Other Elites opted for a peaceful approach. They were allowed to keep some parts of their lands in exchange that those employed by them would be given fair wages and opportunities regardless of previous station, and they were also required to uphold the laws of the New Empire.
The Alphas as usual, were only concerned about commerce. Those who supported Ashtra and Rectner from the start soon lose interest and retreated, then continued on business as usual, along with the other Alphas. They surrendered and chose to follow the New Empire and were given the same conditions as the Elites.
The Betas were still allowed to practice their professions and were given the opportunity to expand their existing knowledge or their small businesses. The Omegas, Deltas and Corps had much to adjust with their new lives, especially those who had the natural skills but were not able to learn the profession they wanted, and it would take years for some if they pursuit it.
It was found out recently after months of research, the sterility serum given to the fetus at an early stage in the birth chamber for its survival was proven to be true, sterility was indeed the after effect. The mothers and fathers of the Premortals were immune to its side effects. We never found more of them, not when it was extremely rare for a man or a woman who had both immunity to come together since there was no way of knowing, we believed the Premortals were only born by sheer coincidence. The discovery of an immunity test was underway but still had a very long way to go.
The Premortals along with the Defiers were now safe and free to live outside the caves. Ryder and Quinlan were taking office in the palace, they now comprised of what was called the Council with Nigel and Ambrose and eight others who were previously from the Alphas, Deltas, Omegas and Corps. They drafted new laws and created order across the New Empire. Olfren and Thomas was at the palace too, making sure peace was maintained throughout.
Roland was also kept as part of the Council but more of a silent member. He was only there to show the citizens the rightful ruler was still among the new law makers. In reality he never took part of any of the decision making whatsoever. I heard he took residence in his manor at Kairos with his luxuries and wealth still intact as agreed with Ryder. He was allowed to continue enjoying his parties and entertainment and even invited some from the lower stations, which I think was to satisfy his immense curiosity. He sent an invitation to me once but I declined, and I never heard from him again.
I never saw any of them since I left the cave except Olfren. Sometimes he’d pay us a visit if he knew our location to see how Curtis and I were doing, or when he was bringing a message from Ryder. When he did come, he always brought a bottle of expensive wine from the palace and shared it with Curtis, and they talked for hours mostly about the New Empire and the Council.
When we left the cave for good, around a week after the downfall, we were bound for Pinewood. Curtis and I were anxious to save it ever since the opportunity had arrived. With the help of Ambrose and Olfren, we took over with hardly any opposition. When Andrew heard we were coming with Ambrose’s fleet, he left Pinewood, and Katherine in her own act of defiance refused to join him. It was delightful seeing her again, and the expression on her face when we were reunited was indescribable joy.
Curtis was now the new Duke of Pinewood with Mr. Thistle and Miss Pattilyn still providing their services despite given a choice of a different life. Katherine and her children were more than welcome to continue calling Pinewood their home. Pinewood finally flourished under Curtis’ rule and kept the farms and even the steel plants running but with better compensation and the improvement of its working conditions, and no one was ever forced to work there against their wishes.
At night in our chambers when Curtis and I were lying in our bed, once I glimpsed at him still awake staring at the ceiling and he had this look of dreamy contentment. It was fulfilling seeing him for the first time like this. I smiled to myself and left him with his happy thoughts undisturbed as I snuggled closer to him.
Curtis and I have been travelling to many different places after we took over Pinewood. He never told me but I think he was running away from the battles and politics. I had no objection on my part because I too was wary from all of it. It was an escape we both wanted… needed. We marveled at the new places we went but honestly, it was more on relishing each other’s company and I couldn’t get enough of it.
I was now staring at the ocean admiring the infinite blue while the sea gulls continued to make their noises nearby.
“Beautiful view,” I heard Curtis say from behind then he wrapped his arms around my waist with my back leaning against his chest.
I gave a coy smile. I remembered the first time he said that when we were on the balcony back at the apartment. I could still recall the way he made me blush when he was referring to me. I wrapped my arms over his and gently squeeze it.
“Don’t you get tired of it?” I teased.
“Never.” He chuckled.
I was lost in the moment, absorbing the tranquility and his loving embrace, finally free from our responsibilities and struggles, thinking of nobody else but us. What we do or where we go tomorrow, it didn’t matter as long as we had each other.
“Any news from Pinewood?” I asked softly.
“Katherine and the children are doing fine. She’s actually becoming a good leader, maintaining the order on my behalf,” he answered.
“Maybe it’s time we go back?” I suggested.
“Hmm… Not yet, maybe soon,” he said. “Oh, and I found out where Andrew is. He’s at Sunglow with Duke Rectner and Ashtra,” he added.
“We were right with our suspicions then,” I said. We already expected him to be there after the day he left Pinewood.
Curtis never spoke about Andrew or even shared what he felt for him and I wasn’t planning on inquiring about it. He was in high spirits and talking about Andrew was a useless subject, only spoiling what happiness we had.
“Is Nigel still bothering you in joining the Council?” I changed the subject.
He gave a soft chuckle. “Yes, he keeps telling me there’s always a place for me.”
“Why don’t you join them? You’d make a great advisor,” I encouraged.
“They don’t need me. Nigel and Ambrose are there who are more qualified. I trust them to do the right thing, and besides… There’s nothing better than spending all of my hours with you. I already did my part for the Empire, it’s time for me to serve you,” he said tightening his arms around me.
I giggled. “And serve you shall,” I teased.
I turned around and face him, placing my arms over his shoulders and gave him a sweet kiss on the lips. We got used to showing our affections in public especially when we couldn’t take our hands off each other.
“We better go, mom and dad are waiting,” I said.
He grinned and held my hand as we walked back together to the apartment.
--- THE END ---
About The Author
Jacqueline Wrenley
A college graduate of two Bachelor degrees in Business Management and Nursing.
She became a nurse on 2007 but chose a career in business instead. She now manages a hotel and a restaurant where she enjoys meeting all types of people, listening to their personal stories.
She writes stories and plays the violin on her spare time.
She loves to travel and the places she has been to became an inspiration in her literary work.
This was written during her home quarantine due to the COVID pandemic.
This is her second book.
rayscale(100%); filter: grayscale(100%); " class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons">share
The Prevalence: Sequel and Final Book of The Premortals (The Premortals Series 2) Page 25