Timeline -September 29th 2121 - 5 weeks later

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The television's lively debate echoed through the luxurious suite, capturing Mya's attention as she lounged in an armchair, tablet pen in hand. In Eko's spacious lounge, the big screen dominated, drawing her in with its mix of intensity and laughter. The raven-haired woman watched, transfixed, her mouth slightly open in surprise.

Host 1 (Adelaide Splendor): Welcome back, folks! Today we're diving into the royal saga that's got more twists than a pretzel factory—Seraphina Isobelle Ekovanelina's coronation. Mark your calendars for the twelfth of October, because that's when the magic happens!

Host 2 (Cadence White): You got that right, Adelaide! Our girl Seraphina's had a year that's more dramatic than my last relationship. But she's bounced back, and how! The Royal Column's been on this story like bees on honey.

Host 3 (Dakota Dalton): Oh, absolutely! The royal court murdered, our Princess leading a double life, kidnappings, assassination attempts, a fake marriage—she's practically a one-woman soap opera. And let's not forget the moon getting blown up. Talk about a grand finale! But with the war finally over, Isadora is stepping into a new era. It's like the season finale of a long-running TV show, and we're all here for the next season—Queen Seraphina's reign!

Host 1 (Adelaide Splendor): Personally, I'm not buying this whole fake marriage story

Mya watched as the three hosts focused on Adelaide, who had just sipped her tea. The discussion shifted to the contentious issue of Eko's marriage. It was evident that they were not the first, nor would they be the last, to question the legitimacy of Eko's relationship with Matthew.

Rolling her eyes, Mya couldn't understand why Eko found pleasure and relaxation as she had put it, in such nonsense.

However, Eko also pointed out that whenever her relationship was discussed, and polls were conducted or random audiences surveyed, the majority—nine times out of ten—showed overwhelming support for their beloved princess's relationship with the Headmaster of Allegiant, who was also the crystal warrior that everyone was eager to learn more about.

It seemed that knowing the public backed her relationship brought Eko a sense of happiness, particularly on her tougher days.

Host 4 (Claire Burton): Honestly, I don't get the hype. You've heard the rumors, she supposedly married the disreputable headmaster just so he could access funds to 'protect her.' And what a stellar job he did, nearly getting her killed. Even if he is Ace, he's just another arrogant man with a fancy title, if you ask me. Thank goodness the Academy board intervened and removed them.

Host 2 (Cadence White): Look, no one is denying how sketchy it all is, and it's totally been a wild ride for our future queen, but she's honestly handling it like a champ. With the war behind us, it's time for a new beginning, and Seraphina is leading the way. I'm so excited for the coronation, and whether your believe or not this has all been like a fairy tale with a twist of an action movie! Calling out to Netflix to pick this up!

Host 4 (Claire Burton): Fairy tale? Come one Cads. More like a marriage of convenience, if you ask me. I've been saying from the start that this whole arrangement is just a strategic move on his behalf. I mean, a princess marrying her protector? Falling in love with him? I've seen more believable shit on reality TV. It's all a bit too convenient.

Host 3 (Dakota Dalton): Come on Claire, the public adores them together! Haven't you seen the photos that have surfaced from the past year? You cannot fake that kind of chemistry, it is literally undeniable. Honestly, they're the power couple poised to lead Isadora into a new era of peace and prosperity and I know that this coronation is just the beginning!

Host 2 (Cadence White): I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens at the coronation. It'll be interesting to see if he does turn up.

Host 1 (Adelaide Splendor): Well we know that she is being crowned in Grundtvig's Church, where her late parents tied the knot. A full-circle moment for Seraphina, and with a little over two weeks away, she will literally cement her name into our history books after this. 

Host 4 (Claire Burton): As long as we leave his name out of the history books, and he's standing in the background where he belongs, I'll be happy.

Host 1 (Adelaide Splendor): I'm curious, Claire. Your views and your audience are largely shaped by your podcasts, and that's why you're here – to represent those opinions. What is it about him that makes you hesitant to see him beside our future queen?

Host 4 (Claire Burton): I just can't stand it. Have you seen the devastation he's caused? Our moon is a wreck, and we haven't even begun to deal with the environmental aftermath. He's been handed power on a silver platter since he was a kid, and look where it's gotten us. I bet he manipulated her into this marriage. She probably struck a deal with the devil, and now that she's in power again, he's reaping the benefits.

The whole thing reeks of deception.  It's a charade, a game of smoke and mirrors, and nobody has the answers. His ruthlessness in this war? The deaths? It's unforgivable, and a lot of that is on him.

Host 2 (Cadence White): Wow, Claire, you're really fired up about this. It's not like he brought this war to us, he was barely a kid like we all were when the war happened. 

Host 3 (Dakota Dalton): But, like, don't you think there might be some real love between them?

Host 4 (Claire Burton): Love? That's a joke. We should all be glad that he has been expelled from Allegiant and that he's lost his power over Isadora. What I call for next is that he should be stripped of that crystal. He and those other so-called warriors need to hand it over to people who actually respect the rules and can be trusted. The question we should all be asking is who made them gods and gave them the crystals? Why them?

Mya leaned forward, feeling a knot form in her stomach as she glanced at Eko, who was still peacefully snoring on the lounge across from her. This wasn't the first time such a conversation had arisen, and it was individuals like Claire who had shifted the spotlight onto the warriors, making their identities public knowledge and leading to their dismissal.

The revelation of their true identities had sparked fear and suspicion among the public and the authorities. The warriors, once celebrated as protectors, were now seen as potential threats. Their extraordinary powers, which had been used to safeguard Isadora, were now viewed with apprehension.

Though they were allowed to stay at Allegiant temporarily for handover, they would all need to find new accommodations after the coronation. Richie, in particular, struggled with this transition; Allegiant had been their home for most of their lives, and now they were being forced out. The sense of betrayal was palpable among them, as they were being uprooted from the only place they had known as home.

The situation was exacerbated by the freezing of all their accounts under the legal proceedings of their dismissal, to ensure they hadn't misused Allegiant's funds. This left them, for the most part, homeless and penniless until the matter was resolved. The uncertainty of their financial situation added another layer of stress to their already precarious position.

Matthew had tried to negotiate with the court to allow them all to stay at Allegiant, offering to leave immediately himself to avoid further conflict. However, it seemed that only Mya was granted an exception due to her invaluable medical skills, leaving his plea disregarded and the rest of them still expelled.

They were terrified, Mya knew that—absolutely paralyzed by the immense power they wielded, and most of all, by Matthew. He had warned them that they would be abandoned, that fear would eclipse hope. She hated that he was right. 

Fortunately, some businesses that had longstanding relationships with Allegiant saw the situation differently and offered them accommodation post-coronation.

Their future was uncertain, but like the rest of Isadora, their focus was on the coronation and Eko's official crowning as queen. Despite their current predicament, they remained loyal and committed to supporting Eko's rise to the throne. It would be their final act before withdrawing from the public eye to let the turmoil subside, driven by their friendship with Eko and the fear that maybe just maybe their enemies were still lurking about.

Mya suspected that Eko was unaware of the entire ordeal; it seemed to have bypassed her somehow, and they all agreed that it was best to keep her out of it. As hard as it was to say goodbye, it would be simpler to step back and let her life unfold and continue without their constant presence.

Host 1 (Adelaide Splendor): And I believe, regardless of anyone's views, it's all part of a grander plan. You know, keep the public guessing, build up the suspense, and then bam! Hit us with the ultimate royal love story reveal. I'm telling you, when that happens, it's going to be epic!

Claire groaned in frustration, dropping her head onto the U-shaped table, as her fellow hosts continued their speculation and theories, fueling the anticipation and mystery surrounding the royal couple's relationship. The conversation carried on, and Mya rolled her eyes once more.

"No wonder you enjoy this nonsense," Mya muttered, glancing down at her tablet and then back up at the TV. She reached for the remote to turn it off, tired of the endless coverage of her best friend's every move on this channel. 

Mya glanced back at the lounge again and watched as Eko re-clutched the tablet against her chest, having finally allowed herself to relax and drift off to sleep. She had barely slept in the past few weeks, and Mya silently vowed to throttle the next servant who dared enter and disturb the peaceful slumber of the snoring woman.

There were only so many times Mya could sit in the shower at midnight, comforting one of her closest friends as she wept uncontrollably, seeking solace in soufflé and wine for her shattered heart. Eko had barely touched proper food, relying instead on dessert and bottles of wine for sustenance.

Rising from her seat, Mya gently grabbed the blanket draped over the back of the lounge and tenderly covered Eko's petite frame, carefully removing the tablet clutched to her chest.

Still clad in her royal blue corseted outfit after a day filled with consecutive meetings, Eko had finally managed to find a moment of tranquility. Mya noticed her friend's face, more sunken and puffy than usual, a clear sign of the week's toll. It had been a particularly brutal week, with Matthew resubmitting the divorce papers, heightening the already tense atmosphere and sending Eko into a furious.

Trying to shake off the memory, Mya reclined on the couch, her gaze shifting to the tablet in her grasp. A mix of curiosity and annoyance crept in. She had an inkling that whatever Eko had been reading contributed to her latest bout of distress, as indicated by her furrowed brows.

Ignoring her better judgment, Mya unlocked the device, expecting to find one of the many column pieces that had been circulating in the past five weeks since the public fallout between Matthew and Eko.

Unexpectedly, Mya found an email from Matthew's legal team.

"Oh no," she murmured, her heart rate increasing as she took in the first sentence. She read the subject line over and over, shock registering on her face, her heart pounding with each read-through.

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From: Hildegard & Co. Lawyers

Subject: Cease and Desist Notice

Date: September 29, 2121, 8:34 PM

To: Her Royal Highness Seraphina Isobelle Ekovangelina

Your Royal Highness,

We represent Mr. Matthew Dean Skarsgard and write to address the continued unauthorized utilization of the Skarsgard surname, as highlighted in our prior communications.

Despite previous advisories, it has come to our client's attention that the Skarsgard name continues to be employed without requisite authorization, thereby infringing upon his legal entitlements. We hereby reiterate our demand for the immediate cessation of any such usage.

Furthermore, our client stipulates the following:

An immediate stop to the use of the Skarsgard name or any derivatives thereof.

The return of all legal documents pertaining to the divorce and final proceedings between Your Highness and Mr. Skarsgard, including noted correspondence on the following dates

August 31, 2121 (declined)September 3, 2121 (declined and amended)September 5, 2121 (amendments of property titles)September 8, 2121 (declined)September 12, 2121 (declined)September 14, 2121 (declined)September 17, 2121 (declined and amended)September 19, 2121 (declined and amended)September 22, 2121 (amendments of property titles)September 25, 2121 (declined)September 29, 2121 (submitted)

Pursuant to Isadorian Act Thirty Six, clause 4.1, a temporary restraining order between the royal court and Allegiant has been granted as of 4:36 pm on September 29, 2121, by Isadora's high court and governing bodies.

All communication and correspondence regarding this matter should be directed exclusively to our office henceforth.

Our client wants to reiterate that all funds expended and gifts bestowed during the partnership shall remain in the possession of Your Royal Highness.

With regard to the ongoing dispute of the property on Cape Hope, our client only solely requires the release of the title from Your Highness, with all property to remain under the Skarsgard holding name. For clarity and transparency, documents have been attached, requiring signatures on pages six and thirteen.

Non-compliance with these stipulations within 8 business days will necessitate further legal action from Hildegard & Co Lawyers, including but not limited to, legal repercussions for coercion and manipulation of the judicial system.

Our client also reiterates his request for the immediate dissolution of the marriage contract. He confirms compliance with the terms agreed upon between His Royal Highness and the Headmaster of Allegiant's original prearranged understanding, ensuring the reinstatement of His Royal Highness to the throne.

Mr. Skarsgard continues to reaffirm Allegiant's unwavering support for the reigning Queen of Isadora and the monarchy, emphasizing the steadfast allegiance between the Academies and the royal establishment.

Furthermore, following the completion of his obligations, Hildegard & Co. Lawyers, in accordance with Isadorian Act Seventy-Four, clause 5.1.1 amendment 5.1.1a, hereby notify the termination of the partnership and contract between Matthew Dean Skarsgard representing Allegiant's house and Her Royal Highness, effective as of the twelfth of October 2121.

Yours sincerely,

Brian Hildegard CEO, Hildegard & Co. Lawyers.

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Mya drew a sharp breath as she opened an email from Matthew. Scrolling through the messages, she found a series of abusive messages, filled with angry capital letters and harsh language.

Eko had never mentioned to anyone that she and Matthew were still in communication like this, and the tone of the messages was volatile.

Her eyes landed on the second-last communication, where Matthew had informed her that the lawyers would be sending her the divorce paperwork again.

__________________________________________________________________________

From: Matthew Dean Skarsgard

Subject: Re: Sign

Date: September 29, 2121, 6:55 PM

To: Seraphina Skarsgard

Paperwork is coming through AGAIN. Fucking sign it. No more amendments, no more stalking. SIGN THE DOCUMENTS!

Matthew Skarsgard

Prime Principal of the Academy's Elite, Headmaster of Allegiant

__________________________________________________________________________

From: Seraphina Skarsgard

Subject: Re: Sign

Date: September 29, 2121, 6:56 PM

To: Matthew Dean Skarsgard

No. Fuck off.

E.

__________________________________________________________________________

From: Matthew Dean Skarsgard

Subject: Re: Sign

Date: September 29, 2121, 7:01 PM

To: Seraphina Skarsgard

STOP BEING A FUCKING SPOILT CHILD WITH THIS! SIGN THE FUCKING DIVORCE PAPERS, TAKE YOUR NAME OFF MY FUCKING LAND TITLES. 

IT'S BEEN WEEKS OF THIS SHIT!

Matthew Skarsgard

Prime Principal of the Academy's Elite, Headmaster of Allegiant my

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From: Seraphina Skarsgard

Subject: Re: Sign

Date: September 29, 2121, 7:46 PM

To: Matthew Dean Skarsgard

No. You can ignore me all you want, but I'm not giving up on this or us or you. I know we are in a dark place, but I need you to read this.

SERIOUSLY, read this, okay?

I need you to stop denying what you feel for us. You are my best friend, and I love you with all my heart. I don't care if you don't believe me; that's the truth!

Our relationship was not a ruse, and it WAS NOT born out of grief or whatever the fuck you may think. It was far from that. FAR FROM IT, MATTHEW!

You have made me happier than I have ever been, and you brought me back from the edge. You did that.

And yes, I am so, so, so sorry for all my idiotic mistakes. I'm sorry I never told you sooner, but you know me. You know I would never intentionally hurt you like this. That's not who I am, and deep down, you know that's not the person you fell in love with.

You know me! I'm the type of person who fights for you, for us. I don't give up and I won't on you. I am just as stubborn as her husband is.

So, please, read my words. I refuse to give up on us. No matter what happens or how you feel, I know the truth. Despite what you may say to the world, you are the only person I have ever loved.

You will always be the only person I have ever told that I had loved, and I do love you.

I love you so much that every day without you is becoming harder to breathe. Eating is exhausting, and waking up every morning without you feels like a knife to my heart. This world is so much harder without you, and I just want you back in my life, the way we were.

I know I messed this up and if I could take it back I would.

This has been the hardest five weeks of my life, and I just want you to talk to me. I just want to explain the rest of it. My choices, my mistakes - everything.

Please? Can you just give me that?

Yours forever and always,
I love you.

E.

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