333 Surprise Party

333 Surprise Party (Jayden)

I'm planted at the huge double doorway waiting to greet guests as they arrive. Viktor is right behind me. I'm really out of my depth here. I'm a fish out of water. Some sort of imposter.

Hugo, of course, organized a surprise party at my new home. To welcome me as the successor at Nexus. Global. No pressure.

My tuxedo fits like a glove and I'm glad I at least feel up to par with my outfit.

A tall man in full military regalia approaches first. His uniform is dark green, adorned with medals that gleam under the lights, and a ceremonial sword strapped at his side. "Colonel Andreas Lindberg," he says with a curt nod, his Swedish accent sharp and precise. "Representing His Majesty's armed forces." He bows slightly.

"Welcome, Colonel," I manage, shaking his hand. His grip is firm, his eyes sharp.

Behind him, a woman steps forward, regal in every sense of the word. Her gown is deep crimson, flowing with layers of silk.

Her posture is impeccable, chin slightly raised, "Princess Elena of Romania," she says, extending her hand, her voice rich with authority. "It is an honor to meet you."

I nod. The honor is mine, Your Highness."

Next comes an older gentleman, wrapped in a woolen cloak of tartan-a deep green and blue plaid.

The crest of his clan stitched across his chest. "Lord Hamish MacKenzie," he says in a thick Scottish brogue, offering a polite nod. "A pleasure."

I smile, shaking his hand. "Thank you, Lord MacKenzie, Welcome."

A new group approaches, and Viktor leans in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Be prepared. These are the Saudis."

"Coincidence because I'm as arid as a desert, right now." I quip back quietly.

Victor smirks.

Three men, each wearing flowing white thobes with gold embroidery along the edges, move toward me. Their keffiyehs are tied tightly around their heads, and they move with quiet confidence.

The eldest among them steps forward, his dark eyes serious. "Sheikh Khalid al-Muhammad, representinn. the royal family of Saudi Arabia." His voice is low and commanding.

He places a hand on his chest and bows slightly. "An honor to meet you."

"Sheikh Khalid," I reply, bowing slightly in return. "The Honor is mine. Welcome."

A young woman in a delicate sari, the fabric woven with silver threads that shimmer under the chandelier light, steps forward.

she says

Her black hair is intricately braided with golden ornaments. "Maharani Priya Singh of Jaipur," she says.

333 Surprise Party

softly, her accent thick and musical.

She presses her hands together in a traditional Indian greeting.

I nod, accepting the warm gesture. "I'm honored to have your presence here tonight."

Next a man with Asian features dressed in a military uniform. His face is stern but respectful. "General Sato Tsurugi," he says with a short bow. "The Emperor sends his regards."

I bow in return, feeling the gravity of the moment. "Please extend my gratitude."

The introductions continue, each figure seemingly grander than the last.

A Norwegian diplomat in a sleek, tailored suit.

A Middle Eastern prince dressed in layers of embroidered silk with a sword hanging at his waist.

Viktor nudges me gently, pulling me from my thoughts. "You're doing fine," he murmurs.

"I need a drink. Do I have to greet every single person?"

These aren't just people. These are the power brokers of the world. And they're all looking at me. They're all looking at me.

"No. You may take your leave into the ballroom when you choose. I think the main ones have entered now. Hugo will greet the others."

"Okay then. Am I allowed to drink?"Content is © 2024 .

Viktor smiles. "You can do anything you please."

"Right. I'll start with a beer then. Champagne gives me indigestion."

"After you, Sir." Viktor holds his arm out in the direction of the ballroom. He ushers me in there and he and Hugo exchange a few words and Hugo takes my place.

I nod to him in thanks.

Viktor seems unfazed. He mingles between conversations seamlessly, switching languages like it's second nature.

He circles back to me still standing like a clueless idiot in the middle of the ballroom. "Why is no one talking to me?" I ask him quietly.

*Protocol. They are all waiting to see who you choose first."

"Fuck. That sounds tricky."

"Indeed."

"Will I start World War three?"

He gives me an amused look. "Probably. What other languages do you speak fluently?"

I swallow my beer quickly. "None."

"Right. Well, let's start with the Russians. They will want vodka with you, so that should help."

333 Surprise Party

"Perfect"

He leads me to a small group in the comer and says something in Russian. They hand me an ice-cold vodka shot and all smile and drink. I follow suit. I talk to some dignitary who can speak English well and he seems pleased. Then we head to the next group and Viktor greets someone else in flawless French. They speak in English to me with a strong French accent.

Then Hugo's there. "It's time to be seated for dinner. You announce dinner will be served shortly and head. in and sit," he whispers.

"No problem."

Someone dings a bell and the room falls silent.

"Dinner will be served shortly." I say with a smile and I stride into the formal dining room. I'm stunned at the settings. The table must hold one hundred people

If this is a small welcome gathering. I'd hate to see you throw a wedding." I say in good humor to Hugo, who seems proud of his efforts.

"That's the way things are done here, Jayden," he says quietly. "This is how Nexus has thrived. By respecting the old ways

"Maybe," I reply, my voice low, "But change is healthy."

He doesn't respond, but I can see the brief flicker of disapproval in his eyes before he turns away.

I sit at the head of the table and I feel my phone buzzing in my shirt pocket. Without hesitation I pull it out.

It's Winona.