12 Maxim is Back
Louis Leopold ran the mile away like he wasn’t feeling the fatigue. What am I thinking? Am I scared to marry the girl of my dreams? I hated her and suddenly, all changed and now I’m marrying her, loving her with all my heart, Louis thinking about Em and his life together with her. Haa! I’ll be okay, just be positive, I know everything will turn out right, have faith!. I wonder what happened with the engagement party her team gave last night?, Louis still running his heart out back to the villa.
Where have you gone Louis, it’s already late? Tessa asked while opening the door for him. Oh, sorry Auntie, I just stayed at the plaza near the villa, wow! I haven’t gone there for ages, but it is still as beautiful as I have seen it 10 or 15 years ago and I missed it so much. Em and I used to go there with mom, dad and uncle Maxim. Hmm! I am hungry though, haha!
Okay, hang in there, I’ll go get some food for you, is lasagna fine? Tessa asked smiling genuinely. Perfect!, Louis said still sweating all over but heck he is very hungry he could eat a horse. Here have some steak and boiled asparagus with a touch of cream sauce. By the way thank you for calling me aunt again!, Tessa added happily. Louis smiled with a heartfelt joy inside him as if something, some heavy weight has lifted up and he doesn’t feel sad, mad or burdened anymore. The guilt or shame has left him and he feels only love, forgiveness and care for those who he loves especially Em. Tessa and Louis chatted the night away and brought up all the good memories of his parents up till his uncles and aunts and the kingdom. Tessa seemed to have memorized the ways and characters of all his love ones that she can imitate them all. Louis didn’t know she was very good in acting and mimicking. They both laughed when she talked the way King Cronos talked and Louis was so glad he stayed at the castle and obeyed what Tessa advised him to do, to protect and uphold the laws of the kingdom for the glory of his father and the powerful reign of the successor, him.
Mom! Can’t we just sit for a while, my feet is killing me. Do I really need to wear high heels. My goodness, my feet are literally going to break because this heels are five inches tall.
Bear with it, what is an hour of misery than marrying Louis, hehe!!!, Victoria added teasingly. Yeah right mom, funny!, I said acting hurt with the comment. What about this one?, wearing the sexiest wedding dress I’ve seen in this shop so far. Mcbraden is a wedding outfit shop where you can order ready to wear gowns and suits tailor made for you and your partner. This store is owned by the oldest business couple who lived in St. Paul Vill eversince Grandma Gisel set put on Tunisia. Mom told me before that Mcbraden helped Grandmother to have a job here in designing wedding gowns for brides. She always dreamed of becoming a great artist but since Cronos was about to be crowned as the king then, he ordered for her to live in the palace to help and make designer dresses for Lady Beatrice and him for the time being. Grandma never pursued her dream in a big scale. Though she became part of the royal family and was adopted by the Montfort for her superb works. She still dreamed of putting up a designer made wedding shop business. When the Montfort kingdom was gone, grandma came to a small town of Polynesia just a couple of miles near here and met Milano Melendres Pio, my grandfather. He is a rich, handsome businessman who had several companies who fell in love with grandma. She was working at a local clothing store and caught the eye of the fellow and were married after six months of courtship. Grandpa didn’t know grandma Gisel was the other princess of the Montfort Kingdom, yet when she revealed everything to him even the worst part that she was raped by the king and now bearing a child because of what happened. Grandfather still loved her and owned the little girl, thus named her Victoria. He never held a grudge against the Montfort line since this brought grandma to him with an angel in her tummy. I literally cried when mom told me the touching life of grandma and even if revenge still creeps into the picture. Mom realized just recent that it’s not worth it to take revenge on people who are already dead and long gone. I told her when we had a talk and she still wanted to avenge grandma’s death. She called me the next day to apologize and promised she’ll never lay a hand at Louis or the Montfort family ever again. I called Cronan Jr, my half- brother, the crazy dim wit, to stop all operations and move on with his f*cking life. Though he refused to do that because he still wanted to kill the remaining family line of the Montfort, I advised him to make amends now or I’ll kill him too. Well he didn’t take that advise easy but he accepted the deal eventually. So all is going well as planned. No more hate but all love now. Hmm, I wonder until when it will remain calm, our lives, I mean, Anyway, better wish and pray for the best than be a party pooper and on the negative vibe.
Mom was a fan of this shop, and she and dad wore wedding outfits from them and they were lovely. Mine now, is a fitted wedding gown, no sleeves and laced. It’s soft to touch and wear. The chest part of the dress hugs me comfortably and there’s a clear line hooked on each other side of the bust part so it won’t fall at all. Fit on the bust until the waistline then ballooning below the butt part down the feet. The trail goes long way to about 10 feet and I’m not complaining. I think Nica will be the one to do that after the wedding, hehe, eeks! She’ll be my best maid and in charge of me and my trail for the whole day. I will owe her big time for that, maybe a trip for two in Iceland or something, hehe, I wittily thought, hmm…
I don’t want any trimmings on the dress and just remain plain and white. Louis’ suite is military inspire since the future king, he needed to wear a military outfit fit for a royalty. Just like what Prince Charles always wore for England. Anyways, I can’t explain much in details but let your imagination roam about it. Hihi!...
Hey, I’ll just get us something to drink and do you like a donut on the go? Victoria asked. I’ll be back in a jiffy!
Hmm, I nodded so engrossed with the fitting and all.
Victoria walked outside the shop to buy donuts . Mrs. Donut is just close by. A guy was following her and she seemed not to notice but Victoria swiftly moved on a quiet alley just before reaching the donut shop. Who? …Maxim? Victoria shouted and on an alert level position. She’s ready to fight him or whoever he is. Yes, it’s me again!. Hi my dear., Maxim said smiling. Ha, ha, ha! After that night I never stopped thinking about you. But to make sure you’re real, we should test your skills. Now, now since I’m a woman, please don’t make it easy for me. For I believe you mastered Jujitsu and Karate. I am just…Victoria wasn’t finished talking when the guy wearing a dark hoodie attacked her instantly. He jumped high and gave her a side kick, landing in front of her but she jumped out of his way and attacked with her arm. They were now punching, kicking and jumping all at the same time but as if just covering for each other and not actually hurting one another. Ahah! Still good as ever, Victoria said happily. You haven’t lost your touch sir!. Thank you beautiful Ms, or Mrs. Montfort, the odd guy said and as if in a flash he is all over the Victoria now. Victoria seemed to know the guy and kissed him back now more passionate than before when they met that night at the castle in Em’s room. Baby!, I’ve missed you and I love you, I never stopped loving you, he said with such gusto. Me too, Victoria replied while touching the guys back and taking off the hood of his jacket, Maxim!?, why did you fake your death, you cruel man??? Victoria said not angry and stepping three feet away from the guy to get a good look on him. I’m sorry Torey, Honey!, I needed to do that to get the royal family off my tail, Maxim uttered in sadness. I never regretted that just to protect you and Maria. But what I do regret is I should’ve contacted you even if it’s in secret to make sure you’re not alone in this fight, he added now feeling relieved. What fight? Victoria asked confused. Our fight to kill Louis Leopold and the rest of the Montfort family to avenge Gisel’s death, Maxim clearly stated the intention with conviction. Oh no, not again, Maxim, Baba!, we shouldn’t do this anymore, let’s stop the none sense and move on. Honey, I love you too but I’m tired and scared for Em’s life. I want to live and see her happy and married with Louis, which was her true destiny. Maxim, let’s just leave the past in the past and let’s get our acts together and maybe live somewhere together and love each other. We’ll start anew, Victoria explained moving closer to Maxim and holding his hand. Maxim was about to refuse but Victoria was persistent and now feeling his hand on her cheek and kissing it lovingly. I want you now and let’s make up for the lost times, huh!!! Victoria said lovingly. Maxim was about to give in but he refused and took his away from her. I want to make sure that Em will never marry Louis and I was just telling you about it, See you later, Victoria!, Maxim added with hate in his eyes.
Why do you loath Leopold so much? You loved him like you own and his twin Leonardo? I just can’t figure it out, Max, I can’t really? Victoria said in dismay scratching her head while her eyes kept closed. I can’t explain it to you now but soon I will, I love you Torey!, Maxim said and banished in the air. Er…Max…?!!!. Huh that guy need to take it slow. It’s always the same sensitive, too emotional man as he was before and still is now. Why can’t you just ne rational? Haaa…men, can’t stand them any longer. I wonder how would Louis treat my Em. If he hurts her I’ll kill him, Victoria added looking fierce as ever than when she saw Maxim again a little earlier. She still bought the donuts, cream and chocolate flavor with hot chocolate cups on the side.
Mum…You were out like an hour, what happened? I thought you got caught up with someone and all, I was worried!, Em said sounding concerned. Yup, I did (your dad and he’s alive, in my thought) bump into someone from long ago, and he wanted to meet you, soon! So are we ready to go? Have you already made the choice for the dress? Victoria asked. Yep! I did, it’s the sleeveless one and I love it, Em added joyfully. Victoria talked with the owner of the store and paid for the dress to be picked up a week before the wedding. Okay, let’s go, eat your donut and we need to meet someone. She was your grandma’s best friend, Donita!, She will help you with your hair and all to prepare for the wedding. O, kay, Donita??? Who is she now?
Maximillian or Maxim, I am the son of Cronan and an heir to the throne of Montfort Kingdom. I have been killed 15 years ago but the ambush was unsuccessful and I survived it. Rodolfo knew that I am alive and he held it a secret from Victoria and my daughter Maria. I asked him as my confidant, butler and personal assistant / bodyguard to assist and protect my family. And for many years of seclusion I finally made a decision to come out and avenge the plots against my family and kingdom. I still can’t find the people behind the killings but it all rooted from when Aunt Gisel was harassed by my uncle King Cronos many years before I came to know about the issue and dark secret of our family. I married Victoria since she was head of my royal security and I have been in love with her the first time I saw her when dad hired her to protect me and my family. Why a woman? Well why not, she is smart, a black belt in Karate, master in Jujitsu and a sharp shooter from her military trainings as a royal guard who later became an officer. She came from a poor family but worked hard to get where she is now. Victoria started as a real estate person and made sales because of her diplomacy and charming talks why we jived well in everything plus she is super sexy and beautiful so what more can I ask for, she has everything a man could dreamed of having. Though we had our differences. She is strong and calm but strong headed when it comes to family and security. But I am powerful and proud, I don’t want anyone questioning my orders better yet my rules in war or governance. However, she of all people made me realize that family is important and love is more powerful than the crown. I came back not really to have my revenge to those who ruined my family and our reputation as a reputable and sovereign royal family, but to uphold the right as the next King of the Montfort lineage. To make a difference and to set things right, this time. I don’t want to run anymore and hide but to face them who wanted to destroy the last blood line of the Montfort royalty. No I won’t let it happen again and swore to protect Louis Leopold, Leonardo, Maria and the rest of the clan. If it comes to it that I need to sacrifice my life for my family, I will do it for the sake of love and my position as king. I wanted to talk with you Victoria, Maxim said in his thoughts, but I don’t know where to begin. I need to speak with you about many things and been wanting to hold you in my arms for many years that we weren’t able to see each other. I missed you and Maria so much. Maxim uttered silently with tears flowing in his eyes while scouting and standing on the right wing at the edge of the roof top of the castle. He was watching his girls in a Maria’s room, where Em is happily dancing with the wedding dress she bought in the shop. Victoria is seated at the end of the bed watching Em and laughing with her. My family is so beautiful, I need to protect them and I know what I need to do.
Em, I really wanted to talk to you dear, about your dad!, Victoria said hesitating a bit. Hmm! okay what about dad?, she said sitting beside her mom now.
He is still alive, and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you right away cause it was sudden and he sought me out today at the shop!, Victoria added relieved of disclosing about Maxim.
Okay, wow, he is ???, When can I meet him? I asked with stars literally sparkling in my eyes in excitement. Ah, that I still need to check out, since he just comes and goes whenever he likes. But I think soon before the wedding. I feel he wants to talk to you so he can tell you about…, Victoria hasn’t done talking yet when Em butt in to finish the sentence
…the story of the Montfort kingdom and my destiny as a princess …blah blah blah! Hehe, I know the spiel mom, I memorized it since I was a kid, so don’t sweat it, Em added smiling at Victoria and now positioned herself to rest her head on top of her mom’s lap. Victoria now is sliding the tip of her fingers on Em’s hair.
Ye, yesss!, Victoria said smiling sweetly because of Em’s funny remark. But I know he will tell you about what really happened with the royal family and the secrets behind them. I didn’t know much since I never bothered to pry since I was just doing my job to protect the crown and the royal family. How-ever, I have the right and responsibility to know since I am his wife and you’re my daughter. So I later knew all the secrets of the family. It is better that he tells you so no detail will be missed but I wonder if he’ll disclose everything or he just needed to be with you since you two haven’t been together because of the incident. Both of you needed to catch up on many things, Victoria explained.
Right, I know and he wants to know me probably. I want to know him better too!, Em said in a weak tone, now yawning and slightly fading away to dream. I am so happy mom, because you were with me and we spent a good time in the shop, I love you.
I love you my dearest, sleep well, honey!, Victoria added kissing Em’s head. What do you want now Maxim!, she asked in her thoughts. I wish I knew what you plan to do now that you’re back. I hope you mean well and it’s for the good of our daughter and her future. I am still here to protect you and the kingdom. But I will die to protect our daughter and her happiness. Maxim, if I need to put you down, even if it hurts, I would for Em’s sake.
Why would you do this now? After the longest time that you left and abandoned us?. Victoria said silently while placing Em’s head on a pillow on the bed. She stood up and looked out of the window, then sort of seeing a shadow on the right wing who is now standing like it’s looking, facing straight towards her and Em’s room. Maxim, I love you and I missed tou too. I hope you’re doing this to protect us, our daughter and our love. I want to feel you and make love to you…Victoria added as if feeling Maxim through that dark shadow in the night.
Maxim seemed to feel Victoria’s longing for him. He wanted to come for her rescue but he still needs time to sort things out. Forgiving the people who hurt his family and to free himself of fear, guilt and hatred. I want to love you with the purest passion and desire. Wait for me my love, please wait for me…he added as if talking to Victoria in his mind.
I will wait for you my love. I love you so much and I am here for you…Victoria said as if feeling Maxim touching her heart and soul at the moment. Both of Maxim and Victoria’s heart are one and the same now, full of love, hope, forgiveness and positivity for the coming age, a new day for Montfort kingdom. A new beginning for their family’s life and future. I hope…both said in unison. Victoria closed her eyes while lying next to Em on the bed. Maxim, however, is now seated and felt an unusual calm and peace he never dreamed he could feel once more. I hope this feeling remains forever. Peace is everything, Ahhhhh!, he said then laid down his back on the roof feeling happy though he doesn’t know why.
