Lord Dominik Niklaus

The grand hall of the Phoenix family estate was filled with people, all waiting with baited breath for the arrival of the exiled grandson. 

Finally, the doors at the far end of the room swung open and the crowd erupted into cheers and applause as Nicholas strode confidently into the room.

He was tall and mysterious, with an air of authority that overwhelmed everyone present.  

He wore a diamond encrusted face mask which only had two openings revealing his piercing blue eyes. 

His dark hair was styled in a sleek, modern cut, and he wore a tailored suit that showed off his broad shoulders and athletic build.

As he made his way through the crowd, people reached out to touch him, as if to confirm that he was real. 

He was Lord Fitzpatrick favorite grandson, returned from exile after three years of being away from his family and his home.

The family conference meeting was held in the grand dining hall of the family's estate. 

The tables and chairs had been pushed to the sides of the room, leaving a clear space in the center. 

The entire family, including the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, had gathered and were now kneeling on the ground, their heads bowed in shame.

Nicholas stood in the center of the room, looking down at his family with a mixture of shock and confusion. 

He had been falsely accused of poisoning his late grandfather and had been shunned by his family for three years.

These people bowing before him were the ones who casted him away, made him an outsider. 

Now he was going to be their Lord and master.  

At the front of the room, The family's patriarch, his father stepped forward and knelt down on the floor. 

"I'm so sorry, my son," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "I turned my back on you because of false accusations that were laid against you. I should have trusted you and believed in your innocence. Please, forgive me."

Nicholas's face was unreadable because of his diamond mask. He remained silent as his father went on. 

"Moreover, my son, we have wronged you. We falsely accused you of a terrible crime and cast you out of our family. We beg your forgiveness. Forgive us."

Nicholas stared at his father with a mixture of sadness and understanding. 

He knew that his father had acted out of fear and desperation, and he couldn't hold a grudge against him. 

He extended a hand to help his father up from the floor.

"Of course I forgive you, Father," he said, his voice filled with kindness. "We all make mistakes, and it's important to learn from them and move on."

"What's done is done. I'm just happy to be back home with my family."

The rest of the family joined in, each one apologizing and pleading for Nicholas forgiveness. 

Nicholas listened to his family's heartfelt apologies in silence. 

Finally, he spoke. "I forgive you all. I've always believed that one day you would see the truth and ask for my forgiveness."

"And now, I am ready to take my place as the Lord of this family. I will be your new lord, and I will do everything in my power to protect and care for you all.". 

The family erupted in cheers and tears of joy as they embraced Nicholas. 

They welcomed him back into the fold and made him their new lord and inheritor of the family's wealth. 

It was a day of redemption and reconciliation, one that they would all remember for the rest of their lives.

                             * * * * 

Nicholas was led into the Phoenix courtroom. He couldn't help but feel a sense of nervousness and excitement. 

He had never imagined that one day he would take up the mantle as Lord of the Phoenix family. 

He had changed out of his suit and now he was adorned in an elaborate, purple royal gown that was adorned with gold and precious stones. 

The gown was heavy and restrictive, but he knew it was a necessary part of the ceremony.

He didn't wear his diamond mask because he was now in the Phoenix courtroom.

Only a selected few members of his family were allowed in the courtroom.

Here in the courtroom, cameras and phones are highly prohibited.

As Nicholas walked down the aisle, he saw that on either side of the throne, there were rows of beautiful maids standing at attention. 

They were all dressed in white and black, with their hair neatly styled and their faces carefully made up.

Nicholas heart pounded in his chest as he made his way to the throne. 

His father, stood before him, a proud smile on his face.

"My son," his father said, "today is a momentous day. You are being declared the new lord of our family, and it is with great honor that I pass on the mantle to you." 

As his father spoke, the entire courtroom fell silent. 

Nicholas heart pounded in his chest as he realized the gravity of the situation.

"I am honored and humbled to accept this responsibility," Nicholas replied.

As he spoke, the entire courtroom bowed on one knee before him. 

The maids on either side of the throne bowed their heads in respect, as well as his father. 

Turning to the Phoenix throne, Nicholas sat comfortably on it. He rested his adorned hands on the armrest and looked down at his subjects. 

Three years ago, these very people kicked him out to die of hunger and poverty. 

But now he was their Lord and savior. Stretching out his hand to them, he ordered. 

"Raise your head."

Everyone looked up at his command. Nicholas smiled. He was getting used to this. 

"My son, as the new lord of our family. What shall we call you?" His father asked. 

Nicholas had already thought about that. He liked the idea of using his real name as a cover in the outside world. 

No one must know he's the Phoenix family new Lord. To achieve that, he must change his name. 

Clearing his throat, Nicholas proclaimed. 

"Hear me my subjects.Be sure to remember my name because from now on, you shall no longer call me Nicholas."

He paused to watch their reaction. Everyone waited, their breath held, their eyes and ears earnestly opened. 

Nicholas stood up slowly and spread his arms wide. 

"My name is Lord Dominik Niklaus. You shall call me Niklaus. Does anyone object, let him come forward?"

No one came forward. Instead they were bewildered with awe at his new name. 

They bowed their head and voiced out, "We have heard your name, our savior, our king, our master and ruler. Lord Dominik Niklaus."

Nicholas smiled proudly. "Good. Very good."

"Our powerful Lord Niklaus, tell us your first order and we shall execute it."

Nicholas began. "First order of business, we shall make the whole world know of my greatness. Spread the name of Lord Dominik Niklaus to all mankind."

Nicholas paused for effect then grinned. "Second order, bring me those whom laughed at me and give them fifty lashes each in my presence."

                            * * * *

Nicholas pulled up to the driveway of his in-law's home with his deadbeat scooter. 

He couldn't help but feel a sense of dread wash over him. 

He had received a cryptic message from Kimberly, urging him to return home as soon as possible. 

Nicholas had his suspicion about why he was summoned and his intuition was correct. 

As he walked through the front door, he was greeted by the sight of Kimberly sitting on the couch, surrounded by a mountain of brightly wrapped presents.

A fat man with a smug grin on his face was standing over her, handing her gift after gift.

Nicholas need no prophet to tell him this fat man was George Blackwell. 

"How do you like this, Kim?" George asked, wrapping his fat arm around her shoulder and drawing his face too close to hers. 

Kim didn't like it but she pretended to while she struggled to prise herself free from his bad breath and flappy arm.

Nicholas blood boiled as he watched the scene unfold. 

He couldn't believe that Kimberly would do this to him, that she would accept gifts from another man and openly flaunt their relationship in front of him.

"What the hell is going on here?" Nicholas demanded, his voice shaking with anger.