Eleanor sat in bed staring at the TV which was playing one of those annoying reality TV shows. She had been too tired to get up and try to find the remote and she knew, anyway, that her siblings would be arriving soon. They just needed to pick up the DNA results and then they'd be coming straight to the hospital.

They had explained everything to Eleanor shortly after she'd woken up. Jasper was innocent. Lizzie's childhood had been a mess and had turned her into a nervous wreck who was desperately afraid of Cyrus and mistrustful of strangers- Eleanor could empathise with that, after all she herself had trust issues.

She understood why Lizzie did it, and could easily forgive her. Len wanted nothing more than to protect her sister. She saw how the guilt was eating her up, and Len was afraid. She knew that Lizzie felt like she had no right to belong at the palace. The last thing Eleanor wanted was for Lizzie to run- to go back there- because she felt that she deserved to suffer.

That's why Len had ordered Jasper to not leave Lizzie's side. Because Len knew that her little sister was too much like her for her own good. Because Len knew that if it were, she'd probably run away too.

Eleanor looked up and noticed James standing by the door, a little blonde haired girl standing next to him holding a purple balloon and a present wrapped in purple paper with little teddy bears on it.

"Go on," James encouraged the little girl.

Sara looked up at him again, asking for reassurance but then walked slowly towards Eleanor's bed. Her eyes were wide with nervousness and Len couldn't help but wonder what the little girl was thinking. She thought back to her own childhood and imagined what it must be like for her. Most girls thought of Disney when they imagined princesses. It was thoroughly unrealistic of course, the Disney princess were icons of perfection. There was no way that Cinderella could ever down a whole bottle of whiskey, or ever would.

"Hi," Eleanor said with a smile, fighting through her tiredness to try to be as enthusiastic as possible.

Sara smiled shyly before looking back at her uncle/Dad.

James rolled his eyes, "You wouldn't shut up in car this morning. There's no need to be shy, it's just Len."

"But Daddy," Sara protested, "Len's a princess."

Eleanor smiled, "Yes, I am, but I'm just like everyone really."

"Really?" Sara asked.

"Yeah, she really is," James answered earning an eye roll from Eleanor.

"We thought you'd want a get well soon present," Sara said, holding out the present, "Daddy wrapped it, that's why there's so much cello-tape."

Eleanor grinned, Sara was right, the present seemed to be smothered in it, "Thank you."

"It's ok," Sara answered, "Do you really live in a castle?"

Eleanor nodded, "We call it the palace, but it really is just a very big castle. Have you ever been to the palace?"

Sara frowned then shook her head, "I don't think so, maybe when I was a baby. I was supposed to, but then Daddy couldn't take me, because of work stuff, I don't know. I stayed at my friend Jessica's instead, she's got a massive swimming pool and her mummy never has a problem with us eating chocolate before tea."

James shook his head, clearly he'd been undermined.

"Well you absolutely have to visit the palace," Eleanor answered, "When I'm better I'll give you a guided tour, I promise."

Sara smiled exuberantly.

"Jasper said they'll be back in fifteen minutes," James told Len.

"Jasper's your boyfriend," Sara said, "Isn't he?"

"Well, it's,um," Eleanor said, "It's complicated."

Sara frowned, "Does he love you?"

Eleanor nodded, "Yes."

"And you love him?"

Eleanor nodded again, "Yes, I do."

"Then he is your boyfriend!" Sara exclaimed.

"Sara, I think we should let Leni rest," James said.

Sara ignored him, "When are you getting married to Jasper?"

Eleanor was shocked by the question, "Erm, I don't know."

"But you are getting married, right?" Sara asked, "Please, please, please can I be the bridesmaid at your wedding."

"Sara, enough," James said, trying and failing to be stern.

Sara sulked.

"When I get married you can be my bridesmaid," Eleanor promised. After all, apart from Lizzie of course, the only other options were her daft cousins who would be off sleeping with the altar boys, or Liam's girlfriend, whoever she happened to be. Jasper hadn't mentioned any brothers or sisters and it didn't look like Ophelia was going to come back to the palace any time soon. And Eleanor suspected she'd be seeing a lot more of Sara now.

Sara cheered.

Eleanor heard a laugh from the doorway and spotted Jasper standing there grinning. He wasn't wearing his usual suit, which Eleanor had to admit disappointed her a little, but he was holding a large bouquet of flowers- white lilies, her favourite. Liam must have told him.

"That was a quick fifteen minutes," Eleanor said.

Jasper smiled, "I hate English GPS. They never tell you the truth."

Eleanor shook her head.

"Or maybe I just couldn't wait to see you," Jasper said.

Eleanor blushed, "That sounds better. This is Sara, James's daughter."

Sara looked up at Jasper who towered over her and smiled. Jasper smiled back. He seemed to be a natural around kids, Eleanor noted, whereas she struggled to know what to say and felt awkward, Jasper just knew how to do everything right.

"So this is the famous Sara?" Jasper said, "Your daddy has told us so much about you. You like horses don't you?"

Sara nodded.

"Did you know that Len has a horse called Charlie Jones?" Jasper asked.

Sara shook her head, her eyes wide with excitement.

Len was confused, she didn't know how Jasper knew about Charlie Jones. It had never come up in conversation.

"Well you'll have to meet him some day," Jasper said, "I'm sure he'd like to meet you."

Sara grinned, "I'd love that. Will he be coming to the wedding too?"

Jasper gave Eleanor an inquisitive look.

"I guess so," Eleanor answered.

Jasper just kept on staring at her, making Eleanor feel more and more awkward.

Sara smiled, "That's so cool."

James rolled his eyes, "Come on, you, I said you'd only be able to chat for a few minutes. You're going to be late for school."

Sara sulked, "But I was to stay with the Prince and Princess."

"You could always come over for dinner," Eleanor offered, "I'll be back at the palace later today."

"Daddy, can I, please?" Sara nagged James.

James sighed, "Yes, fine, but only if you go to school now."

Sara nodded, "Ok, bye, Princess Leni. Bye, Prince Jasper."

Eleanor waved to her before Sara darted out of the room.

"Prince Jasper, huh?" Jasper said, "I like the sound of that. So when are we getting married princess?"

James rolled his eyes, "If this is what passes for romance these days then I'm glad to be the eternal bachelor."

Eleanor rolled her eyes, "Maybe we should try engaged first."

"Really?" Jasper asked, "Yeah, I could do that. Are you cool with that?"

"I don't see why I wouldn't be," Eleanor replied with a grin, "In fact…"

Eleanor rummaged around on her bed side table and pulled out a bag of Haribos, "I think we're completely prepared for this moment."

"Jesus, Len," James said shaking his head, "Are you two really going to get engaged right this moment? In a hospital? With haribo rings?"

Eleanor nodded, "Yes, Mr Fox."

"Yes," Jasper agreed, "I mean it's not like Len and I's relationship has ever gone along conventional lines. I don't think we have any reason to start being normal now."

Eleanor grinned, she couldn't even begin to tell Jasper just how happy she was. In fact, despite this being totally spontaneous and a little crazy, it felt just right to her, and she knew Jasper felt the same way.

Jasper took the bag of Haribos and pulled out a red ring. He knelt next to her bed.

"Eleanor," he said, holding out the ring, "Will you marry me?"

"Of course, I will," Eleanor said, taking the ring and kissing him.

There was a chorus of applause and laughter coming from the doorway.

Liam was grinning and Lizzie looked merry.

Queen Helena just shook her head in happy disbelief at the whole scene. She was going to remind Eleanor of this day, constantly tease her about it, because Eleanor had tease her about the pebble engagement ring idea, but that was nowhere as ridiculous as Haribo rings.

Robert walked over to Eleanor and hugged her, "Well, I didn't see that coming, then again I should have. Congrats, anyway, Len. Let's hope we have good news."

He passed her an envelope.

Len knew what was inside- the test results.

"Are you sure you want me to open this?" Len asked.

"You were closest to Dad," Liam answered, "It's the right thing to do."

Eleanor was just about to open the envelope when there was a loud noise that came from the TV.

"We have been asked to interrupt this programme to report so breaking news. King Cyrus had abdicated. Earlier this morning he went to the Houses of Parliament to announce his abdication to the deputy prime minister.

Whilst there he also made an announcement to the press."

The Henstridges all shared a shocked look as the news reel cut to Cyrus standing outside the Houses of Parliament looking miserable and broken. It was the first time he'd ever looked at all vulnerable in public.

"I have always wanted to defend my late brother's honour and memory," Cyrus began, "That is why I lied about Prince Liam and Princess Eleanor being illegitimate. I worried that they wouldn't take up his mantle in a way that would honour him. It was wrong to lie and I have paid a terrible price.

Earlier today, I discovered that I was in fact the illegitimate one. And as such I am now abdicating and passing over the role of King to Robert, my nephew. Long live the King!"

"Jesus Christ!" Helena exclaimed, "How much cocaine did he take?"

"No, he's not high," Eleanor answered, "He's telling the truth. Listen to this:

'Dear Royal Highnesses,

I write to inform you of the results of the recent Y-DNA tests.

I also write to inform you that during the process of the tests being analysed, DNA from the late King Simon was sent to our laboratories by King Cyrus.

We can confirm that King Simon and King Cyrus DO NOT share the same Y-DNA however, King Simon, Prince Robert and Prince Liam DO, making them his legal heirs by blood.

We will of course be more than happy to carry out the blood testing for Princess Eleanor and Princess Elizabeth whenever this is convenient for you.'"

"So I'm going to be king," Robert pondered in shock.

Liam nodded, "Yes, it's what we all wanted. I'm glad that this has all worked out so well."

"I don't understand," Lizzie said confused, "Why would Cyrus just give up Simon's DNA like that? He could have lied and just stayed King?"

"Yes, I could have," a familiar voice said coming from the door, "But I'm not a heartless bastard and I actually like Robert, a lot. Liam on the other hand, I'm sorry to say, isn't exactly my favourite person in the world.

I always had my doubts about my parentage, Simon was so much more like them than I ever was. I am a dying man, my reign would soon be over anyway. The very least I can do is make sure the throne goes to someone who deserves it."

Robert stood up from where he was sitting on the edge of Leni's bed, "I'll make you proud, uncle. I swear it."

"Make them proud," Cyrus gestured towards the people on the TV, the crowds gathered outside of the palace, "Make them proud. And your father too."

BREAK_BREAK_BREAK_BREAK

Robert had been rushed back to the palace as soon as the news was viral.

It was a few hours later and Eleanor was still buzzing from the events of the morning- first the improptu engagement and then the DNA results. She knew she should be planning the fashion show, but she also knew it would have to go on hold until after the coronation. There was nothing she could do right away, so after packing away the few items of clothes and magazines that Jasper had brought over for her, and changing into her going home outfit, there wasn't much to do.

At least Lizzie had stayed. Eleanor knew the media frenzy would be too much for her and had insisted on her staying. They had watched one of Lizzie's favourite movies. Eleanor had opened Sara and James's present to find that it was a large box of chocolates and she had already eaten a fair few. Now Eleanor waited for the phone call to tell her that they'd their ride had arrived.

Lizzie appeared in the doorway wearing a sky blue dress. It was beautiful on her. It had a high collar but was sleeveless and was pulled in around the waist and had a billowing skirt that fell down to her knees. Eleanor wished that the dress would fit her, but she knew that at five foot nine it would be far too short on her.

Eleanor noticed how uncertain Lizzie looked and remember that she hadn't seen Lizzie in anything other than a jeans and t-shirt. Whilst Eleanor was exceptionally girly and often wore dresses and skirts, she got the impression that dresses were something that made Lizzie feel uncomfortable and that make-up was a foreign entity all together.

"You look amazing!" Eleanor exclaimed.

Lizzie bit her lip, "I don't feel amazing. This is too much."

"No," Eleanor gestured at her skin tight outfit. It was a navy blue dress that showed off her curves, she wore it because she knew Jasper would love it, but she was pretty sure that it was far too racy for this occasion, "What I'm wearing is 'too much'. You're going to make everyone proud, you know. You're just as proper as Robert. Now come on, let's sort out your hair and make-up."

Lizzie smiled, "It feels so strange. That we're princesses but at the same time we're so normal. Well I don't mean normal, but, it seems strange that one minute we're talking about leading the country and the next we're having makeover days and inviting our friends over for pizza nights."

Eleanor nodded, "It's still early days, Lizzie, you'll get used to it eventually."

Lizzie smiled, "I hope so."

Eleanor pulled out her hair curlers, and plugged them in, waiting for them to warm up.

"I can't wait to meet this Toby guy," Eleanor admitted, "I hope he's a nice guy, because otherwise I'm going to have to beat him up."

Lizzie laughed, "He is really. Once I told him everything, cleared up the whole mess and managed to get him out of Domino his views changed a lot. He just sees us as one happy yet dysfunctional family. I think he's just happy that I've found my real family now."

Eleanor grinned, "I'm happy too."

"Len?" Lizzie asked, "Don't kill me for asking. But the engagement. It was a bit sudden. You're not- you know…"

"What? No!" Eleanor yelled at first, but then she thought about it. There was something off about the whole detox thing. She knew detoxing was hard, but she'd never expected it to be that hard. She'd felt exhausted all of the time and queasy a fair bit too, although she'd brushed that off. Jasper and her weren't exactly the most responsible or careful people on the planet.

It was possible.

It scared the shit out of her. She knew that alcohol and drugs were bad for a developing baby, and that methadone could have nasty side effects too.

As unlikely as it was, she had to find out, and find out sooner rather than later.

"You don't know, do you?" Lizzie answered.

Eleanor shook her head.

No, she didn't, but she knew that she absolutely had to find out for sure.