Mitzie studied her reflection in the mirror as she prepared for the dinner on that night. A pair of 3.1 carat cushion cut drop diamond earrings hung from her pierced ears. She had a matching necklace with a 3 carat oval Thai ruby at the center that graced just above her high bosom.
The off the shoulder emerald-green floor length A-line wrap-style dress had a revealing neckline that displayed ample cleavage. The side split ran to the top of her muscular thigh in a peek-a-boo design. The dress was loose enough around the waist to accommodate her small bump but fitted enough to make a statement. The Jimmy Choo stilettos that she wore finished off her look.
She tucked a stray piece of her elegant updo behind her ear and ensured her minimally done makeup with a glossy nude lipstick complemented the ensemble.
Alford wore a custom fit black Tom Ford 3-piece suit with a Zegna emerald-green paisley silk tie. His perfectly polished black Tom Ford burnished leather lace-ups made him look just as good dressed up as he did naked in Mitzie’s eyes.
“I’ve never seen a more beautiful woman in my life,” Alford acknowledged while staring lovingly at Mitzie with a big smile on his face. “If I may be so honored as to accompany your loveliness this evening, it would make me the happiest man alive,” he gloated while stretching his manicured hand in her direction.
Mitzie returned the smile as she turned from the mirror accepting his hand. “And that would make me the happiest woman alive to accept your invitation” she said as they strolled out of their residence to the limousine waiting for them in the large circular driveway outside of their 2-story mansion.
Well, most would consider it to be a mansion, but for Mitzie and Alford, it was just a large brick home with 7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, an entertainment room, a movie room, his and her offices, a separate staff living area that was just off of the main house, and a host of other amenities that one would think too much for just 2 people.
When they’d hosted dinner parties, compliments had been made about the oversized custom-shaped swimming pool with Grecian and rock-ladened waterfall accents. However, Mitzie and Alford had plans for a large family, since both were only children. They chose to prepare in advance for starting that family. Both knew that biologically they would not have many children, but they were wanting to adopt children in need of parents as well.
“Mr. Damos, Mrs. Damos” the driver Stanley tipped his hat and slightly bowed as he reached for the door to allow them entrance to the car.
“Good evening, Stanley. I trust that the Misses is well?” Alford questioned in a lighthearted way.
“Oh, she is doing very well. Thank you for asking, Mr. Damos” he replied with a smile as he closed the door once they were inside.
The ride to the hotel where the benefit dinner party was held was not exceptionally long. Alford had a heart for disabled military veterans and attended every local benefit given in their honor. They donated millions of dollars each year to Veteran organizations and volunteered at the facilities as often as possible.
Mitzie could understand Alford’s position on that, as his father was severely injured during a military deployment. He died of his injuries shortly after returning state-side when Alford was young. He had been exceptionally close to his father, and something inside of him died when his father did. His mother never dated or remarried, as she described her husband as her once in a lifetime love.
“Stanley, once you’ve parked the car, please join the others in the bar area for refreshments,” Alford instructed as Stanley held the door for them to exit the limousine.
“Indeed, I will, and thank you for the invitation, Mr. Damos” Stanley replied as he closed the door and proceeded to move the vehicle from the hotel loading area.
Mitzie wondered how Stanley came to be a chauffeur for Alford’s company, Damos Corporation, six years prior. He was about the same height as Alford and appeared to be about the same age as them. He had the build of someone who did fitness training on a regular basis. Like Alford, he was muscular with definition without the extra bulk.
Stanley took considerable pride in his job as their driver, and he was very dedicated to the Damos Corporation. So much to the point that he and his wife, Maria, were honorary shareholders in the Damos Corporation because of Stanley’s exemplary service.
Mitzie and Maria volunteered at orphanages together on a regular basis. Mitzie respected Maria’s determination to ensure each child that came through the homes would find loving families to care for them until they could be adopted.
Mitzie developed her passion for orphan care when she met her best friend Zara in the 10th grade. Zara was an orphan whose group home had sent her to live with a family in Denver at the time. They instantly became friends when she saved Mitzie’s hair from a Bunsen burner in Chemistry.
She wondered if there was some underlying reason for Maria’s zeal. Mitzie did not want to ask, as she felt that would be too invasive into Maria and Stanley’s personal business, so she just continued to work side-by-side with her for the sake of the less fortunate children.
Mitzie had asked Alford about promoting Stanley within the company, however, Alford said that Stanley had voiced that he did not wish to add the stress to his life of working in an office. He just enjoyed being of service to his boss.
Entering the hall where the party was taking place, Mitzie took notice of the other elitists in attendance.
“Mitzie Damos, Darling!” she heard the annoying voice of Marva Slater, wife of Slater Industries CEO, Max Slater, calling to her as she sauntered over with her signature martini drink in hand. Marva had not done anything wrong to Mitzie, Mitzie just thought Marva was generally annoying. She’d heard others talk about Marva’s constant complaints about, well, everything. Mitzie wondered what Marva would find to complain about tonight’s party since her husband was the one hosting it.“Marva, thank you for the invitation,” Mitzie faked a smile as they gave each other a 2-cheek air kiss.
“Oh, Darling, did you think that I could NOT invite one of the biggest contributors to the Veterans’ causes? That would be one of the most absurd things in history!” Marva jokingly rolled her eyes as she sipped her drink.
“That makes sense. He’s come with open pockets, and I’ve come with an open stomach!” Mitzie laughed as she rubbed her bump.
“Oh, how is the little Damos darling doing? I trust all is going well with your pregnancy?” Marva inquired as she slightly leaned to rub Mitzie’s stomach. Mitzie usually didn’t like for anyone to touch her baby bump outside of Alford, her mother, and Alford’s mother, but considering the environment, she squashed the urge to slap Marva’s uninvited hand away and forced a smile.
“Our little one is doing well, thank you for asking,” Mitzie replied as she subtly rubbed her own hand towards where Marva’s hand was in hopes that Marva would get the hint and remove hers.
“Well, that is just splendid! I still want to get together about hosting a shower for the arrival of our soon-to-be newest addition to the elite club! Go find your places at a table. I do hope you enjoy tonight’s festivities!” Marva rambled in a sing-song fashion as she removed her hand from Mitzie’s stomach and took another sip of her drink.
“We’ll be in touch,” Mitzie smiled dismissably as she turned back to Alford who had a smirk on his face.
“Erica Saunders, Darling!” Mitzie heard Marva yelling across the room as she strolled away to her next victim. Alford knew how Marva annoyed Mitzie, and instantly placed his hand on the small of her back to sooth her. Mitzie watched Marva as she made her way to Erica and repeated the 2-cheeck air kiss with her. For a woman who Mitzie guessed was maybe in her late sixties, Marva did not let age overtake her. Mitzie knew that Marva worked with a personal trainer at least 5 times a week, and instead of going full grey-haired, she kept her bob-cut hair dyed a vibrant silver color. She was not a bad looking woman. “I swear that woman annoys me” Mitzie whispered leaning into Alford. “I know. I was wondering how long you were going to entertain her touching your stomach” Alford chuckled. “Surely she’s no worse to you than your best friend Zara?” If Mitzie admitted it, Zara could be annoying at times, but she chose to overlook that side of her. They seemed to be from two different worlds
Just as she was getting lost in what was happening with her baby, an ethereal angelic figure materialized in front of her, causing her to stumble and fall backwards to her butt. Mitzie was gasping and trying to scoot backwards away from the figure that stayed in the same spot. “Daughter of Samael, do not be afraid. I pose no harm to you” the strange voice said as the figure materialized into what Mitzie thought to be a woman. “Who the hell are you and where am I? What the hell is going on?” Mitzie choked out, trying not to cry as she stopped scooting and sat with her legs spread in front of her while holding her stomach. The woman had floor-length wavy jet-black hair with caramel colored skin, sharp emerald-green eyes, and was wearing an enchanting lipstick color that Mitzie had never seen before. She smiled at Mitzie and stood with her fingers intertwined in front of her. She wore a floor-sweeping royal purple goddess style dress, complete with silver belt and arm bracelets. The b
“What…what did you just call me?” Mitzie gulped. “I know I believe I’m dreaming, but I’ve never had a dream about my twin sister that died in my mother’s womb.” Etheria gave a slight chuckle “that’s because, as hard as it may be for you to believe, this isn’t a dream, and I didn’t die.” Mitzie thought she would faint from the information. I mean, dreams shouldn’t cause this kind of effect on someone, as far as she knew, right? Yet, something about Etheria made Mitzie want to believe what was being said to her. And something about Etheria, resembled Mitzie’s features. This couldn’t be possible. There was absolutely no way this wasn’t a dream! Just as Mitzie was about to speak, she felt a strong kick from her baby. The kick could be seen by Etheria. Her stomach also seemed to go from being 5 months pregnant to where she looked almost 8 months pregnant. “May I?” Etheria giggled as she arched an eyebrow at Mitzie asking permission to rub her stomach. “Y… yeah” Mitzie stuttered out st
“With the queen being in her weakened state, Milvan had to bring one of us back. One of his visions had seen you being the one to carry the next King of Etherios, so I was chosen to return, and you were left on earth to fulfil the vision,” She explained. “Time between galaxies differs. Even though I was yet in Cynthia’s womb on Earth, by the time I returned to Etheron, I was the age of what would be 16 earth years,” Etheria continued to describe. Mitzie was at a loss for words as she stared at Etheria like she had two heads. “So, let me see if I understand all of this,” she tried to reason, “in this dream, I mean, this reality of yours, you and I are both Princesses of a deceased King who were sent to Earth as embryos to be hidden from a psychopathic tyrant who wants to destroy other kings and take over other galaxies, am I right so far?” she asked arching an eyebrow at Etheria. “You’ve got the basics so far, dear sister” Etheria entwined her fingers, and relaxed against the back o
Sleep came easy for her at that moment, and she did not recognize when Alford laid in bed with her, nor when he left the bed the next day. Mitzie quickly sat up as if she were jolted awake. Her stomach was growling, and the flutters coming from it were not as gentle as they’d been before. “Honey!” she called for Alford. “In the shower, my love. Be out in a moment,” he responded. Mitzie propped her legs under her, rested her elbows on her knees, and put her face in her hands. She had a dreamless sleep through the night but couldn’t get the dream that she’d had while she was unconscious out of her head. Her stomach made a louder growl, which Alford heard as he was exiting the bathroom. “Someone’s hungry, are they?” he chuckled as he dried his hair with the towel in his hand. “Ugh! I’m going to be careful with what I eat today, because I think last night’s meal was too rich for our son,” she said slightly taking her face out of her hands. “Our son, you say?” Alford asked cocking hi
“Nelacos? Sister? Are you there?” Mitzie squinted to open her eyes. The voice sounded familiar, like the woman Etheria from her dream the previous night. She sat up and rubbed her eyes. This is not the same place she’d been in her previous dream. This place was dark, very dark, and Mitzie could feel an evil that drenched the very fibers of the darkness. The only light was the brief flickers of what could have been candles. Mitzie realized she was sitting on a cold hard cobblestoned ground. Wherever she was looked to be some sort of medieval prison, as it was frosty and smelled of death. The thought that she could be in an actual dungeon somewhere sent chills down her spine and caused her to wrap her arms around herself. She tried to take a deep breath but wound-up choking due to the putrid odor. The smell was so bad she threw up a little of her breakfast at the repulsive scent. Who cares if she puked on this wretched floor in this forsaken chamber. She needed to figure out where sh
Mitzie felt like her feet were made of lead. She couldn’t move, barely felt like she could breathe, and was now scared out of her mind. Her breaths were extremely labored, and she knew this wasn’t good for her baby. “Don’t stress yourself or Darius. I am now activated to protect my wife and the next king of Etherios. Please have a seat so I can explain to you what is going on, and what we will need to do at this point,” he calmly encouraged. As hard as Mitzie tried, she could not move. She thought she was doing good to get the small breaths in that she was getting. She knew there was no way she could talk at this moment, yet her mind was moving at a rate faster than she could keep up. “Please, my love. Come, sit. There is much that I need to tell you so that we can protect our child and king,” he said in a soothing voice while patting the cushion on the seat next to him. “What in the entire fuck is going on, Alford?!” she somehow managed glare at him and yell. “Or is that even yo
“Who…who are the others?” Mitzie stuttered adjusting to where her ham and cracker snack sat on her legs that were elevated on the couch. “Our two honorary shareholders with Damos Corporation. Stanley and Maria, also known as Elshazar and Malshavez” he began. “That does not surprise me,” she responded. “I’d never met a driver that is as dedicated as Stanley, or…Elshazar… nor had I ever met someone as fiercely protective of children as Maria, or rather, Malshavez,” she spoke tapping her lips with her index finger. “Elshazar and Malshavez served alongside my parents when they were both killed in battle. I was a child at that time, so the story of me being an orphan is true,” Zara recounted with tears glistening in her eyes. “Fucking Japheth had taken over the Sulari kingdom and thought merging with their army would help him conquer Etherios,” she exclaimed, her countenance changing from mournful to murderous at mentioning Japheth. Her voice softened as she spoke again. “Elshazar and