There was no one in the world whom I despised more than him.

He made my life an
eternal misery just by being in my presence; the ruler of all the land was an entitled brat.
When the Barclay family took over America after the last World War, I had just finished
my last year of college. I thought I was free, or that's what my family promised me. Topher and I
were friends throughout college, protected from service in the war due to our enrollment before
the draft had begun. He was quite the secretive person and never let much about his family slip
out, which I didn't mind because mine wasn't too great either. My family never cared too much
about anything besides political gain, using me as their pawn to gain this power. Before I had
started my sophomore year of college, I already had six men lined up to marry in case they died
or lost control. Topher knew this about me, however, often he talked about what he would do if
he were the leader, which I think about now, and it raises a high red flag.
It was the last day of college, and I was so excited for graduation, finally free to do what I
wanted with my life. After this day, I could get a job and leave my family for good, or so I
thought. I was sitting in the stadium's aisles, waiting for the ceremony to begin, when I heard it.
The royal trumpets blaring. We had known that democracy was no longer in the cards, and the
local leaders had decided on a sort of monarchy with some power still in the people's hands
through local and state officials, but I never knew nor cared who the family was that was in
charge. Until he walked in, Topher wearing a royal garb and crown. I didn't know whether to
laugh at him or stand in awe; the stand in awe was my choice.
His father, whom Topher never talked about nor mentioned was related to, walked onto
the stage and grabbed the microphone.
“Hello, fellow graduates of the Royal Academy; I am King Barclay, your new ruler.”
A gasp fell over my lips. I had seen this man in my house multiple times throughout my life, and
he was good friends with my father, which caused an uneasy feeling in my stomach. I knew he
wanted complete control over everything in the country but could not gain that without
overthrow, so he compromised. My father and him had discussed an alliance to gain political
control over the areas my father once ruled and for my father to be a part of his court. They
agreed.
I looked at Topher with betrayal in my eyes; he had heard me rant about my father and a
man deciding my fate and the fate of our country multiple times. It turns out the man was his
father and our now king. Topher would not even look at me, that brat; he owed me an
explanation for not telling me anything.
“I want to congratulate you on your excellent work throughout these four years here and
share some special information. You have all done a great job throughout these years and
proved that you are meant for something greater than normalcy can offer. Everyone here has
been handpicked to serve in the royal court,” I almost threw up. I never wanted anything to do
with royal life or politics in general, and I was not about to be a pawn to be tossed around when
our country needed something. The king continued with his ramble, “The men will serve as
either military officials, local and state leaders, or as ambassadors of the court. The women,
well, you will serve the court in a, well,” he paused, “special way.” I almost threw up again. This
was sexism and gross times a million; I had sisters who looked up to me and some coming of
age. A murmur emulated the emotions I felt throughout the crowd, and the king addressed it,
“No, no, not like that; I am more dignified in that matter. You ladies will serve as alliances to
other countries, ensuring they follow through on their end of the deal. Some of you also will
serve as undercover to help our military to make advances, and some of you will be the loyal
wives to the men on the court,” he said with a wink.
I looked over at Marissa, a friend I trusted almost as I did Topher. She looked unfazed by
the information like she already knew about the plan the king had just announced. A single tear
fell from my cheek. Betrayal was the only emotion I could place upon it. The king told each of us
what role we would play instead of handing us our degrees.
“Military general, congrats,” he said to a man I had recognized from class and shook his
hand.
“You have quite the skills to be one of my assassins,” he said to a girl who lived down
the hall from me. She also looked unfazed by this information, like she passed a test she was
studying for.
I stood in awe of the words coming out of his mouth until my name was called.
“Aurelia Brouilette, you have the dignified honor of being the wife to my son.” I looked at Topher,
who stuck his arm out to me as though I would grab it and easily take this position.
“Please just do this, and we can talk later,” he whispered. Such a coward, he was. I
grabbed his arm with an uproar from the audience, and I saw my parents with my siblings sitting
in the front row my mother crying. They never told me they were coming, let alone sitting in the
front row. Was this whole thing their plan all along? Was my friendship with Topher a lie and an
in for me to easily comply with this arrangement? Whatever the answer was, I would not comply
with anything, no matter what.
“Thank you, everyone, for helping to make this country a better place, and I thank you for
supporting me by being one of the first to graduate from my university,” his university? Before I
could even speak, I was escorted into a large SUV and seated across from my best friend.
“You have a hell of a lot to explain.” I stared daggers into a man I once loved.
“You never allowed me to say anything; it's not my fault your parents lied about this
place. I had given multiple hints that this was my father's institution created to train and help the
children of his political partners,” he couldn't even look at me that son of a .. “Besides, you dont
have to marry me, well, you do. Still, it doesn't have to be real,” I never claimed that Topher was
the sharpest tool in the shed.
“Topher, you were my friend, and this is bullshit, you know it. How often have I come to
you crying about feeling used by my family? This is just… this is the ultimate betrayal, but I will
cut you a deal,” this got Topher’s attention. “I will marry you on one condition…..
We shook hands, agreeing to the words that no one would ever hear. The big black SUV
that felt so uncomfortable finally arrived at a some unknown location.
“Welcome home,” Topher announced as his ring-barren, thin hands opened the door. He
was still wearing that damn ring we won together at the arcade when we were still freshmen.
I miss that time. We were so stressed about a test we had in our history of wars class.
Thinking back on it was probably just a fake class anyways. We decided to take a night off and
hit the downtown arcade home to our favorite basketball game. I always won, obviously, but was
that a lie as well? Who knows anymore?
I stepped out of the car, an extended hand to guide me out, which I rejected with a look
of distaste. Topher extended his hand into his pocket with a slight lip bite that made me question
my anger… and my feelings for him.
 The building immediately caught my eye as it wasnt something I had recognized before
from the new renovations in the capital. It was simple and elegant in a way that screamed rich
people live here, but they aren't that rich. We kept walking towards the entrance as the doors
seemed to magically open by themselves, but later, the guards came into view, ruining the
magic trick.
I hated how many people worked in our house when we were kids. It was a constant flow
of employees, none of which stayed long enough for me to even get to know their names. My
father liked to fuck most of the attractive ones, and the ugly ones were kept around by my
mother to keep my father from his infidelity. I got close with one of our housemaids once, but
she left when my mother realized that I confided in her more than my actual family. When I left
for college, there seemed to be an empty space in my house, but it was soon changed. My
room was turned into living quarters for my employees as my mother blamed it on a hole that
needed fixing in her heart. She couldn't bear to see an empty room; she didn't even know me.
Topher shook the hand of what seemed to be the captain of our guard when they both
turned to face me.
“This is Nikolaus, head of our guard here. He will be the only one you see most of the
time as I have limited staff,” my heart dropped into my stomach. Of course, he remembers my
constant rants about this. Whenever we got our new staff, our family sent a report of the new
members in a catalog. We received a new catalog every week. Nikolaus led us around the
palace, introducing us, mostly me, to all of the endless rooms that followed a long and narrow
hallway. Nikolaus bowed away before I snapped back into reality, and I realized it was because
we had gotten to the master's chambers. A room meant to be shared with two people who love
each other and want to be with each other. I felt quite the opposite. The thought of sleeping next
to this man literally made me want to vomit on the velvet carpet.
He walked into the room, leaving a space for me to follow along as he slumped a bag I
forgot he had onto the bed. I noticed fresh flowers on what seemed to be my side of the room,
Baby’s Breath and white roses, my favorites. My feet seemed to move without thinking as I
walked over to them, bending slightly to sniff the scent I longed for.
“I hope you can take those an a slight apology for everything.” I lifted out of my moment
of bliss and faced him. He was seated on the edge of the bed, facing my direction with a face
that I knew too well. Topher was always a person that I could read very well. I knew when he
was truly sorry or just trying to get me to forgive him. This was the truly sorry face, but I couldn't
let that get to me. I couldn't just sit there and let everything slide past like it didn't matter. He lied
to me for four years and is sitting here acting like it was a simple mistake, like when he ate my
ice cream that I told him not to.
“Please dont hate me for everything. You know if I was able to tell you about everything
that I would have in a heartbeat, you know that…. Right,” tears fell off his face. I had never seen
him cry before, even after his grandmother died. His grandmother was his best friend and
saving grace from his family, so it was hard for him, so I can't imagine the feelings now.
I walked towards him, my feet thinking before my brain could stop me, and grabbed his
hand. My heart was telling me to run towards him, run towards everything that we had with each
other. However, my head told my heart what it should be listening to. I was a political pawn in a
game played by those I would never be able to defeat, and he was a part of the game. I leaned
my head against his anyways and made eye contact with him, our lips both beckoning for each
other as a saving grace. Before I made a mistake, I lifted away and walked towards the
restroom, knowing he was still there, where I left him on the bed.
I jumped into the shower, hoping to relieve myself of this long ass day and to get my
thoughts in order. This was supposed to be the first day of the rest of my life where I had actual
freedom, but instead, I was put into eternal misery. Great.
Once, when we were sophomores, I walked into Topher’s room as usual after class. We
were supposed to study for our biology and society class when I saw two pairs of legs stumble
from the shower curtain. My mouth stood in awe as I saw a woman staring back at me, butt-ass
naked, blocking Topher's body. I think her name was Celeste, but I can't remember because I
ran out of the room before anyone spoke a word to me. Topher tried to explain why he didnt
forewarn me, but I wouldnt hear it. It was just an incident that none of us would speak of nor did
we.
More memories seemed to race through my mind as I let the hot water soak against my
skin when I realized how long I had been in the shower. My fingers pruning seemed to be
evidence of my long getaway. It was something I needed and would put up a tude if Topher
wanted to bitch at me. However when I walked into the room, he was missing. I shook my head
as he often ran away from confrontation and walked over to the pity note he left by my flowers.
Aurelia, I have left for a meeting as your shower was taking quite the time. I will be back
before dinner tonight. This palace is only ours. No one else in the family is allowed here. This is your
sanctuary if needed. If you need anything, Madgela is in the kitchen, she will answer any questions.
Topher PA
I set the note into the drawer and walked to the kitchen. Madgela was a stout older lady who
seemed to like the Beatles as she sang it to the pot below.
“Hello, Miss. Madgela, I'm sorry to disturb you. I'm..”
“Aurelia, future queen of new America, bless be” she chuckled as though the words
seemed to be absolute nonsense for the both of us. “Im kidding child, I know who you are as I
have known Topher since he was a wee baby. He told me all about you, you are safe here.”
I am now perplexed about everything. She explained to me how this palace was in
agreement with his father to bargain with him to marry at a young age. Which caught me off
guard. Topher didn't want this marriage either, I dont know if I'm relieved by this mutual feeling
or offended that he wouldn't have wanted to marry me. I mean, I'm great. I laughed out loud at
this incidentally as Madgela looked up at me from her pot. She must have known that I was just
thinking in my head about something because she immediately looked back down to whatever
stew she was brewing. We talked for a while after, she mostly, about the new palace and her
perspective on the new government. She was not a fan of it. Madgela also went into detail about
how she was the only handmaid here along with an assistant of some sort that helped her with
the morning chores. There is also only two guards stationed in the house while others are
monitoring the outside; they are not allowed to come in unless necessary.
We chatted also about my family as she was quite the nosey nelly and wanted to know
everything about me. She claimed that it would help her do her job better but I think she just
wants to know everything about everyone. I only talked to her about my parents and how they
were so desperate to be a name in government that they would be willing to sell out their own
children. She just looked at me as I described this information as a sympathetic grandmother,
her eyes showing sadness for the life that I had lived. Madgela walked away and opened up a
drawer to a family picture, the royal family, but it had a piece of the corner ripped off. Like
someone had tried to delete or erase a part of the family.
“That's me.” Tears flooded her face, and she quickly pointed to the torn-out person.
“King Barclay is my son.” Her tears were now done as she dried them with her apron
decorated in a familiar flower, though I could not place where. “He was such a great kid until he
got older and realized what our nation had become; he was obsessed with power and would do
nothing to stop to get it. I tried …. I tried to warn everyone about him, but it was too late. He
doesn't know I'm here with Topher. My love, we all have secrets; keep yours protected.”
I didn't know what she meant by those words until a couple of days had passed. My
wedding day. It was hosted in the main palace at the capital, the spectacle of the century for all
who attended and for the nation. The king declared it a “National holiday to celebrate and
commemorate the peace after bloodshed,” except he was the one who caused most of the
bloodshed. King Barclay was an entitled brat who believed that the entire nation should bow to
his will and just get over the millions of deaths that he caused because the fucking bitch can't do
diplomacy.
The capital building was huge as I was escorted in by a plethora of people, none of
whom included anyone whom I had met before. Those in the wedding party were to be my new
ladies-in-waiting after the ceremony and my new best friends. Kill me now. I had not seen
Topher since he left that night for a meeting.
It must have been some hell of a meeting.
I was anxious to see him and to give him a piece of my mind for leaving me alone in a brand
new place for days. I can't wait to be married woohoo. We entered a private room to prepare me
for the moment of the century. Hair stylists, photographers, makeup artists, and interviewees
were scouring around the room like bees, ready to get someone. My new ladies-in-waiting
started to answer interview questions about me like they had known me my whole life. Some of
the questions I did not even know the answer to.
“When did you realize that Topher and Aurelia would get together and help us to become
a true nation?” The interviewer wore the ugliest suit I had ever seen, but even worse was the
answer received.
“They had always been in love with each other; you could say it was love at first sight,
even” Gag me “When we were in college, they were the it couple, you could say, I mean I was
so jealous of them, and she was my best friend.” I just met this bitch and we’re best friends.
After a while, the interviewers got their desired answers and left the room. My mother, however,
walked in as soon as they walked out.
“Oh my goodness, my baby is getting married.” She had literal tears running down her
cheeks while she was hugging me. I had no response for her that would be pleasant enough for
the strangers in the room to hear without being repulsed. I put on my dress, which weighed
more than I did, and stared at myself in the mirror.
I did look gorgeous, I have to admit. Was this really going to be as bad as I made it out
to be? I mean, it's Topher, not some stranger that's lucky. I just have to work to protect my
sisters from this fate that I have landed. All I have to do is put a smile on my face and say words
that mean nothing, and this will be over. Topher and I only to have our own heir, and my part of
this sexist fucked up system is over. I hope.
 My self-evaluation was over when I noticed my father arm in arm with my mother behind
me. He stood there like some proud father witnessing the best day in his daughter's life, not like
a father who sold his own daughter to get another title. My parents were so proud of the work
that they had accomplished. They only ever did what was best for them and fuck everyone else,
including family. I turned around and grabbed my bouquet left on the table to get this shit show
over with.
“I'm walking you down the aisle.” my father grabbed my arm as I winced in pain. No
matter how much I disliked my father or hated him, he always scared me into doing his will. If he
wasnt walking me down the aisle, it would look bad to the press and therefore hurt his
reputation to the public. He wasnt going to let that happen. The fight was not over yet though. I
was going to let him walk me down the aisle, but after today, the war is on.
I stood in the center behind the main chapel doors that were connected to the palace
and waited for my queue to walk in. There was only ever a small glimpse that I was allowed in,
and from what I could tell, it was packed. After a while, the wedding song played. The song I
dreamed of having at my wedding. My father grabbed my arm, and the doors slid open to reveal
myself to an audience. Topher had his back turned, as was the custom for royal weddings, so I
could not read his face. My face read disgust and anxiety; there was no happiness found within
me that I could dig up to at least give a front.
My father tapped Topher on the shoulder, and when he turned around, I noticed the
small flower pin below, the same flower on Madgelas apron. The same flower that I soon
remembered symbolized the rebel nation who fought against my family and the Barclays when
they tried to ascend the government. Why was Topher wearing the rebel symbol?
The preacher started the ceremony as Topher grabbed my hands towards his. The
words seemed to mean nothing to me as I looked for my sisters in the audience as proof of their
existence in this joke of a wedding. I finally found them in time for the “ I do” portion of the
ceremony. I repeated whatever words came out just to get this shit over with quicker than
anything. Topher seemed to do the same. He seemed off as there was something happening
that I didn't know about. The party seemed to last all night as different people kept coming up to
me and Topher asking to butt into our dances in order to speak to us about changes they want
to see made. Like I could do anything politically, I was just the babymaker.
When the party was over, we were escorted back to our palace to consummate the
marriage. If I didn't want you to kill me before, kill me now. Topher and I had rarely spoken to
each other the whole night besides the occasional peck on the lips to appease the audience and
photographers.
“I am going to sleep in the guest room tonight so you can have the master to yourself” I
was taken aback by these words. I mean I knew we were not going to be having relations
anytime soon but I guess this hurt me.
“Ok” was the only thing that I could say back to this. The hurt was shown in both of our
eyes. Madgela, thank god, met us at the gates and whispered something to Topher who
immediately hurried inside. She faced me and grabbed my arm to escort me inside.
“How does it feel to officially be a wife?” she said in her sarcastic voice that I loved so
much. She was my safety in this hell hole. I walked into my master bedroom, a wife, without a
husband by my side.
 Sleep was more difficult than it had ever been. There really was no difference between
before the wedding and after, I was still alone. However, now I was a future queen of a country
and married to my ex-best friend who was gods know where.
When I was a kid I often had trouble sleeping due to my parent's constant arguing with
each other or the needless parties that they would have to entertain guests of higher esteem.
These parties would often last until way into the morning and as a child, the sound of adults'
laughter kept me intrigued. Once I snuck down into the party where I saw my parents with other
people beside each other. Luckily before I could scream out anything, my nanny grabbed me
and led me back to my room. I remember crying all night about how my mommy and daddy no
longer loved each other. Little did I realize they did this all the time, having open affairs with the
other's knowledge. I promised myself from that day that if I were to ever get married to
someone, I would never agree to this, or let myself be cheated on consentially.
I realized that after a while of staring at the ceiling a cup of soup from Madgela would do
me the trick so I stumbled down the stairs and into the kitchen. However, I did not make it to the
kitchen. There was a light outside the room that I had never been to before. I remember
Nikolaous introducing it as the meeting room, but vaguely as I was in a world of my own as
usual. I heard voices slightly as I pondered closer and realized that it was Tophers and
someone else's so I decided to stay longer and abandon the soup idea.
“Why do you need the sheets? This was not in the agreement” It was a woman's voice,
one that sounded awfully familiar. What in the hell was Topher doing with another woman on our
wedding night? I wanted to barge into that room so bad but I couldn't. This wasnt a real
marriage and even though it was just officiated, I knew my reality. This is how it was going to be
from here on out. Topher would be fucking any women that he wanted to and I would be the
showfront. Smiling and waving to everyone around me like I wasnt miserable.
“It's none of your damn business what I do with my sheets. Madgela will escort you out
of my palace” The footprints got closer to the door. “And Celeste if you tell anyone we fucked,
our deal is over”
Holy Fuck, Celeste, like college fuck buddy Celeste. She was his off-and-on thing which
is why I caught them in the shower that one time, and many more times after that. I never
thought they continued anything after junior year when she wanted something serious and he
(obviously) did not.
I stepped into the nearby office to keep listening as this occurrence was something I
needed to know. I heard Madgela's voice beckoning to Celeste to follow. Was that what she was
telling Topher, that his mistress was here, ready and waiting for him?
“Here's your goddamn proof; now get the fuck out of my house” Who in the hell was
Topher talking to.
“Thank you, sir and congrats on the wedding; we should have an heir in no time.” who
was that voice? I had no time to think about it before Topher walked into the room that I was in.
We both knew he had been caught and there was no hiding from the truth.
“So it's our wedding night, and you decide to spend it with the fuck buddy from college” I
was so pissed that I had to say something before he could get a fucking word in. We were best
fucking friends, couldnt he at least have been honest about this with me. I turned my head
before he could see the tears starting in my eyes. There it was on the table. My worst
nightmare.
 Dear Prince Barclay
Congratulations on the new wedding, we cannot wait for the news of a new heir soon. I was
pondering a thought recently and due to your circumstances, I was wondering if you could do
me a favor. I have another daughter, Breckly, who is now of age, and I need to find her a suitable
husband worthy of stature. I am holding an auction of sorts to find the wealthiest man for her,
would you mind if I host at your palace, since we are now family?
Duke Brouillette of the New America
I grabbed the note from my father, there was no stopping the tears now. First I got cheated on,
on my wedding night and now my sister is being sold from my very house.
“I fucking hate you” I glared down Topher as he stood there speechless like a deer
caught in headlights.
“I have to do what is best for my kingdom and for my future reign. There are things that
we have to do in order to promise a future for ourselves. These are some of them. You were
supposed to stay in your room.” I could have bitched slapped him right there. The way he was
talking was nothing like my old Topher, the one I trusted, the one I loved.
“Fuck you” was all I could say as I walked out the door.
“The auction as agreed upon by your father is in two days, you and I will both be in
attendance as the new royal couple.” I stopped my feet to react, but there was nothing I could
do to stop this from happening. I had lost the one thing that I promised myself that I would never
allow to happen. My sister was going to be a sheep at an auction and I couldn't do anything
about it. I was powerless in my own home.
I didn't sleep that night, nor the nights after. Madgela started to express her concern
when I locked myself in my room. Luckily for her, she had the keys to access me, unlucky for
me.
“Honey, you need to eat. There is no point trying to fight something that is being fought
for you already” Before I could get a word in to question what she meant Topher entered in.
“The auction is in one hour, your sister is downstairs with your father” as soon as I heard
these words I raced downstairs. My sister looked stressed out and able to crack while my father
stood there as proud as ever. He had already given away one prized sheep now the next is up,
he was on a winning streak. I grabbed my sister's hand and raced her upstairs calling upon the
guards to not allow my father to follow after. She was stunned, to say the least at my sudden
approach.
“I can get you out of here, I promise” I whispered. All I wanted was for my little sister to
be safe and live her life, the one I was never able to.
“No, you can't stop this, you have to let it happen” I was stunned by the words. She
wanted to be sold like a sheep to the slaughter.
“You have no idea what these men are like. They will use you and fuck you whenever
they want. If you dont leave now, you're as good as dead” Tears whimpered from my eyes, a
begging plea to my sister to listen to me for once.
“You dont know do you?”
“Know what?”
“Your husband is saving me. He gave money to Ashton in order to buy me”
Ashton was my sister's lover for as long as I can remember. They were always together causing
stress to my parents. He was a lowly farm boy with no money and no title, useless to my
parents. Ashton was also a known rebel and avid spokesperson against our new government.
There was no way my parents were going to allow this.
She explained to me how Topher had arranged this plan before our wedding knowing my
father's plan. He had it all planned out as to how he was going to do it. A friend of his, a duke
from New Canada, was going to purchase her using Topher's money and bring her far away.
She was going to be safe with Ashton in NC where no one would ever know. If I had been a part
of the plan from the beginning, someone would have recognized that it was a lie. They know I
would put up a fight, without it, there would be no success.
I hugged my sister tightly knowing that her safety was in stone due to my husband.
Topher was saving her? Why would he do that? My answers were met with Madgela.
“Topher also lied about Celeste, he used her in order to appease the court and to save
her” I was stunned from where I stood. It was all a cover-up in order to protect me. Topher knew
that the court would need proof that we consummated our marriage, so he fucked Celeste in
order to get the proof they needed. In exchange, Celeste received a pardon for her past
engagements with the rebels. My heart ripped into shreds. I never trusted Topher when all he
was doing was protecting everyone he cared about. He had to push me away in order for my
safety. It was breaking him inside to do this and all I was doing was hurting him more. The one
person who truly loved me, I was hurting the worst.
Before I could say anything to Topher about my newfound truth about him, I had to get
through the auction. We took our place of honor and I grabbed his hand tightly. He looked at me
confused which I met with a smile. I could tell the man was genuinely confused about why I was
like this. The auction ran smoothly; the duke won my sister in a not-so-tight bidding war. He had
more money than anyone, thanks to Topher. My father looked pleased in himself, and I kept the
appearance of a pissed-off protective sister.
After the auction, my sister was whisked away before I could say anything to her, though
I knew we would keep in contact. I also rushed away before my father could discuss how he had
somehow succeeded in being the best father.
Topher was sitting in his office when I finally caught him.
“Thank you” tears rolling down my face. I wanted to so bad grab him and pull him into my
arms for everything, but I couldnt, not yet at least.
“For what?” he kept his gaze down at the papers he was writing
“I know what you did for my sister, Celeste, and me. All you have done is protect those
around you, and all I have done is hurt you.” he looked up in time to see my almost breakdown.
Topher stood up from his chair and grabbed me before I fell to the floor.
“I'm sorry, Lia, you weren't the one hurting me truly; it's what kept me going. If you had
known, if I would have told you, everything would have been lost. I have always loved you and
wanted to protect you.” I couldn't muster up any words in response besides my lips meeting his.
It was the kiss you dream about when you finally meet the love of your life. The tenderness and
passion of knowing that this is your person. The person who was willing to let you hate them if it
meant that you were safe from a wretched system that they helped create.
Topher lifted me up as we continued in the kiss and picked me up in a sudden and swift
motion. With me in his arms, we continued what we had started on the floor.
 “I want you Topher from here and always,” I spoke, tears continuing. I wanted this man
who knew my everything and was selfless. The one before me was the Topher I knew, the one
who loved everything he had.
“I've been waiting for those words since I first met you.” The kiss after that was even
more than the first as he whisked me away to our bedroom. Our bedroom. For the first time, it
would be ours. He laid me gently on the bed.
“Are you sure” My only response was the stripping of my clothing. He seemed to
understand this message as he removed his shirt. I wish that this moment of pure bliss could
last forever. It was a moment that no one could quite explain with words, but god, it was so
good. We woke up the next morning entangled with each other, smiles on each other's faces as
we awoke. Madgela must have known what we were doing because there was no morning
knock. Thank god, that would have been awkward to see her grandson butt-ass naked.
We continued this pattern of renewing our vows, which were fake and now valid, for the
next couple of days. I lied it was more like weeks. It had been so long that I had forgotten that I
missed my period. I missed my period! Madgela knew before I did as she walked in, test in
hand.
“Girl, you have been eating for two recently so I figured” as she handed me the test. I
was stunned, to say the least. I thought I was just hungry after all the “cardio” that I had been
doing recently.
I ran into the office.
“I'm pregnant!” Topher looked up at me as I nodded. He ran and grabbed me, lifting me
into the air with a kiss on the way down.
“We have to celebrate” However, his face showed a different expression. We both knew
that this new arrival meant that we had to tell our families. They had succeeded in their mission.
They would have a new heir to the throne, a continuation of a fucked up nation.
It seemed like days passed when the party was being planned. This was the moment the
whole nation wanted to know everything about. A new baby, a royal baby. Our house which was
usually empty was now flooded with royals and politicians from every corner of the country.
When the day of the announcement occurred, I was stressed. Topher became very quiet,
which confused me. He had told me about everything that was going on and going to happen
but was now not speaking, even Madgela seemed to become distant. Everyone seemed to be
lining up in our banquet room when I heard the squeal of my mother. Great.
“A royal baby!” who let this bitch in. My father strolled over happy as a clam and placed a
hand upon my shoulder. Luckily before he could open his trap, the trumpets blared announcing
the royal familys arrival. Topher, like magic, appeared at my side hand in hand, squeezing the
nerves we both felt.
“The Royal Majesites of New America, King and Queen Barclay.” We bowed our heads
as they approached us.
“I am so very grateful that this marriage has produced fruits of abundance. I rest knowing
our lineage is safe within the hands of my son and his son” That bitch.
“Hello Father, Mother, please let me escort you to the seats.” Topher was surprisingly
getting along with his family starting the small talk. The party sooned to be picked up as
everyone formally arrived to the celebration. After a while of introductions to people I could care
less about King Barclay stood up and tapped his glass.
 “My friends and followers of the crown, this new celebration dictates a future for our true
and new nation. One that is promised a legacy of fortune and hope. With my new grandson, our
nation is secured, one that will bring prosperity to all of us. I promised everyone when I took
over that this nation would be a powerhouse that serves everyone and that we would succeed. I
took this position only because of debt I owed to you all to do it justice. I became a ruler of the
people to fullfill my… “ he words were cut off by Topher. He had his hands through his father
with a sword. Before I could react, I was whisked away by Madgela, Topher following behind.
There were dozens of rebels infiltrated about from every direction killing those who were apart
of the monorachy. I turned around in time to see my pitiful father trying to use my mother as a
shield before they were both killed. We made it to a tunnel in the floor when I turned to question
what was occuring.
“It was a trap that we had made. The only possible time we could have had to have all
the royals in one room.” He was wearing the flower and so was Madgela. The others I could see
in the room were as well. It was a trap to overtake the government that Topher and Madgela
knew about all along. They knew that with this, they could unite the rebels to take over the
government.
“However we arent safe yet. Not all the rebels trust that we want what they want so we
have to leave before we are injur…” the response was met with two rebels trailing behind us.
Obviously they were not caught up on the plan. Madgela forced us into the tunnel and slammed
the door besides, the last I heard from her was the scream as the supposed rebels killed her.
Topher and I ran into the tunnel and out the back escape where we were met by more rebels.
However, these ones knew we were friends.
“Lia, this is Keetan, a friend of mine that I have known since childhood and the leader of
the rebel team.” he shook my hand firmly.
“Hello, I am sorry about the mess but we dont always have everything that coordinated.
My lilies have worked together to fight this tyrannical reign but it wasnt until Topher joined that
we were able to accomplish our mission. We are now free of this. Thank you for letting us ruin
your baby shower.” We all chuckled in response.The lily flower that Topher and Madgela were
wearing must have been the alliance with the rebels. If a rebel were to see it and the wedding
and now they would know.
When the fighting seemed to be over, we walked back inside to see the mess and
establish a new plan. Topher went over to Madgela and kissed her on the forehead as she was
whisked away in a body bag.
“She didnt need to die, but her sacrifice will not be forgotten” we both bowed our heads.
After a while in the office with Keetan and some of his people, we figured out an address to the
public about todays occurrence. It seemed to be met well as people cheered and praises. The
plan was democracy one that was free of tyrannical reign. Topher was elected for now until the
people were given the chance to figure out a new leader if wanted. They did not.
After a couple of months of clean up and the birth of our daughter, Madgela, we worked
to restore a true nation that was actually for the people. We kept our palace but transformed half
of it into a place of housing for those affected by the wars. Keetan took over rule after Topher
retired, to take time for us his family. We had four kids, four kids who would grow up in a world
that would not dictate their futures and a family who truly loved them.
Reflection
Look back at your diagnostic story. Then look at this mid-term story. How have
you improved? Support your answers with evidence from your work. (Or, to put it
another way, point to the differences.)
My diagnostic story was the same story as this one, it was just continued. In my
diagnostic story there was no interjections made to get into Aurelias mind truly which
was the italicized parts and I think by doing this it adds more to her character. It also,
for me, makes the story more realistic and humorous. Her reactions to a character
saying something shows her humanity and humor. I also did not have that much
dialogue in my diagnostic story because I think I was scared of it, but I improved on
adding it to the story for details. It helps add to the story and not become the story
which is what I was scared of the dialogue doing. I was also able to add letters from
characters that added to the piece which I didnt do in the first part which was an
improvement for me. It adds spice to the story with the change in writing and style.

Tell me about your writing process. How did you go about drafting and revising
this story? How many drafts did you do?
My writing process was me making out ideas of where I wanted the story to go
and asking questions to fill in the details of those stories. I asked the questions to
figure out who Madgela was and her importance. I also asked why did Topher
have an affair and who with for that character matters. I did a couple drafts to
figure out my final story and added some revisions throughout the entire process.
I would write a good amount and then break and then come back to the works
reading it with a fresh eye. This break allowed me to think freely and fix the
details that needed to be fixed and also add details that were missing from the
story.

What's the best part? What are you proudest of?

I am proudest of my character development. I struggle usually with readers trying
to figure out characters in my works, but with Auerlia, she is seen for who she is.
You can tell things about her in every way from the way she talks to the reader
and narrates the story to the interjections that she gives. If this character was
 real, you would know exactly who she was based on my development of her. I am
also proud of the usage of dialogue for I struggle with that as well. For me, it is
enough dialogue that you understand the conversation but not to much that its
overpowering to read.

What would you do with this story if you had more time with it? What would you
target for improvement, and how would you go about making that improvement?
I would improve upon the ending. I love the ending of the story but I would add
more depth to the takeover scene with the rebels. I would also include more
background of the characters and more interactions that they had with each
other. Add in a sense a deeper hatred for each other and show the readers that
hatred so that the moment Aurelia realizes everything it is more impactful and
hits the reader as a real turning point. It would also help to have more of the
background about her family and why she hates them so much more and also a
background on Topher and his family. Go into more detail about Madgela and
Tophers relationship with each other and the significance of it all.
What questions do you have for me? How can I support you?
This story took a lot out of me if I am being honest. There was a lot of negative thoughts
going through my head as I was writing this. I did not think it would be good until I got
to the end and reread it after I hadnt looked at it for a while. I think the support is giving
feedback and helping me without overally criticizing the work. This character has a very
similar personality to me and I just want to figure out how I can expand upon the others
without loosing her in the middle since she is the main character. Adding those details
about other characters would help the reader to get to know the whole story and why
characters are acting the way that they are.