ROSETTA’S POV, AN EXCERPT FROM HER PERSONAL JOURNAL:
Past the bustling village and over the rich green hills, at the end of a lonely road, you will find the house where I live. I read once that all families are different and mine is certainly no exception. I believe, in fact, if you were to look up the word “unusual” in the dictionary, there might even be a photo of my family.
My parents love my twin brother and me. Of that, I have no doubt, even if said brother thinks otherwise. I’d be the first to say, however, that at times, mother and father could be a little distant. Mother’s cousin Olivia became our tutor while we were very young and in the end, she contributed the most in bringing us up because of our parents’ work.
Looking back, I realize Holden and I grew up much differently than other children. We have never been to school. A lot of our socialization came from the other kids in our dance class and outings to the park. At home, invisible hands did everything behind the scenes. Dirty clothes were washed and neatly put away in our dressers and closets, beds were made while we studied or played and meals suddenly appeared on our little table in the nursery. Once in a while, I caught a glimpse of these “invisible” people but they were so determined to remain unobtrusive, I never learned their names or saw their faces up close. This gave me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach I couldn’t shake whenever I thought about it.
Once, I inquired about this. I was told by father to appreciate the things quietly done for me and to remember that my job was to study and learn as much as I could. This didn’t make me feel any less uncomfortable about it, though. Mother, on the other hand, seemed to take a less disciplined approach which pleased me and Holden a great deal. She had some suggestions for us which we took to heart. From that moment on, we made our own beds as soon as we rose for the day and cleaned our own rooms. Doing these things for myself made me feel like I was in control of something and as if I had a private space these strangers wouldn’t violate.
On sunny days, after our studying is done, you can find me in the back garden. There is a little peaceful corner with a beautiful tree surrounded by flowers.
There’s a swingset so close, you can smell the sweet blooms every time there is a breeze.
“You don’t have to push me,” I told Christopher. “I just want to sit here and enjoy the scenery.”
“Boring,” Holden mumbled. He was always restless to do something and often I wondered if he ever had any thoughts deeper than what to wear for the day.
“Are we even going to talk about how much trouble I’m in because we got in a fight?” Christopher asked. “I don’t suppose Shelly has anything up her sleeve to get us ungrounded?”
Smirking to myself, I shook my head. “No. I mean she can teach us how to get rid of monsters but being grounded by our parents is something quite different.”
“I meant that rhetorically.”
“Oh.” I wasn’t always the best at understanding when a serious response was warranted.
“We’re all in trouble,” Holden mentioned. “Not just you.”
“Yeah, but my mom is likely to find chores for me for the next twelve years while your parents will barely remember you were grounded in the first place.”
I couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across my face. Christopher was right, of course. Before too long, Holden and I would be off the hook completely. And if we weren’t, I could appeal my case to father who, I knew, would change his mind if I presented my case properly.
As soon as my eyes met Holden’s, though, my smile evaporated.
There were times I couldn’t help but stare at him. More often than not, I imagined him as an angel. Even though he wasn’t literally an angel, he always struck me as too good for this world. There was a simple innocence in his features that the blond hair framing his delicate face and gray eyes only amplified.
I could imagine what he was thinking, he didn’t have to say a word.
“Holden – ”
” – It’s cool,” he said, interrupting me.
He was doing that sort of thing more and more. When we were younger, we always told each other everything. Lately, he’d been keeping it all to himself. I could have pressed him, but that would only anger him.
MARTY’S POV, THE DIARY OF THE HEIR:
Dear Diary, I’d been so upset inside lately, all I’d been focusing on was my martial arts. After the kids were brought home by the police and Holden with a bloody nose, no less, I was determined to find out what really went on that night. It seemed though, the kids were just as determined not to tell me anything helpful. Where did they get their stubbornness from, anyway? It was off the charts!
I felt so helpless being shoved into the role of bystander. When exactly had Rosetta and Holden stopped talking to us about important things?
“Marty,” Xalen said as he joined me in the gym. “You have killed that dummy a thousand times over.”
“Hmph,” I muttered after planting one more kick to my imaginary villain. Panting, I wiped my face and hands on a towel. “I’m mad at us, Xalen.”
He raised his hands feebly. “I know you are. What can I do?”
“Stop putting off speaking with the twins. It’s what we need to do. How is it our children are rounded up by the police and brought home bloody? We still don’t have the full story on that one.”
“Whatever occurred, the authorities did not pursue anything and the children seemed to have handled the situation.”
I could feel my blood pressure rising as exasperation came over me in unpleasant waves. “But aren’t you even curious? What if something horrible happened? I think they feel like they can’t talk to us.”
“That’s ridiculous!” he exclaimed. “We are always here for them.”
“Do they know that?”
Xalen sighed and I could feel his frustration.
“Somewhere along the way, we lost touch and we need to get back what we had with them before it’s too late.”
“This is nonsense. I have been raising them just as my sister and I were raised.”
“And you have told me more than once how distant your parents were. We can’t let that happen with our kids.”
He really seemed to be thinking about what I said. His brow was drawn tight and he rubbed his chin. Finally, he turned toward me again. “I am sorry, Marty, and I want to tell our children this, too.”
“There’s something else, too. You need to understand that they have the right to lead their own lives with or without The Inheritance.”
He was quiet for a moment as he considered this. “I suppose I took for granted that they would join our team. They have incredible abilities and would be so useful.”
I tried to keep my voice steady even though it felt as if my emotions were choking me. “Yes, they would. The cold, hard fact is, Holden wants something different and Rosetta has never expressed her opinion on the matter. What if she’s afraid to tell us because Holden already has? She probably thinks it would hurt you.”
I couldn’t stand how downcast his expression was but I also didn’t want to push the kids into futures they didn’t want.
“You are right,” he finally said. “I am so very sorry.”
Putting my arms around him, I said, “It isn’t just you. I’m sorry, too. We’ll hammer this out, don’t worry. It’s never too late to work on our relationship with them.”
“Let us hope not.”
Taking my hand, he pulled me in front of him and kissed me. It was a gentle kiss and a reminder of how much we meant to each other. As we looked into each others’ eyes, he said, “I love you and I love our family.”
“I know you do. And we’ll make sure the kids know, too.”
HOLDEN’S POV, AN EXCERPT FROM HIS PERSONAL JOURNAL:
Rosetta was worried about me, I could tell. Thing is, I didn’t know what to do about it. It seemed like she always wanted to talk about every little thing and I was the opposite. While she wanted to work things out right away, I found I needed time to think about things. If she couldn’t talk about it, she couldn’t let it go.
Which was where we were at now. At least she wasn’t staring at me anymore. Instead, her attention was on Chris.
“Well?” she asked him.
“I don’t know,” he sighed. “I think you should do whatever you think is right.”
“Hmm,” she murmured, tapping her index finger on the table. “Well, you already know what I think.”
Boy, did we. Our parents wanted to meet with us later for some big talk and Rosetta wanted to tell them everything. As usual, she wanted to get everything out in the open because she thought that would make everyone happy. She hadn’t considered how it would make me feel. I didn’t want my dad to know what those guys thought about me and the things they’d said. What if it was all true? What if my dad not only hated the fact that I didn’t want to join him in The Inheritance, but also that I was more different from him than he supposed? The worst thing would be if he found all of it so embarrassing, he made me stop dancing. I didn’t think I could handle that, so I didn’t want to take any chances.
I tried to explain this to Rosetta but she didn’t understand. Instead of realizing my fear was about losing dance and being a disappointment in general, she hammered me with questions about my sexual preferences. The main problem with that is that I don’t know myself what’s going on. I’ve never had any experience. Furthermore, it made me kind of mad that I had to decide anything at all. The more I think about it, the more alone I feel with the whole thing. I’ve begun to understand that I’m different from my sister and Chris. Yet I don’t know what my definition is. And why do I have to know everything right now, this minute? Why can’t I just be whoever I am? I don’t see anyone razzing Chris or Rosetta over this stuff. Is it because they know they’re straight as arrows and that’s more acceptable?
The more time I give to these dizzying thoughts, the less I think I know and the more anxious I get.
“You okay, bro?” Chris asked me.
Not really, I thought. Instead of answering him, I shrugged.
“I hope you don’t clam up like this with mother and father. I’m certain they’re worried about you,” Rosetta said, touching my arm briefly. “They’ll worry even more if you stand there, saying nothing.”
Her fingers felt warm against my frigid skin which is what made me realize how uptight I actually was. If only I could feign illness and skip this meeting with mom and dad. I knew better than to even try that. If they thought I was sick, they would keep me home from tomorrow’s dance class.
“I’ll be fine,” I promised her…
… But as we stood in the control room, I didn’t believe myself. Somehow, meeting here was the worst thing I could imagine. Did they bring us here to remind us what our duty was? We’d been in this room before so they could explain to us what they and the team actually did. They also impressed upon us how important it all was.
“Don’t look so worried,” Mom said with a small, tight smile. Apparently, this was awkward for her, too.
“Yes, relax,” Dad said, “we only met with you here because we didn’t want to be interrupted.”
“What’s going on?” Rosetta asked.
Mom and dad exchanged some kind of look that I couldn’t interpret.
Dad sighed loudly, then finally said, “There is no point beating around the bush. At times, it is difficult to begin, but what we have to say is very important.” He glanced at mom again who nodded at him before continuing. “I have never been good at expressing my feelings. And my parents… they did not concern themselves with emotional moments.”
Rosetta and I shared an awkward glance.
“What your father is trying to say – ”
Dad held his hand up to mom and said, “Thank you, but I can say the things I need to.” Mom smiled as dad cleared his throat and pulled absently at the neck of his shirt. “What I mean to say is that I want you to be happy more than anything else. If you do not wish, Holden, to join The Inheritance – if you decide to dance professionally – I will support your decision.”
“And we’ll be at every one of your performances!” Mom said with a grin.
“Rosetta, this goes for you as well. We want you to pursue whatever future you wish. Of course, if either of you were to change your minds, you would be more than welcome to join us later.”
This speech was so unexpected, I felt tears building up in my eyes.
“Furthermore,” Dad continued after letting the first part sink in, “it has been brought to my attention that perhaps I have been too wrapped up in work. The last thing I would ever want is for you to feel as if I cared more about work than you.”
“We don’t think that, Father,” Rosetta said with a sweet smile.
He cleared his throat again. “Regardless, I want to say that I love you both and hope to spend more time with you.”
“And I second that,” Mom said.
They’re making this so weird, I thought. But at least I knew they meant what they said.
“This was lovely, Mother, Father. May I explore the books?”
They smiled at my sweet sister and I could see the approval and admiration in their eyes as they told her to go ahead.
I got roped into chess with dad which felt kind of daunting at first. As we got into the game, though, he started telling me a story of something funny that happened to him a few years ago in Egypt. I couldn’t help but laugh along with him. Why hadn’t I ever realized how hilarious he was?
Before I knew it, I had relaxed a little and was able to enjoy being with him. It also came as a huge relief that he didn’t pummel me with questions like my sister had. For the first time in a long time, I felt like he enjoyed doing something with me, too.
ROSETTA’S POV, AN EXCERPT FROM HER PERSONAL JOURNAL:
It was near bedtime so all I wanted to do was brush my teeth and get to bed.
“Holden!” I yelled as I entered my bathroom. “What are you doing in here? You scared me half to death!” Before he could answer, I saw the pile of guy clothes on the floor. “Are those your dirty clothes? Gross!”
“I’ll take care of them,” he said.
“Why is your bathroom so huge? Mine is like half this size! And you have this goddess statue and everything!”
“That is a statue of Aphrodite. Isn’t that a lovely name? She was the goddess of fertility, love, and beauty.”
“I know who Aphrodite is.”
Of course, he did. He was so quiet, sometimes I forgot he took the same courses I did.
“So, how did chess go? Did he let you win?”
That brought a shy smile to his face. “No, he beat me. Did you expect anything different? Maybe he should have played you instead.”
He had that right. I would have given Father a run for his money.
“I’ve been wondering what you want to do? Are you going to join The Inheritance?”
This made me giggle. “Nooooo,” I laughed. “I want to do something …. intellectual. Solve the unsolvable. I don’t know.”
“I love you, Rosie.”
It had been ages since he called me that and it really touched my heart. As we hugged, we made a pact that no matter what happened in our lives, we would always be there for each other.
I think even Aphrodite was smiling.
Author’s Note: Please check your spam folders for comments from me as WP is hating on me right now. I think a lot of my comments ended up there. lol
Here is the schedule for the next few weeks so you can be prepared! 😀
April 7 – Chapter 4.29 + Heir Poll!
April 14 – Heir Poll Continues
April 18 – Heir Poll Closes at Midnight
April 21 – Chapter 4.30 + Heir Poll Results!
April 28 – no chapter/new generation prep
May 5 – Generation 5 Begins with Chapter 5.1! Woot!
The last thing I want to mention is that I have finally joined the ReShade trend beginning in this chapter. If the pics look funny, don’t worry, I think I have better settings now and I’m sure more adjustments will be required. Thank you so much, Louise, for the help through email! 😀
Finally, for those who celebrate it, Happy Easter!
Thank you for reading, I hope you are as excited as I am for Generation 5!
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Your work is amazing, so amazing that I can not express my feelings for all that you do.
Thank you so much. You are very kind. 😉
You are very, very welcome.
With each generation, your family gets more and more good-looking. Holden is my second-favorite male in the Noble family.(Leo being my #1 favorite. I said Noble since Memphis started it all!)
I’m so glad they had this talk. Xalen needed to realize that his dreams aren’t necessarily his kids’ dreams and accept that. I’m glad Mraty got him to see that.
Dang! I wish I had invisible hands to help me around my house. LOL! Being rich and spoiled has its perks, no lie, but i’m glad the kids took it upon themselves to do some things for themselves. They need to know how to be self-sufficient because they may not always have someone to do it for them.
Awww…Holden is trying to find out who he is. He’s young yet, and I’m sure he’ll figure things out in a way that he can be content with. It might not be easy, but I’m sure he’ll find himself.
Oh, yes, this was an important talk with the kids.
Right? I want invisible hands, too. I could really use some about now! lol
Holden is so confused about himself. lol But you’re right, he’ll figure it out eventually, and he’s got plenty of time.
For some reason WordPress will not keep my like stars in place on many of the blogs that I have put a like on. I am 100% sure I did it on this one but today I find the star is gone so I restar it and still love it!
You know, I have this happen to me sometimes, too. It’s the weirdest thing. I will go back and often see my like didn’t “stick.” 😀 Thanks for coming back.
At home, invisible hands did everything behind the scenes.
I loved that line.
Once, I inquired about this. I was told by father to appreciate the things quietly done for me and to remember that my job was to study and learn as much as I could.
Hmmm…that bothers me some kind of way.
“Whatever occurred, the authorities did not pursue anything and the children seemed to have handled the situation.”
Seriously dude?! He is waaaaaaay too laid back for me.
“That’s ridiculous!” he exclaimed. “We are always here for them.”
“Do they know that?”
Right! I love their relationship though. This is exactly what people mean when they say opposites attract! They need each other to maintain balance. She needs needs rational thoughts and structure while he needs to loosen up and listen to reason lol.
Rosetta is so beautiful! She came out nothing how I imagined she would. Nice blend of both parents. And Holden! Some pictures I’m like oh yeah…he’s totally Marty, but then at different angles I’m like oh look! Xalen Jr.! LOL
Oh boy! Neither kids want to join The Inheritance! Ha ha! I look forward to seeing how you rope the other one into after the vote lol. And…I still do not want to vote yet LOL. (I will…don’t worry!)
LOL Oh boy, you have Xalen and Marty down pat. Opposites all the way. lol She definitely does need his structure and he absolutely needs to loosen up! haha
I was really pleased how they turned out looks-wise. I was less than thrilled about their traits which, I mention in the next chapter.
I don’t blame you for holding off on voting. I’m also really glad it’s not up to me! hahaha
Ha! I bet!
Solve the unsolvable, come on Holden ! The Inheritance is exactly what suits your wish .
LOL! 😀 I agree. I think to solve the unsolvable goes hand in hand with The Inheritance. 😀
But Holden doesn’t seem to be not very well warned about it. The distance Xalen set isn’t really good for communication in family, the fight story is sadly an evidence. If only he knows he has the time for joining and what is it about, he’ll surely take it better.
Luckily, Marty was able to show Xalen a different approach with Holden. Hopefully, their relationship will be better in the future. You’re right that there is plenty of time to join The Inheritance. I imagine either of the twins could pursue a meaningful career outside of The Inheritance and still join it.
You imagine right, I think your story no matter the heirs people will choose to continue the legacy will follow this path roughly because next generations are not the same thought of their parents and time are changing.
I think it’ll be a great addition to have a generation who got a double life that make sense to m e but it’s your story and if you don’t follow this logic it”ll be interesting as well.
You’re so sweet. <3 Thank you for always being encouraging in all you say. :)
It’s not because I got few support I have to avoid giving support. Not my belief.
I think your story no matter the heirs people will choose to continue the legacy will follow this path roughly because next generations are not the same experience of their parents and time are changing.
I think it’ll be a great addition to have a generation who got a double life that make sense to me according to the wishes expressed the twins as teenagers.
However we still don’t know yet maybe you won’t follow this logic and take by surprise your readers.
Ah, it’s a relief that Xalen has seen that he needs to be closer and more understanding with his children. I really like Holden, so I know who my vote will be going for! Fingers crossed for him 😀
Thank you! 🙂 I think Xalen meant the best but he needed to see that his childhood was plain weird and not what he should want for his children.
Voting starts in about a minute! Eep! I can’t wait to see who wins!
I knew that had to be reshade because it makes such a difference. I’ve been thinking about trying it out. Are you using a screenshotting program along with it?
Go Marty! Only she could make Xalen realize his mistakes. Smh at him when he argued that he was raising the kids the same way he was raised. We already know his family was pretty messed up, just look at his brother!
I’m glad that they could reassure Rosetta and Holden that they are on their side and want to spend more time with them. And Rosetta also doesn’t want to join the inheritance? I wonder if either one will change their mind.
Thank you so much, Heather. 🙂 I’m really liking ReShade but still in the experimental stage of things. lol I didn’t know there were screenshotting programs! What do they do?
Yes, go, Marty! You’re so right about Xalen’s family. LOL What was he thinking when he said that? haha
Well, whoever doesn’t become heir will eventually join The Inheritance so something will happen in one of their lives that makes that possible. I can’t believe tomorrow the heir vote begins! Eep!
A program like Fraps. It would take a screenshot when you press a certain key and automatically save it, so you don’t have to use the printscreen button, which doesn’t automatically save the screenshots.
I’m excited for the voting to start!
Oh! I will take a look at Fraps. Thank you so much. Now you see how little I know. Haha
Me, too! Eep! It’s going to begin in about an hour! :O :O
I waited all day to sit down and read this .. I loved seeing the family finally connect .. it was hard for Marty and Xalen <3 but they did what they had to do .. LOVED it! I know who I am voting for too but mine never win so LOL .. OH well!
Thank you so much, Lisa! I’m glad you liked seeing the family reconnect. Ah! I can’t wait to see who you vote for. Maybe this time, yours will win 😀
he he he fingers crossed
😀
I was shocked to see that first picture. I was like, “who posted this!?” Then I clicked and it was you! So you joined the Reshade train. I wish I could do the same. I hate trying to edit. It would be so nice to just take a picture and it be perfect from the start. But my computer can’t handle that and the high settings…for now. I plan to get a new computer soon. Anyway, enough about me! This was such a wonderful chapter. It was fun to see more of their perspective. It feels like Marty just started her journey, and yet we’re here; ready to send Holden and Rosetta onward to be chosen for heir. After this chapter I KNOW for sure who I want now. I don’t think it’ll be a surprise, but I’ll leave you guessing! 😉
Thank you, Rosie. 🙂 Yep, I couldn’t resist joining the ReShade train! lol I’m still in contact with Louise regarding my settings. lol Hopefully, I will have that under control soon. When you get your new computer, I hope you’ll enjoy ReShade.
I’m so glad you liked the chapter. I feel like this gen has gone by really quickly, too. I’m so excited to see who you vote for! 🙂
Xalen is a really good guy. But he must admit he has weaknesses – raising children is one of them. But luckily, his wife can show his where he goes wrong.
I can understand Rosetta’s feelings about the servants doing everything. It would be unnerving. Also, it kind of sucks that Holden likes to internalize everything so much. I hope he’s not bottling up things too badly.
Thank you so much, Violincat 🙂 You are right about Xalen. He does mean well but this is definitely a weak point. It’s a good thing Marty and he can provide strength for each other.
Rosetta’s feelings about the servants are understandable, I agree. I can’t imagine having every need met by people I am not close to.
As for Holden, it would be great if he realized he doesn’t have to do that. Maybe in the near future, he will meet someone he can confide in.
I loved seeing everyone’s different personalities come through their journals. I am still voting for Holden as the their though. I really want to see where his journey of personal discovery will take him.
It is so interesting to see how different Marty grew up compared to her children. Really total opposites.
Thank you so much 🙂 Holden’s story will hopefully be interesting. 😀 I have one in mind for both him and Rosetta depending on who wins the vote. 😀
You are so right about that! I think Marty had a different idea in mind about raising the kids but she had to consider the strange life she has with Xalen. lol
I’m so torn. I honestly don’t know which of the Scooby Twins to vote for! Can’t I just not choose between them and just vote for whichever story has more Chris? Lol cop out, right 😁 as much as I adore Holden, I’m pretty sure (like 75%) that I’m going to end up voting for Ro. There’s just something about her that’s as otherworldly as she thinks her brother is…
So I just spent the last minute trying to post a comment that was already posted ^^^ lol gotta love WP right 😂
LOL! WP and I are not friends right now! 😛
It’s just so annoying! I’ve done the same thing on the latest chapter, so I’m hoping it’s actually there and I just can’t see it 😒🙁
It was there but unapproved which makes no sense because it should have been approved. Also, this message came through without me having to approve it… How messed up is that? LOL I’m just glad all is well and your comments are intact. 😀 <3
Hi, Mags, thank you so much. 🙂 LOL Chris is most likely going to be in the next gen. 😀 That’s a great point about Ro!
Rosie’s “voice” is more revealing. So, it will be a hard choice. Holden seems drab this time. I don’t know.
Thank you, Jolie. 🙂 Perhaps the next chapter will help. 😀
I’m glad the parents decided to talk to the kids. The way Rosetta describes Holden as angelic, makes me wonder if that is a hint for the future!?! I’m glad we don’t have to vote yet, because I still want to get to know them both much better. It was wise of Marty to have them start caring for their own rooms. I’m sure the way she was raised helped her understand that even kids need some responsibility and something they can be proud of and be in charge of. She didn’t even have to put her foot (boot!) down! I hope Xalen will continue to try to spend more time with them, too! Good chapter, and as always, can’t wait for the next one!! =D
Thank you, Marj 🙂 The voting begins next Saturday, but I will make all attempts to focus the next chapter on the twins so you can hear more of their points of view.
I think even with Marty’s efforts, the kids have grown up in a pretty spoiled way, so it’s good she did that at least. lol
I think Xalen will make much more of an effort from now on.
“Infuriatingly stubborn children” hmm, now who does that sound like, Marty? 😛 I’m glad she got Xalen to open up emotionally to the children! If they continue that kind of relationship, I hope the kids won’t feel too seperated from their parents. Each kid is so unique! It’ll be hard to choose for the heir poll
LOL! Right? Thank you, Raymond. lol I’m happy Marty was able to nudge Xalen in that direction, too. It might pave the way for more openness in the future. I can’t wait to see who you vote for!
First of all, I loveeee the pictures! It’s really great to see another person use ReShade 😊 For me, taking pictures in Sims can get boring and monotonous after generations, so I think the huge range of options that ReShade gives is a great way to add another element of uniqueness and excitement to a story!
I’m so very glad that Marty and Xalen finally had what seems like a long overdue talk with the kids. A slightly awkward talk, but a necessary one! It’s great that the kids know they will have their parent’s support if they join The Inheritance or not. And Marty’s comment about the stubbornness just cracked me up 😂
I’m still leaning towards Holden because his quiet, thoughtful vibe seems like it would be quite different from any of the past heirs. And his confused thoughts about his sexuality, etc. would be interesting to expand on!
Awesome chapter ❤️
Thank you, Lila! <3 I couldn't agree more with what you said about ReShade! And your pics are so gorgeous!
I'm really glad you liked the chapter. The talk was definitely awkward but hopefully, it will pave the way for better talks and more openness in the future. lol
I wondered if anyone would think Marty's comment was funny! hahaha I'm glad you commented on that.
I can't wait to see who the heir is!
I hope you give us a bit more for the poll. 😉 Perhaps some university admissions letters, dear future me letters, or something along those lines.
As it stands I’m still leaning on direction, but could easily swing the other way.
Those are great ideas! Thank you, Mama Dragon! I will see what I can do! 😀
I have no idea which heir to choose! Ugh… Holden is going to be so handsome and a great dancer no doubt. And Rosetta is beautiful and quirky in the way she analyzes everything. Such lovely kids. I loved this chapter. And the pictures were beautiful… <3
Thank you, Audrey! 🙂 I think this vote is going to be hard. lol At least that’s what I’m hearing. I’m so glad you enjoyed the chapter and that you like the twins so much, too. <3
I was so happy to see that Marty helped Xalen see things from the kids’ perspective..! It’s nice and rewarding when that happens, and I loved seeing Xalen lighten up a bit, especially towards Holden! 🙂 <3
Hmmm… I so wanted Rosetta to be the heir, but now I can see that Holden has probably a mighty interesting story to tell… 😉 Why are those twins making it so hard to choose between them? 😭
(I loved the Reshade effects! I can see why it could probably be overwhelming with all the choices it has – although I can't use it, I've searched around some tutorials, lol!)
Thank you so much. 🙂 I was happy about that, too. lol I think if Xalen continues this way, he and Holden will have a really good relationship.
LOL @ the twins making it so hard. I can’t wait to see how the voting turns out!
I am liking ReShade a lot, I just need to figure out the best settings for my story. lol
I have no idea how I’m going to choose who to vote for . I love them both! It was great to hear Rosetta’s voice .
Thank you, CT 😀 I did want to make sure I included her more. I love them both, too, and can’t wait to see who becomes heir. 😀
I’m so glad you got ReShade working and hopefully you had less trouble than I did 😀 Your pictures look awesome, though I can see what you mean when you say the DOF is a little intense. Looking forward to see how you adjust it – I know it can be super hard to find the right settings.
Anywaaaaay – the chapter. I loved this 😀 You just, somehow, made it HARDER to choose the heir, you know? It was already so hard because I didn’t want to crush poor Holden’s dreams, but he’s really becoming very, very interesting. And then there’s Rosetta who’s just the most delightful daddy’s girl, and just so… odd. I love her! Argh, I love them both, I can’t choose 🙂
It was so sweet to see Xalen be a bit softer, though, and I’m glad that they had a proper talk with the kids. Hopefully, Holden will eventually open up about his confusing thoughts, the poor boy.
This was wonderful as always – I love the way you develop your characters and make them more and more lovable with each chapter 🙂 <3
Oh, Louise, you were so supportive! LOL I was such a chicken and so every time I went to install it, I ended up just sitting there because I was so afraid of breaking my game. LOL But, it actually worked from the moment I had it installed. I’m so glad you wrote to me because you gave me a lot of tips! 😀
I’m so glad you loved this chapter. I laughed at you calling Rosetta odd. She really is. LOLOL I can’t wait to see who the heir will be. 😀
I think Marty hit home with Xalen when he said he was raised this way, then she told him, yes, and you didn’t like it. Well, I’m paraphrasing my own chapter, but I really think that helped open his eyes.
Thank you again. <3
It’s understandable that it seemed a little overwhelming at first, and I’m glad I could help 🙂 Once it gets going, it really isn’t difficult to use – the problems I ran into myself were unique, lol 😛
She is, but I really like her so far 😀 She has a lot of personality! It just makes it so hard, because Holden’s internal struggle is also hard.
Yeah, I think sometimes we just need to be reminded that we don’t have to do things the way our parents did – it’s easy to fall into old patterns just because. It’s so good Xalen has Marty to remind him of that 🙂 <3
I totally agree. Xalen and Marty are just really meant to be together, I think. 😀
They so are 😀 I’ve pretty much wanted them together since their first kiss. Ha 😀
Oh, yes! Me, too! 😀
Well, I definitely noticed you started using Reshade. I felt like I was in a dream along with the characters the whole time. It was weird. And generally, I don’t like the Reshade effects all that much. It seems too blurry to me. But go for what suits you.
I’m so glad that Xalen gave in and agreed with Marty in that he should accept his children’s choices. He and Holden seemed to have spent some quality time together playing chess.
Rosetta’s room seems a tad weird with the Aphrodite and all. Goodness, sometimes I forget how rich and spoiled these kids are.
It was interesting to me to read about Holden questioning himself. He is still young and needs time to figure out himself. And Rosetta doesn’t help with all her questions that are probably overwhelming to him.
Well, I am excited to vote and see if Holden wins or not. You know I’ve been rooting for him ever since you told me that a boy will have a chance for the 5th generation heir 😛
Thank you, Jowita. 🙂 Yeah, I definitely need to figure out some better settings on the ReShade! LOL
I’m glad, too, that Xalen came to terms with
what’s been happening with the twins’ decisions. It’s better that he accept the way things are so he can have a peaceful relationship with them. Holden really did enjoy the chess.
Rosetta’s bathroom is ridiculous. I like the big rooms because it means getting pics is easier but the decor cracks me up. I mean, yes, Aphrodite is in the bathroom, for crying out loud! hahaha
You’re right about Rosetta and her questions because Holden not only doesn’t have answers, it’s not his focus right now. lol
I know you’ve wanted Holden! LOLOL 😀 I really can’t wait to see who ends up where.