#Chapter 40: The party

Lionel’s POV My mother sits as regal as a queen. The birthday gathering is in full swing. There are elegant flower arrangements lining the pathways. Floating lights for an atmospheric aesthetic. There must be hundreds of guests. Business associates from my father’s reign, ambassadors my mother encountered during her conquests throughout the years. Cousins I had not seen since I was a young child. Mother sits at the center of it all. Never going to others. Allowing everyone to come to her. And who would complain? My mother may not have royal blood, but anyone who wanted to be someone of significance goes to her. My father may have been alpha, but our family always knew who holds the real power in our family. My mother is insistent her granddaughters be seated by her. I am not quite convinced. “Lionel, I have not had the pleasure of seeing my precious Vera in months! I haven’t even gotten to talk to sweet Patti…” She smiles warmly at Patti. Patti shyly returns it. I