16 — EL ROI: THE GOD WHO SEES
Songs for the Chapter: THE GOD WHO SEES, by Nicole C. Mullen and Kathie Lee Gifford (please try your best to listen) and
LOVE NEVER FAILS by Jonathan Butler and Juanita Bynum
Yes, I have so many favourites, but this one in particular is one I love to go to over and over again.
And please try the first song as you read this chapter... hopefully to set the mood by GOD'S Grace and end with the second. ❤️
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"For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: But the wicked shall fall into mischief."
~ Proverbs 24:16 KJV
"God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform...
...Judge not the Lord by feeble sense
But trust Him for His grace
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face..."
•••••••••••
Isabella knew she could not see Violet that night after finding out about the loss her friend had suffered.
Yet, she lay on the bed tossing, sleep eluding her.
What was it Violet had once told her? She tried to remember.
"There is a space in everyone's heart that only GOD can fill."
Yes! Those were the words. And she felt she could not wait any longer.
She could not wait till Violet recovered from the pain of her loss. She needed CHRIST at that very moment.
And if what Violet said was true, GOD would listen to her despite not knowing the right words to say or anyone to lead her.
~~~
Vincenzo could not help but feel anxious. He had signed the papers that their Royal status demanded to make the marriage of his sister official.
Yet, he felt no peace about it. Something gnawed at him, but, there was no going back.
He heard a knock at his office door, for he had remained there most of the evening into the night—even after delivering the unpleasant news.
Glancing at his Patek Philippe Grandmaster watch, he wondered who it could be at that late hour.
"Accedere (Enter)," he replied, feeling drained and weary.
He saw his personal aide and assistant, Eliseo, appear.
"It must be urgent if you have come at this late hour," Vincenzo sipped from the cup of tea in his hand.
"Pardon me, Principe. But, the now late King Maker, Tal, left a note for you," he fidgeted, something he rarely did.
"And?"
"It's regarding his sister, and I thought you should see it before anyone else," he finally looked Vincenzo in the eyes. "It has something to do with you too, Principe."
~~~
"I gave YOU all I had... and YOU have taken away more than I can bear. Now, I don't have Tal, and I don't even have YOU anymore," her soft voice broke as she spoke.
Tears trickled down her face and she angrily wiped them off. She thought she could cry no more, but, it seemed her torrents were yet to dry up.
Looking into the sky for the last time, she allowed herself to slide down the cliff with a big leap.
~~~
"Dear JESUS, I know YOU can hear me. I believe YOU can and are. I also know I have sinned and done many wrong things," she wept quietly. "Please forgive me. I need YOU in my life. I don't even know how to ask."
Her soft weeping turned into violent sobs.
"JESUS, please save me and wash me in YOUR Cleansing Blood Violet talks so much about..."
Violet, yes, she had to pray for her friend too.
"And, I know Violet must be in so much pain right now. I read from YOUR WORD that YOU healed the sick. Surely, YOU can heal the heart too, right? Please, don't forsake her in these trying times. Please, dear JESUS, please save Violet..."
~~~
Violet had not known what to expect. Probably a free fall and the pain that would finally end her existence.
But... what was she feeling and hearing?
She thought she heard a muffled sound that seemed to echo from way beyond her, "Please, save Violet."
And that was when the rest of the memorised Psalm came back to her... especially particular parts of the Psalm.
"Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies?..." she recalled another part.
"And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings."
"Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?"
Free falling, arms extended high, feeling the wind hurling her down with the force of gravity, she suddenly felt strong arms embrace her.
The arms felt so—loving. And they seemed to hoist her back up.
It happened in the twinkling of an eye.
And before she knew it, she felt her feet on solid ground in a safer spot—no bruises or pain felt from her leap.
Is this real? Am I still alive? Or is this the afterlife? She wondered with eyes still shut, amazed, yet petrified.
Whimpering, she opened her tear-stained eyes to see the Loving warmth radiating from the eyes of her HEAVENLY FATHER HIMSELF. Yes, she was still alive. And HE was still holding her.
"Child," HE said so softly. "All may forsake you, but, I will not."
"FATHER, YOU allowed my innocence to be stolen and now," she bowed her head down low, shoulders still trembling. "I don't think I am even worthy to be called YOUR child. I am so filthy."
"I know it all. And remember, child," HIS every Word permeated all the places that had been destroyed in her aching heart and being.
They felt like a healing balm pouring into her injuries.
"I was with you when it all happened, telling him to stop. It was not MY Will to have you go through that, yet, I will use it all for MY Glory."
He gently touched and lifted her chin upwards.
"And know this... you are loved by ME. And nothing and no one can ever take that away."
HE wiped the tears off her face and embraced her once more. And with that, HE was gone.
Yet, Violet could feel HIS Presence with her. The pain was not completely gone, but, she now faced it with her SAVIOUR by her side.
Though she did not understand why it had happened, she knew she had no other choice but to trust HIM.
"Though HE slay me, yet will I trust in HIM..." she whispered to herself. "LORD, I am YOURS. Even if YOU tear me to shreds. I put my trust in YOU. For only YOU can break and yet, make whole again."
She felt HIS warmth envelop her further—if that was even possible.
"I trust YOU; THE GOD WHO SEES."
And with HIS blessed Presence beside her, she knew she had to return to the battlefield—the Ferrari Villa.
This time her brother was not with her as she approached, and that hurt so much.
But, she told herself, ONE even greater than Tal is with me.
~~~
Vincenzo grew pale still staring at the signed document in his hands that validated it as official—without need for argument or contestation.
The Royal seal on it marked it as irrevocable and immutable.
Worse? He did not understand how he felt about it. Why did a part of him feel glad about the news?
He had often found himself in that state of uncertainty since that girl had entered their household.
"Now I can't refer to her as just that girl, can I?" He muttered to himself.
~~~
Violet felt like a bandaged, stitched-up wounded soldier who refused to sit still and recuperate as she returned to the battlefield—aka the Ferrari's household.
There were many broken shards to be picked up, many scars yet to heal, and many battles to be fought.
For she knew the enemy had gained a foothold during her apathy and sorrow. The marriage agreements between Giuseppe and Ginevra were already signed and set.
Her only hope? She was not alone.
Tal had left her, but thankfully, her GOD had not.
No one knew nor could understand the weight of pain she had to endure.
But, GOD knows, she thought to herself, a small smile played at her lips. Albeit, different from how she had smiled before.
It was a smile of one who had seen true hurt and pain, yet had risen again. Not by her might nor by her power, but by HIS HOLY SPIRIT.
She knew she would not be the same Violet again. But, she was trusting GOD to reshape her into who HE wanted her to be.
And that conviction was tested when she reached the Villa and heard the news that was in store for her—a will her brother had thought "wise" to leave behind.
And its contents? Something that rocked her off her equilibrium.
Awaiting her was a whole new turn to her already shaky world—marrying Prince Vincenzo Klaus Ferrari.
•••••••••••
Love Never Fails: by Jona Butler ❤
Whew. That sure has not been an easy sequence. :|
So sorry if the chapter was a bit short. But, by GOD'S Grace, I knew it had to be posted to calm some hearts.
Kindly let me know your thoughts. What were you expecting Tal's will to be? And... were you shocked by it?
I know I am.
GOD'S Love,
Phela ❤️
15 - WHEN I GIVE UP, PLEASE DON’T
Song for the Chapter: Yet, by the KING will come (yes, this song again)
‼Trigger Alert!‼
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Quote for this Chapter: "...HIS Wonders to perform..."
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THIRD PERSON POV
Returning from the trip, activities in the Ferraris Villa were in full swing, and preparations for the upcoming wedding were being made.
A new maid had been hired, relieving Violet from her duties of serving Vincenzo. But she was not altogether free—both within and without.
Some part of her thought that it was good he avoided her, for she felt so filthy and could barely face anyone—not even Clarice as they all joined to make the preparations. She tried her possible best to distance herself from the rest of the family as much as she was able—especially, Alessandro.
"Violet, dear," Clarice met her in the corridors and called her name as Violet tried to walk faster and pass her by. "Have you checked with the Royal Bakery about the cake for the wedding?"
Violet forced a smile, something which had become habitual since that night in Luxembourg.
"Yes, I went to check on them myself. Everything is in order."
Clarice looked her in the eyes and seemed to notice something was off, but she let it go and hastened to check on the other things needed for the D-day.
The preparations helped her take her mind off the incident—at least when she was busily working.
But, she could not deny the pain and the ache that tortured her wounded body and soul. Of how she had been defiled.
Gone were the nights of prayer too, and her hunger for THE WORD had dribbled to a halt. She could feel the darkness enveloping her every second.
The Light that had seemed to turn things around in the gloomy household had faded away. Her vision of the supernatural had also grown dim as she drifted from her SAVIOUR.
Nevertheless, she could still feel the powers of evil and their demonic throng cavorting around the premises in their numbers.
But, she felt too numb to even care.
~~~
"What do you think, Bella?"
Ginevra's voice caused Isabella to snap back to reality. They had both gone with their mother, Queen Giulia, to find an appropriate gown for the wedding.
Isabella had felt on top of the world during their trip. She thought she had been happier with her new friends. But, deep down inside, she realised being around them only made the void within her dilate.
Oh, how I miss Violet! She moaned within. Being around her had been like a balm to her soul.
Why did I even distance myself from her in the first place? She wondered.
She had also noticed a different Violet since the trip. Gone was that glow she seemed to emit whenever she was around.
And, it seemed to Isabella that she was distancing herself from the family—from her. And that pained her deeply.
"Earth to Bella! Dio mio! Where is your mind wandering off to this time?" Ginevra sounded agitated and rightly so. Isabella could barely muster the enthusiastic energy she once had.
"I think..." Isabella tried to look interested. "It is just lovely!" She finished to a satisfied smile on her sister's face.
But deep within, Isabella knew exactly what she was going to do when she returned home. Meet Violet and maybe... give her life to CHRIST.
~~~
Vincenzo could not face himself nor that girl, so he found every opportunity to be away from her presence—and it seemed she was doing the same. He could not fault her.
The haze had cleared after a moment that night, he thought he could feel her cry for help—something strange to him. And when he heeded the call and raced to the doorstep of her hotel room, he found the door ajar—and a barely clothed Violet on the ground sobbing violently.
He had been too late.
And the guilt he felt was palpable. He did not know what to do or who to turn to.
Thus was his mind preoccupied when he heard his phone ring. It was the phone he used for his duties as a King Maker.
"Ciao (Hello)?"
He had to settle into his office seat for the news he received.
~~~
Heading towards her room that night, Violet knew she was at the end of herself.
She had no one to talk to. Dare she talk to her HEAVENLY FATHER who seemed to have abandoned her?
No, her heart protested.
Entering her room on the last floor, she threw off her shoes and sat on the bed, melancholy filling every space where The Light had once been.
She glanced around and saw her frame in the mirror on the dresser. She could not recognise herself. Gone were the smiles, gone was the Light.
Filthy, you are so filthy and defiled, a voice screeched into her ears.
Reaching for the nearest object, she smashed the image she saw in the mirror, leaving cracks in it with a few shards on the floor.
There, broken—just as I am.
~~~
"I never knew they were siblings," Queen Giulia said in a hushed and distressed tone.
The entire family had gathered around when Vincenzo had summoned them to give them the news.
"Neither did I," Vincenzo's voice was grave, trying to hide his real emotions about the loss of Violet's brother, Prince Tal.
"So, who is going to give her the news?" Ginevra questioned. "And of all the times to receive this information, it had to be just before my wedding. How fitting!"
"Shut it, Ginevra," Alessandro injected. Vincenzo had noticed the grief and guilt on his brother's face as well—since that day. And the news made his youthful glow fade all the more—it was hard to watch.
Yet, Vincenzo wished he could plummet him into a tree and give him the beating of his life.
"Excuse me?" Ginevra sounded perturbed. "Don't forget I'm your elder sister—"
"Enough!" Vincenzo quieted their bickering with an authoritative tone. He was done with their bickering. He glanced around.
Isabella just sat there, stunned, with tears rolling down her eyes.
"I will be the one to tell her," Vincenzo concluded, bringing the meeting to a close as he stood up and walked away.
~~~
Could I sink any lower than this, LORD? Violet finally spoke to HIM for the first time in days.
She had no tears left after receiving the news about the death of her brother and crying her heart out—he was the only family member she had left, but not anymore.
Her heart felt numb as she stood at the edge of the cliff. She had left the house quietly when she knew every member of the family had retired to their quarters.
"I gave YOU all I had... and... and... YOU have taken away more than I can bear. Now, I don't have Tal, and I don't even have YOU anymore," her soft voice broke as she spoke.
Tears trickled down her face and she angrily wiped them off. She thought she could cry no more, but, it seemed her torrents were yet to dry up.
Strangely, a memorised Psalm came to mind as she was about to take the final leap. She could not recall all of it but the part she remembered tore at her heart all the more.
"In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: My sore ran in the night, and ceased not: My soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed..." she whispered them softly to herself.
"Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak. Will the Lord cast off for ever?" Her whole body convulsed with the sorrow of her sobs.
"And will he be favourable no more? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? Doth his promise fail for evermore? Hath God forgotten to be gracious? Hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies?..."
Looking into the sky for the last time, she allowed herself to slide down the cliff with a big leap.
•••••••••••
A painful chapter to write; yet again.
GOD bless you all for making it this far.
Psalm 77:2-4, 7-9, were the recited verses, please. Hopefully, a new chapter will be added soon by HIS Mercies, GOD willing.
Shalom, Shalom,
Happy Passover!
Phela
14 - YOUR END, HIS BEGINNING
Song for the Chapter: GOD'S Not Done With You by Tauren Wells (kindly try to listen if possible, please )
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¡Trigger Warning in the following chapters!
❣Dedicated to people who have seen such traumas as abuse, being suicidal and such, some of whom I know and are close to me. THE LORD be your Strength. ❣
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Quote for this Chapter: "GOD moves in a mysterious way..."
••••••••••••••••••••••
"Are you okay?" Violet asked the obviously pained Vincenzo, concern etched all over her features as she stooped down closer to him.
He had a hand over his chest, gripping tightly. It was the first time she had seen him look so vulnerable.
"Water," he muttered weakly.
She hurried to unscrew her half-empty bottle and handed it over to him, saying a prayer in her mind as she did so.
He gratefully accepted it and emptied it quickly. With a sigh of relief, he leaned back toward the hunk of the tree, taking in deep, steady breaths.
"Thank you," his voice was tender, something she had never heard before.
"Are you sure you are okay?" Her eyebrows were still knit with perturbation. She found herself leaning closer to sit beside him.
And upon closer inspection, she noticed the scars that marred his heart. Not just the physical agony he had experienced, but deep jagged lines of pain and scars marked his soul.
She also noticed something different. Yes, the icy indifference was still present. But, something had changed, and she could not put a finger on it.
A healing? Where had that also come from... and when? She thought.
"I'm alright," he pushed himself away from the tree and stood up. "I will be leaving early. Want to join me?"
~~~
Violet stretched on the sofa in her room at Le Royale Hotel. And, as usual, during the past few days, her BIBLE was before her and she drank in every Word.
For she seldom had the luxury of time in the Ferrari's Villa though she tried to allot every single chance or opportunity for it each day.
She had gotten to the Verse in Proverbs 17:22, which read, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."
Her mind drifted back to the night when she had seen Vincenzo in both physical and—as it appeared—pain ravaging his spirit also.
Is that why he is so conscious of his eating?
She had always thought his high meal standards were just ways by which he wanted to break and agonise her. But, it appeared she could have been wrong on that note.
FATHER, please forgive me for ever seeing it as drudgery instead of serving YOU. Kindly heal him of whatever ails him.
Something else nibbled and gnawed at her. Isabella had stopped showing up for their usual BIBLE discussions. And she thought she could see the Light which had begun to appear to dissipate from her friend's eyes.
In fact, she had made new friends over the trip and was either out shopping or just hanging out with them.
Violet could not help the feeling of loneliness and despondency that tried to overwhelm her.
If only her brother, Tal, was around...
"But I am with you... I will never leave nor forsake you. Just continue to pray, little one. Pray."
Comforted, she did HIS bidding—not knowing if it was bearing any fruit or not. Yet, she persevered.
~~~
Violet soon got tired of being stuck indoors all day and decided to venture out into a rather open area at Le Royale Hotel. Though open, it often saw few people, if any at all, around that hour.
Standing in the elevator, her violin strapped to her back, the elevator doors opened to allow someone else in—Alessandro. He was alone, yet, there was something off about him.
He gazed at her with his usual glare, but, his eyes were red and hollow, as though he was under the influence of... something; anything.
Heading out by the way of the lounge, she spotted Isabella with two of her new friends. One was a skinny spiky-haired girl with a tint of blue around its front, and the other seemed to fit the whole image of the goth look.
"You don't say!" She heard the spike-haired girl squeal.
Isabella noticed Violet and quickly turned to whisper to her new friends and they all turned to look at her.
A wave of disappointment came over Violet and she sighed and headed toward her destination.
LORD, I can see where all those prayers have ended up.
Don't give up on them, Violet. I have not.
Glancing around and finding the place deserted as she had hoped, Violet tuned the violin and went on to play whatever song came to mind. She could feel the pain in her shoulder sting a slight bit.
But she kept on going, playing the song ringing in her heart, bringing a sheen of tears to her eyes.
The song?
GOD'S Not Done With You.
~~~
Vincenzo Klaus Ferrari could not understand what was taking place inside of him. He found himself in an enigma as he sat with Giuseppe at the Piano Bar at Le Royale Hotel. And the music did little to help.
It only made him remember someone else he had encountered playing the violin earlier that day when she had apparently thought no one was around to listen.
He found his mind racing a thousand miles as Giuseppe continued to make use of every charm in his dictionary to ingratiate himself with Vincenzo.
"I think this union will be a good chance to solidify your position amongst the King Makers," Giuseppe leaned forward. "Think of it, with all the power you have, we can finally say goodbye to all the conflicts in this world."
His mind wavered back and forth from their conversation to his recent encounters with the younger girl.
The stronger side of him still remained stony, yet, he could feel a fervent heat thawing his icy heart—especially, whenever that girl was around.
And, that was a fact he did not want to admit to anyone, not even to himself. But, when she had happened upon him in the garden during the Nuits des Lampions, he had to consider.
Why and where had the darkness and stoniness that, yes, he sometimes felt physically disappeared to?
He could not understand what was happening to him. He felt lighter whenever she was around.
And he knew it had gotten to an alarming stage when he found himself humming to the same tune the day after, Come THOU Fount.
It had been one of his favourites—many years ago.
Yet, that Light seemed to grow dim and disappear from him the farther he was from her. Like that present moment with Giuseppe.
He wanted—no needed to focus on that Light. But, he found his mind clouding up as the conversation went on.
You are getting too soft, Vincenzo, a voice whispered into his ears. You need to go back to being who your father was not. Don't allow yourself to grow weak as he did when he spoke of a Light and turned to that Light. You are stronger than he was.
The voice continued to grow and cloud his mind even after their conversation ended and they headed towards the elevators.
No, I must not grow weak, he resolved. And it felt like a flame had been snuffed out with that proclamation.
And that was when he saw his younger brother, Alessandro, enter into the elevator with them. He was in a state Vincenzo knew all too well. He was stoned, as he usually was whenever he hung around with his so-called friends.
He saw him tap the button for the sixth floor.
Vincenzo sensed it, and felt what was coming as his brother got off the floor Violet stayed at... it was not the first time his brother had committed such an act. Vincenzo knew what was coming.
And a part of him wished to stop it all from happening, but of course, the stony side of himself won.
It's time to get rid of her, Vincenzo. And you don't need to do it yourself.
Standing beside Giuseppe as they watched Alessandro trod on, he felt the haze in his brain amplifying.
~~~
Violet, dressed for bed, stretched her limbs gently. It was a ritual she often did to help expedite the healing process.
To say she was alarmed when she heard a click at her door and the door open was a trivialisation.
Her heart rate soared beyond any she had ever thought possible.
Standing in her doorway, eyes aflame, demons screeching and taking over every fibre of his being, was Alessandro.
"That's her. Don't stop! Take revenge on her!" The demons screamed into his ears.
But, there was no need for them to scream any further. They had found a willing vessel, ready to do their bidding.
"LORD JESUS!" Violet called out.
But for some reason, the rescue she sought did not arrive. Not in time to salvage what was left of her already lonely and shattered heart.
She was a prey, and her predators had found her easily. And they left her broken, destitute and abused—gone was her innocence.
~~~
This has been a really hard chapter to write. I know a similar occurrence took place in the 1st Book... but, the truth of such things is real, and so is the pain.
If you have ever been through it, or know someone who has, you are not alone.
CHRIST'S Love,
Phela. ❤️
13 - HIS WAITING ROOM
Songs for the Chapter: I Will Trust In YOU by JayMikee and Come THOU Fount (a hymn I love so much)
•••••••••
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."
Ephesians 6:10,11;
••••••••••••••••
THIRD PERSON POV
"So, what do you think of my theory?" Isabella munched on a chocolate bar as she casually lounged on Violet's bed. They had become fast friends indeed.
"He fits the bill, doesn't he?"
"Well..." Violet intoned, trying to carefully phrase her words without giving out what she had seen.
She had been fiddling around with her violin, trying to tune it. It was a hobby she had taken an interest in since she was younger. The trip had looked to be an opportunity to go back to it.
But, Isabella's words caused her to pause and set the instrument aside.
He could just be a pawn setting the stage for the real deal—though deadly, she thought, but couldn't voice that out loud.
"THE BIBLE says there will be many anti-CHRISTS. But, the main one is yet to be revealed according to 2 Thessalonians..."
"Tessa—what?" Isabella cut her off. "That's in THE BIBLE as well? Did she write one of the books too? Man, have I got a lot to read."
Violet chuckled, the mirth of Isabella's question tickling her an awful mite.
Yet, despite the Light she could see beginning to sparkle in her friend's soul, she had to admit a fear that it could only be a phase.
Maybe she just wants an interesting divergent, Violet could only pray and hope. Dare she push her further to accept CHRIST before it was too late?
Violet could feel the urgency of the time in her heart and based on certain things she had seen and begun to learn from the Holy Scriptures. She wanted to push her with all her might till Isabella finally gave in. She was so close.
Wait, the ever-so-gentle Voice impressed upon her soul. Yours is to show the Way and leave the rest to ME.
FATHER, she cried within in desperation. But she is so close and the time so near. Can't YOU do YOUR part now?
Just wait for ME, Violet. In due time.
"Speaking of Tessa, I've been dying to try some of their foods," Isabella propped herself off the silk pillow she had cushioned upon. "I heard they have opened a new restaurant here. Want to try it with me? We could get some ice cream too!"
So, that was it? No talk about her need for CHRIST as they discussed HIS imminent return? LORD, please, until when?
It seemed there would be no badgering her into the faith. Like her LORD had said, she had to wait.
But sometimes, she had to learn the hard way to be patient in GOD'S Waiting Room.
~~
Walking out of Tessa, ice cream cones loaded with cookies and cream, Violet was yet to altogether recover from her disappointment.
Yet, LORD, I will trust in YOU, she resolved. She somehow felt lighter after giving up the battle to her LORD.
Isabella was busily chirping away about how wonderful their meal had been, and Violet tried to pay close attention.
Well, that was until she found herself—and her ice cream—smash into a figure.
"Oh, no!"
"You surely have a habit of bumping into the wrong people—Blue," Prince Alessandro spat out.
Violet looked up to see she had managed to not only stain his expensive $9,000 leather biker jacket, but it had also smeared an ensign of his Royal Status he often wore around his neck—made of a variety of gems and gold.
"I'm so sorry, I did not mean to—"
"You never mean to do anything, do you?" He sneered at her.
And that was when she recognised the tone of voice—one she had heard the evil throng around Giuseppe use.
So, they have influenced him.
She saw them hovering around him, a fiery rage in their eyes. And the more he gave way to his anger, the more venom they spewed into his already shattered soul.
"Just watch out, Blue," he stepped closer and whispered into her ear. "One of these days, I will be rid of you."
Violet gulped.
The forces of darkness had found a loophole.
~~~
Darkness, screeching creatures, and gloominess did not allow Violet a respite that night as she tried to drift off to sleep. She could feel them attacking her on every side. And it had not begun then only.
Having been invited to share a dinner table with the Ferraris earlier on, she could feel the power of evil trying to overwhelm her.
She was not the only guest at their table, it appeared. The family had been allowed to bring their friends along on the trip, which explained why she had also been allowed there in the first place.
Alessandro had gotten his friends to follow.
"The lanky one over there is called Aristotle," Isabella intimated as she sat close to Violet. "And those other two are his twin siblings. They are Sandro's closest friends."
What? Are they also called Plato and Socrates?
It was only when she saw Isabella's shoulders convulsing with a peal of laughter she tried to stifle that she realised she had said it out loud—but gladly, not loud enough for the others to hear.
She had often noticed them moving with Alessandro in school but had never gotten to know their names.
Ginevra also had a girl who appeared to be a close friend sit with her. And, of course, there was Giuseppe.
"My dearest Giuseppe," Queen Giulia had intoned, her Italian accent captivating. One glance could tell that she was enamoured by the young man.
If only she knew, Violet thought to herself.
"Sitting here with us shows me what a beautiful family we would make, don't you think so?" She turned to her first-born son, Vincenzo, who looked none too pleased with the whole ordeal.
"Ovviamente (of course)," Ginevra shot her brother a look. He merely glanced away.
"When do you think we should set the date for the wedding?" Queen Giulia chirped, going off with a list of things to be done for the wedding preparations.
LORD JESUS, please, spare this family from the clutches of this evil man, Violet prayed fervently within.
"In JESUS Name," she softly muttered the last part under her breath.
But her proclamation of THE NAME so dear to her had not gone unnoticed by the fiends that hovered around the man called Giuseppe. So great was their army that they lingered around the other members of the family—except Violet.
And, at the mention of the Sublime Name above all others, though gently uttered, their hosts had been turned into a rage, flying in various directions away from their targets.
However, she saw their fangs still gripping tightly into two of the family members—Ginevra and Alessandro.
Batting their wings, they fought hard to regain control over the others. But, she saw THE LIGHT of her SAVIOUR—though emitting from within a girl as frail as her—dispel and thwart their efforts.
"We have not made the engagement official yet," Vincenzo set his wine glass down. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves."
That set the whole table to silence. Violet thought she saw Isabella give a smile.
"Her," she saw the leader of the evil hosts sneer in her direction, dripping venom with every tone of its voice.
En masse, the rest of their troops set their sights on her, and, another being also—Giuseppe. His eyes, filled with a fiery flame, shot daggers at her. The evil throng began to advance.
LORD JESUS CHRIST, please help me.
And immediately, she saw the warrior angels draw out their blades behind her. And the fiends drew back immediately in horror, screeching in despair.
"We will get her soon," their leader sneered further as they were forced to back away. "Very soon."
And that was how she found herself battling in prayer that night; knees glued to the rug by her bedside, a BIBLE open before her.
A battle had indeed begun.
~~
Violet found herself distanced from the crowd that had gathered for the Nuits des Lampions (Night of Lanterns) at the famed Jardin de Wiltz (Garden of Wiltz) in Luxembourg.
The festivities were splendiferous and indeed a sight for sore eyes. With lanterns lighting every pathway and hanging around, she could see why it interested many.
Yet, she felt the need to distance herself from it all. She had learnt that solace in her SAVIOUR was most often found when she was alone—not that it could not be found contrariwise.
But, she found her feet guiding her steps closer to more obscure parts of the garden, away from all the noise with only a bottle of water in hand which she occasionally sipped from.
She hummed a favourite hymn, Come THOU Fount, as she walked on. When it got to her favourite part of the beloved hymn, she couldn't help but sing the words out loud, albeit softly enough.
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart, oh take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above...
She turned her gaze to look at the dark sky and did not realise where her feet had led her till she heard the sound of someone moaning.
"Mmm..!"
She quickly spurned on her heels, trying to locate its source.
Being in the darker part of the garden, she had to strain hard to see better. And that was when she saw a broad-shouldered figure hunched over beside a tree.
The chill was not as intense as it had been before when she had first met him. But, with one glance, she could tell who it was.
•••••••••
Brothers and Sisters in CHRIST, I hope we are all well and kept by HIS Mercies.
Which do you prefer, long or short chapters, please? Or any would do?
Kindly let me know your thoughts and opinions. I would love to hear them.
As always,
With The Love of CHRIST,
Phela
12 - HIS HIDING PLACE
Song for the Chapter: YOU ARE by Ron Kenoly and Calling My Name by Ebuka Songs (2 Songs for today XD)
•••••••••
"Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee."
~ Psalm 73:25 KJV
"Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."
~ Amos 3:7 KJV
•••••••••
THIRD PERSON POV
All through the top-notch skin treatments at the Club Santé, from the Facial and Body treatments, and sauna baths, to the feet and hand massages, Violet was far from calm.
Yes, she felt grateful for the respite. But, she could feel her heart racing above normal.
And is that new? She thought. Not much had felt calm in her new life.
Yet, what she had seen and experienced had been on a whole new level.
She recalled her encounter the previous night.
~~~
Flashback
~~~
They had arrived at the Le Royal Hotel in Luxembourg the evening before. After seeing to it that all the family members were carefully taken care of, with their belongings, she had retired for the night.
"Violet?" Isabella had called out to Violet as she had turned to walk out of the former's Suite Royale.
"Uh-huh?" Violet smiled as she turned back. The younger girl had become fast friends with her, as they discussed Scriptures whenever they had the time.
She was yet to give her life to CHRIST, yet, Violet could tell that day was not far away at all.
"Could we meet up tomorrow and discuss those end-time events you mentioned?" She asked cheerily.
"Sure, we can!"
"I have been thinking of the personality that will show up at the end of time. You know, the anti-CHRIST?" Her tone got conspiratorial, her eyebrows frowning in deep concentration. "I think I have a few suspicions. Someone we might all know..."
Violet laughed.
"No, I am serious," and Violet could see she was.
"Okay, so who do you think it could be?"
"Well... let's just say I'm too tired to make any sense now," she gave a big yawn. "Why don't we talk about it tomorrow?"
~
Walking towards the elevators—as her room was located on the Sixth Floor—she bypassed Giuseppe who had been talking on the phone.
"Fallo immediatamente! (Get it done immediately)!" He had barked into the phone in a tone she had never thought he could use.
He hung up before she reached the point he stood at.
He stared at her strangely. He often appeared so friendly to others in the family. Violet could not understand why his visage changed whenever she encountered him—or did she?
The darkness surrounding him always tried to overpower that of her LORD, but never seemed to win.
Thank YOU, LORD, for YOUR Protection, she prayed silently in her head. Please, continue to keep me—and even this family YOU have brought me into—from the clutches of this evil man.
She continued to pray as she reached the elevator.
~
Having gotten into the habit of rising early, she saw herself awake in the wee hours of the morning. The time zone was not different so it helped her.
But, as she prayed, she felt her spirit soaring higher as though she had been floating above a cloud.
And that is when she had heard the conversation in a dark alcove.
A panting Violet shot up from her kneeling position beside her bed. It appeared she had fallen asleep there, the skies revealed the light of the dawning day.
She could feel a migraine creeping in. She tried to will her beating heart to remain calm. Where she had lain was covered with sweat.
She swiped her hand across her forehead, finding it wet with perspiration.
What did I just see? Was it just a mere dream? Something from my own mind?
But no, it had felt so vivid she could not put it away from her mind.
She had learnt to trust whenever THE HOLY SPIRIT revealed such mysteries to her and had also learnt to double check with GOD'S WORD.
LORD, please explain it to me, she pleaded, her tone akin to a little girl begging her FATHER to explain a difficult situation or solve an abstruse puzzle.
But, her LORD had not given any response yet.
~~~
Flashback Ends
~~~
Sitting in the sauna, she recalled the words from Isabella the previous evening.
"I think I have a few suspicions. Someone we might all know..."
Violet had dismissed it as a joke. But the last part of the revelation she had received caused her to wonder...
"Put everything together," the noxious toxic voice had sneered further.
"Get ready to take over the world system once their Restrainer is taken out of the way with those little lights of HIS HE manages to still rule over. The end is near, and the time for us to rule is here... my little son."
Could it be..? Non c'è modo! (No way!) She clasped her hands over her mouth, her eyes widened.
What do I do? Fear gripped her heart so tightly that she found herself struggling to breathe as the truth hit her.
LORD, YOU know YOU are all I have. My brother is not here, how can I survive this?
And that was when she heard her SAVIOUR whisper in a soft yet stern Voice. The melodious tones of HIS ever-soothing Voice brought her a certain peace that indeed transcended human understanding.
"Violet the battle has begun. But, I am with you. I am your Hiding Place. And you are my weapon of war."
•••••••••
Whew! We thank GOD so much for this chapter.
It wasn't easy to write. GOD be our Helper! And GOD bless you all so much for reading. It means so much to me...
We give GOD all the Glory! Any thoughts on who could play Giuseppe? I hope to find images soon!
GOD bless us all once more and help us.
Love,
Phela ❣
11 - COMBAT AND MYSTERIES
Song for the Chapter: Tongues of Fire (again; kindly try to listen to it at the end of the chapter )
•••••••••
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
~ Ephesians 6:12;
•••••••••
THIRD PERSON POV
To say Violet was knackered would have had to make the Guinness Book of Records as the "Understatement of the Year". Her bones ached more than the aftermath of any match she had ever had.
So far, despite the aches, she had gotten used to the routine, waking up at dawn to pray, and she had even learnt to make extra time to read her BIBLE no matter how tired she felt.
"Like I have any choice," she muttered, eyeing the Angels around her as they smiled and prodded her awake from her bed.
"I can't wait till I get to HEAVEN. I will look for each one of you and have you carry me around. Just wait and see."
She had also gotten used to the idea of cooking meals as large as any infantry could ever dream of having.
Somehow, despite her former lack of enthusiasm, she had grown to love her duties—always keeping in mind Who she was actually doing it for. And, she loved her time spent with her SAVIOUR at dawn even more.
For some reason, with every moment spent before HIM, the deep impression of something great about to happen was laid heavily on her heart. A deep feeling of HIS imminent Return.
And, as she got up that day, another loathsome task awaited her: Combat training.
Apparently, the Ferraris thought it right and appealing to add a day of yakka to her already insurmountable workload.
But, she couldn't fault them. She had often received such training when she had lived with her brother. And, if not for her injury and her aching body from the tasks of the previous day, she would have been glad for it.
Sliding into a black pleated workout skirt, she threw on an oversized black t-shirt and a pair of black Nikes to match.
~~
"And now to top it all off, we will have the sandbag carrying," Vincenzo announced.
Violet groaned internally.
"But, we will take a 10-minute break before that," he checked his watch and headed towards the restroom.
They were holding the training session in a large portion of the Villa that had been allotted to—in Violet's mind—subject all who entered into vigorous torture.
It was a weekly routine they had to help them train their reflexes in case of any dangerous situations. And surprisingly, she had been allowed to join this time around.
And personally, Violet thought Vincenzo was making it extra hard for her sake.
At that moment, Violet's only prayer was for a bout of diarrhoea to keep him in the restroom for an hour before returning.
LORD, have mercy upon this brain of mine, she instantly found herself regretting her thoughts, a twinge of guilt smiting her conscience. YOU know YOU are dealing with YOUR most imperfect creature.
"For someone new at this, I must commend your agility and strength," Isabella's voice broke into her reverie. "You sure you have not done this before?"
Violet only smiled as they both walked to their seats in the resting area. She could not reveal her identity yet, so a smile seemed the only logical response.
"Hey, want an iced drink?"
"Sure," Violet replied as Isabella pulled out two cans of soda from her backpack. It appeared she had been way more prepared than Violet.
"Thanks," Violet murmured and said a prayer before cracking it open and downing it all in one breath.
"Don't mention it. You know..." Isabella's voice inferred she had something serious on her mind which caused Violet to turn, giving her full attention.
"I've been reading... you know, THE BIBLE?" Her tone inclined a notch. "It's so interesting!"
"Really?" Violet's eyes widened.
She had not been so sure when Isabella had promised to try it. Maybe she would forget about it, had been her thought then.
"I started from where you told me, and I must admit, I still don't get all of it. But, it got me so intrigued, I had to read further."
"I am so glad to hear that," she beamed. That explained the gentle light she had seen in her eyes when they had met that morning.
Something, no rather, SOMEONE, was breaking through.
Thank YOU, LORD.
"But... who was Charity?"
"Huh?" Violet was taken aback. "Charity?"
"Yeah, I got to 1 Corinthians... I think Chapter something-teen and heard of her. I double-checked the Author at the beginning of the Book. You know that introductory stuff they write?"
"Uhh... yes?" Violet felt like a mouse trapped in a maze; she had no clue what the girl was going on about.
"I saw it was written by someone called Paul. Was Charity his wife or fiancée? Did they finally get together?"
Violet blinked. Once, twice, and a third time. Then it finally hit her. She bit her tongue really hard to stop herself from guffawing with laughter.
Once she trusted herself to speak again, she explained.
"I believe you are referring to 1 Corinthians 13," Isabella nodded vigorously and Violet pinched her palm to fully calm herself before continuing.
"Well, Charity, in the Christian faith, means the highest and purest form of Love. It comes from the Greek word, agapē, which we define as Love. He was teaching about the characteristics of Love, which is what every true follower of CHRIST is called to have."
Tilting her head sideways, Isabella allowed the words to sink in, and Violet could see the Light growing—slowly but steadily.
"Oh," she said softly. "That is a beautiful thing indeed. I guess I have missed that truth my whole life."
Violet could only smile. But, this smile was not about the satire of her earlier question, rather, it was the Light she could see blooming even more in her newly found companion.
She was brought back to reality when Vincenzo walked back in and called them for the last training session that morning.
"Hey, tell you what?" Isabella smoothed her ponytail a bit, with a twinkle in her eyes as they walked back together. "We will be going on a trip this weekend and my Mum agreed to have you join us."
"Really?" Violet had overheard talks of an upcoming trip for the family and had assumed it would be a good chance for a break.
So, that plan is out the window now. LORD, YOU sure are a hard Task-Master aren't YOU?
Yes, it was settled. A trip with none other than her "favourite" Mr Icy on board. And apparently—she learnt later—another fiendish person as well, Giuseppe.
I just can't wait...
~~~
"So all that is left on the agenda is to win the King Makers over so we can take complete control?" A sinister voice sneered.
"Yes, master," a voice that could not be mistaken for any other replied—Giuseppe's.
"What is keeping you so long!? Our time is short!" The sinister voice bellowed.
"As you already know, sire, most of the elite members are already on our side, though they don't know it yet. I have yet to win over three key members. And after that, we will be set. All the laws and orders we have planned for so long will be enforced and established."
"Established, you say?"
"Yes, master," a sweat trickled down Giuseppe's forehead.
"Are the weapons for the last battle ready? And surely you are aware our goal is to crush those little cockroaches and hinder as many... no, even ALL of them from making it when their MASTER returns. You know, I must take over what is rightfully mine, don't you!? I want to return to the throne that is mine! Mine!!!" The voice dripped with venom.
"I do, master. And they will. Their time is almost up. Our agenda of making prayer a thing of the past, diminishing interest in their Holy Book, feeding the minds of children with lewdness at an early age, all are in progress and are its zenith."
"And remember, we have a deadline. I want ALL, and I repeat ALL, to end up on my side—where I will feed them with eternal darkness."
"Yes, master."
"I have given you all the power you need. Use it before their MASTER spirits them away. Destroy and subdue all in higher places under your feet. Till they bow to none other than me," the voice paused and added with a dramatic tone.
"And... get ready to take over the world system, once the battle of their so-called seven years of Tribulation begins when their Restrainer is taken out of the way."
————————————————
For the first time in a while, I managed to spell Giuseppe without needing autocorrect. XD
What are your expectations for the next chapter, pray tell. This book feels much different than the former, Princess Undercover. And I so long to know how you feel about that.
And any thoughts on who Giuseppe actually is?
Can't wait to hear your thoughts and answers.
As always,
Con Amor,
Phela
10 - HIS WILL NOT MINE
Song for the Chapter: I am THINE, O LORD
••••••••••••••
Time flies and we never see whither it goes... just where it lands us.
••••••••••••••
THIRD PERSON POV
"So I will want a Burrata bruschetta for a start. Don't forget I only want homemade balsamic vinegar with it..."
And that was where Vincenzo lost Violet. She had thought preparing meals for the whole family was the hardest task she had undertaken. But, she was in for more it seemed.
How on earth am I going to make balsamic vinegar myself?
"And, I will probably want Timballo di Maccheroni as the main dish. And for dessert..."
Oh, there is more? She arched an eyebrow. She braced herself feeling like a prey a predator had finally caught.
LORD, if ever we have a say in the timing of the Rapture, I think now will be the best time. I am ready to be spirited away.
"And where will he end up if I come now?" The Soft Gentle Voice chided.
Violet felt a twinge of shame at the direction of her thoughts.
Forgive me, LORD. But, a thought hit her. Can YOU save him now and take us all right now?
She did not know if it was her imagination, but, she thought she felt her SAVIOUR chuckle.
"You know what? Forget the dessert." Whew. "But, there are more papers you need to check on and grade afterwards."
"Afterwards?" She gulped. "You mean... today?"
"No, I mean in a millennium."
She clamped her mouth shut and nodded—like a robot she thought. Giving a slight bow, she hurried to her tasks.
She sure was glad school was on break.
~~~
Walking down the stone path, Violet felt she had fought a long battle. A battle with vegetables and meat.
She was glad Clarice had left her with a recipe book, yet, she had researched over and over again on the internet to find the right combinations. And after 10 tries, she had been sure the meal was at best, edible.
"You look like you're been through a tornado."
She was caught off guard by Isabella's voice—again. The two had met near the triclinium earlier that day, when Prince Vincenzo had been arguing with Queen Sofia.
Isabella was presently lounging on a bench which had a portion of the garden as its background.
Isabella seemed to be the friendliest of the four siblings and had assured Violet to pay no heed to the argument.
"They do that every time, like it's their career." She had said nonchalantly.
"Yeah, a tornado called Vincenzo." The words were out before she could curb them. She slapped her hand to her mouth with widened eyes.
Fire and lightning! Dear mouth, shouldn't you know when to keep quiet by now? I ought to get a lock and a key.
To her surprise, Isabella laughed.
"I know my brother is a handful. I'm not surprised. Sometimes I wish I were old enough to whip his tail." She motioned for Violet to sit next to her.
"Yeah, I guess," Violet sighed. "But, I believe, everyone is unique in their own way. I guess that's his own uniqueness."
Isabella shot her a quizzical look.
"You know? I thought you would have wanted out of here already. Apart from Clarice and the guards, hardly anyone stays for a week."
"Really?" That amazed Violet. But, she could not argue. Had it not been for her LORD'S Presence illuminating her path, she would have likely fled too.
"Yeah... No one really stays long enough. It gets kind of lonely sometimes..." Isabella's voice trailed off, a sad look in her eyes.
"Don't you have friends who visit you or anything like that?" Violet tried to sound cheery, wishing to lighten the mood.
"We are not really allowed to have friends over. Due to security and what not." She tried to shrug it off with indifference. Yet, the deep feeling of loneliness in her tone was not easily abated.
LORD, here is another soul that needs YOU... Violet silently prayed in her mind.
"What are you holding in your hand?" Isabella's gaze had drifted to the book in Violet's hand.
"Oh?" Violet looked down. "It's my BIBLE. I hope to get some reading done as I have not yet been able to today."
Isabella's interest seemed piqued, as though she had never seen anyone holding one in the presence of others before—or ever.
Violet had carried it along, hoping to get some reading done before facing her last dreaded task for the day—grading the papers in My Icy's own office.
"I once tried it. Didn't know where to start. I thought "Numbers" sounded interesting, but, could not figure out who was who or why that mattered," she leaned back casually. "Never tried it again."
"I see..." Violet drawled. "I once thought same actually, till I picked it up one day with a desire to understand. I don't know... when I started again, it felt like I had been thirsty my whole life and had finally found a cool refreshing drink."
Maybe it wasn't exactly what she had said, but, the look of pure rapture on Violet's face as she spoke of the WORD sparked a desire in Isabella.
"Sorry, I doubt you actually get any of what I'm saying." Violet chuckled softly, slightly chagrined at her own lack of articulation on the subject. She thought the look on Isabella's face akin to one who thought she had lost her marbles.
"No... not that at all," the latter responded softly. "And I think I will try... no, I am going to try it again."
Violet tried to quickly mask her surprise.
"You can start with the Book of John. It's somewhere past the middle of the BIBLE."
Isabella smiled softly.
"I will. Thanks," she began to rise. "See you later, and... thanks again."
She had turned towards her quarters when she glanced back.
"Oh, and Violet? I think there is some macaroni stuck in your hair."
Violet immediately touched her hair with Isabella laughing out loud as she walked away.
~~~
Vincenzo found himself in a state he had not experienced in a long time. He knew he had asked the impossible when he gave the girl his preferred meals for that day.
A side of him had justified his actions to torture her. But, on seeing her humble acquiescence, he had been baffled.
Many had returned with resignation letters whenever he had so tasked them. But, when she had brought his meals—which were nothing short of perfection—he couldn't hide the fact that he was intrigued by her efforts and courage.
Maybe she has nowhere else to turn to, he reasoned with himself. That must be it.
Yet, he had also felt time and time again the Light she radiated. And the warmth that coursed through his being whenever she was around. He longed to have that Light around himself as much as he could.
You are only doing this to torture her, Vincenzo. You want nothing to do with her. You want her to leave and never return.
But still, he had to wonder. And his anticipating her return to his home office, did not make it any easier to understand.
~~~
"Arise and pray," the Angel prodded Violet awake, tapping her gently yet firmly on her shoulder.
By now, one would think Violet would have gotten used to such commands. But, with varying levels of urgency with each command, they managed to—as her brother would often say—spin the axis of her world from its orbit.
But, she had learnt to listen, and obey.
Evil was drawing close again and it was in the form of a man—Giuseppe.
——————-
Nǐ hǎo!
How are we all doing?
Writing this book is proving to be a test. But, we know THE LORD will see us through by HIS Mercies.
What did you think of this chapter? I so love and long to hear from you all.
Oh, and the song above is one I love a lot.
9 - WHEN YES GETS HARDER TO SAY
Song for the Chapter: Be THOU My Vision (theme set for the end of Chapter; kindly feel free to play and listen)
•••••••••••
Darkness is the absence of Light...
•••••••••••
THIRD PERSON POV
Vincenzo remembered all too well—the day his life changed forever. The avalanche of memories; his father passing, he remembered all too clearly. The day the darkness had begun to emerge slowly, gripping his heart till it turned to ice.
And, here he was, seeing a flame in a girl that seemed to dissolve that darkness by her mere presence.
Should I give in? He thought.
But, the voices whispered into his ears, clouding his mind once again.
The glow she emitted was growing dim with his adherence to the voices that whispered into his mind not to allow her near him.
"Drop it and leave," he couldn't recognise his own voice. For he felt that command had come from somewhere other than himself—the self that longed to whisper the name of HIS GOD once more.
~~~
The understanding of her predicament eluded Violet as she lay in bed pondering.
Why had GOD placed this burden in her heart?
She had felt the presence of pure evil when Ginevra's fiancé had visited and she had seen him. It had taken everything within her not to shout out to them, Don't let him stay! Send him away!
For his had not been a soul plagued and tormented, but a full manifestation of evil.
She had also seen the darkness around the man she called Mr Icy. Yet, rather than being repulsed by Vincenzo, she felt the need to get closer to him. To pray for him, despite the demons she had heard whispering that he should send her away earlier that night.
Pray for him. Pray for the family. Intercede, Violet, she heard constantly.
She wanted to resist what her LORD had told her to do—to pray for him and his family. In fact, she hesitated whenever HE especially sent her his way.
But, once again, she had been asked by Clarice to deliver his meals. And, not just deliver, but to prepare his meals as well as that of the entire family for a few days. For she had met the older lady in the hallway after her rather unpleasant delivery that night.
~~
"Please, do me this favour once more. La Regina (Queen) has asked me to take a few days off to check up on my health," she gave a soft chuckle. "Like I need any rest."
But, Violet could see that Clarice indeed looked rather pale—unlike the robust woman she had met since her first day there.
~~
Violet had felt the overpowering forces trying to dim the LIGHT of her SAVIOUR whenever she was around Vincenzo. And for that reason, she wanted to evade the task as much as she could.
Yet, she felt HIS Presence wane whenever she felt like declining—whenever she ceased to pray for him.
Why, LORD? She had questioned severally. There are many others YOU can use to reach him. Must it be I? I am not strong; I am but a weakling.
But, her LORD had remained silent. The only thing she felt was the gentle prodding to pray for his soul.
So that night, she found herself doing what she had resisted at the first; for she could not afford to lose the Presence of her ever-present Companion, her LORD CHRIST JESUS.
Despite her aching back and knowledge of the tiresome day ahead, she knelt by her bedside—and prayed.
She could hear the fury of the demonic powers outside her window. But, she did not stop. She saw the Heavenly warriors draw out their swords, eager to finally be put into action.
A battle had begun.
She prayed as HIS HOLY SPIRIT led her to—for the Ice-Hearted Man, for the entire family and against the presence of absolute evil that had visited that night...till she felt all become calm.
Violet had not realised how long she had prayed for, till she glanced at the clock on her nightstand. It was well past midnight.
~~~
It was early in the morning, with birds chirping a wondrous melody outside. With a lighter heart and a feeling of tranquillity which had not been present in the household before, Violet went about her daily duties assigned to her.
She was glad it was the weekend. As she moved closer to the triclinium near Vincenzo's quarters, she heard voices engaged in a heated argument.
"I already told you, I am not accepting Giuseppe as an in-law," she heard Vincenzo clearly say in Italian.
"So? You need him to strengthen this household. What's the matter with you?" She heard Queen Guilia respond. "Yes, you said he is conniving, but, at least, you decided to keep him closer for the sake of strengthening your position. What has changed?"
There was a brief pause before Vincenzo replied.
"I don't know, but, I keep finding myself wanting to be distant from him," he replied in a low tone before concluding with final resolve, "I will not accept it."
Violet heard the evil creatures that often lurched about cry in dismay. And, she saw them further apart from Vincenzo than they used to be.
And then it dawned on her—her LORD had won this battle. Her seemingly tangential prayers had not gone unheard.
Her LORD was at work.
But, there were many more battles yet to be won. And, she knew she couldn't do it alone.
"They are at it again," a voice startled Violet from behind.
——————————
Please, pardon me for any mistakes. Will go over during the day, GOD willing.
Questions for the day:
Do you listen to the songs for the Chapter whilst reading? I'm curious to know.
8 - WAGING WAR
Song for the Chapter: Yet, Maverick City Music
•••••••••••••••••••••••
THIRD PERSON POV
~~~~~
Everything was moving in a fast blur, and Violet was not sure she had worked so much in her entire life.
Sure, she had been raised as a Princess, but, she had been trained to like the mundane.
But this was on a different level. Ginevra's fiancé was coming for a visit, and, "Presto" (Quick) was the theme for the evening.
Even the guards were hard at work. Queen Guilia wanted everything bright and sparkling—with meals enough to feed a century.
She, of course, was to take part in all the preparations. But, her back ached from all the efforts they had put in to get everything to perfezione (perfection).
She could not wait till the day was over and curl up under her warm covers.
But, as everything was as ready as it could possibly be, she noticed a slight change in Clarice's gait. She had noticed her moving slower than usual earlier that day and it seemed to have magnified.
She had questioned her severally to find out if she was okay. The woman was tough, but, she was not invincible.
"Violet, dear..." she noted the weakness in her voice. "I think I have to take a break after all this is over. Can you serve il Principi (the Prince) for me when he arrives? I fear I can only go this far."
Violet almost groaned. The housework and meal preparations had been quite an ordeal. And she did not mind helping Clarice. But, she found herself loathing another encounter with Mr Icy.
At this moment, I think I would rather face a firing squad. Why doesn't a household this large have more people to serve?
Remember Whom you actually serve, an Inner Voice gently reminded her.
So, despite the weariness and lack of confidence in facing Vincenzo, she mustered the brightest smile she could afford.
"Sure, I will take over from here. Rest up, Clarice."
After all, she was doing it all for her HEAVENLY FATHER.
~~~
Vincenzo always found the squabbles between the King Makers a nuisance.
Sure, he was a part of the board of the seven highest in rank, but, having to put up with younger protégés was a task he never relished.
He was especially wary of one young protégé, Giuseppe.
And it was not only his quickly growing influence that troubled him, but, that part of Vincenzo that had once seen the LIGHT felt vexed within his soul whenever he was around him.
He was charismatic and a pretty good charmer, yet, he could not fool him. Most of the elite seven were fond of him.
But, something about this fellow Italian made him feel a shiver up his spine whenever he saw him feign humility and sincerity—traits Vincenzo knew he did not possess.
"And, I think we need to step in to stop the crisis at hand. This plan of peace is my humble suggestion to end all the violence we are experiencing," Giuseppe concluded.
Vincenzo noticed most of the others nod in agreement, except one other—Aquilina, who was still standing in for her brother, and a King Maker on her own by right and heritage.
"Why don't we take some time to think this through? Many nations will not be eager to enter into this agreement of peace. Let's see how it all plays out," Aquilina said, bringing the meeting to a close.
Vincenzo noticed a flash of irritation in Giuseppe's countenance before he quickly masked it with his ever-so-overly perfect smile.
~~~
Sighing, a disgruntled Vincenzo sat at his desk in his quarters, glancing through some files. He had quickly refreshed himself after the rather arduous and irritating meeting.
He glanced at his watch.
Good.
He would soon be served and get to have some rest. His thoughts were thus preoccupied that he didn't realise a faint knock on the door or the person that walked in after hearing no response.
"Principi Vincenzo?"
To say Vincenzo was not startled by the person who stood before him, a tray in hand—again—was like saying the Great Wall of China is not long.
"Clarice is sick and requested I deliver your meal today, Principi."
"Oh DIO (GOD)," he groaned within and it finally hit him. How long had it been since he called on the Infinite One?
A battle wages within his soul. A longing to call on HIM once more. But, will that part which has long resisted give in?
He looks at the young girl before him. He looks into her eyes and realises—she could see the battle in his soul.
—————————————
Fun fact: Italian is one of my favourite languages. Though, I did not learn it as much.
But, phew, how nice and challenging it will be to write in it.
So sorry for the long wait. Kindly let me know your thoughts on this chapter.
Where do you think this is headed?
And, what do you think of Giuseppe? (Now that name is a challenge in itself.
7 - PATIENCE OF JOB
Song for the Chapter: He Shall Be Like A Tree, JayMikee
•••••••••••••••••••••••
THIRD PERSON POV
"You have nine siblings!?" Violet asked, incredulous. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Yep. Story of my life. I'm surprised another isn't on the way yet," Alex remarked in a jovial tone.
Violet was presently having lunch with Alex, her newfound friend, at the field bleachers. He had helped her in the hallway when Alessandro had shoved her.
They both agreed it was way better than the caste arrangement in the main cafeteria. Apart from sharing the same faith, they were kindred spirits, they had soon discovered.
"You should visit us sometime," Alex concluded.
"Are you sure there will be room for me at the table?" she replied teasingly.
He laughed.
"We have had to expand our home more times than I can count. But sure, my parents always want more company. As though ten children aren't enough."
It was Violet's turn to chuckle. As their lunch break was almost over, they disposed of what they couldn't finish and entered the hallway.
"So, you transferred here after that?" Alex asked.
She had told him of her fencing being brought to a halt due to her injury. She had seen the sincerity in his eyes when he heard about it.
As they parted ways to get to their various classes, Violet noticed Fiona, the class president, approaching her.
She was tall and slender, a pretty brunette with the softest voice Violet had ever heard—though she had only heard her speak a few times.
Nonetheless, she was known for having a temper when irritated.
It must be quite a sight if I have heard of it this quickly.
Violet made a mental note to try not to inflame that trait.
"Hey, Violet," she said softly when she got closer. "Prince Vincenzo asked to see you when classes are over."
Violet froze; eyes widened.
Fire and lighting! What have I done wrong to the Ice Prince this time around?
~~~
"What do you mean you want me to grade all these?" Violet asked in exasperation, eyeing the voluminous pages of essays that were stacked on the table before her.
She was presently in Vincenzo's office. And it looked like his understanding of the word tutoring was giving her a stack of essays the height of Everest to grade. Of course, they belonged to those in a lower grade than her.
But, this was overwhelming.
She eyed the stack once more and turned to look at him.
"And you want them completed by tomorrow?"
He only tilted his head slightly downward and narrowed his eyes a tad bit.
Too much to handle? His eyes seemed to convey.
Oh, so we are down to telepathy now, Violet arched an eyebrow.
"If you can't grade those lower than you, how can you handle the rest of your classes?" His words and tone had a slight edge of condescension to it.
"Shouldn't this be the job of the Top Student or something?"
"So, you can't handle it, then?"
Violet took that as a challenge and straightened her shoulders and raised her chin with resolve.
Challenge accepted Mr Icy, and she reached out to the stack.
"Oh, and one thing, you must complete them right here, in my office."
Violet felt alarmed at those words, for she always felt the forces that strove in his heart whenever she was near him. But, suddenly, a LIGHT settled in her being and her surroundings, silencing the screeching beasts once more.
"I will be back in 4 hours. You should be done by then." And with that, he grabbed his coat which was draped over his seat and left.
LORD, help me, Violet groaned. I think even Job would not have enough patience for this man.
School hours were already over.
How in the world am I going to get all this done in four hours?
Then, a Voice whispered into her ears, reminding her, "I can do all things through CHRIST who gives me Strength..."
~~~
Vincenzo knew he had taken way longer than he had told the girl he would. But, it had been on purpose.
He returned to his office and found her resting and asleep with her head on his desk, the pile of essays beside her.
She looked—peaceful. How long had it been since he had seen or experienced such?
Grabbing the pile, he quickly went over them and saw little need for any corrections to be done.
She had done a neat job, though he noticed the numerous books she had probably consulted in order to grade the essays.
And, that was not the only thing she had accomplished. She had managed to sort out the mess of documents on his desk. They were sorted just right—as he would have done.
He glanced over at her again. A light seemed to radiate from her.
What is she? And how does she do it? A locked part of his heart pondered.
Vincenzo had once seen that light... it had once been in his father before he was no more. And he had seen it in his own reflection whenever he looked into the mirror—before that catastrophic day.
But, that Light in him had died. A part of him wanted to dim hers cause he no longer had it. Yet, somewhere deep within, he felt it will be difficult to vanquish it.
But, I must.
Sensing movements around her, Violet's eyes slowly fluttered open. And stretching whilst stifling a yawn, she glanced around and was met with blue eyes gazing intently at her.
~~~~
Here is another chapter by GOD'S Grace, though short. Kindly feel free to let me know your thoughts. I greatly appreciate every single one of them.
Love,
Phela