The Royal Family Tree

Chapter 10 of this series reveals a royal family secret. Will the unscrupulous decisions of his ancestors come back to haunt Liam? Who is the mystery man and does his existence parallel with that clandestine story?

Bastien hands Liam the folder and he anxiously takes it, ready to uncover information about this mystery man. As he opens and starts scanning through the documents, Bastien narrates.

"After using a different source for verification, the first two men checked out the same as the first inquiry we did. However, it's the third one that had a few inconsistencies."

"How so?"

"His portfolio states that he owns a home in Port Sieve in the southern region, which checked out with our second investigation. But since he filled out the application to join the guard and I ran the first check a few months ago, this next bit of information wouldn't have been discovered. It appears that up until a week ago, the home belonged to an elderly gentleman with the same last name. The document clearly bears both signatures, but if I'm not mistaken, he said his father was deceased and had been for several years."

"Hmm… that is interesting. I assume it's all here in your report?"

"Yes. It's the first set of documents. I also took the liberty of obtaining individual phone records in lieu of checking the actual phones. I thought it would be best not to alert him of any further scrutiny."

"Good thinking Bastien. Thank you."

Liam scans through the folder and takes out the section that Bastien flagged, laying the folder on his desk and begins inspecting the first document. It is the phone log of all calls placed from a cell phone and the last entry was a call that ended approximately six minutes before Catherine informed him of the suspected plot. As Liam scans back to the top he sees the name of the man it belongs to, his expression changes from probing to concerned, revealing this may be a possible lead on its own.

"Alexander Walsh…?" Liam stares at the name contemplatively, stirring Catherine's curiosity. "Is he someone you know?" As if in a trance, he responds. "No, I… it's just, it can't be. Can it?"

"What is it Liam?"

"My father's half-brother was a Walsh… I wonder…"

Liam pauses for a moment, meditating a theory then suddenly gets an idea and turns to Bastien.

"Bastien, the court historian keeps a public record of all names regarding descendants of the royal family, and a list of their heirs which are outlined chronologically in a series of manuscripts kept somewhere in the palace library."

"I vaguely remember your father mentioning a half-brother. Are you thinking it's somehow linked to him?"

"There's only one way to be certain, but I'll need those records for verification."

"I'll send one of my men to retrieve it…" He hesitates for a moment. "No, on second thought, maybe I should take care of this myself."

"Thank you Bastien. I would prefer to keep this between us for now."

"Of course. I will return shortly, Your Majesty."

Liam nods and Bastien bows as he exits to retrieve the king's request. Catherine looks on curiously as Liam's expression wavers, indicative of deep thought.

"Liam? What do you think this means exactly?"

"I think…" He hesitates for a moment looking through the other documents and given the situation, he's convinced most of it was forged to keep from raising any questions. Although, why would he go to so much trouble to conceal certain information, but not his identity?

"I don't really want to read too much into this until I can be certain, but if my suspicions are correct there may be a familial connection between this Alexander Walsh and the royal family."

"Are you saying he may be related somehow?"

"Precisely."

"But how?"

"Oh it's quite the story, and if my memory serves me correctly it was a subject of contention for my father and we weren't allowed to speak about it…"

As children Liam and his brother had stumbled upon a diary written by their late grandmother, Josephine. After reading a few pages, curiosity got the best of them. Naturally the boys questioned their father, but Constantine was less than willing to divulge any information and forcefully took the diary, citing that they were too young for any interest of this nature and forbade them from ever speaking of it again.

That only made the two more determined than ever to know the truth, Leo more so than Liam. It was assumed that since the diary had belonged to and was written by his own mother, for sentimental reasons Constantine wouldn't destroy it but rather put it away somewhere safe. That assumption was proven correct when Leo decided to thrown caution to the wind and look for it despite his father's threats. Given his rebellious nature and a need for excitement, he soon located the diary once again, showing it to Liam. Together, they learned a terrible secret about the royal family…"

Liam goes on to explain how his paternal grandfather, Thaddeus, had an illegitimate son from an affair with a lesser noble woman at some point in his marriage to Josephine. During those years it wasn't uncommon for the king to have a mistress… it was expected and accepted, so no one so much as raised an eyebrow when the child was born. Although he did provide monetary support, Thaddeus refused to acknowledge this child as an heir… leaving his un-wed mother in the position for much ridicule and the weight of having to raising him alone. It didn't seem fair that only she should be scorned for the affair, but unfortunately that was just a sign of the times and the king's reputation would remain untarnished.

Her last few years on this earth would be spent as a recluse in her own home because of the decision to bear a child out of wedlock. However, the queen saw it as a brave and unselfish act and despite the affair with her husband, she befriended this woman and her son. After the woman passed away, that left four year old Nathaniel without anyone to care for him and this pained Josephine deeply.

Thaddeus only agreed to bring him into the palace because Josephine insisted. And even though he was the product of an affair, none of that mattered to this selfless queen. To her he was an innocent child who, in spite of his circumstances, deserved to be loved by both a mother and a father. And in some small way she hoped Thaddeus would take on a more permanent role in the boy's life if he were there, but that would prove to be a moot point.

At the time, they had no children and Josephine was more than willing to bring Nathaniel home and raise him as her own. As the queen, one of her duties was tending to the children, and even after her own son was born several years later, she never stopped loving and caring for Nathaniel. He had been bitter even before the arrival of his half-brother, which was mostly aimed at his father, but that resentment only grew as Thaddeus continued to ignore him. Josephine never understood why he couldn't embrace his eldest son and when questioned, she quickly learned it was not a subject he was willing to discuss.

Due to the lack of validation to his birthright, Thaddeus would name Constantine as the rightful heir to the throne, the Crown Prince of Cordonia. A title that, as is the tradition, should have gone to the first born. This was the main source of contention for young Nathaniel and because of his father's outright refusal to legitimize him, he was forced to keep his mother's surname, which was Walsh. Although he had a great deal of respect for Josephine, he couldn't bring himself to accept her motherly affections. It wasn't until much later that he would allow himself to appreciate and return the unconditional love she had bestowed upon him. Even if she wasn't blood kin, she was the only person in his life that didn't act indifferent toward him.

Nathaniel and his half-brother were quite close growing up, but when Thaddeus began introducing Constantine at court, things began to change dramatically for the family. There were arguments and physical altercations between the two brothers until it became so bad that one day, Josephine finally had a nervous breakdown. It was so bad in fact, that it landed her in the hospital for several weeks. When she finally came home, things had improved somewhat between the three men, but by then the bonds had been broken long before that and there was no possibility of repair.

By the time Thaddeus passed away, Constantine had already ascended the throne and taken a wife to be his queen. That's when things became the most unbearable for Nathaniel, but he bided his time until he could break free from the prison of his own life and the people who caused it. The jealousy was tremendous on his part, and the only reason he delayed leaving was because of his step-mother. She had been battling her own health issues for quite some time and due to Constantine's duties to the crown, Nathaniel felt it was his responsibility to see that her needs were met and a part of him just wanted to repay her unwavering kindness.

"It was told that after my grandmother's funeral, Nathaniel departed the palace never to be seen or heard from again."

"Wow. That is quite the story."

"I've never completely understood why he chose my father as his successor instead of Nathaniel, but one thing is clear. My grandfather would take that answer to his grave."

"So do you think Alexander might be Nathaniel's son?"

"It's a very likely possibility."

A few minutes later, Bastien knocks and enters with the manuscript in hand.

"I'm sorry it took so long, Your Majesty. But during the renovations to the library last year they must have relocated some of the sections. It took a little extra time to locate."

"You found it and that's what matters. Thank you Bastien."

Liam takes the massive leather bound book from Bastien and lays it open on top of his desk. As he searches for the period in question, Catherine stands next to him and her eyes scan each page as Liam turns them. Once he finds the right section, Liam traces his finger down the list until he reaches the entry, tapping his finger on the name.

"Just as I suspected."

"Is it…?"

"Yes. Nathaniel Edward Walsh and Mary Elizabeth Brighton-Walsh who begat… Alexander Benjamin Walsh!"

After Liam fills Bastien in on everything he had told Catherine, they devise a plan to confront Alexander with what they know and hopefully learn what his plans are. Once all the details are thoroughly assessed and pending an impromptu meeting with Alexander, Liam and Catherine head to the dining room for lunch while Bastien goes about the business of setting things in motion. As they walk in and take a seat, Catherine gets a whimsical expression and turns to Liam.

"You know, I've been wondering about something."

"What's that love?"

"This may sound a little weird, but does Bastien ever eat or sleep?"

Liam chuckles.

"Of course he does, but what made you think of that?"

"I don't know… I mean, he's always there, both day and night. When does he take care of the basics?"

"Like eating and sleeping?"

"Yeah… It's like he's a machine, or something similar to one. I've never seen him take one bite of food and he never looks disheveled. If I had to react spur-of-the-moment like he does, you'd definitely know that I'd been asleep if a problem arose in the middle of the night."

"Oh? And how would you arrive to an impromptu meeting with the king in the middle of the night?"

Liam raises an eyebrow, thoroughly engaged in hearing her answer.

"I guarantee that my hair would be a mess, and I'd be wearing two different shoes… and maybe still buttoning my shirt, which would probably be buttoned unevenly, but not Bastien. He always looks like he's walked straight out of a magazine."

"I find it hard to believe that you could ever 'show up' looking anything less than beautiful my love."

Catherine smiles.

"While that is very sweet of you to say my king, you may be in for a surprise."

"I look forward to many surprises with you, my queen."

He leans over and kisses her tenderly on the cheek and then smiles playfully.

"Although, I'm sure Bastien would find it quite amusing that you think he's a robot."

"Liam…"

This time, Liam laughs heartily after seeing Catherine's expression and she can't help but laugh too when she realizes the whole conversation sounds a bit silly.

"I guess it was a ridiculous question."

"No, but if it makes you feel any better, Bastien is usually served meals in the security office and as for his sleep habits I'm afraid you'll have to ask him, but I assure you he has arrived a few times still adjusting his clothes."

"Well, it's good to know he's human at least."

After they finish lunch, it's time to go and prepare to meet with Alexander. They had all agreed it would be best to run this interrogation within the walls of the security office. Not only would there be guards available if anything went awry, but to also decrease the chances that Alexander would suspect something was amiss and try to flee. The only thing Catherine was asked to do was nod once Alexander started to speak, indicating his was indeed the voice she had heard and then excuse herself to allow the men to handle the interrogation.

"Are you ready love?"

"As I'll ever be."

For safety reasons, Liam enters first followed by Catherine. Bastien is sitting at his desk and Alexander is in a chair in front of it. As soon as he sees Liam, he immediately stands at attention and bows low in the manner that all guards are required to in the presence of the king. Bastien does the same.

"Your Majesty."

"Good afternoon Bastien. I hope we're not interrupting."

"Of course not. It's always a pleasure." He nods to Catherine. "And Lady Catherine."

Catherine smiles and greets them cordially as Bastien turns back to Liam.

"Is there something I can do for you, Your Majesty?"

"Yes. I was hoping to see an itinerary for the upcoming engagement tour. Catherine and I were hoping to find some time to visit a few sites."

"It's not complete, but I could have it delivered to your office this evening."

"That would be appreciated. Thank you Bastien."

Liam turns to exit and then looks toward Alexander.

"I don't believe we've met. You must be a recent addition to the King's Guard."

"You would be correct."

Bastien clears his throat and looks at Alexander questioningly and then realizes what his boss is trying to convey. He promptly repeats what he just said, but with respect this time.

"Oh right! You would be correct, Your Majesty."

Bastien nods his approval and then proceeds to make the introduction.

"Your Majesty, I know we are meeting with all three later this afternoon, but this is Alexander Walsh and he will be assigned to monitor guests coming and going during the events of the engagement tour."

"Mr. Walsh. Good to have you aboard. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. It's good to be here but please, call me Alex."

While Liam and Alex continue the introductions and pleasantries, Bastien looks nonchalantly at Catherine who nods indicating that is the voice she'd heard. He waits for Liam and Alex to finish and then gestures to a roundtable near the window.

"Your Majesty, if you have further questions for Alex, maybe we could all sit. It would be much more comfortable than standing in front of my desk."

"I have a few minutes. Alex? Would that be alright with you."

He can't very well say no to the king, his bosses boss. He reluctantly agrees as they all meander toward the table where Bastien purposely motions for Alex to sit in the chair farthest from the door. Both he and Liam take the chairs next to him as a way of 'blocking' him in, but of course Liam would never sit before holding out his beloved's chair first. Catherine cites that she has a prior obligation and excuses herself.

Once all three men are seated, Alex seems a bit nervous at first. He knows this is not the traditional meet and greet but he decides to see where it leads. With the casual atmosphere it doesn't take long for him to relax and engage in the open conversation taking place between Liam and Bastien over some trivial matters. That was the exact reason Bastien had suggested it in the first place. A round table is circumstantial to its purpose, but very effective in creating the illusion that no one is superior to another and allows a more neutral setting that helps build trust.

"Tell me Alex, what encouraged you to pursue a position in the King's Guard?"

He goes through this whole spiel about how it was his father's dying wish that he do something meaningful with his life, and because he was so fascinated with the royal family, Alex decided to carry out this task as a tribute to his father. He would learn everything there was to know about the skills needed in the hopes of one day becoming a member of the King's Guard. They both knew it was a blatant lie but of course reacted otherwise. Liam proceeds with another question.

"What do you hope to gain from serving the crown?"

"What do you mean, Your Majesty?"

"It has already been established that this was your father's dying wish, but taking that out of the equation, what path would you have chosen for yourself?"

He explains that while it was true that in the beginning his interest was solely due to his father's urging, but it quickly became a goal of his own. Mostly because he was able to master many of the required skills which gave him a sense of self-worth and purpose. Liam and Bastien glance at each other almost as if this statement may hold some sort of truth. Appearing satisfied with his answer, Liam then asks if Alex has any questions or concerns, he would like to discuss.

"I do have a few, Your Majesty. Are you sure it's alright?"

"Of course. I wouldn't have asked otherwise."

"I'm honored that you would take the time to meet with me individually, but isn't that a little, unorthodox?"

"Perhaps, but my vision is to create a channel of open communication between staff and myself in the hopes that we can build trust and loyalty to one another. Does this make you uncomfortable?"

"I'm not sure. Should it?"

Bastien can see Alex becoming anxious, and he chimes in to add clarity to the subject.

"Alex, the king hopes to break down a few barrier's we have faced in the past as security to our leaders. I've seen many changes over the years and while not all of them have been… pleasant, this is one that will most definitely make my job easier. And as a member of the guard under my direction, you are expected to adhere to the policies set forth by the reigning monarch."

"Of course. I suppose that by having somewhat of a personal connection to the ones we are protecting, it does make it less difficult to justify having to risk our own lives."

"While I hope you never have the need to risk your life for the sake of the crown, I do appreciate your honesty Alex. That is exactly what I intended to accomplish."

"Oh, well… Thank you, Your Majesty."

Liam casually changes the direction of conversation to the history of the royal family, a topic which opens the door to many facets surrounding the processes within palace walls… facts that the public have never been privy to. The hope is to gain his trust while stimulating Alex's curiosity, and assuming he would take the bait, they could finally get to the reason for this 'meeting' in the first place. The assumption was proven correct.

"I'm curious. What was going through your mind when you found out that you would be ascending the throne instead of your older brother? I mean, isn't it a custom that the eldest be given that responsibility? I just wonder if you knew already or were you blindsided like… I mean, what prompted your father to make that change to tradition?"

Annoyed by Alex's seemingly lack of respect, Bastien politely cautions him.

"Alex, I realize this is an informal gathering, but need I remind you to whom you are addressing?"

"I'm terribly sorry if it was interpreted as disrespect. I assure you it wasn't meant to be. I just thought that since we were talking openly, I would ask the question I have been wanting an answer to for most of my life."

Bastien's expression becomes perplexed.

"Wait. You've wanted to ask this question for most of your life? But King Liam only ascended the throne days ago. How did… Alex, is there something I'm missing here?"

Alex shifts uneasily in his seat and adjusts his collar nervously and doesn't make eye contact with either of them. Internally, he is cursing himself for allowing this information to escape his mouth so freely, knowing there is no way to explain his way out of it now. Liam notices the conflict working in Alex's mind and doesn't wait for him to respond to Bastien's statement, instead he decides it's time for the real question to be asked.

"Alex, you mentioned earlier that it was because of your father's dying wish that you wanted to become a member of the King's Guard."

"Y-yes. That is correct."

"When did your father pass away?"

"It was several years ago, but I don't see what that has to do with anything."

Liam looks to Bastien who stand and walks to his desk. Liam turns back to Alex.

"Tell me Alex, how is that possible?"

"Wh–what do you mean?"

In response to that question, Bastien hands Alex a piece of paper with information he had uncovered earlier that day. Alex looks confused at first, but his expression becomes both shocked and angry when he scans over it. It is a transfer of ownership regarding his father's property that was signed by both Alex and his father just a week ago. Alex looks up from the paper and glares between Liam and Bastien, trying to figure out how the hell they got their hands on this document because it was a sealed transaction and was not to be made public. Bastien proceeds to explain the situation.

"We know everything Alex and it would be in your best interest to cooperate by explaining what this is all about."

"If you know everything, then what more could I add?!"

"You could start by telling us the truth about why you're here… and maybe to give you an opportunity to defend yourself before I have you locked up for falsifying information in order to gain access to the royal family… which if you didn't know, is considered treason."

A look of fear on Alex's expression slowly turns to anger as the paper he is holding crumples in his hands. Before Alex can respond, Liam interjects.

"Alex, I would like to understand that maybe this was somehow your way of vindicating Nathaniel of the fact that his birthright was ignored, but we both know this is not our battle to contest. That war started long before you and I were even born."

Alex looks at Liam, his sincerity is overwhelming, and the anger he felt before slowly subsides as the redeeming nature of those words hits him like a ton of bricks. The truth is, he had let his own father's anger control his life and for what? He would never be able to gain back what his father had lost, and Liam is right… it's not his battle to fight in the first place.

After hours of conversation about the past and working through their own differences, it is agreed by both Liam and Bastien that there will be no formal charges brought against Alex. Aside from the fact that he falsified information on his application, he hadn't really done anything wrong and his willingness to set things right, was a bonus in his favor.

It is decided however, that he would immediately withdraw as an official member of the King's Guard. Alex reluctantly agrees but requests to stay on as Bastien's protégé. He wouldn't be allowed to act in any official palace business but could assist in certain situations at the king's discretion. Bastien agrees but warns, that until he is convinced that his intentions are honorable, Alex will remain on radar.

"I expect no less sir. Thank you for giving me a chance and I promise I won't let you down."

"See that you don't, young man."

Relief fills the room as they each sigh in their own satisfied way during a moment of silence and Alex turns to Liam.

"It appears that I may have misjudged you… I can only offer my sincerest apologies for causing this trouble, Your Majesty."

"Please, call me Liam… We are family after all."