Chapter 154 Layla's past

The man ended up ratting out the majority of the council who was replaced by certain women who were pillers of the community that was at the table sitting with Margo, eight out of twelve of the men were replaced with the women that Layla brought in.

Alex was seething in anger at how all of the people he had under his thumb were now being tortured giving up all of their resources and certain plans.

Layla side eyed Alex as she sat on the throne, she has already been informed about the marriage they were planning on pushing her into with Santos and from her intelligence the guy is only Young and nieve about things. His father was always an ally to the crown and for what was best for the people in this kingdom, she is having his death investigated.

" Santos how have you been managing everything that your father was in charge with, he always spoke good about his son and I wish to have a one on one tomorrow morning" Layla said with a genuine smile, if she can save Santos for his fathers kindness and loyalty was better than him being a sheep among wolves.

" that would be great your Majesty" Santos said with a smile and bows his head, Cynthia and Syl didn't like how he looked like a puppy in love.

(" I think Alex has his claws to deep into this man and I don't think he'll not want to let go of this plan of Alexs") Cynthia thought glaring at him, he stares at Layla with affection that sent shivers down her and the other women's spines.

Santos leans over to Alex while still staring at Layla.

" when are you going to propose our marriage" Santos said , Syl narrowed her eyes at them both and her father felt the intensity from her and flinched when he met her eyes. He felt fear when he looked into his daughters eyes, he has always known that Syl has always had feelings for Layla since they were kids and the path he was now on could not be avoided especially because of Dylan.

" Not now maybe this week or tomorrow you can bring it up yourself when you have your one on one, but it would be more beneficial if Dylan brings it up tomorrow evening. That way we can avoid any anger from her or her people, we've hit a major set back and now the people will suffer if we don't recover some of our footing" Alex said while reading a report about taxes being lowered for the common people while the rich has a increase, A smirk appeared on his face now that he can rope in some of the people with this tax increase.

" the next report will help the poor and businesses that are barely keeping their doors open right now, our kingdoms economy is close to crashing and citizens are wanting to leave here because the rich is only getting richer." Layla said as A man with purple hair in a half ponytails clears his throat then sees that Layla nods at him.

" your Majesty if we cut the taxes on the lower and middle class, the higher class will be angry with this decision. How will you handle their outbursts." Leon said looking over the numbers thoroughly, he noticed that the higher class has tripled their income the past ten years and he looks up at Layla.

" their net worth has tripled so we can always bring that to any argument they have, this delivery business of San wares has tripled theirs in a matter of three years and we can get them for invasion of our kingdoms taxes if they don't commit to our new policy. Looking over these numbers I see the majesty's point and I also would like an investigation on San wares, I also can see several council members who have quadrupled their income these three years as well....Alex your business has even brought in more than the royals and how do you answer for that since none of us should be in that position" Leon said glaring at the man, he has always been made to keep his mouth shut when Alex ruled the majority of the council. He also has befriended alot of the commoners whose businesses suffered because of these men and even a man he called uncle killed himself after loosing everything within a year.

" I agree with your Majesty about this and I even think their getting off it should be raised from 20% to 30% for the majority. Alex should have a forty percent tax increase while the men who was found guilty earlier even their family should be stripped of their titles and money. A family man who always would help the community lost his thriving business in a year, he paid his dues and also helped other unfortunate people who lost everything...we can't let this go on and I promise no one will get away with this slight any longer, I implore you highness to investigate more and the percentage should be higher while giving the common people two years to not pay any taxes while the gluttonous ones pay back what they've taken from them" Leon said ignoring certain glares, Layla smiled brightly and when people seen how happy she was couldn't help but let their hearts flutter. Santos was one and he spoke before thinking or being advised by Alex by giving his vote agreeing with Santos since he knows his father would have done the same and why not if it makes his princess happy.

Alex choked on his spit and whips his head toward the younger man while resisting the urge to choke him to death.

" well ten out of twelve votes and I'll agree with Leon with his suggestion, Leon since my time is limited come with Santos in the morning for our discussion" Layla said, Santos smile turned to a frown when he heard that Leon was to be at his meeting with Layla and he glares at the man who is only a couple of years older than him. Syl whispers to Layla and she nodded in agreement with what she said.

" since we will have meetings all day for the next three days I'll have rooms prepared for you all to stay in and no one is to leave the castle or send messages out no matter what it is if you do then it's treason" Layla said in a stern voice as she stands up from her throne chair, she walks by the council members then glances over at them.

" enjoy dinner " Layla said leaving the room with her three confidants following behind her while May escorts the new members to their rooms.

Cynthia pulls Layla by her hand when she heard a annoying voice coming from in front of them when Hailey and Viv enter the hallway, the grip on Layla's hand got tighter to where she winces and Syl unclasps her hand from Layla.

" hi love !!~" Viv said kissing Layla then holding her arm while they walked up to their sitting room on the floor where their rooms are.

Viv stares at Layla then smiles softly at her and pulls out a large portrait that she drew of Layla that would take your breath away, she drew her naked of course and it did not disappoint any of them.

Cynthia was feeling a couple of different emotions when she seen the portrait, one was that it was very accurate and well done the second was when Layla use to draw her portraits all the time. She still has all of them that use to litter Layla's room and the last one that she drew of her when she was sleeping on her side without clothes on after they made love the night before everything that happened.

It felt like a burning hot knife pierced through her heart as she recalls that night and the proposal after they made love all night, she still wears the ring on her finger and she did store it after Layla couldn't remember anything about their past and her betrayal. When her and Syl spent the other night with Layla she put it back on her finger.

The ring was a 25 karat pink diamond ring with white diamonds covering half of the band which had both of their initials on it and was infused with both their magic signatures.

Layla hangs up the portrait above her desk and hugs Viv and kisses her softly, she is still working on Vivs though and also one of Cynthia that keeps popping up in her head that is the same one that she last drew of Cynthia that was always on her mind and In her dreams.

Cynthia stares over at Layla who met her eyes and Layla felt her heart flutter then drop when she sees a engagement ring on her hand, she narrows her eyes then anger consumes her for a few seconds before Viv wraps her arms around her waist.

(' I have no right to be upset if she is engaged, I have to come clean to Viv') Layla thought as she fakes a smile then looks over at Eri.

" have shadows on all of those men watch them carefully and keep Leon safe" Layla said as Eri bowed then walked out of the room.

" well you all eat I have to go and talk to a few prisoners personally" Layla said, Cynthia was getting ready to follow her when Margo stares at her shaking her head then follows Layla out.