Frederick changed the subject rapidly, sweating. "I came here for another reason. Since you are busy ruling, you haven't heard the rumors."

"What rumors?" Serenity asked, sensing the shift in tone.

"There is a woman," Frederick lowered his voice. "She arrived in the social circles of Paris last week. She calls herself a 'countess', but nobody knows her family."

"Why do we care about a random countess?" Jackson asked.

"Because," Frederick leaned in. "She is asking questions about you, Jackson. Specifically... about your childhood in New York. And she wears a necklace with a strange symbol."

"What symbol?"

"A Golden Hawk," Frederick said. "Just like Serenity's. But hers is Black."

The room went silent.

A Black Hawk. The inverse of the Royal Crest.

Jackson looked at Serenity.

"Is she young? Old?" Jackson demanded.

"Young," Frederick shrugged. "Beautiful. They say she has eyes like ice. They call her... Countess Winter."

Jackson’s jaw tightened.

Liam had disappeared into the ice. And now, a woman named "Winter" with a twisted version of their family crest appears in Paris?

"It's a message," Jackson realized. "Or a challenge."

He turned to Luke.

"Get the jet ready. It seems we need to go shopping in Paris."