News and speculation swirled in the wake of Urban's death. What would become of the kingdom? Would it be taken over? Some suspected foul play. Others wondered who would inherit the throne. With no royal heir, the law permitted the king's oldest son. But neither Max nor Ace were of age to take over. In the case of an heir not being of age when a king passes, the queen would usually hold their place until they were of age. But Mae was not queen. Officially Harmony still was, as she and Urban never divorced.
Before anyone could think any further, Xena made her claim. She gathered the Council together to make her announcement.
"Thank you for coming." Xena started, "After the passing of my father, I know my kingdom is on edge about what will happen. I'm here to say that they have nothing to fear. As my father's eldest, and legitimate, child, I will be taking his place."
The Council listened closely.
"Further more. I don't know how you all let her stay so long, but as a Queen, I'm banning Mae from Council. She should have been removed as soon as she got involved with my father. She has no right to be here. I will not acknowledge her or her sons."
With that, Xena took the throne.
Returning to the now empty Tudor home, Xena sighed. Harley came out to welcome her home.
"Don't welcome me home, Harley. This is no home for me anymore. As Queen, I've got to make my own mark. But you've served my family faithfully all these years. The house is yours now."
"Really darling? Thank you! But where will you be going child?"
"I know not everyone will be behind my claim to the throne. My father never officially named me, and many will be looking to take my place. So, I'm going to marry Hans and move in with him. His fortune should cement my position."
"Are you sure? Will you be happy?"
"I got what I wanted. I'll be fine. Thank you Harley."
So Xena moved into the big Whitfield house. It was actually a converted factory. The hallways were long and cold. Hans and his father were often busy with work, so Xena planned on spending the first night there alone.
While sitting in the music room, the door suddenly opened.
"Oh, I'm sorry miss. I didn't know you would be arriving today, your Majesty."
Surprised Xena stood up, "No, it's alright. I didn't know anyone else was here. You are?"
"I am Marcelo. I work for Hans."
"Oh, I guess you will be our housekeep. It is nice to meet you. Were you coming in to play something?" Xena questioned.
"Yes. The piano. May I, play for you?"
Xena was glad for the company. The following day she and Hans got engaged and planned their wedding right away. While prepping, Xena noticed some tension between Hans and Marcelo, but chalked it up as pre-wedding jitters. She herself was feeling nervous.
"You make a beautiful bride your Majesty." Marcelo complimented.
"Thank you Marcelo. And thank you for catering."
Finally the ceremony took place. The Whitfield's garden was a great place for the wedding, and all the guest thought so. After the I Do's, Xena mingled with the guest, many who were on the Council.
"Beautiful ceremony. Soon, hopefully, you too will be expecting, like my Diana." Etta Shallot smiled. Diana had married Hugo Villareal and was already expecting. Xena smiled back.
In the following days, Hans and Xena got into quite the routine. Hans was the first king to have a career. Xena would see him off and the morning then go see about breakfast.
"Marcelo? Did you grill burgers? For breakfast?" Xena raised an eyebrow.
"Veggie burgers, to give you energy for the day. You said you had a full schedule."
"That I do. Thanks." Xena said munching down a patty.
Xena had a full day with the Council. It was a lot more responsibility filling her father's role. The connection between all the represented kingdoms were fragile, as each had their own agenda. Getting everyone to work together was a delicate task.
Xena was glad to have a friend amongst them.
"Sorry about my mom the other day." Diana said, "She's just so proud of our kingdom you know. With me expecting it means we have a bright future."
"I understand."
Feeling a little home sick afterwards, Xena got together with her sisters.
"Now that I am queen, you all can live with me or where ever you want. You, mom, I can take care of you guys." Xena offered.
"Thank you Xe. but I'm content where I am. If I wasn't I wouldn't be here." Iris said.
"Yeah. It's not like dad didn't take care of us. We had our time in that life. But being queen was your desire. I'm fine with mom and the amazons. I'm glad you got what you wanted. I just hope you are happy Xena." Nike replied.
"Am I happy?" Xena wondered, "What would make me happy?"
As Xena contemplated her choices, the whole kingdom waited anxiously to see what the future had in store.
Stay Tuned!
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