Author's note: Hey guys, I'm thrilled to see how many people have already read this story. I know it's not exactly a mainstream White Collar fan fiction story, but I hope you all are still enjoying it. I've read a lot of fan fiction that incorporate Neal's past and I wanted to make one that's different from all the rest. Also if you enjoy this story, I recommend you read my story The Long Lost Son, a West Wing fan fiction. Thanks and enjoy
Disclaimer: I don't own White Collar, but I do own the characters I made up in this story, including Queen Mary
Chapter 2
Neal was finally able to bring himself, after a couple minutes, to look up. He found Peter with his mouth open, clearly lost for words. Oma had tears in her eyes and a seemingly horrified understanding and The Prince seemed to be alternating between horror, guilt, and anger.
The creak of a door caused everyone in the room to jump. "What's going on?" asked a tall man, who looked like a younger version of Prince Edward.
"John—"
"Chips(Dutch slang)… de jongen lijkt veel jou en Sarah… Edward zeg me dit is niet wat het lijkt (the boy looks a lot like you and Sarah…Edward tell me this isn't what it looks like)."
"Het is wat het lijkt (it's what it looks like)," whispered Neal, as he once again found himself looking down at the floor, unable to meet anyone's eyes.
Peter looked ready to hit someone. Where on earth was his Dutch translator?
"Well, I suppose the crown hasn't had a scandal in a while. Since you're divorce it's been to quiet," Prince John said with a smile. "What's my new nephew's name then?"
Neal found himself smiling; there was something about this man that he liked, maybe it was the cocky smile or the sarcasm. "I'm, well, I go by Neal, but it used to be Nicholas."
Prince John smiled, "well I can't wait to hear you're story. You should know Neal/Nicky, I'm the fun uncle. I'm sure you're looking forward to meeting the ever-serious Uncle Christian; thank god for Elizabeth, otherwise I think I probably would have killed him by now."
"Yes, I imagine his first words wont be a comment on the crown's lack of scandal."
"Enough," The Queen did not look to be in a joking mood. "Nicholas, I…I'm very sorry about what happened to you're mother. I feel responsible…I never saw the signs…I didn't realize…I understand now Nicholas. However, I've spent too long mourning the past, but I think it's time to look to the future now."
"Future?" Neal asked nervously.
"Yes, I'm sure the next few weeks with be quite interesting for the family. I'm sure the news of a newfound heir will keep the papers busy for months," Prince John smiled and his eyes shone wickedly. "I'm sure this will completely eclipse the papers story about that unfortunate event last week."
"You mean the event where you insulted the Queen of Finland?" Edward asked.
"Yes, I slip of the tongue really, but really I believe it could have been worse. You know I could have insulted the Queen of England."
"John enough. You may be right, I'm sure the public will be quite interested in this for a while, but—"
"So…what happens to me know?" Neal asked, fearing the answer. He knew it was wrong, but he didn't want to go live in Denmark, he liked his life in New York playing the part of art consultant for Peter. He had never felt so at home as he did by Peter's side solving cases.
"We'll have to do a DNA test to confirm—" Edward started.
"But with you're dad's unfortunate mug that's really just a formality," Prince John interrupted.
"Really, unfortunate is it? So that's why I was voted most eligible bachelor and sexist man alive twice. I should have realized," Prince John huffed, looking irritated.
"Yes, well, I'm sure being the heir to a throne didn't hurt. Neal your just lucky you got your mother's hair and eyes, Eddie over there's already balding," Edward gave his brother a furious glare, but Neal couldn't help laughing. The Queen just shook her head sadly, clearly wondering why god was punishing her.
Queen Mary sighed, "and you wonder why I wanted daughters. Though John is right, Neal you do have you're father's face. After the DNA tests, we will release a statement to the public and then we will return to Denmark."
"Um, sorry to interrupt, but what about you're missing painting?" Peter asked.
An expression of sadness engulfed The Queen's face, "a portrait of my late father. I still don't understand why someone would steal it. I hope you will stay on the case Agent Burke. Will you keep me up to date with the investigation? The painting means a great deal to me."
"Of course, you're highness."
"Thank you, Agent Burke."
As the adults around Neal talked, Neal unable to accept he was going to be shipped of to Denmark. "Don't I get a say."
"What?" asked Edward, confused.
"What if I don't want to go to Denmark. I…I like New York. I have friends and…and I grew up here."
Edward looked taken aback, but then nodded in understanding. "I'm sorry Neal, I know you don't want to leave, but you're fifteen years old and weather you like it or not my heir. We are you're family and weather you like it or not, it's time you come home."
Neal looked over at Peter, then caught a glance of central park from a nearby window, realizing with and growing sadness that soon he would be leaving the city that never sleeps. Soon he would be leaving Peter and…and Mozzie. He had to fight back tears. He felt like he had just driven into the eye of a storm and he was being sucked up into its roaring winds. Twenty minutes ago, he had been an FBI consultant, now he didn't know what he was. He didn't know what was going to happen to him and the uncertainty that was engulfing him now scared him more than anything else.
