STEADY

"Yes my Darling"John answered his daughter as Mrs Lola waved him goodbye with a pleasant smile plastered across her lips to Susan who instantly frowned in return. The woman immediately was startled but she sooner rather than later, quickly widened her smile as she walked away as briskly as she could.

"What are you doing Daddy?" She asked him as he walked towards to dinning table to pick a bottle of cashew nuts to snack on. Opening the bottled nuts, he began go chew quietly and turned to look at his pregnant daughter.

"I was telling a friend goodbye" he replied whilst chewing. "You are here happy and smiling while Mummy is in the room crying eyes out believing you're having an affair with Mrs Lola" Susan yelled.

"Really?" John replied, shaking his head from side to side.

"Oh yes Daddy and that Mrs Lola, i thought she's supposed to be widowed isn't she?" She asked.

"I do not understand what you mean but all these accusations Susan, this is so unlike you. Are you feeling alright?. Take a seat and eat some nuts. It will help you calm down" He offered his daughter who quickly sat down but refused to eat.

"Are you aware that Special insulted Mummy because she asked her for financial assistance?" Susan asked displaying her displeasure.

"Really? wow! Hope is definitely something else. Susan, your mother is a phenomenal liar. An accomplished one I must say. Wait a minute, is that what she told you? is that the reason for this your anger?" John asked in bewilderment. Susan nodded slowly.

"Susan you should know better than that. Does your mother talk to Special when they are alone? The same girl she asked to join the cooks when we arrived here? Is that girl suddenly an abusive person? Besides if your mother wanted money, what happened to me, you or even her favorite Treasure? Hope, will carry her pride to ask my daughter whom she had treated as a slave for money? That must be the story for a century."John muttered looking exhausted from the explanations.

Susan suddenly realized that she could've been misled by her mother.

"So Daddy what happened?" She asked feeling remorseful.

"This is what happened" John related the entire incident to Susan whose mouth was left wide open.

"But.... but mummy said she wanted to ask Special for money, she didn't mention that you were there" Susan said in utter surprise.

"Oh you know your mother. She just wanted to gain your sympathy. She practically went to insult the Queen still thinking my daughter is that Maid she put in in a van."

"Oh Mummy and her ways" Susan lamented.

"Besides, why did you not ask her since when did you become so close to Special the child she always maltreated and belittled. The one who just got me a card and I know that gift probably influenced her anger as she never expected such from the child".

Totally realizing that her mother had misled her, Susan became very sad.

"Daddy, i am very sad about this and I'm sorry. I thought you were doing something with Mrs Lola"

"Oh no. There is absolutely nothing between us. Besides if I wanted to do anything, I am not that kind of person. I am not a cheat and i literally mean that, neither am I a wicked percent. I'll probably end things with your mother first. But seeing that I am a 65 years old man, I cannot end things with your mother this time."

" I can only pray that when I leave you people, you are well satisfied"John said.

" One more thing daddy why did you make Special the sole administrator of your will?"

"Who told you that?" John asked

"Where did you see my last will and testament?"

" Daddy it is not about who said it to me but I just wanted to know"

"Okay since you asked, I would like you to know that, that child is the kindest person I know and she's fair. I never knew she was going to become a Queen one day but God knows and he indeed must have influenced my decision to make her the admin of my will and testament. She will be very fair to you all."

"Daddy you are absolutely right. I'm sorry for questioning your judgement or your decisions. You are a great father and you've been the best parent I know in this entire world."Susan touched her father's hand.

"It is okay, but the rest assured I will not let my family Suffer or do anything to elevate one of my child over another. I love you all equally.

"We know that Daddy and we love you too. Happy 65th birthday sir."

"Oh yes I cannot wait to celebrate in a grand style tomorrow and be informed Special's wedding will take place right after my birthday party."

"Wow, that's beautiful I will tell Treasure and Ashley to be prepared for the double celebration"

Back at the King's suite, Special sat down quietly thinking if she should go and apologize to Hope but on the other hand She felt lighter after the confrontation because the huge weight she had nurtured in her chest had been slightly depleted. King Derek walked into the room, observing her countenance as he moved closer. Watching her moves, she smiled at him.

"You should smile often. I came to check if you are resting. Its important you rest properly." He said.

"I am well rested. Seeing you here makes me feel so rested. She replied.

"Do you know I love you so much?.You make me feel complete in ways i cant explain and I always want to protect you"

The tears pooled again around both eyes. No one has ever rated her this much in her entire life.

"Please don't leave me." Special sobbed and this broke his heart.

"I should be the one pleading with you to love me for all eternity because you are my peace of mind." Derek assured his wife.

"My king"

Uyi called out from the front of the door.

"Yes Uyi"

"Your sister has arrived My king"

"Let's go and see your sister in law" Derek said assisting Special to her feet. She was suddenly very nervous.