The Story of Nikolia the IV

West of Coremere is a small island with barely 30,000 people. This island is called Maksil and for the last 350 years, my family, the Menquin family have ruled the island in peace. The Menquin family is loved by its people. The Queen - my mother - Nikolia the III, was kind and generous. My other mother, Madaline, had died giving birth to me long ago. As for me, I am [[Nikolia->The Death of Nikolia the III]] the IV, the future of Maskil.

Our island of Maksil has survived for a reason - the abundance of [[Spinel->Spinel]]. Because of how rare our Spinel is, Maksil has always had conflicts with other countries, however, our army has stood strong. While it is small, the army has managed to keep the my family and our people safe. Our island is perfectly guarded and protected on all sides. Even if a country would attempt to conquer us, they would never succeed. Not to mention our outstanding treaties with larger countries like Valland and Coremere that offer their protection to Maksil for the best supplies of Spinel. However, threats against the royal family come too often. Sadly, the death of Nikolia the III came as a surprise to all of us. On the eve of the Isles of March, I found my mother in her bed. She was lying in her own bed. At first, I had thought she was just sleeping, but I noticed the silver dagger sticking into her gut. As I stepped closer, I realized there was a familiar logo on the blade - The [[Legion]]. On that night, I became [[queen->The Coronation of Nikolia the IV]].

My mother is gone, but my people need me. In a week, I am officially Queen of Maksil. [[I->Nikolia]] am only sixteen, but this is my future. I was raised to be queen. I stand with my head held high as I look over at my trusted guard. I do trust them with my life, but there had been two attempts on my life since my mother was taken from me three nights ago. Poison in my food found when one of my guards tasted my food (on their own volition) and died. The second attempt was more obvious. A figure dressed in all black attempted to murder me with an axe. They managed to escape unfortunately. My guards were not prepared for this. This person that aimed to kill me was getting craftier. I need someone who could think like an assassin. I fear the assassin would try to kill me before my coronation. I need someone [[soon->Introduction of Aleksandra Wallace]].

A young, dignified woman steps off of the jet plane into the small airport of Maksil. Travel to Maksil was rarely allowed, but desperate times called for desperate measures. While the army of Maksil were skilled fighters, they were not skilled detectives. Maksil needs me, but I need help. [[Aleksandra->Aleksandra]] Wallace, 27-year-old, is an agent of Valland, a country to the West known for its democracy. She is well-known as a geinus when it came to solving mysteries. Not only that, she has a license to kill. "Welcome to Maksil," I greet her with a smile and a small nod of my head, "I owe you much thanks, Miss Wallace." "Call me Aleksanda, your highness," Aleksandra greets me with a [[bow->The Necklace]].

<img src="https://jennisnotokay.neocities.org/pictures/SP9068__44883.1345655095.500.500.jpg" align="left" width="300" height="300">It is a long drive back to the palace. The airport is on one side of the island. It takes nearly three hours to return. However, during the time, I make sure to bring Alexsandra up to date with everything I knew. The Legion has always had a presence on the island, but no one knew as to who the leaders were. I explained how I found my mother and the attempts on my life since then. We decide to visit the scene of the crime first. I haven't been to the room since I found my mother and I have two guards at the main door at all times and one guard on the balcony. Entering the former queen's room, Aleksandra began her search, while I stand off to the side, trying to stay out of her way. She checked every surface of the room. She soon kneeled beside the bed, her eyes catching the sight of something underneath the bed. Shee reached under and pulled out a beautiful necklace, one I could not place, but looked oddly familiar. It was a simple golden chain with a bright, blue jewel in the center. It had to be a spinel gem, I concluded. She held it out to me, "Have you seen this before?" Before I could answer, a voice called to me. "Your highness!" An enigmatic beauty with a beautiful smile on her face entered the [[room->The Introduction of Kamara Dymond]].

"[[Kamara->Kamara]]? What is it?" I questioned. As she ran up to me, Aleksandra pocketed the jewel and pulled out her gun from inside her jacket and held it up, "Who is this?" Upon seeing the gun, Kamara freezes in place, holding a small, blue book in front of her, one she always had. She stared from the gun to Aleksandra. "This is Karama Dymond. She came from Coremere to become my advisor. I wanted someone younger than my mother's advisors and I heard good things about her. She's been here for two weeks now," I assured Aleksandra. "How do you do?" Kamara bowed, smiling shyly up at Kamara. Aleksandra pocketed her gun again and took Kamara's hand, kissing it. "An honor," she greeted, "I apologize for my rudeness." [["Shall I leave you two alone?"->Shall]] | [["While this sexual tension is fascinating, there are more important matters->While]]

Spinel is a rare, beautiful gem that shouldn't be found in the northern parts of our world. Our gems are far brighter than other types of spinel. It comes in varies colors from the blood red to the most royal of purples. Because of the rarity of the gems, Maksil has flurished by selling it, however, that has also made things difficult for my country. Other countries are constantly trying to conquer Maksil because of the gems. <img src="https://jennisnotokay.neocities.org/pictures/SpinelSuite%20(1).jpg" width="900" height="500">

I am tall for my age, over five foot and seven inches, with long blond hair usually tied into a high ponytail. It was thick and reached the small of my back. I stand with my back straight, shoulders high. I hold myself with the highest regard as any future queen should. My face was to be admired, however, it was evident I was still young. I have rounded cheeks, showing my youth. I have high brows and bright blue eyes and an angular face. My attire was simple despite my status. I did wear dresses because I found them more appealing. There were usually simple, long skirts and long sleeves, leaving much to the imagination. At special events, my dresses were far more extravegant with embellishments and spinel. <img src="https://jennisnotokay.neocities.org/pictures/anne-edgar-119372-unsplash.jpg" width="900" height="500">

From Valland, Aleksandra was from a wealthy household from my research. Her mother a designer and her other mother the district attorney. She was raised to be great and for her, that meant becoming a AOV (Agent of Valland). She was strong, athletic and charming. The AOV approached her when he was twenty. She had been training to become a police officer when they decided she was meant to be in the AOV. She was taller than I, over six feet. She was thin, but muscles were evident in her rather tight clothing. She had tan skin and brown eyes that seemed to always be on the alert. Her hair was a dark brown and short, just past her chin. The top was a slicked back with a gel, but still looked soft to the touch. The sides were buzzed, leaving just the top the most noticable. Her face was angled with strong cheek bones. Her attire was high-end from the looks of it. She opted for a mostly black attire except for her signature purple suspenders. From head to toe, her demeanor read as someone to not be triffled with. Rumors surrounded her not just because of her skills, but because of her personality. She was charismatic, but soft-spoken. She was known to be a womanizer, flirting around the world with any pretty young thing she saw. She was dangerous with a gun, as well as with her words. <img src="https://jennisnotokay.neocities.org/pictures/luka-cbrt-555197-unsplash.jpg" width="900" height="500">

Legion is a secret organization that had existed as long as Maksil has had a name. It is still unknown who created the group, but the royal family and Maksil as we know it is constantly in danger. My mother theorized that Legion aims to gain control of the spinel mines in order to sell it to other countries. They are elusive and their numbers unknown. Many assassins have come for my mother and my ancestors. This was the first time a member of Legion had succeeded. They have been a plague to Maksil for far too long. From our knowledge, they are most likely just everyday people, maybe even people in my palace. It is impossible to know. <img src="https://jennisnotokay.neocities.org/pictures/jezael-melgoza-250810-unsplash.jpg" style="width:900px;height:500px;">

This is the story of Nikolia the IV and the week leading up to her coronation. The story takes the POV of Nikolia and the things she witnesses during that week. You will be introduced to several characters integral to the story such as Nikolia, Aleksanda, Kamara and General Valentina. There are four endings to this story. There are three major decision points that will impact how the story will continue. The world in this story is meant to reflect our world. Valland is meant to be the United State and Coremere is supposed to reflect the United Kingdom. [[Maksil->The Story of Nikolia the IV]] is, however, made up. - Jenn

<img src="https://jennisnotokay.neocities.org/pictures/alex-loup-579553-unsplash.jpg" align="left" height="500" width="300"> Kamara was a beautiful sight. She had long, curled red hair that framed her face and made her look innocent, as well as, a woman. Her eyes were a bright green. She was short, barely over five foot five. Unlike myself, Kamara preferred extravagance when it came to her outfits. They were usually very bright in color, just like her. They were usually tight and showed off her curves. The colors always varied, she said it depended on her mood. She did wear heels (books tell of high heels being invented by men so women could not run away and in a world where men have become extinct, high heels are rarely worn except by those who truly like them). I refused to wear them personally. Her face was small and round, her face often painted in light make up. She did not speak too much, but when she did, she had plenty to say. I trusted her opinion above anyone elses. She was only twenty-one, but was well-educated and even worked for the Queen of Coremere. I had to have her as my advisor.

"A-ah! Your highness! There is no such thing," Kamara hid her face behind her small book. Aleksandra glanced at Kamara in amusement before turning her attention to me, "About your coronation?" "Exactly," I replied in [[amusement->the coronation]].

"Your highness!" Kamara squeaked, her face turning a light pink, but she still glanced at Aleksandra, who seemed to not like my comment either, but she seemed to smile. "Maybe another time, but for now, we should deal with your coronation," Aleksandra scoffed, rolling her eyes at the comment. I raised a brow, but nodded in [[agreement->the coronation]].

"In five days, I will become Queen of Maksil. In that time, my life is in danger. If I am not Queen, Maksil will fall and I have no heirs yet. I wish to live a long and happy life and to keep Maksil just as it is," I stated, offering a nod towards Aleksandra, "I want you to not only protect me, but to find out who killed my mother. Do with them what you see fit." Kamara had moved a few inches from the door to stand closer to Aleksandra. I noticed she stiffened at my last words, but I paid it no mind. Aleksandra crossed her arms over her chest, "Is it necessary for the coronation to be in public? It leaves you open to assassination." "My mother was killed in her bed. I am always open for assassination," I pointed out. Kamara nodded, "The coronation of the queens of Maksil have always been in front of the public, but your safety..." "No, the Menquin family does not hide," I reply [[confidently->Betrayal]].

<img src="https://jennisnotokay.neocities.org/pictures/michael-d-beckwith-582270-unsplash.jpg" width="900" height="500"> A day has passed since Aleksandra arrived and whenever I am alone with Aleksandra, Kamara appears moments later to discuss details on my coronation. Kamara spends most of the time just staring at Aleksandra when I am reviewing material or talking. Aleksandra always watches Kamara leave too. While the obvious blossoming romance would be fun to see unfold, I feel uneasy about Kamara. Something is off about her. She arrived nearly two weeks ago, just before my mother died. I have my suspicions about her. I could not find a chance to mention this to Aleksandra, however. Maybe that is how I found myself in Kamara's room. Her room still looked like it did when she first arrived. There were clothes in the drawer, but it doesn't feel like she made it her home. The sound of heels hitting the floor caused me to run for the bed. I have to hide. I decided to [[hide in the closet]] | [[hide under the bed]]

When the door opens, I realize I see two sets of feet. One pair is obviously Kamara, but the other pair, I wasn't so sure. Was it Aleksandra for a early afternoon trist in the sheets? "What do you want from me, Dymond? I am a busy woman." That voice. It was my general, [[Valentina DuVoe]], but why? Why was DuVoe here? Kamara laughed lightly, but it wasn't the same softness I knew, "You do not wish to serve Nikolia. She is young and trouble. She will change Maksil in the worst ways. I can help, but to do that, I need your help." My eyes widen. Kamara was asking my own general to betray me. "... Someone is in here." My heart quickens as the heels step closer to the bed. Kamara will find me. "You are asking me to [[betray]] my queen?" Kamara stopped and turned towards to Valentina, "I'm asking you to save Maksil."

<img src="https://jennisnotokay.neocities.org/pictures/alberto-bobbera-521685-unsplash.jpg" align="right" width="300" height="500">Valentina DuVoe was nearly thirty years old. She served my mother for several years as general. She had joined the army when she was sixteen. She was tough, but she never liked me. She was beautiful. She had this face that reminded me of a librarian who was ready to yell at you the moment you so much as breathed too loudly. She always looked angry, but it still made her look beautiful. She was shorter than I was. Barely over five feet and six inches. Her height meant nothing. She was ruthless. So much attitude in such a small person. Valentina was always in uniform, as was customary. It was a dark green suit. There was a purple spinel on her chest, over her heart; an indication she was a general. It wasn't an expensive grade of spinel like I had on my crown, but it was valuable none the less. It was symbolic, to show how the general would protect Maksil with their entire being.

I allowed myself to breath. Kamara moved away from where I was to stand in front of Valentina once more. "Maksil deserves a ruler who can truly do well with it. A sixteen year old is not the answer. My... employer has requested me to deal with her," Kamara admitted with a sly smile. Her voice wasn't as airy and light as it was when she was around me. The shy woman I met was gone, replaced with someone new. Or maybe, this was the real Kamara. I knew something was off. The necklace Alexsandra found... what if it was hers? "Think it over," Kamara giggled lightly before exiting the room. Valentina didn't follow right away, but soon she left too. I waited for a few minutes before I allowed myself to come out. [[Look for clues]]

When the door opens, I just managed to close the door, but I left it open enough to see. Kamara was in my view, but she was not alone. "What do you want from me, Dymond? I am a busy woman." I stared in shock when I saw [[Valentina DuVoe]]. Why was DuVoe here? Kamara laughed lightly, but it wasn't the same softness I knew, "You do not wish to serve Nikolia. She is young and trouble. She will change Maksil in the worst ways. I can help, but to do that, I need your help." My eyes widen. Kamara was asking my own general to betray me. "I know I closed my closet before I left." My heart quickens as I see Kamara coming towards me. My hand goes to cover my mouth and I stopped breathing for a moment. If Kamara found me... If my suspicions were true, I would be killed and I do not think Valentina wil save me. "You are asking me to [[betray]] my queen?" Kamara stopped and turned towards to Valentina, "I'm asking you to save Maksil."

I think I can manage to look for something. I need to know the truth. I can't just go to Aleksandra without some sort of proof as to who Kamara is. This isn't just about my life. This is about more than that. [[Check the desk]] | [[Check the dresser]]

<img src="https://jennisnotokay.neocities.org/letter.jpg" align="right" width="300" height="500"> I decided to check the desk. There had to be something in there. A part of me thinks that this is useless. If Kamara is an assassian, she wouldn't leave behind anything that would be seen. It turns out I was right. Kamara is too smart to leave anything behind. At least, that is what I thought until I saw the blue book on her desk. She is never without it. My hands reach for it and I open the book. Each page is filled with detailed descriptions of myself, Aleksandra, and Valentina. More details on how I spend my days, thousands of plans including the two attempts on my life. Kamara was behind everything. I reach the last page with writing and my heart clenches. Aleksandra has fallen for Kamara... this will destory them both. Should I tell [[Aleksandra->Decision: Telling Aleksandra]]?

I decide to check the dresser. People hide important documents in the dresser. You find pants and blouses and even a pair of pink panties. There was nothing nefarious to be found. Maybe the [[Check the desk]]

With the book in hand, I search for Aleksandra. She has been busy making sure my coronation will go by without my death. She, along with Valentina, have been setting up the army in a way that will leave little chance for anything to go wrong. I would have to deal with DuVoe too. I find Aleksandra in my throne room, talking with Valentina. Upon seeing me, Valentina bows before leaving the room. I watch her, my eyes narrowed, before turning to Aleksandra. "We must speak about Kamara," I said, my expression blank. Aleksandra raised a brow at me, but I have her attention. [[Tell Aleksandra the truth]] | [[Don't tell her the truth]]

Though this may be the end of their relationship, Kamara is a criminal and she killed my mother. I offer the blue book to Aleksandra. By the look on her face, she seems to realize what this is. She accepted the book from me and began reading through it. She sighed as she finds the letter from the 27th. "It is as I feared." "You had your suspicions as well?" I questioned, surprised. Aleksandra sighed, "Her arrival, the death of the Queen, the necklace... it all points back to Kamara. I knew this and yet..." I could not speak for a moment. I felt for Aleksandra, "I understand. What will you do?" "Depending on her actions leading to the coronation in a few days, I will either have to dispose of her or... maybe..." I eyed Aleksandra, "You think you can convince her to stop this?" Aleksandra smiled, "I am very [[convincing->Decision: Valentina]].

I stare at Aleksandra for a moment, weighing my options. In the end, I decide against telling her the truth, hiding the book behind my back. "How are the preparations coming?" I question, offering the female a small smile. I can't tell her. Even if my life is on the line. "Good. You mentioned Kamara. Is something wrong?" Aleksandra is too smart for me. She is older and works for the AOV. I have to choose my words carefully. [["I was just wondering how you two were doing?"->Confronting Valentina 2.0]] | [["It is nothing."->Give the book]]

Aleksandra had been planning to confront Kamara for a while now. She is far too smart. It does not surprise me why the AOV wanted her. She was skilled in many ways. I stare at my reflection in the mirror. My dress for the coronation was a guady thing. It was white and covered in small spinel jewels. The skirt was large and I was forced into high heels (a decision Kamara suggested ironically). I shimmered with each step. It was an awful sight. "You look beautiful, your highness. Maksil will be proud," Kamara giggled, playing innocent. I eyed her through the mirror, offering a smile, "Thank you, Kamara." The door opened and Valentina came in. I saw the nervous look on her face, "Kamara... Aleksandra wants to see you in the garden." Kamara looked from me to Valentina and nodded her head. She bowed to me before leaving the room, "You look-" "Beautiful, yes. I have been told," I finish for her as I turn to face her. [[Confront Valentina]] | [[Don't Confront Valentina ]]

I can not do it. I can not tell Aleksandra the truth. I may soon regret this choice, but I will have to do this on my own. This is my home. I am to be queen. I will handle this. And that meant confronting Valentina. After my fitting for my coronation dress, I make my way to Valentina's small estate that was just down the dirt road of my palace. I open the door to find Valentina praying beside her bed. Surprise is evident on her face as she stands to look at me, "Your highness? I thought you were at your fitting." "I was, but I must ask, why are you planning on betraying me?" I interrogated, not the least bit fearless I stare the general down. My words seem to have surprise her, but the surprise is soon gone as she unholsters her gun and points it at me. I was prepared for this. "... You are not fit to be Queen of Maksil," she states, but her voice sounds strained. I take a step forward. The action surprises her, "We do not know that for sure. I am not Queen yet, however, this is my home and I will not let you or the Legion take it from me. You have served Maksil for years under my mother, so why, why would you betray your homeland?" Valentina seems to think about my words before she lowers her gun, "Kamara and the Legion have my lover. They threatened me. I have no choice." "... Yes, you do. Help me save Maksil," I request, holding out my hand to the older woman. She stares at my hand for a moment before she takes it, dropping to her knee and kissing my hand, "Yes, your [[highness->The garden w/o book]].

Aleksander scoffs, "You are an awful liar. I saw the book in your hand. Give it to me. It is wrong to steal from someone." I frown, "I do not steal. I found it on the floor. Aleksandra, I must warn you. you will not like what you read." Despite my warning, Aleksandra holds her hand out for the book. I sigh before I hand it over. She reads the contents and her eyes close for a moment. She knew. She knew Kamara was behind everything. "You had your suspicions, didn't you?" I inquired. Aleksandra sighs, "Her arrival, the death of the Queen, the necklace... it all points back to Kamara. I knew this and yet..." I could not speak for a moment. I felt for Aleksandra, "I understand. What will you do?" "It will all depend on her actions. I will either have to dispose of her or... maybe..." I eyed Aleksandra, "You think you can convince her to stop this?" Aleksandra smiles wickedly, "I am very [[convincing->Decision: Valentina]].

<img src="https://jennisnotokay.neocities.org/pictures/sidney-pearce-368382-unsplash.jpg" align="right" width="300" height="500">Valentina and I go to the garden. We stop before reaching the gazebo. Aleksandra and Kamara were in a tight embrace. "Aleksandra, I love you," she pulls away and smiles up at the taller woman. "And I you, Kamara," Aleksandra admits with a soft smile. "That is what makes this so difficult." Aleksandra reaches into her pocket and pulls two objects from it. The necklace and the light blue book. Kamara is frozen as she stares down at the objects. She slowly raises her eyes to look at Aleksandra. The taller woman sighs, "The members of Legion that came to Maksil have been arrested and are in AOV custody. It is over, Kamara." Kamara is silent for a moment befor she quickly raises her arm, a knife in hand. Aleksandra was quick to catch her wrist. Valentina and I jump out from out place in the bushes. "Stay back, your highness!" Aleksandra yelled to me, pushing Kamara back. All I could do is watch the two fight. Aleksandra would not kill Kamara. I know this, but Kamara will not stop. "I must kill her! If I don't... my life is forfeit!" Kamara yelled, slicing Aleksandra arm with the knife. I could see it hurt, but Aleksandra still grabs for Kamara, holding her close. It was a romantic embrace, but it was bittersweet. Kamara seemed almost ready to give in, but she pushes Aleksandra away and glare at her, "I have no choice!" "This doesn't have to be this way!" Aleksandra exclaims, holding onto Kamara again, "We... can have a life..." Kamara's face went rigid as she shook her head, grabbing the gun from Aleksandra pointing it at me, "No. We can't." The gun shot was all I [[heard->Decision: heard]].

<img src="https://jennisnotokay.neocities.org/pictures/sidney-pearce-368382-unsplash.jpg" align="right" width="300" height="500">Valentina and I go to the garden. We stop before reaching the gazebo. Aleksandra and Kamara were in a tight embrace. "Aleksandra, I love you," she pulls away and smiles up at the taller woman. "And I you, Kamara," Aleksandra admits with a soft smile. "That is what makes this so difficult." Aleksandra reaches into her pocket and pulls the necklace from her pocket. Kamara is frozen as she stared down at the objects. She slowly raises her eyes to look at Aleksandra. The taller woman sighed, "Do not lie to me, Kamara." Kamara slowly looked up at Aleksandra, "You know the truth..., don't you?" Aleksandra nodded her head, "But I do not know why." "I had no where else to go. The Legion was all I had. They made me what I am. If I do not kill Nikolia the IV, my life is forfeit." "It doesn't have to be this way. We- I can help you," Aleksandra offers. Kamara seemed to think about that for a moment. I was sure she would agree, but before anything could happen, arms wrapped around me and pushed me forward. A gun was to my head. Aleksandra and Kamara both look shocked to see me come forward. I knew it was Valentina, "Free my lover or the Queen dies." I am relaxed as I eye the two in front of me. Aleksandra turns to look at Kamara, who seems just as relaxed. "I do not have her. She is still in Coremere." "You're lying! You said-" "I said many things." [["Wha-"]]

It all happens so fast. My eyes had closed from feat, but when I opened them, I was fine. I look towards Kamara in Aleksandra's arms. Aleksandra's gun laid next to Kamara. Valentina beside me had shot her in order to protect me. I could do nothing at first. Kamara could have killed me, but with the realization it was over, I move. I made my way over, kneeling down beside the two. Aleksandra cradles Kamara in her arms, tears in her eyes. Kamara has blood dripping from her lip, but she smiles up at Aleksandra, "My life... is forfeit..." "Kamara...," Aleksandra's voice was soft as she reaches to caress Kamara's cheek. "Please... don't leave me..." Kamara just smiles for a few more moments before her eyes slowly close. Aleksandra made a soft choking sound, holding Kamara to her chest. [["I am sorry, Aleksandra.]] | [[ Say nothing ]]

"I am sorry, Aleksandra," I say, my voice soft. Aleksandra looks up at me and nods. I offer a soft, sad smile before I rise to my feet. Several of my soliders arrive and I stare at them, "Scower this island for more Legion members. I want them alive. They will be tried and sentenced for the death of Queen Nikolia the III and... Kamara Dymond. Go." Valentina lifts her hand in salute, but her eyes looks at Aleksandra, "... I'm sorry, Miss Wallace" "You had to," Aleksandra replies, her voice soft. She wipes at her face, "Long live Queen Nikolia the IV." "Long live Queen Nikolia the IV," the others yelled in unison. I nod my head as I wipe my cheeks of tears. Tomorrow is my coronation. I must stand tall for my people - for [[Maksil->Ending one]].

I didn't know what to say. I didn't think there was anything for me to say. Aleksandra was suffering. There was nothing I could say to make it better. I rise up and turn to Valentina. "... Your highness?" "... Take the soliders and search this island. I want every inch of Maksil searched for the Legion. I will not allow these criminals to corrupt my people. Go now," I order, wiping my face of my tears. Valentina nods before turning and running off with the soliders. My people need me. Maksil needs [[me->Ending two ]]

I stand on the balcony and wave to my people. They cheer and call my name and I smile. Beside me to my left was Aleksandra. She decides to stay as my bodyguard until the Legion has been eradicated from Maksil. I was thankful for that. She was now my advisor until it was time I find a new one or she left. Valentina was on my right, standing tall as my general. She had not betrayed me, so her transgressions were forgiven. My army had managed to track down five more members of Legion. With Kamara's death, they seem to be trying to leave the island. "Your highness. What do we do about Miss Dymond?" Valentina questions, her voice soft. Other than myself, Valentina and Aleksandra, no one knows the truth of who Kamara was. My people believe she willing gave her life to protect Aleksandra, which was true, but otherwise, she was just my advisor. I turn my eyes to Aleksandra as I answer Valentina, "Bury her in the royal cematary." Valentina offered a small yes in reply before she turns and leaves. We learned that her lover was never in danger. She was safe in Coremere with her family. Kamara had lied. It was relief to us all, especially to Aleksandra. Kamara was not as far gone as we feared. Aleksandra's voice was soft, "Thank you." I nod my head before turning towards my people. Maksil is not safe, but for now, at least, I am Queen.

I stand on the balcony and wave to my people. They cheer and call my name and I smile as I should. Beside me was Valentina. Aleksandra has already returned home to Valland. Understandable that she would not stay. She will still offer me any advise if I need it, but from Valland. She will continue to help Valentina search for the headquarters of the Legion. My army has managed to track down five more members of Legion. With Kamara's death, they seem to be trying to leave the island. "Your highness. What do we do about Miss Dymond?" Valentina questions, her voice soft. Other than myself, Valentina and Aleksandra, no one knows the truth of who Kamara was. My people believe she willing gave her life to protect Aleksandra, which was true, but otherwise, she was just my advisor. I keep my eyes on my people, "She is to be sent to Coremere to be buried with her family. Aleksandra asked that of me before she left." Valentina nods before offering orders to her women. She is to become my advisor now that Kamara was gone, but she will still continue as my general. Her lover was safe from what we were able to find. Kamara had made no advances to harm her, luckily. It was merely a means to keep Valentina loyal. I wish things could have gone differently. I wish I could have offered Kamara anything to convince her to not to have done this, but wishing does not change anything. Maksil is not safe, but for now, at least, I am Queen.

Instinct took over and I threw my elbow into Valentina's waist, knocking her back. Kamara is quick, pulling out her gun and shooting Valentina. It was only in the arm to make her drop the gun. I kick it away for Aleksandra to grab it. Aleksandra and Kamara made their way, grabbing Valentina's arms. I eye them both. "Aleksandra, you knew Kamara was the assassian and Kamara knew that you knew, didn't she?" I questioned. They both smile at me, "We had to pretend for Valentina. When I realized I lost my book, I went to Valentina. She saw you with it hours ago. I knew I had nothing to offer, but Aleksandra offered me freedom. In a sense." Aleksandra nods, "Yes, you both will be tried, but when that is over, maybe you can come live with me in Vallad." "Or here, in Maksil," I offer instead. Both look at me and I smil, "Now that my general has turned against me, I need a new general and an advisor until Kamara is released." They both didn't seem so sure, but they nod, smiling at each other. "As for you, Valentina, I had hoped... you would see what you did was wrong," my voice is sad as I look at Valentina. She looks away, ashamed. I sigh. Tomorrow is my coronation and I feel [[exhausted->ending three]].

Valentina was taken to Vallad along with Kamara. Both would be tried, but Kamara promised to give up the names of any and all Legions members she knows, including two of the higher ups (there were four, but she only knew two of them). She would be freed and put under Aleksandra watch for several months to prove she has changed. Aleksandra went along to make sure they were safe, but would return to Maksil as my advisor and general. Until then, Valentina's lover, Jocelyn, would protect me. She was a lieutenant in the Coremere army and her guilt over what Valentina had done caused her to come serve under me. As I stand in front of my people, I wave and smile. While I am disappointed in Valentina's betrayal, it seems that things managed to work out. I am still alive and Maksil, for the most part, is safe. And I am now Queen Nikolia the IV.

"So. When will you betray me?" Her eyes widened, "W-what-" "When. Will. You. Betray. Me? I heard everything. I was in the room. You will betray the Menquin family and Maksil," I continued, my expression blank as I eyed the general. Her head falls before she dropped to her knees, "I had no choice, your highness! She threatened my lover. The Legion is in Maksil! They are already here! I am so sorry!" Hearing this, I step down and walk up to Valentina, "Help me save Aleksandra and Maksil. Please." "... Yes, your highness," Valentina [[nodded->The garden w book]].

I stare at Valentina for the longest time. Valentina has always hated me, always spoken of my uselessness as a queen. I was often in trouble in my youth, causing havoc in the castle. She never trusted me and in all honestly, I did not trust her. Especially now. I smile, "Valentina, I wish to go the garden and spy on the precious love birds." Valentina goes rigid. My eyes narrow, but she catches herself, bowing lowly, "Yes, your highness." I lift the skirts of my dress and head for the door, heading for the garden with Valentina in [[tow->the garden w/book]].

<img src="https://jennisnotokay.neocities.org/pictures/sidney-pearce-368382-unsplash.jpg" align="left" width="300" height="500">Valentina and I go to the garden. We stop before reaching the gazebo. Aleksandra and Kamara were in a tight embrace. "Aleksandra, I love you," she pulls away and smiles up at the taller woman. "And I you, Kamara," Aleksandra admits with a soft smile. "That is what makes this so difficult." Aleksandra reaches into her pocket and pulls two objects from it. The necklace and the light blue book. Kamara is frozen as she stares down at the objects. She slowly raises her eyes to look at Aleksandra. The taller woman sighs, "The members of Legion that came to Maksil have been arrested and are in AOV custody. It is over, Kamara." Kamara is silent for a moment befor she quickly raises her arm, a knife in hand. Aleksandra was quick to catch her wrist. Valentina and I jump out from out place in the bushes. "Stay back, your highness!" Aleksandra yelled to me, pushing Kamara back. All I could do is watch the two fight. Aleksandra would not kill Kamara. I know this, but Kamara will not stop. "Behind you, your majesty!" I turn and I am not surprised to see Valentina holding her gun at me, "Will you shoot your Queen, DuVoe?" "You. Are. Not. My. Queen," Valentina hisses, glaring at me, "Because of you, because of Maksil's pride, I am separating from my lover. She cannot become a Maksil citizen and the Legion has her! Because of you!" Aleksandra looks towards Kamara, "Please... Kamara, my love, do not allow this to happen." Kamara is silent before she looks towards myself and Valentina, "Your lover is safe. I have not touched her. She is safe in Coremere - protected even." Valentina looked between me and Kamara, "You lie!" I see her hands twitch and my eyes shut close. All I hear is a gun [[shot]].

I soon realize I am alive. I feel no pain. As I slowly open my eyes, I stare in front of me. Valentina was on the ground. There is an obvious gunshot wound to her chest. I turn to look ahead. Kamara had Aleksandra's gun. Aleksandra looks just as shocked as I am. She carefully takes the gun from Kamara, "I shot the gun, yes, your highness?" "... Yes. Valentina DuVoe... turned against the Menquin family," I reply, nodding my head towards Aleksandra. Kamara takes a step forward, "Why are you protecting me? I was going to kill you!" "Ah, what funny banter," I laugh, covering my mouth with my hand, "Accept my kindness, Kamara. I do not offer third chances." "... Yes, your highness," Kamara agrees with a small nod of her head. She looks towards Aleksandra who was staring down at Valentina. She catches my eyes, "What will come of your army?" I smile then, "I pay handsomely." Aleksandra raises a brow, but soon smiles, "Long live Queen Nikolia the [[IV->ending four]]."

I stand on the balcony and wave to my people. They cheer and call my name and I smile as I should. Beside me was Kamara and Aleksandra. Kamara's crimes against the Menquin family is known only by myself and Aleksandra now that Valentina was gone. She is forgiven. I can not hate her. As for Aleksandra, she will still work for the AOV, but from Maksil. The AOV has interest in the Legion. My army has managed to track down nearly all of the remaining members of Legion, thaks to Kamara. She has promised to corporate with the AOV in apprehending them. "Your highness. What do we do about DuVoe?" Aleksandra questions. I keep my eyes on my people, "She is to be sent to Coremere. Her lover wishes to bury her." Aleksandra nods before turning towards the door. I see her smile at Kamara from the corner of my eye before she leaves. I stand tall and chuckle softly, "I can't wait for the wedding." Kamara's face has a small tint of pink, "Your highness... please do not tease me." I laugh lightly. It is all I can manage to do. This betrayal will hurt the people of Maksil, but we will strange strong. Maksil is not safe, but for now, at least, I am Queen.