Kingdom of Betrayal

I'm holding Junior on my hip while my other hand is on Raya's shoulder as she stands in front of me and we watch in silence as Romero's coffin slowly goes six feet under. I can feel my daughter's shoulders shaking as she cries and my son's tears falling on shoulder as he cries on it, I blink away tears as I hug them closer to me.

It's just us now, babies.

"I'm sorry for your loss, Your Grace"

I nod and watch as everyone takes their seat at the table that Romero used to discuss important matters with his most trusted people. Elliot, Lincoln, Noah and Simon. I feel a bit intimidated sitting around a table with four men but I sit tall with my chin held high, like I didn't bury my husband a few days ago

Noah clears his throat "I apologize for your loss, my queen but there are some concerns from the people. They seek answers."

"And what exactly are their concerns?" I dare ask, already knowing exactly what it is.

He shifts uncomfortably in his seat like he doesn't know how to say it and Simon answers instead "They want to know about the throne and who might sit it, Your Grace"

"Junior of course"

Lincoln scoffs and my eyes dart to him "Romero Junior is only six years of age"

"But he is the King's first born son and heir" I point out.

His eyes narrow "He cannot sit the throne, let alone rule a kingdom"

I grit my teeth, because I know he's right.

Elliot speaks for the first time since we sat down "Perhaps Lincoln could"

I frown while the men murmur their agreement and I glance at Lincoln who has a smirk on his face when he says "I wouldn't mind. I was the King's brother after all and it's known that if the King dies his brother shall have the crown"

"Only if the King did not have heirs" I point out "Romero has an heir"

Lincoln waves his hand dismissively "Your son shall have the crown when he comes of age, until then I'll keep the kingdom under wraps"

The men nod in approval and start discussing ways to change things in the kingdom but I'm barely hearing them because of the way my heart is pondering. I don't trust Lincoln. As a matter of fact, I don't trust any of these men. Someone killed Romero but instead of trying to find the killer, they're already replacing him.

"I'll sit the throne" I declare and the table goes dead silent.