Disclaimer: I own no rights to The Royals (Disclaimer relevant to the whole story)

THE ROYALS

SEASON 5,

EPISODE ONE: My Instinct Tells Me I Should Walk This Path Alone.

Kathryn looked towards the man in the car beside her. She vaguely recognised him but could not place his name or face. All she knew was that she did not feel safe. She knew Liam would have told her if someone else was due to join her. This felt wrong.

"Drive" he commanded, and the car began to pull off. She tried the handle of the door, but it was locked. She knew there was n override somewhere, there had to be. But it was too late. The car was now going so fast that if she was able to get the door open, she would not risk jumping from the vehicle. Maybe if it was just her, but pregnant. Not whilst she had Liam's baby inside her.

She pushed her back into the seat, slumping into the corner of the car, trying to put as much distance between her and the man beside her. He looked forward, supporting a straight, strong poker face. She wondered how long it had taken him to perfect that.

"Who are you?" She asked, trying her best to keep her voice steady, but she failed. Her voice faltering, as she felt her body heat as panic began to set in. Her body was shaking. She was struggling to control her breathing. The man looked straight ahead and did not even bat an eye at her question. It unsettled her.

"Where are you taking me?" she asked, this time a little more forceful, or perhaps the fear was a little more prominent now. She glanced out of the window; she did not even recognise where they were anymore. She knew London well, amazed that she unable to identify even any landmarks to hint at where she was.

The man turned to face her, his face was still strong, intimidating, but old. Clearly worn with age and a stressful job. She wondered what he had done, or what he did now.

"Miss Davies, please relax" he began, his voice was so soft, so gentle she almost fell into a belief that it was safe. "I am under strict instructions not to harm you, but to look after you"

"Then take me home" she responded, trying to sound forceful, but hearing the pleading tone in her voice

"I cannot do that, Miss Davies. I am afraid, you are not permitted to see Prince Liam anymore, not can you be around any other member of that family" he explained. His gaze soft, his voice gentle. She hated how calming it was.

"Why?" she breathed. "What's going on? What's happening?" The man took a deep breath but did not reply straight away. He was thinking about his answer, reluctant to say anything too quickly. She was patient.

"Because King Robert needs to have support around him, and those who do not support him will be punished. He wanted to keep you safe" the man explained. He turned his head back towards the front of the car, and Kathryn knew she was not going to get any more out of him. She placed her hand on her stomach, rubbing her small bump lovingly.

"Please" she started, he turned his head back to her. "You know my name, at least let me know yours" she asked. He paused for a moment, again, contemplating his answer.

"Lucius" he replied curtly, before turning his head back once again. She knew that was the most she would get. She had already pushed her luck, and if he was her kidnapper, she did not want to push her luck. She looked out the window trying to work out where she was.


Robert held Willows hand as they walked out of Westminster Abbey. The crowds cheered as they walked through, a thousand people throwing petals and confetti over them as they passed through. Willow kept her beaming smile on her face, she did enjoy this side of it, Len was right. The best part of being a royal was seeing the look on people's faces, so happy, so thrilled to see them. To talk to them. To get to live the rest of their lives saying that they threw confetti over King Robert and Queen Wilhelmina!

They proceeded to the car, where Robert held the door open for her. She smiled, thanking him, seeing him smile back with such love and devotion in his eye, she knew she had made the right decision.

He got in beside her, and the car began to drive off slowly. Willow let herself bask in the glory of the moment, waving at the people standing by to watch, admire, and witness the rare moment. This event had not occurred since King Simon and Queen Helena wed and will not occur again until her and Roberts first child wed.

"Well. I think that went well; all things considered. I wondered for a moment if you would betray me" Robert said coldly once they were out of the crowds. The glory of the moment wore off, the joy of being worshipped by her people faded from her, and she remembered his cruel words to her.

The cold wind of his threat, his blackmail, his heeded warnings rushed back to her. The smile slipped off her slips, and her anger returned. She was warned that it was easy to forget who you were behind the fame of being Royalty, she was determined not to let Robert's faults be forgotten.

"Well. That was a glorified shotgun wedding" she responded, feeling the malice in her voice come out. Robert turned to look at her sharply.

"Now then. That tone is unbecoming of a Queen. Did you not enjoy today? The looks of admiration and devotion?" Robert asked. Willow paused for a moment; she did enjoy it. But it was not worth it. She knew why she had gone through with the wedding; Robert knew too. "You do not get a say anymore, Wilhelmina. You will say your 'Pleases'' and 'Thank You's', but you do not get an opinion anymore. That means no more talking to the press. No more commenting on anything, from wine, to event details to someone's clothes. You stand by my side, shake hands, smile, and wait for instruction"

"And what if I do not agree to that?" she asked, coldly. He chuckled darkly at her.

"Well, it's a little late for that now don't you think?" He asked. "You know why you're here. I have told you your place. Now, silence. Smile, or I will have you removed from the public eye and have your lips stapled shut" Robert said.

Willow remained silent at his threat, looking out the window as they drove up towards the palace. Willow realising then that she had made a huge mistake.


The echo of feet bounced through the walls, as Cyrus hurried down the stairs. She had stopped. She was running away, but she was stopped on the path. He had for a moment, to make sure it was really her. He had been tricked before. It was!

His feet hit the sandstone path below the stairs, and he ran up the slabs. The fastest he had run since he could remember. He reached her, stopping a foot away from her, and tracing his hand over her arm. Wanting to make sure she was real. Scared if he blinked, she would disappear, like she did in every dream he had about her since she had disappeared.

She looked up at him, a tear in her eye. He lowered his lips to hers and captured her lips in his, pressing softly against her wanting to pull her closer. But he feared pushing her away. This was the most real his dreams had felt. He never wanted to wake up.

She pulled back, his heart fluttered. He knew if it was a dream, she would never be the one to pull away.

"Cyrus" she whispered to him smiling. She placed one hand on each side of his face and leant in to kiss him again. He kissed her back. Savouring her touch. Needing as much as he could get. He could kiss her forever, but right now, he needed to know that she was not going to run off again.

"Where have you been?" he asked, beaming as he looked at her. She looked down, almost scared to meet his gaze.

"I don't know. I can barely remember what happened" she whispered, looking up to meet his gaze. "I was driving, and this car came up behind me, it pushed me off the road. I" she stopped, pausing to take a breath, wipe her eyes and think. "I don't really remember what happened, I vaguely remember voices, but it was so blurry. I remember falling asleep"

"The car accident? They said there was a lot of blood, but your body was nowhere to be found" he interjected. She nodded.

"I woke up in a room, big for me, but small in comparison to the Palace. It was nice. I had a small bathroom, big bed, I had a TV, books, kettle and tea, even a little fridge. It was, what I would call, a nice hotel room" she explained, smiling fondly back at the memory

"What happened?" Cyrus asked

"I was locked in, I tried so many times to escape, but the window would only open a few inches, not really enough to get a good air flow. The doors were all locked too. No phone, my mobile was gone. I worried what would happen to me. I was sure I was going to die in there. But every morning, the man in black came in, and gave me my breakfast, then again at lunch and dinner"

"The man in black?" Cyrus queried, but he was ignored, Violets eyes filled with tears as she retold her kidnap.

"I refused to eat at first, I was sure it was a trap, something to brainwash or poison me. But after a few days, I worked out that I was not going to be able to get out, and I would rather die quickly from poisoning, than slowly of starvation. But, it was fine. There was nothing in the food"

"Who was the man in black?" Cyrus repeated

"I'm not sure. He was tall, never spoke, just wore a black suit all the time. I don't think I would be able to pick him out of a line up, I only saw him for about 30 seconds when he would come in, drop down the tray, and then walk back out. Sometimes he would bring me some clothes. I don't know how long I was gone for" she explained

"Fifteen months and seventeen days" Cyrus stated

"It felt it. I never left the room, but I had so many clothes I was able to keep clean, and comfortable" she replied.

"What about your injuries?" Cyrus asked "From the crash?"

"I was lucky, I had a broken wrist, which was already cast up when I came to in the hotel room, other than that it was just cuts and bruises. I had a doctor come in twice, once to check me over a few weeks in, and once to cut the cast off. But he never spoke. He never looked at me" she said

"How did you escape?" Cyrus mused

"I don't know that either I'm afraid. I was asleep in bed, I heard voices, woke up and saw them around me. They put some cloth over my head, it was dark, I couldn't see, and I felt something sharp in my neck, like a needle. Then, everything went black. I woke up not long go in the tunnels, dressed like this. I was not sure if I was being released or if this was all part of the trap. I am so happy to see you my love" she gushed

"And I you" Cyrus replied. "You are safe now. I will never let you go again" he promised her. She leant into his embrace and pressed her lips to his again.

"I just wish that I knew what had happened" she asked

"Consider this a peace offering, Dear Cyrus" came a voice from the balcony where Cyrus had first spotted Violet. They both jumped, looking up, and seeing the Grand Duchess looking down on them. Neither knew how long she had been there, how much she had heard. But neither cared much, if at all.

She grandly turned, walking down the steps, the click of her heels getting louder as she approached the couple.

"I need you on side, when we take the crown from your nephew" she explained. Cyrus looked between Violet and The Grand Duchess, and hugged her.

"Dutchie, I don't know what part you played in taking her away, but you brought her back" he said, pulling away from the hug and looking her dead in the eyes "And you know I want that crown off his head more than anyone. We are on the same side"

"Good" The Grand Duchess said, taking a step back. "Come, the family has finished their balcony wave, let's go drink and pretend we're happy for that slug"


Helena stood in the corner, trying her best, yet failing, to hide her scowl behind a feigned smile. She was gripping the glass of champagne in her hand so tight that she was sure it would smash. She drank the last inch from the glass in a single gulp and placed the empty glass onto a tray of a server walking past, just as Liam, Eleanor and Jasper approached her.

"What the Hell happened out there?" Eleanor hissed to her mother, who drew her eyes to her daughter, a large smile on her face.

"It really was a beautiful wedding, wasn't it dear" she said, opening her arms and pulling her daughter into a tight hug. Len, who was still very confused, hugged her mother back.

"We cannot trust anyone in this place. Be nice, be gracious, be positive. We will talk later" she whispered into her daughters ear, just loud enough for Liam to hear too. She felt Len nod nightly against her and pulled away, walking over to her brother and exchanging a look.

"Robert!" Helena exclaimed, "Willow" she replied, she walked up to them and curtseyed.

"Mother, please" Robert laughed, however they all knew he expected her to curtsey. Helena picked up a full glass of Champagne and raised it.

'To our King and Queen" she toasted.

"Hear, hear" the room roared back, as they all took a sip. Robert clinked glasses, and took a stand, already having the attention of the room.

"I just wanted to take a moment, on behalf of my beautiful bride and myself, to thank you all for your attendance today, for joining in our celebration" he began, turning his attention towards Liam, Eleanor and his mother.

"I can honestly say, that we would not have been able to have such a lovely day, if it weren't for you" his words sounded genuine, but Liam and Len knew their brother well enough to see the sinister look in his eye, to hear the malicious undertone in his voice. To identify the hatred and anger he was channelling through his words. He turned away from them, and back to the audience of the room.

"To us. And our future" Robert toasted,

"More like funeral" Len whispered to Jasper as the room roared from his speech. Jasper chuckled lightly to her comment, smiling down at her. Liam coughed lightly, breaking up their moment. Robert wandered out into the room, and they took that as their cue to also disperse, mingling with the other guests.


Liam was stood in the corner, watching Robert and Willow take their first dance. He could see that Willow was not herself. All evening, she only thanked people for compliments and their attendance. He took a sip of his beer, as Jasper walked over to him.

"How you doing?" he asked Liam. Liam took another sip of his beer, not turning away from the couple.

"Numb" Liam replied. "Though, that could be the beer" he added. Jasper chuckled lightly in response. Liam took another sip of his drink. "How are you doing, I know you and Robert have your issues. Has he been difficult with you much today?" Jasper shook his head lightly in response to Liams question.

'Nah. He's barely even spoken to me" Jasper replied. "It's better that way. Means I'm not tempted to say anything back" he added. Liam laughed

"I can probably count on one hand the number of people in this room I know" Liam admitted

"You and me both" Jasper laughed. "You have clocked who is here though?" He asked

"Who? Someone in particular?" Liam asked, looking around

"No" Jasper replied curtly. "Look, everyone who is important to Robert's reign is here. All his Lords, his 'round table'. Now would be a good time to gauge their loyalty. Get them drunk, see what they say when you hint about you taking the crown" Jasper suggested. Liam took another sip of his beer, returning his gaze back to Jasper, raising his glass, and clinking it against Jaspers. Both taking a sip and walking off in their respective directions.


Liam and Jasper had spent the last half an hour making their way around the room, talking to various guests and atendees. They reconvened over a mutual refilling of their beers, slumping of to a quieter corner of the room.

"Any luck?" Jasper asked him

"These guys have no morals. They say whatever pleases the person before them. Their loyalty is with whoever can hive them the beast deal. They are no more faithful to Robert than they are to their wives" Liam stated. Jasper smiled

"We should go and tell Len, and your mum" Jasper said. Liam nodded. They walked over to the pair, who looked up as they approached.

"You two look as though your plotting" Helena said as they approached.

"We've been sussing out the guests" Liam explained, making sure his gaze flicked between his mother and sister, and the rest of the room, to appear as though it was an insignificant conversation, and to make sure they did not look too serious or formal.

"And?" Helena asked, keeping her voice hushed as to not alert those nearby to their conversation, but also with the urgency to show her interest in what they had achieved

"Still very much supporting whoever is on the throne. They really don't care who that is" Jasper said

"Tell me. Are we gauging their loyalties? Or testing them?" Helena asked, curiously.

"Both?" Liam questioned. Jasper nodded in agreement.

"Pretty much, lightly drop in what they could have if Liam was on the throne, remind them how close we got before Robert came back" Jasper said.

"Sounds like a good plan. We'll help. Does Cyrus know?" Helena asked, silence fell around the group.

"Has anyone seen him since he ran out during the ceremony?" Len asked, she was met by a chorus of 'no's' and shaking heads.

"Do you think he had something to do with Willow changing her mind? This whole idea was his, he wouldn't betray us all would he?" Liam asked

"I mean … I wouldn't put anything past him, it would be his game play to turn us all against Robert then to betray him. Alienate the competition and suck up to the King?" Helena replied

"Yeah, but Robert hates him almost as much as he hates me. He's not that good a conman" Jasper said

"Let's keep our eyes out, make sure not to draw attention, but until we can prove he did not have anything to do with it, do not let him out of your sight!" Helena warned, they all agreed, wondering where Cyrus had gone.


The door slammed closed in Cyrus' room. Violet was quickly pushed against it, Cyrus pressing into her, kissing her hard, deep. A passion within him which he had not felt since she had disappeared.

His hand reached round her back, and clasped onto the zipper, pulling it down her back. The material fell to the floor with a dull thud, and she stepped out of it, stepping closer to him, backing Cyrus towards the bed.

As soon as the back of his knees hit the soft mattress, he lay back. She crawled her body on top of his, heels still on, in only her underwear. Straddling her beloved, she leant her body down onto his chest.

He brushed a few curls of hair out of her face, and she leant down to kiss him. Her hips rocking against his as she felt his growing excitement beneath her. She looked down at him, biting her lip. He looked as surprised, as she did lustful!

"I've missed you, your majesty" she said, lowering her lips to his ear, whispering seductively to him. He groaned at her words.

"I missed you too, my love" he replied genuinely. She smirked down at him, rocking her hips a few times before sitting upright. He looked up at her, with a look of love and desire on his face. She brought her hands behind her back, unclasping her bra, and pulling the fabric over her arms, and tossing it on the floor, somewhere behind her. Heels still on.


There was a loud 'clink', 'clink', 'clink', throughout the room, a few minutes before the clock struck midnight. The room, full of Lords, Earls, Dukes, Marquesses, Ladies, Dames, Knights, Sirs, and his own family quietened in a matter of seconds, turning towards the King commanding their attention.

"Good evening!" Robert began, there was a roar in response to his introduction. The level of drunkenness of his peers becoming increasingly apparent. Not that it mattered anyway.

"Midnight is upon us, and I am sure you all know what that means" Robert began, a chorus of laughter and cheers were his reply. "Now, now!" he added, bringing the attention back to him. "With my absence for the next week, I trust, that the country will be in safe hands. Your hands" he added.

"With that said, I have no doubt that you will all do a stellar job in keeping the country running smoothly in my absence, however I feel obligated to appoint a head of state, which of course, I trust in no hands more than my own brother, Liam" he added. There was a round of applause for Liam, which he responded to by raising his glass towards his brother, who raised his back.

"Of course, Gentlemen" Robert continued, turning his attention back to the room "He would be guided by my loyal Round Table" he added.

Liam looked towards his mother, who looked back sympathetically. Knowing how much it would have hurt Liam to be given the hope of having some respect, only to have it swipe way as quickly as it came. It was only another stab from Robert to remind Liam of his lower position.

Helena looked towards her younger son and smiled sympathetically at him. He knew she was asking him not to react. Smile, and let it go. He would be gone soon anyway.


Robert finished his speech and stepped back into the room. He accepted the handshakes and compliments from his peers, Lords and Round Table, however with a sense of purpose, he meandered through the crowds, and over towards Liam, Helena, Len and Jasper.

"Wonderful speech, Robert" Helena fawned. "They love you!"

"I can't believe you'll be gone for a whole week! I'll miss you" Len cried, hugging her brother closely.

"Mother, Lenny. I will see you both soon! Liam, I trust the country is in safe hands" Robert replied, hugging both Len and his mother. Pulling away and shaking Liams hand. He then turned to the one member of the foursome who had not engaged with the King.

"Mr Frost. I request your attendance in my office, immediately" Robert said, taking a step towards the door. Jasper and Len locked eyes for a moment, Len nodded at him, telling him it would be ok.

"Play nice" Len whispered to him.

"Only if I can play naughty later" Jasper replied to her with a wink, before following Robert out. She watched the man she loved walk out, jaw dropped from the tease. She watched as Robert paused at the door, motioning to James Hill to follow him and Jasper. James caught Lens eye but opened the door and the three men walks out, the door closing silently behind them.

Once they were gone, Helena walked over to Liam, who looked a lot paler since Robert had walked out

"Are you alright, Liam?" She asked

"No. If Robert decided to leave me in charge this week, it means that he has something planned. Something which would ruin my name, ruin me as a successor to the throne. He isn't stupid, he knows that I am still his competition"

"He made you his right-hand man, didn't he?" Helena asked him

"So, he could keep his enemies close, and can screw me over this week" Liam replied

"We need to think this through. We need to make a plan, work out what he's up to" Len explained"

"Agreed" Liam replied "But it's not safe here anymore. There are too many people around, too many spies, god knows how many bugs. We can't talk here anymore"

"You're right. I'll have a think. Now, let's go mingle so people don't think something is going on" Helena said, walking off, arms wide hugging a man who was so old and drunk Len and Liam were sure he had no idea where he was.

"Why do you think Robert wanted to see Jasper?" Len asked Liam quietly.

"I don't know. But don't worry, if anyone can look after themselves, it's Jasper" Liam assured her. Len sighed

"I know" she replied.


Robert stood in his office, looking out of the window, his back towards James and Jasper, stood the other side of the table, both upright, standing to attention. Waiting.

Silence filled the room, for a good minute, after which, Jasper and James shared a look. Both aware they had no permission to speak but would not be allowed to leave either. The awkward tension in the room grew, seemingly forever when Robert eventually turned round, standing to attention on the opposite side of the desk to the two security aids.

"Gentlemen. Mason Stark has brought to my attention a few concerns today. Regarding a refusal of a direct order, and a physical attack on him. You are very lucky, the both of you, that the decision has been made not to press charges. If it was my decision, you would both be arrested for Treason" Robert Spat.

Another look exchanged between Jasper and James, both knowing where this was going.

"I see fit that neither of you have a place amongst my staff anymore. Mason stark will take over as my head of security. You are both relieved of your duties effective immediately. Mr Hill, I know you and your daughter have moved into the Palace. By the time I return from my honeymoon, I want all traces of you gone" Robert said, before turning his attention to Jasper.

"Mr Frost, if it would not upset my sister, I would have you removed from the palace too. But as I don't wish to feel her wrath, I just ask that you keep your distance. Aside from family dinners, I don't want to see you" Robert finished.

Jasper and James remained silent, as Robert turned back towards the window, signalling the end of the conversation. Both men were confused, at that point they had been fired, but out of respect, they needed to wait for dismissal from the King.

"Off you go" Robert finished without turning back around. Both men turned and left the room, closing the door behind them.


Jasper and James walked around the hall, both not yet ready to go and face the guests at the party. Jasper opened the door, and James walked inside, only then did he realise Jasper had led them to Lens bedroom.

"Sit down" Jasper said, motioning to the sofa. He picked up the decanter and poured two generous glasses of whisky, passing one to James and taking a sip.

"What the Hell am I going to do now?" James asked "What about Sarah Alice? How am I going to break it to her" he asked

"We can make it seem normal. If it wasn't for Len, I wouldn't want to be around here at all. I'll certainly be looking for some excuse to get out. And if you need a babysitter, it's not like I can get a regular job now" Jasper said. James laughed at him.

"I might have to take you up on that. Think you can bring Len too? Sarah Alice really does love her" James replied.

"I can imagine she'll be just as keen as I am to get out" Jasper replied. They were both shaken out of their conversation when the door opened, and in walked Len.

"There you are! What happened?" she asked, walking up to Jasper who pressed a soft kiss to her lips. Moments later, Helena walked in too.

"Eleanor! There is still a party going on, we need to seem civilised. Stop running off to find … Jasper. There you are" she said, slightly out of breath as she followed Len into the bedroom. Looking around, surprised to see James and Jasper both there.

"You were looking for me?" Jasper asked Len softly,

"I missed you" she replied. He smiled down at her

"Lovely reunion, but our absence is being noted. Now quickly, what happened?" Helena asked

"Robert has decided to remove us from his security detail" James said, looking down at his glass. "I have until he returns to be gone from the Palace... and Sarah Alice too" James explained

"I'm fired too, but I was allowed stay, something about him fearing your wrath if he kicked me out" Jasper said to Len.

"James, you have been loyal to us from the start. We will make sure things work out" Helena assured him. "Jasper, Robert is right, Len won't let you go anywhere" she finished

"It's true" Len assured Jasper, leaning up to give him another kiss.

"Where I can make you go, is back into the ball room. There are guests who we need to impress and show them we are better than Robert. Now go, shoo! James, feel free to join, as a guest, not as an employee. Jasper, Len. Go charm the room. You can celebrate or commiserate or whatever later on tonight. The guests will be gone in a few hours, Robert will leave imminently. That gives us a few hours to pull the party to our side, and we're wasting time. We'll discuss the future properly when we have somewhere safe to talk. Let's go" Helena said, leading the four out, and back to the ballroom.


The double doors swung open, and into the midst of the party walked Cyrus and Violet, both had their outfits severely ruffled. Her lipstick on his cheek, his arm around her, almost running through the door, giggling like young lovers.

They walked up to Helena, who was talking to a balding older gentleman, who Cyrus could not name if his life depended on it.

"What did we miss? Are we celebrating? Did he go quietly, or did you get to shoot the bastard?" Cyrus asked Helena, who jumped, having not heard him come up behind her. The man she was talking to walked away, distracted by recognising a face.

Helena turned and slapped Cyrus across the face.

'Ouch" he replied,

"What didn't you miss?" She hissed at him, looking to his right and seeing Violet stood behind him, shocked that Helena had attacked Cyrus like that. "What did we miss?" she asked. Violet smiled politely at The Queen, who kept darting her eyes between Cyrus and Violet.

"Is this why you ran out of the wedding?" she asked Cyrus nodded.

"How did it go? Did she reveal all?" Cyrus asked gleefully. Helena turned her head to look over to Robert and Willow greeting well-wishers the other side of the room.

"I knew she would never follow through, that Bitch!" Cyrus hissed. "What are we going to do?" he asked. Helena shook her head slightly.

"We all have a lot to catch up on" she said looking between Cyrus and Violet "But the Palace isn't safe to talk in anymore. Pretend everything is normal. We'll have a proper discussion tomorrow" Helena said, smiling, and walking away from him.


Walking away from Cyrus, Helena looked around the room. She had made sure she was pleasant, polite and a little suggestive to everyone she had spoken to, making a point of reminding them who she was, how powerful she was, and why they should be on her side.

She stepped back, taking a sip of her champagne, scouring the room for someone she had not yet spoken to, when she saw Robert approaching her.

"Robbie, dear I thought you were leaving to go" she said, hugging him

"Don't worry mother, I am on my way. I just wanted to introduce you to someone before I left" Robert greeted. He stepped to his right and a tall, well-dressed, well-groomed gentleman.

"Mother, this is Mark Aston. He is the Duke of Aberdeen, and I think the two of you would get on wonderfully" he added. The man stepped forwards and bowed his head politely to her.

"I shall leave you to it" he said, walking off. Mark took a step closer to her.

"Good evening, Your Majesty. It really is an honour to meet you" he introduced. "Robert has told me a lot about you"

"It is lovely to meet you too" Helena greeted "Tell me about yourself, Mr. Aston" she requested

"Mark, please" he insisted. "I have lived in the Aberdeen Abbey my whole life, I married there, however six years ago, my darling wife passed away. Since then, I have lived in the Abbey, my children have long flown the nest" he said pausing, a moment of reflection,

"My last few years have been very lonely. I can't even begin to imagine what you have been through, but if you ever do want some company, I hope you know I would be more than willing to spend some time with you, get to know you better" he explained.

Slightly intrigued the Queen raised an eyebrow

"I look forward to it, Mark" she replied, walking off, swaying her hips, knowing he would be watching her.


One of the guards, which Helena still did not know the name of came over to her, as she was picking up another drink.

"Your majesty, you are required on the balcony to wave off the newlyweds" she was told. She placed her glass down, and walking out with the rest of the family, Cyrus, Violet, Len and Liam followed her out. Jasper, preferring to stay inside, out of sight of Robert. He decided it was nt worth the ordeal. He had bene granted, admittedly somewhat reluctant, permission to stay in the castle. For Len.

He hated being a suck up, but it was worth it, for Len. Play nice with Robert, make it easier on her. Especially if they wanted to take him down. He knew they would never be friends, but if the King could tolerate him at least, he hoped it would make it easier for Len.

The family stood out on the balcony, watching as the car door closed on Robert and Willow. He rolled the window sown to wave to his family as they waved him off. Watching as the car drove off, out of sight, and the gates closed behind them.

No one on the balcony dare say it out loud, but they could feel the tension rise from them, they could stand a little straighter, speak a little freer. They turned, walking back inside, out of the chill of the night, despite the mid-summer heat.

Helena and Liam walked back inside, heading towards the crowds ready to entertain the guests, whilst subtlety hinting that now the King has gone, they should depart soon. Cyrus, headed straight back over to Violet, who was making polite conversation with the guests.

Cyrus looked at the beauty before him, he knew, that should she not have been taken from him, she would have made the perfect Queen. He was almost disappointed that she would never get that honour, but, having been on the throne, he knew she would hate it. They were better this way. They would be better with Liam on the throne, living the life they wanted, with no pressure of being the reigning monarch.

Jasper, however walked up to Len as she walked back in, taking her hand and pulling her lightly out of the room, down the hall and into the secret corridors of the Palace.


Alone in the corridor, the hustle of the ball room was faint. The distant vibrations of the music bounced through the walls, the corridor alive with rhythm. But Jasper and Eleanor could not care less. He pressed her back into the wall, pushing his body into hers.

"I want you" he whispered to her, causing her to moan in response. Her body arched against him, his hands tracing up down the length of her body, settling on her thigh, lifting her one leg and hooking it over his hip, holding her so tightly she was sure she would have bruises and nail marks on her for days, and she loved every minute. She pushed herself deeper into him.

She needed more, but he knew her well enough to pick up on the signs. He pulled his hands up to her hair pulling it, hard. She moaned as he back arched into him. Her body writhing against his. His hips rocking into hers, she could feel his excitement against her.

He was pressing himself into her. He took a step back;

"Undress for me" He hissed, his hands dropped from her body, and she took a step back. Her zip lowered, and her dress fell down her waist. He watched as the offending material kicked to the floor, and she stood before him, completely naked.

He had not requested it, but he was pleased that she had opted not to wear any underwear. He stepped closer to her again, pressing his lips against hers, tracing them down her neck, dropping to his knees as he lowered himself further down her body.


It was reaching two o'clock in the morning. Most of the guests had now gone. There were a few asleep in chairs, some still having conversations, but Helena decided it would be appropriate for them to depart to bed now.

She picked up a tray with six glasses of whiskey on, and walked over to the family, who were finally left alone by the guests. Jasper and Len had returned a few moments earlier, Cyrus had left violet, talking to the bartender and went over to join James and Liam. Both Jasper and Eleanor looked a little dishevelled, but she could not be angry, they had been present for the most important parts of the day.

She walked to them all, and they quietened as they approached. She lifted her glass off the tray, and motioned for the others to do the same. Len reached out, picked one up, and cautiously look a small piece of paper off the bottom of the glass.

Looking around the group, the others picked theirs off too. Len looked l=cautiously to her mother, who kept her perfect smile as she nodded, telling them to read it.

The Palace is not safe to talk anymore.

Meet me at Number 24, New Street, Tomorrow at noon.

It is a small café, so casual attire.

Upon reading the notes, they all nodded in agreement.

"Here, here" Helena said raising her glass. They all raised theirs, returning her cheer, before drinking the fine amber liquid. Helena placed her empty glass back on the tray and bid everyone a good night.

Cyrus went over to get Violet and the pair followed the Queen out, with James not far behind, and Jasper and Len almost racing to her room. Liam, who was savouring his drink, looked out upon the room of guests. There were only two who were not asleep by this point, he had tried to catch a few words of their conversation, curious as to what was so engaging, they were so wake for, but it appeared that one of their daughters was married to the others son, it was nothing more than talking about their future grandchildren.

He placed his now empty glass back down on the tray and walked out of the room.


Liam walked out of the Ball room, bypassing the guards and slipping out into the tunnels. Finally, for the first time all day he was alone. He could drop the fake smile which he had held for so long his jaw cramped up hours ago.

He did not understand what was going on. Willow was on their side, she wanted to bring him down, so why had she betrayed them like that? How could she have gone back on her word like that? Why would she want to support his dictatorship?

It was beyond Liam. He did not know, everyone else had gone to bed, and walking round the cold, dark streets of London, it appeared that everyone else had too. The silence was rather peaceful, welcoming.

His life was so loud he struggled to hear his own thoughts most days, he understood why his father used to come out here. To get away from it all. To hear the silence. He could feel here, he could shut his world away and pretend, if only for a few moments, that he was someone else. That he was normal.

He wondered what job he would have, he could see himself pouring pints, sure. But he wanted something more, something that might make a difference. Maybe a politician, or a teacher. He felt a pain on his shoulder and spun around as he heard an angry shout coming from behind him.

He looked around, not recognising where he was, aside from in an alley he did not remember being in before.

A stout, and angry man was looking towards him threateningly. Liam realised then that the pain he felt must have been him walking into the other man. Not paying attention as to where he was walking.

"Sorry, mate" Liam replied

"Sorry?" He asked, shocked, "Come 'ere you!" The man said as he raised his arm. Liam ducked, feeling the adrenaline flow through him. He threw a punch which landed the man in the stomach, he doubled over, and Liam threw another, and another.

Almost a release of the stress, the anger he had inside him, the stout man fell to the floor. Liam lowered himself, ready to attack more, but stopped. The man was already down. He could escape. He knew he did not need to hurt someone else just because he was hurting.

He stood up and walked away, feeling a little better for getting his anger out, albeit angry for how uncontrolled he was. He mused, as he returned to the castle, if he was not a Royal, if he would have a profession in boxing.


Helena walked out of the Ballroom, she headed round the corner and up the flights of stairs. Once she reached her floor, she brought her hands up, and began to remove her earrings. Turning at the end of the hall, she jumped, as she saw Mark round the corner towards her.

"Goodness!" she exclaimed, dropping her earring as she brought her hand to her chest, surprise from seeing him. "Mark, what are you doing here?" she asked, lowering her hand from her chest.

"Well, Your majesty. As I recall, you have barely spoken to me all night, and keep rushing off" he replied with a cheeky smile.

"Well, being the mother to the groom at a wedding is always a busy job. More so when you are Queen" she stated

"And no one handles it more gracefully than you, Helena. I was admiring you today, as you spoke to everyone in that room, and I was the recipient of fewer than twenty words. I confess, I was a little disappointed. Honestly you were the only person in that room worth speaking to" he said gently. Her heart melted at his words

"What if I made it up to you? We could get lunch, we could talk as much as you desire" she promised

"If I did not know better, I would say you were trying to avoid me tonight" Mark teased

"Do you know better, Mr Aston?" Helena replied, a sultry tone in her voice. Mark chuckled darkly, tempted by the woman before him

"I don't know, but I would have no objection to getting to know you better" He replied. She stepped towards him, and pressed her lips against his. He kissed her back with equal vigour. They walked, still entwined, towards her bedroom, opening the doors as she pushed the jacket from his shoulders and his hand lowered the zip of her dress.


The doors slammed shut, and within moments, Len had her back pressed against it, Jasper threw his jacket on the floor and brought his hand to her chest, keeping her there as he looked down at her darkly. She always loved this side of him, the domination, the control. Since he was shot, this side did not come out as often, but tonight, she needed it. She needed him.

Their quick moment in the tunnels was fine to get her though, but she needed more than a quick romp. This time she needed to worship his body. To make it last as long as she could. She never wanted to stop.

Scrutinised by his gaze, she lowered her hands to the buttons of his shirt, undoing each one revealing the tanned, toned muscle beneath. She felt her body react to the sight of him, he allowed her to undress him, helping push the shirt down his arms.

He did not need to command her. Once his bare chest was exposed to her, she slipped out of her dress. Stepping forwards towards him, he picked her up, and pushed her down into the mattress, leaning over her, teasing her lips with his.

She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him in closer, trying to get his lips to press against hers. A game of cat and mouse, eventually he gave in, using one hand to support his weight and the other to brush a strand of her hair from her face. He smirked down at her and pressed his body into hers. Causing her to moan, loud!


Kathryn opened her eyes. The room around her was dimly lit. She could barely remember what had happened. After Lucius had introduced himself, and the conversation finished, she turned back towards the window. She had no idea where she was. She did not recognise any of these roads.

They travelled for hours. She had tried her best to stay awake, but as the hours drifted on, and the light outside faded, she felt her exhaustion and stress take over her. Her eyes closing and letting sleep take over her.

She did not remember the car stopping. Or her getting out. She wondered if she had been drugged. It was light outside now. She had no idea how long she had been out. She sat up, her head hurting. She was laying on the bed, not under the covers. She sat up and made her way around the room.

It was a decent sized room. Almost a hotel room. Big bed, adjoining bathroom, TV, books, a small kitchenette, kettle, fridge. She walked round and tried the doors, not surprised, but disappointed to find all the doors were locked, and the windows would not open enough to be able to get out from.

A knock came from the door, making her jump. The door opened, and in walked Lucius, holding a tray of food. The door closed behind him. She knew better than to try and escape.

"Why are you keeping me here?" she asked. Lucius placed the tray down on the table by the kitchenette

"To keep you safe" Lucius replied. "I am under strict orders. I am sorry"

"The King is about to be overthrown" Kathryn replied.

"He would have been, had King Robert not known of their plan" Lucius replied. Kathryn froze. It did not work?

"What?" she asked. Her voice faltering.

"Some little bird spoke to the wrong person. The King found out"

"But why me? Why am I here?" she asked

"You mean an awful lot to the King. Again, I am not here to hurt you. The Palace is about to become a hostile and dangerous place. It is not safe for you there. Here, you are safe" he explained

"How long am I here for?" she asked

"Until it is safe" he replied, pushing the tray which contained a bowl of soup, butter and a few crusty rolls. Kathryn looked cautiously at it.

"You are safe. It is not poisoned. You need it, for the baby" Lucius stated. Kathryn sighed internally, knowing he had a point. He walked out, closing the door behind him.

Kathryn poked cautiously at her soup, tasting the tiniest amount. It was delicious. She still had the thought in the back of her mind that it was poisoned. However, she was reluctant to not eat. Lucius had made the good point, that it was crucial she ate for the baby. And the soup was delicious.

She settled in, eating her lunch, trying to figure out how the TV worked.


Jasper and Len walked through the tunnels. Robert had promised to add additional security to the tunnels, but apparently had yet to do so. They came out in Hyde Park, walking the few minutes until they got to the small café selected by Helena, Jasper chuckling to himself

"What?" Len asked, frustrated at Jasper's entertainment.

"Just … Your casual attire" he laughed. Motioning to the short black dress, knee high boots and leather jacket she donned.

"Well … At least it's more exciting than yours" she said, looking over his jeans and white top. She let her eyes linger a few moments, she hated to admit it, but she did find him irresistible looking like this. Before he lost his security job, the only time she saw him out of his suit was when he was naked.

"Hardly subtle though" Jasper replied. She laughed this time, twirling as they approached the café. He held the door open, and she walked in, him following her. He stopped in the doorway, to see The Queen in a swan feather coat, and Cyrus in a pink suit, fedora and matching pink feather Boer.

"Yeah … I take back my comments, you are very casual in comparison … I forgot who I was dealing with" Jasper whispered to her. She chuckled as she sat down, beside her brother and James Hill, who appeared to be the only other ones to get the subtle memo.

The server came round and asked what they would like. They placed their orders, and the server walked back towards the kitchen.


Drinks brought to the table, and server out of earshot, Helena broke the hushed polite chatter with gentle taps of her spoon on the side of her cup. They all looked towards her

"First and foremost, thank you for your discretion and for coming today. I don't know what happened yesterday. I don't know why Willow did not come through; I fear that Robert found out about our plan. Be it by her, or from someone else. Regardless, the palace is not a safe space to talk" she explained. There was a round of nods and murmurs of agreement.

"You can use my house if you need somewhere to meet? It's close to the Palace, smaller, only a two bed, but it would be fine for meetings out of earshot" James offered.

"You found a new place quickly? I can only apologise for Robert kicking you out" Helena replied.

'I never sold my place when I moved into the Palace. You were offering me a place and an income, it only seemed right that I kept my house and rented it out. As it happened, the renters moved out following the blackout" James replied

"Wonderful, we shall meet there then" Helena announced

"Why not here?" Cyrus asked. James looked at him "It's nothing personal James, I just don't want to be a burden"

"Not like you to be considerate, Uncle" Liam teased

"Besides, we've already been spotted here" Len added, glancing to the window where there was a growing gathering of press. "If Robert sees a picture in the press of us all together, it can be played off as fairly innocent, but if we're overheard here it would be the end. If it becomes too regular, it becomes suspicious" Len explained

"We have worked too hard to lose it now" Jasper added

"I'll text you all the address" James said pulling his phone out.

"No" Helena called. "That brings me onto my next point. All our phones are monitored, tracked. When we have these meetings, we need to leave them in the Palace, or somewhere they would be expected to be. We need to find some other way to communicate"

"Burner phones?" Liam offered

"I think that's the way. Pagers would be too obvious is Robert was close by" Helena said, they all agreed.

They agreed to meet at James Hill's place tomorrow afternoon, leaving their phones in the Palace. James agreed that he would sort the phones, as he was the least recognised of them all.

"So, what do we do now?" Len asked as a couple came into the restaurant and were seated within earshot of them. Helena picked up her mug and had a sip of her tea.

"We have a polite conversation, discuss how beautiful the wedding was, how happy we are for the couple" she began "And thank of something to say when we leave"


The next hour was spent with polite, albeit strained chatter about the wedding. After their second drink, they stood, Len and Jasper going to pay.

"We appreciate you keeping quiet about us meeting here today" Len said to the servers. She was sure it was not them who had called the press, and there were only four or perhaps five outside. Much less than what they usually had.

"It is our pleasure, your highness" the young waitress replied, curtseying slightly.

"How much do we owe?" Len asked

"Oh, for your highnesses, it's on the house" she assured

"No chance. Here. This should cover it" Len said. Writing a cheque and passing it to the server, whose mouth dropped to the floor upon seeing the amount.

"Um … Oh my! Thank you" she gasped. "You are welcome back anytime" Len smiled and thanked the waitress, walking back towards the family.

"You gave then ten thousand pounds" Jasper whispered to her

"I have no idea how much coffee costs" Len shrugged "Besides, it buys their silence" she added.

Given the press outside, James Hill decided to keep to himself, and leave separately, to keep his identity a secret, especially now he had been fired from the security detail.

They walked outside and were caught by the shouts and camera flashes of the Press. Having gone without security, and a car; the thought did cross their minds on how they would get back. Their first obstacle would be to bypass this group.

Len stepped forwards, approaching the press

"Morning" She greeted, as silence rang out throughout the press. "Well … You found us" she teased, they laughed "You might be wondering why we have gone to a café, when we have as much tea and coffee as we could drink in the Palace" she asked. There were murmurs of agreement from the group.

"The blackout was devastating. It ruined most of London, which is still impacting everyone now. We wanted to go round, and do out bit to help, to support the smaller businesses to help rebuild London, and if I could give you all a message to pass on to your readers, and viewers; do your bit. Go out and have a coffee, buy a gift from a small business" she urged. "And I can assure you, we gave a very generous tip on our bill" she finished.

She began walking, and they followed her, the press walking too. Surprisingly, Len led, answering questions, commenting on the wedding, and by the time they reached the entrance to the tunnels in Hyde Park, she wished to be alone with her family, and they left. Satisfied they all had their stories.


That night, Jasper closed the bedroom doors once inside with Len. He walked over to her, leaning over her dressing table, taking off her earrings and necklace. He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

He pressed his lips to her neck, and she moaned lightly, rolling her head to one side so he could get better access. She loved when he held her like this, so tightly, so intimately. She felt so loved in his arms.

"You take my breath away, Princess. How you handled the press today, honestly, it's incredible. You make me so proud" he whispered to her. She blushed as he lowered his lips back to her neck. Kissing and suckling at her neck softly. She moaned, his hands tracing down her stomach to her inner thighs. He spun her around and picked her up, wrapping her legs around his waist.

He walked back to the bed and pushed her down into it. She rolled them over, and straddled, rocking her hips into his. Hands on his chest, she sat up, leaning back, making sure he could see her breasts as they threatened to spill from her top. He could feel from her legs around him that she was not wearing underwear.

His hand traced round her back and pulled off the dress down. Her breasts revealed, she stood up, kicking the dress off her hips, before climbing back over him again. Lowering her lips to his neck, pulling his T-shirt off over her head, kissing down his chest, lower, lower, lower.


James Hill placed the bag full of phones and SIM cards on the table. He was sure that they would all hate it. He opted for cheap old flip phones, knowing any smart phone with any hint of modern would be easy to track, to hack into. But these ones did not have the capabilities. They would only be for messaging anyway.

"Daddy" a call came, pulling him from his thoughts. "I'm ready for bed" James stood and walked towards Sarah-Alice's room. She was lying in bed, ready for him to kiss her goodnight.

"Daddy?" she asked

"Yes, sweetie?" he replied

"Why did we have to leave the Palace?" she asked, tones of sadness in her curious voice.

"Because …. Well, the Palace isn't a safe place to be right now. We are better off here, away from it all" he said, hoping the answer would satisfy her, but knowing deep down she was too smart to accept that.

"Are we going to get to see the Princess again?" she asked This he relaxed at, he could answer that, honestly.

"I hope so! I think they might be coming to see you often!" He explained

"They?" she asked

"Well, Princess Eleanor and Jasper too" James said

"Yay! I love Jasper! Does he have to leave the Palace too?" she asked

James sighed.

"No. He gets to live with Princess Eleanor in the Palace. But he will come over too. The Palace isn't safe for him either" James said

"Because of the evil villain?" she asked

"What villain?" James asked

"If the Palace is not safe, then there must be an evil villain. Have you never read a fairy tale?" She asked. James laughed in response

"Well … Yes, I suppose it is because of the evil villain" he replied

"Is it the evil Queen?" she asked excitedly "It's always the evil Queen"

"Actually. No not this time" James replied. "Right. Off to bed, if you're good, I'll see if they can come and see you tomorrow" he assured her.

"I'll go right to sleep" she promised. Closing her eyes. He pressed a kiss to her forehead and left the room, turning the light off as he closed the door.


Cyrus walked back into the Palace, closing the doors on his bedroom, turning to see a barely dressed Violet, waiting for him on the bed. He growled as he approached her. She rolled onto her front, lifting her hips to give him a better view.

"Where did you go, my love?" She asked sultrily.

"I just went for tea with the family" he replied. She laughed. "What?" he asked

"You. Come on my love, you don't think I'm that stupid do you? She laughed

"Well … I mean" Cyrus replied, a little lost for words

"Come on, you can tell me the truth!" Violet stated "Is there someone else?" she asked, her voice showing her upset.

"No, no of course not. You know you're the only one who does anything for me" he teased, she giggled. "It was just tea with the family" he explained, remembering the press. "Look!" he exclaimed pulling his phone out and showing the news article of them all posing outside the restaurant.

"Oh" she said, a little relieved looking at the picture. "Why wasn't I invited" she asked. Cyrus was stumped, unable to come up with a suitable reply. She pushed him down, and crawled onto him, straddling his hips with hers.

"You know, if you are hiding anything, you can tell me, right?" She assured him. He nodded. "I'm always on your side" she said seductively to him. He pulled his hands under her thighs, and flipped her over.

"Not always my side" he replied, just as seductively. She giggled as he lowered his mouth onto her.


Sarah Alice ran around the house as James brought a teapot and some mugs through. Everyone helped themselves.

"Right" Helena called, putting the newspaper down on the table for them all to see. The front page had a picture of them all stood outside the café the day before. A smaller picture further down showed the waitresses inside, crying with happiness.

"You did good, Eleanor. Well done. This certainly paints us in a good light!" she complimented

"Thank you, Mum" Eleanor replied blushing.

"Right, first things first, James, do you have the phones?" Helena asked. James nodded, placing the bag down on the table

"All have been set up with SIMS. I've put in the contacts for the other phones and assigned you each one. If you get a message from an unknown number, notify me immediately. These numbers should not be shared either" James said, handing the phones around.

"Wonderful. Right. Let's review; shall we? Robert's disbanded Parliament, which means there is no way of him being removed. There is no way of dissolving the monarchy. We need to take Robert down. Ideally peacefully, but by whatever means necessary" Helena explained

"Well Willow screwed up all those plans" Len replied, her frustration obvious in her voice

"Well, what do we do know, let's get some facts down" Liam suggested

"Robert caused the blackout" Len offered

"Looking back on the payments, Robert was certainly paying Ted Price. I am certain he paid to have Simon Killed" Cyrus threw in

"Yes, but as Liam jumped the gun on that one, Robert explained to us that he was paying condolences to him" Helena explained

"Actually … There was a bit more to the story than just that" Liam said

"What do you mean?" Helena asked

"We needed Robert to underestimate Liam. We needed him to think that was all he knew, and he would run in and make a fool of himself. We needed Robert to believe that was it" Cyrus explained

"What is the rest of it" Helena asked cautiously

"How much money were you aware of that Robert gave to Ted Pryce?" Liam asked

"10 payments of one hundred thousand" Helena said

"What do you know of the other ten million. from his personal account, not his royal account" Liam asked. Helena shook her head, drawing a blank.

"They traced the money, there are two payments, both for five million. Both whilst he was on his training course. Before the accident" Cyrus explained

"After Ted died, his payments were analysed, and the same day that he received one of those five million payments, Ted sent one out to Brandon Boone" Liam finished

"So; Robert paid Ted who paid Boone to kill him? And then paid Ted again to kill dad whilst he was gone?" Eleanor asked

"Exactly" Liam and Cyrus replied together.

"He planned this" Helena said to herself in disbelief. "He planned everything, from taking the throne, to the blackouts, to disbanding Parliament. He made it so he could rule everything. He made himself a dictator" she said.

Silence rang through for a few moments, Sure they had all speculated it, but they had never had confirmation. This was it.

"What do we do now? Eleanor asked. Helena looked devious as she looked around the group.

"We find people we trust. The people closest to us, who Robert either does not know, or would not expect. We form a group who can help us take him down" she explained

"Are you asking us to make our own suicide squad?" Len asked, excited.

"Exactly" Liam replied,

"At this moment, we cannot trust anyone who is not in this room. So, think carefully. They will either break or make this plan!" she said


Helena stood in her room. Trying to think about who would be best to invite to join them. She was quite taken by Mark Aston, but there was something off about him, something she was a little cautious about. Perhaps it was just the anxiety about getting too close to someone with everything that was going on.

She had seen how hard Robert had made Jasper's life, and she did not want him to make anything difficult for her or her lovers. A knock at her door shook her from her thoughts.

"Come in" she called, the door opened and Cyrus walked in, looking as devious as ever. He smirked as he closed the door behind him, and took a few steps towards her

"What do you want?" she asked, bored, yet taken aback when Cyrus got up to her, and dropped to his knees in front of her

"Please can I bring Violet in. She's getting angry with how much I disappear and how little I tell her. She's worried I'm having an affair" He cried.

"What? Well. Are you asking if she's the one you can bring in to help?" Helena asked

"No. No, I already know who we need. But Violet, she missed everything after she was taken away. She is certainly not on Roberts side. She's the same as the people, she's only seen him on TV. Only seen him for the horrible things he's done"

"Can you trust her?" Helena asked

"With my life. She's only ever looking out for me. For us. She never wants anything for herself. Even when I first took the throne, and in a rage, I threw a few hundred thousand pounds. She cleaned them up and did not even take a single one" he said

"It is at your discretion, if you can trust her, then it is your call. But remember; we are at war. We can trust no one … and she did mysteriously reappear at Robert's wedding" Helena said, turning away from him, indicating the conversation was over.


The bedroom door opened, and Cyrus walked back in with a smile on his face

"Where did you go?" Violet asked him, sitting up in bed and placing down the nail file she had been using moments earlier.

"Violet, sweetheart. There is something I need to talk to you about" Cyrus said, taking a seat on the bed and taking her hand. She looked at him cautiously

"I thought you told me there was no one else" she replied upset

"I wish it were that simple" Cyrus began. "But you are the only woman for me, you know that" he promised her. She relaxed at his words

"Oh. Then what is it, my love" she asked

"Firstly, I need you to promise me that what I am about to tell you, does not leave this room" he requested

"Of course" she replied.

Cyrus looked into her eyes for a moment, Helena's warning ringing round in his head. He looked into her eyes, and decided that yes, he could trust her.

He began to tell her everything. From his ploy with Liam, to faking arguments, to Robert faking his death, and paying for the murder of his father. Planning the abolishment of Parliament, creating a dictatorship. How he was worried about what Robert would do next.

Violet listened with empathy. Gasping, and cursing his name as he spoke.

"Why didn't you just tell me?" she asked

"Because. We trusted Willow, and she backed out. We told her some, not all, but some of what we know, and her loyalties are not with us. We had to be cautious. We could not risk anything getting back to the wrong person" he explained

"I told you. I am always on your side" she assured him, as he leant in to kiss her.


My Dearest Kathryn,

I must offer you my most sincere apologies. I hope you like the house, I picked it myself. Don't worry. The only people who know where you are are myself, you, and the driver. I am afraid I will not be joining you this weekend as we had originally planned.

Things did not go to plan. I am afraid to divulge too much in a letter. I cannot come and see you, there is too much at stake, and it is too dangerous right now. I need to keep you safe, that is my priority, so please, my dear, sweet Kathryn, do not worry, do not think I have forgotten you.

I will come and find you soon, I promise. It pains me to write this, but I beg you, please, do not write back. I am certain that most post in to and out from the Palace will be intercepted. I will find you.

I love you both

Yours,

Liam

Hood up, Liam slipped out from the tunnels, into the centre of London. It was still busy, despite the late, dark hour. He walked over to the post box he saw, built into a wall. Pressing his lips against the envelope once more, before pushing it out through the slot, and keeping his eyes lingering on the box a few moments more, before turning on his heel, and walking back towards the tunnels.

More to come, please read and review, let me know what you think!. Thanks for reading.