THE ROYALS
SEASON 5,
EPISODE TWO: I Knew Him For a Minute
The TV was on, Jasper and Len sat on the sofa watching it in the larger company room. Liam sat beside his mother, and on the third sofa, Violet and Cyrus were cuddled up. They had a blanket over them, but it was obvious that her hand was in his lap.
One of Robert's newly appointed security details, whose name had yet to be learned by the family coughed lightly.
"Excuse me, His majesty the King has returned" he announced. With a sigh of disappointment, the six pried themselves off the sofas, changing the TV channel to a more 'appropriate' show, knowing that Robert would not approve of 'Royal and Beautiful'. They walked downstairs, following the security detail downstairs. Standing in the entrance to the house and waiting until the door opened.
Eventually, after what felt like forever of waiting, the door opened, and Robert walked in. His tall stature intimidating, his arms spread wide, as a greeting but really just adding to his overpowering presence. The Royals could feel the tension return to the room. They could feel them all stand a little straighter, bite their tongues a little more. This was no way to live.
"Family. How are you, I have missed you all" He greeted loudly as he entered, Willow walked in a few steps behind, smiling, she waved to them all, but as Robert was fully engaged in hugging everyone, she remained silent.
Len and Helena exchanged a look, wondering why Willow was so quiet, not even a 'hello', but their non-verbal conversation was cut short by Robert clearing his throat.
"Liam. A word in my office please. Immediately" He requested, walking out. Willow followed him. Liam looked between the rest of the family in the room, before standing up straight, and following Robert out.
"Welcome home" Liam said, closing the door behind him. "How was the honeymoon?" he asked
"Dubai was lovey. The Villa looked right out over the sea, so secluded. We barely saw anyone all week" Robert said with a suggestive tone which made Liam a little angry, he was not sure why. He pushed that anger down, and forced a smirk of hos own. Robert winked at Liam, and walked over to his desk, pouring himself a generous glass from the decanter. He motioned to Liam, asking if he wanted one too
"No thank you" Liam replied, sitting down
"As much as I enjoyed the alcohol and the drinks out there, nothing came close to this" he said, raising the glass to his lips, and taking a large sip. "You can't beat a glass of Scottish Whiskey"
"No, you can't" Liam replied, politely with a smile. "But Scotland lacks the white sand beaches and delightfully hot temperatures" Liam reminded him
"That is certainly true" Robert replied. "I trust everything ran smoothly whilst I was away?" He asked
"Of course, it did" Liam replied. Robert paused, and put his glass down
"Really?" he asked, failing to hide the tone of surprise in his voice "Nothing at all?" He asked, taking a seat in his chair. Liam leaned back, smiling at Robert.
"No. Well, nothing worth mentioning anyway" He replied.
Jasper and Len were lost in their passion for one another, lip locked, arms wrapped around one another, not sure which hand belonged to who, but desperate for more. Jasper opened a door, pulled her inside, closed the door and pushed her against it. She moaned as his body pressed into hers.
He spent no time in pulling off her top, stripping her down, wanting to see her, all of her! She was just as eager and picked up the hem of his shirt, pulling it over hie head. Len smirked at his newly revealed flawless skin, pushing against the wall, she took s few steps forward, laying him down on the floor and straddling him. Rocking her hips into his, she threw her head back, moaning.
His hand reached up her back, pulling her hair hard, she cried out as he did, he knew she loved it. Taking advantage of her moment of weakness, he flipped them over, placing her roughly down on the rug in front of the fire place. Lips down on hers again, he kissed her roughly. Tracing his lips to her neck.
He raised his chest off hers, looking down at her, sultrily. He placed his hand down on her chest, lightly enough so she could feel the pressure, she was moaning lightly closing her eyes, Unable to see Jasper look up, something catching his eye in the fire place, his attention no longer on the beauty below him.
She wrapped her legs around his hips, pulling him in closer, opening her eyes when she realised that he was no longer interested. Seeing his attention on something else, she unwrapped her legs, and slipped her underwear-clad body out from under him
"What's wrong?" she asked, anxiously. Worried that she had done something wrong. He didn't reply so she followed his gaze, and her eyes also found the paper in the fire.
She leant forwards and picked out the piece of paper.
"12:00 – Midnight Wednesday 19th September – Wireless towers down – Holden Moore. 07816 872 - - -"
The bed creaking was almost as loud as Violet's pleasured cries, moans and screams as she bounced up and down on Cyrus, who was enjoying it just as much. Watching the blonde beaut above him. A faint buzzing noise added to the commotion, as she let out one final pleasured wail, before rolling off him, and laying besides him on the bed. The buzzing didn't stop.
"Cyrus, sweetie. You can turn that off now" she said smiling in a post euphoric state
"What?" Cyrus asked. "Oh!" he exclaimed, his mind clicking back into what she was talking about. "It is off" he confirmed, as the buzzing continued
"What is that noise then?" Violet asked curiously. The pair searched the bed, flipping through the bed sheets, before Cyrus pounced on the vibration, prising it from the pillowcase and holding it up, proud.
He lay back once he realised what it was. That wretched phone that James Hill had bought.
"That bloody wench" Cyrus hissed.
"Who?" Violet asked, obviously very confused
"Helena" Cyrus explained, "She must have heard us" he replied, flipping open the phone
"Hello?" he asked in a bored tone. "Now?" he asked the voice the other end, surprised. "Is it serious?... I understand. Twenty minutes" he said, hanging up.
"Sorry" Violet apologised, blushing.
"Don't apologise! Come on, get dressed. We need to get going!" Cyrus urged
"Where?" she asked both curious and cautious. Wondering what had made Cyrus jump up so suddenly.
"Emergency meeting" he explained. Visibly excited, Violet slipped from the bed, picking her clothes up off the floor.
Jasper and Len walked into James Hill's house. It had just gone one o'clock in the morning, and as they walked in, they saw James and Liam sat down on the sofa, wearing comfy clothes, joggers and t shirts. Helena, sat in the armchair, looking as glamorous as she did at lunch. Hair and make up flawless, dress magnificent, even in Heels. Len and Jasper walked in and sat down together by Liam.
As soon as the door closed, it opened again, and in walked Cyrus and Violet, in Cyrus' hand was a bottle of whiskey. James got some glasses and they all sat down.
"What's this about then?" Helena asked taking a sip of her whiskey.
"Here" Len said, pulling the charred note out of an envelope and passing it to her mother. The room fell silent as the note was passed around everyone. Once they all had read it, the note was placed back down on the table
"Where did you find that?" Helena asked
"In the fire in Robbie's office" Len said
"How did you find it?" Cyrus asked. Len and Jasper exchanged a look, which answered the question for him.
"Was it planted … Was that something we were meant to find?" Helena asked
"I don't think so" Jasper replied. "The page was burned, I would assume it was put on a dying fire, and this bit missed the direct flame which would ignite it. My biggest concern would be what else was on that page that he felt necessary to burn, which did get burned" Jasper explained.
"Let's go with that for now" Helena replied
"So, this note" James began "What is he planning?"
"Sounds like he's going to cut out the internet to England. Tonight" Jasper explained
"Is that even possible?" Len asked
"He's the King of England. Nothing is impossible" Cyrus replied
"Why would he want to do that though?" Violet asked
"He's already got rid of Parliament, caused blackouts so he can have the control of the power companies. He is getting a lot of bad press, he can censor TV, radio and newspapers. If he got rid of the internet, no one would be able to communicate outside those means. He could build a much better image" Liam explained.
"Well … What do we do?" Helena asked.
"We need to talk to Holden More" James replied
"What an unfortunate name" Violet muttered to herself
"Holding more? I don't know, could be very fortunate dependent on his line of work" Cyrus replied with a smirk.
"What's our play?" Helena asked, deciding to ignore the immature comments of Cyrus and Violet.
"Is this Moore guy is willing to cut the internet off, either Robert has something over him, or has an offer for him" Jasper explained
"Do we need to send someone in to find out?" Liam asked
"If it's blackmail, we need to offer protection. If he's made an offer, we need to increase it. But it's impossible without knowing the information" James explained.
"Nothing is impossible" Helena replied firmly
"It is in less than twenty-four hours" James reminded her.
Helena opened her mouth to reply, when a creak of a door opened, and a sleepy Sarah-Alice walked in, rubbing her eyes. She perked up and smiled when she saw Len, walking over and sitting in her lap
"What's going on? You're not having a party without me are you?" she asked, offended
"Oh no sweetie" Len assured her
"We're just talking" Jasper replied
"Oh! Apple juice" Sarah-Alice squealed happily picking up Lens glass and taking a sip before she could be stopped. She made a face and spat it out "That is NOT apple juice" she complained scowling.
"You're too young for that" James said firmly. Sarah-Alice crossed her arms angrily across her chest.
"That's what Robert said when I heard him talking to the internet man about the dog" she replied grumpily.
There was a visible intake of air as everyone turned their attention to look at the little girl in Lens lap
"What? Sarah-Alice, what are you talking about" Len asked, encouragingly.
"It was before we moved out of the Palace. I was playing hide and seek with Jasper, and I was hiding in the tunnels, by the secret door into his office" Sarah-Alice began
"I remember that game! That was a very good hiding spot. I would never have found you there! What did you hear?" Jasper asked her
"Robert was mean" Sarah-Alice said, sounding sad. "He told the man on the phone that he had his dog, and if he did not turn of the servants, then he would kill the dog!" she cried, before pausing, thinking about what she said and turning to Len "Are all of the servants' robots?" she asked
"Servers, sweetie. Like computers" Len explained
"Phew!" Sarah-Alice said wiping her forehead in relief. "I thought the servants would turn against humans!" she explained
"What else did you hear?" Len asked, trying to bring her back to the subject at hand.
"Nothing" Sarah-Alice said. "He hung up the phone then, and opened the secret door He jumped when he saw me, I don't think he was looking for me. But he told me to come into his office. He was drinking apple juice then too! But he told me I couldn't have any" she said sadly "Was he never taught to share?" She asked. "He then told me to go and play somewhere else so I went to find a new hiding spot" she finished.
"We need to find where he's hiding that dog!" Helena said "Use the dog to bribe Moore not to go through with it"
"If we just give him the dog back, Robert will only come after him again. More so if he knows he's been betrayed" Liam warned
"Where would his dog be? It could be in the Kennels" Cyrus asked. "But wouldn't it have been killed already?" he asked
"I wasn't killed" Violet said "I'm still not sure why they kept me alive, but I suppose, it would be in case they needed me as a bargaining tool. The dog would be the same" Violet replied.
"Exactly!" Helena explained. "If he killed the dog, there is nothing to say that Holden would follow through. He needs something to work for"
"A border terrier cross, golden in colour. Moore doesn't have children, but treats that dog as if it was his own child" Len said
"How did you know that?" Helena asked
"Facebook" Len replied
"How did you manage that?" Helena asked
"Jasper's phone was never tracked, and we're on James' Wifi. Can't be traced. My phone is still back at the Palace" she said holding Jasper's phone up.
"We could have done with someone like you on the force. Ever fancy a change in profession, Scotland Yard would bite your head off" James assured her
"If you can get the dog, I can sort the rest" Helena said to the group.
"Hurry" Len whisper yelled to Jasper, who was on his knees in front of the door to the Kennels in the Palace.
"Shh" he replied, ear to the wood, moving the tools in the lock. There was a faint click, and the door opened. "How did I never know the Palace had a Kennels?" He asked
"We never had any pets. We never had a reason to use it" Len said "Well … We could have if you let me keep Prince Rufus" she replied grumpily
"You were high, you stole him, and you never told me you could actually look after him" Jasper reminded him
"Well... Can we get one now?" Len asked. Jasper laughed
"Sure. Let's get this shit sorted first but tell you what" he said walking up to her and taking her hands in his "Once this is all over, we'll get one. Together" he promised her. She leant up and kissed him.
"Deal" she agreed. They slipped inside. Len reached for the light switch. Jasper pulled his arm out to catch her,
"Why?" She asked
"Cameras. They can't make out faces in pitch black" he said. She nodded. They walked round the cages, it was quiet. Too quiet
"There can't be anything in here" Len mused to herself
"Len" Jasper called. She walked over to him, and saw a dog cowering in one of the cages "Is this the dog?" he asked. She looked down at the dog and nodded
"That's him" she said. She opened the cage as Jasper picked up a handful of treats. The poor dog was shaking, he sniffed a few times, inching towards Jasper, eating the treats from his hand. Slowly, Jasper was able to lure the dog from the kennel, picking it up, the two walked quickly out of the room, back to Lens Room, trying to avoid the cameras.
She did not knock, she simply walked inside. Holden looked up from his paperwork in surprise. The bags under his eyes coating his cheeks, red and puffy. It was as though he had not slept for days, as though he had spent every available moment crying.
He stood and bowed when Helena walked inside.
"Your Majesty. To what do I owe the honour?" he asked standing up straight again.
"I think, Mr Moore, we might be able to help you out with something" Helena said with a smirk. "Liam" She called. The door opened again, and in walked Liam, holding onto the lead of a, still scared, but a little more relaxed from being so close to his owner, dog.
As soon as Holden saw the dog, his eyes welled up, and he dropped to his knees. Liam let go of the lead and the dog bounded into the arms of his owner. Helena and Liam watched the heart-warming reunion between pet and owner.
"What do you want? Please. Why are you doing this?" Holden asked, refusing to let go of his beloved dog.
"My son is a monster. Don't turn off the servers. That's all we ask" Helena requested curtly.
"He'll only kill my boy if I don't do it" Holden said
"Not if you were to die too" Helena said with a raised eyebrow
"Are … Are you thretening me?" He asked, cautiously
"No" Helena assured him. "Simply offering you an out. We have a body in the morgue. One that could easily pass as you. All we have to say is that someone took the dog, who was being kept in the Palace grounds, for a walk. You recognised him, things got messy. You ended up with a bullet in you and the dog ran away." Helena began, Holden looked up at her, she had caught his attention.
"Robert has no reason to come after you. The country does not suffer more than it already has. You have a decent sum, a new identity and move wherever you like with your dog. Never to be disturbed by us again" Helena explained. Holden thought about it for a few moments. He looked down at the dog again, who licked his cheek, wagging his tail.
"Are you sure" Holden asked. Helena nodded.
"You have my word" she promised him.
"Ok" he agreed. Liam walked out the room and returned with a suitcase full of money.
"Half a million in cash. Plenty to get you started. New passport, drivers licence and identity. Walk out, Mr Thomas Howard. You are free. Take your dog, take the money. Go far, far away, and never return" Helena said "We have the rest from here" she replied
"I suggest you grow a moustache, and Aberdeen is nice. Take taxis. Busses and trains have CCTV" Liam added.
Holden nodded, picking up the items and walking out.
Liam sat back in Robert's chair, a glass of whiskey in his hand. He was never much of a whiskey drinker, but it felt fitting, sat in his chair, about to sabotage Roberts plans. He debated searching Robert's office for anything else, if he had planned this, then what else he might have planned.
But Liam knew better. He knew this room had cameras in. He was sure it was bugged too. He hoped that if Robert saw the footage of Jasper and Len in there, he would turn off the footage before they found the note.
None the less, he knew better than to start snooping. He looked up when the door opened. Helena walked in
"It's time" she announced. Liam downed the last of his drink, and the pair walked out. Down the grounds and around the outskirts to the gates. Nothing which would be suspicious to the guards.
"Does he realise the trouble this would cause if it came through?" Liam whispered to his mother
"I think he was counting on that" she replied. They got to the gates, and looked out over London.
"Back when I was your age, we did not have the internet" Helena commented
"But now we do" Liam replied coldly. "And most of life revolves around it, so it's about time we get used to it, and appreciate it for what it's worth. He planned to knock out the internet. Maybe he would leave us without it, or maybe he would reconnect it. But either way it would take a week … By which he would have come back home, and he would have been the reigning monarch. This would be him eliminating me as a potential future monarch" Liam explained
"We both know he planned this as much as he planned the blackout" Helena replied
"What if this does not work? Then what do we do?" Liam asked
"We go about the same way we managed to stumble into it? Helena replied
"With Jasper sleeping with my sister..." Liam asked
"God bless Jasper Frost' Helena replied
"Are you sure you were able to convince Holden Moore?" Liam asked
"That man loves that dog more than I love all my children combined. I am certain" Helena assured him.
"How so we know it was not a trap all along?" he asked. Helena sighed
"We don't. But it was nothing obvious for us to find" Helena replied, looking down at her phone. "Come on now. Five seconds" she added.
They watched out over London, counting down in their heads. Five. Ten. Twenty. One minute...
They looked down at their phones. Still had signal. They both awaited with bated breath. Not taking their eyes off their phones.
12:05am.
No drop in signal.
12:10am
No drop in signal
The pair waited in silence until 12:30am.
"We did it. We saved the technological world" Helena said, breaking the silence
"Or it was never going off to start with" Liam mused. Helena paused to think
"Don't be a pessimist. Now … Go to bed" Helena instructed. She walked off, back towards the castle.
Liam pulled out his phone, opening some internet based apps to test the strength. He opened a message to Kathryn, and began to write a message, before hesitating. And deleting the message. Deciding not to send it. He turned on his heel and walked back into the palace
"Really"' Robert asked, surprised at Liams claim that nothing had happened whilst he was gone
Liam shrugged, pausing. "Nothing" he replied. Robert turned back towards the window for a moment, looking down on London below, he took a sip of his drink.
"Good" he replied "I did not expect any less" he complemented. For a moment, there was a pause between the two brothers, where Liam felt the warmth of appreciation. Support and a feeling of pride coming from his brother
"Although" Robert continued, and Liam felt that brief moment of warmth inside him get replaced by cold. So uncomfortably cold. "It was hardly a hard task. I of course, had some more than able aides to run the country for me" he said. Turning to face Liam
"There is a reason I am on the throne Sparrow" he said to Liam patronisingly. "You wouldn't be able to handle jack shit" he hissed coldly to Liam. "But thank you for keeping my seat warm … You may go" he finished, turning back towards the window.
Liam stood, walking back out of the room without a second look. Thinking to himself in that moment, that they were certainly making the right decision. This arse needed to be dealt with. He smirked a dangerous smile as he walked away.
Liam walked past Lens pot stash, he debated it for a moment before he stopped. Standing on the bench to reach the tin, he sat down, pulling one and the lighter out. Len walked up to him as he lit the end of the joint
"I don't often see you coming here for that … Is everything ok?" Len asked, sitting down beside him, as he passed her the tin across
'Our brother is a twat" Liam said as Len lit the end of her own joint, she nodded
"What's he done?" Len asked, curiously
"All week, I've been trying to solve issues, any issues as they arise, trying my best to think like Robert, to make decisions the way that Robert would. Not how I want to, but how he would. Then he comes back, and the first thing he says to me is that I was nothing more than a seat warmer" Liam said. Len rolled her eyes
"Don't pay him any attention" Len said "Look, Liam. You know what was achieved this week this last week. You know none of that is true" Liam shrugged
"I know. But it just stings, you know?" he said. She nodded
"I know. It's hard" she agreed. "But it's motivation isn't it. It's something to encourage us to keep going" she said, knowing she had to be careful what she said, but Liam knew what she was trying to say, though. He smiled, leant in and hugged his sister.
"Thanks Len" he said. She hugged him back. Promising that they were always on the same team, that if he wanted to talk, all he had to do was ask. She put out the butt of her joint and stood
"Where are you going?" he asked her
"To find Jasper" she replied simply "Weed makes me horny" she explained winking at Liams disgusted face as she walked off.
Eleanor walked back into her room, she walked up to Jasper, straddling him on her bed. He looked up at her and smiled, his hands going to her hips
"You alright?" she asked him, he looked a little disinterested.
"I'm fine" he assured her, leaning up to press a kiss to her lips. "Come here" he instructed, flipping them over and pinning her down. He pressed his lips to her neck, inhaling her scent. "Weed?" he asked. She nodded. He knew what that meant. He smirked, picked one of her legs up and hooked it over her shoulder, leaning down to kiss her.
The pair collapsed under the sheets after some rather violent, and much needed love making. Jasper held her hand in his.
"I'm bored" he said softly
"Now? We can go again" Len said sultrily, moving closer to him.
"No" He moaned. "I'm never bored now, like this. But" he paused, she looked down at him, knowing he was serious "I was always here as the bodyguard. I was either trying to keep you. Trying to find Simon's killer, trying to keep Mandy from screwing everything up. Trying to get you again, trying to take down Robert … I've never not had something to do. And … It's a big Palace. With not much to do if you're not Royal" Jasper explained. Len listened
"Do … You want to go out and get a job?" Len asked, confused, but supportive
"Actually. I hope you don't mind. I bought something" Jasper replied
"What?" Len asked curiously
"Wanna come, and see?" he offered; she jumped up. They dressed quickly and headed out of her room.
They arrived in the car port below the Palace.
"I bought a car" Jasper said proudly. Len looked around, perhaps fifty cars were in this room.
"We have cars, we have drivers" Len replied confused.
"You have cars, with trackers. And drivers, who report back to Robert. Where you went, who went with you, and what you spoke about in the car" Jasper replied. Len raised an eyebrow, beginning to see where Jasper was going with this.
"You make a very good point" she replied, Jasper led her to his car. It was quite the step down from the cars they usually had in the port. This was by far not a bad car. He held the passenger door open for her and got in the drivers seat.
They drove off, Len playing with the buttons in the car, as Jasper drove down, out of the town and into some more secluded tracks. Polite discussion until Jasper pulled the car, stopping in a layby.
"Where are we?" Len asked
"I don't know. I don't care" Jasper replied. Leaning over and kissing her. Condensation covering the windows, giving them a little protection from people outside as it only got hotter inside the car.
The next morning, Cyrus and Violet were in the overtly huge bath, bubbles up to their shoulders. He took sip of his champagne, and picked up a strawberry, he pressed it against her lips and she took a bite. Picking up her own and feeding him.
He took another sip of his champagne, finishing the glass, and pouring from the bottle to refill his glass.
"You look beautiful in bubbles" Cyrus complimented
"I did not know they made baths this big" Violet exclaimed
"Really?" Cyrus asked, bewildered
"No. Well, I've seen Jacuzzis and hot tubs. I am surprised the Palace does not have one" she said sadly
"A hot tub? We have a pool" Cyrus said
"But the last time it was used was an Orgy for Charles II" Violet commented. Cyrus raised an eyebrow, agreeing with what she was saying
"Alright then. We shall go and buy a hot tub today" he promised her. She looked excitedly up at him
"Really?" she asked. He picked up a strawberry and fed it to her, she slowly took it in her mouth, sucking the juice off his fingers as she left the stalk in his hands.
"Maybe a little later on" Cyrus replied seductively.
Jasper and Len were intwined in bed. Not sure which was one another, or themselves. They were both on their phones, browsing the internet and social media. Both were minding their own business when Jasper began to laugh lightly to himself. Eleanor looked up from her phone
"What's so funny?" she asked, looking over to him, lovingly.
"Not funny, just ... I'm so proud of you" he said softly to her. Passing his phone across and letting her see the news article on his screen.
"The people love you. Your 'helping those in need' speech has inspired hundreds of people to help in their own way. There is a huge push already for people buying locally for Christmas, they've arranged a Christmas market through the centre of London the first two weeks of December where people can sell their own creations" he said
"This is amazing" Len replied, reading through it
"Knitting groups, making teddies to bring to hospitals, there's even a pub working on a 'pay what you can' basis. The people are building trust in one another again, the economy has shot up, all because of you" Jasper explained
"We need to do more. How do you fancy a three grand pint later on?" she said, smirking at him.
"We'll go for a walk round London. Overpay for a pint, spend a ridiculous amount in a café. Drop some money in a busker's case?" Jasper replied
"What's a busker?" she asked
"A busker. People who play instruments, or sing in public, usually with a case open or a upturned hat where people can drop money in as they pass" Jasper explained
"Let's do it! Please. I want to see that" Len exclaimed excitedly.
"Roberts making such a shit name for himself, it makes perfect sense that we keep building good relations. Make the public hate Robert even more" Jasper said
"That's brilliant! Can we bring Liam, and Mum too? Even Cyrus and Violet. The public hate the monarchy. If we build up some Love they will help up overthrow Robert" Len replied
"Exactly" Jasper said
"I need to go and tell mum" Len said flicking the blankets off her and pulling herself from the sheets. Jasper caught her arm, and pulled her back down, kissing her roughly as he fisted his hand on her ass.
"Fine. But hurry back. This is mine as soon as you do" he promised provocatively as his nails dug into her. She moaned lightly, and he let her go.
"MUM!" Len called as she rounded the halls, since she had walked in on her mother and Sebastian, she had made sure to make as much noise as she could whilst approaching. Stomping her feet louder, calling. Even banging on the walls as she approached.
She knocked on the door, and waited for her mother to call her in. Len was a little surprised when she saw the door open, and a handsome older man walked out.
"Good morning" he greeted as he passed, pushing his jacket back up onto his shoulders. Bewildered, Len walked in the room.
"Morning Darling" her mother greeted chirpily.
"Who's that?" Len asked sitting down on the bed, with a suggestive smirk,
"That's Mark" Helena replied
"Mark?" Len asked, "Is it serious?" she asked
"I suppose. Maybe a little" Helena replied with a blush. "We met at Roberts wedding, but he seems very nice. He is so charming" She replied
"Really?" Len asked, eyebrow raised.
"What did you want me for darling?" Helena asked curiously
"Oh!" Len said, remembering why she came in the first place. She picked up Jasper's phone from her hand, smiling momentarily at the lock screen picture a picture of her. She did not know when he took it, but she looked beautiful. It reminded her how much she loved that man.
She unlocked the phone, reminding to tell him how much she loved the picture later on, and passed the phone to her mother, who read back through the article.
"You have a plan" she said, looking to her daughter.
"It was Jasper's idea; I can't take too much credit. But he suggested, as a family, Me, you, Jasper, Cyrus, Violet and Liam, we go around smaller businesses, I suggest in pairs, me and Jasper, obviously, Cyrus and Violet as they clearly can't keep their hands off one another. And you and Liam. Go to cafes, and coffee shops, and small businesses. And meet in this 'pay what you can' bar at the end … just give out money, and support and get some more attention, maybe some more tourists"
"Make the point that our meet in the café was not a one-time thing, so Robert does not get suspicious?" Helena asked
"Also, to make the point that we are the Peoples monarchy, whereas Robert has his own agenda" Len explained
"Wonderful! I'll tell the rest, let's meet in the car port in an hour, shall we?" Helena asked Len agreed. "Our facade worked" she complimented
"And it did a lot of good in the community" Len added.
The family had spent all afternoon walking around London, they had their security detail, although Robert had seemed to reduce the numbers to one per Royal. And the capabilities of such assigned staff were disappointing to say the least. Needless to say, they were more than happy to have Jasper with them.
Cyrus and Violet had gone shopping, walking around some small craft shops, Cyrus buying her an elaborate bunch of flowers. Helena and Liam attending the café, ordering a sandwich and tea, talking to the waitresses, and other guests, Liam helping an older couple with their crossword. Making quite the welcome impression.
Len and Jasper went clothes shopping, in some smaller named brands, Len even offering to model some of the clothes for their website, making a rather large order, including some custom ones they bought to order for the next Palace Gala.
They all met in the 'Pay what you can' pub mid-afternoon, where Jasper and Liam ordered beers, Cyrus and Helena were on champagne, Violet and Len had glasses of wine, and a few shots.
By the time they had finished, Liam walked up to pay their bill, offering a few thousand to cover the cost. Again, their generous support caused the barmaid, also the wife of the owner to shake hands with them, and to hug Len and Violet. Receiving a welcome back any time.
They returned to the Palace, feeling pleased with themselves, not only for what they had done, but the reaction they had received from it. They parted ways on the stairs, agreeing to meet later on for dinner.
Jasper and Len walked towards her room when Willow rounded the corner
"Hello" Len greeted. Willow opened her mouth to reply when she walked into her, the magazine in her hand falling to the floor and a few loose papers flying out. Len and Jasper dropped down to help her pick them up
"I'm so sorry. I can be so clumsy" Willow apologised, picking up her notes, but passing one to Len
"I think this one is yours" she replied, standing up. Len and Jasper exchanged a look, eyes dropping down to read the note;
We need to talk, alone. The Palace is bugged, he watches my every move
"Of course, thank you" Len replied. nodding to Willow and walking out with Jasper.
"Do you trust her?" Jasper asked her
'I don't know" Len replied "But we should at least hear her out" Len replied
"Shall we call a meeting?" Jasper asked. Len thought for a moment.
"What if we don't?" she asked
"As soon as we start doing something without consulting the rest, they start going off without talking to us, next thing we know, we can't trust anyone" Jasper explained.
Len paused for a moment, looking between the letter and Jasper.
"Ok" she agreed "I hate when you're right" she replied.
Willow was stood, awaiting the start of the ceremony. She had not eaten at all today, and only had a few bites yesterday. She was so nervous about the wedding. She knew it would be big, whatever happened today. She knew what she had to do. She knew it was not right.
Strong, heavy footsteps pulled her from her thoughts, she looked towards her Fiancé who was stepping towards her purposefully
"You look beautiful" he complimented. She blushed at his words
"Thank you" she replied. "Oh!" She said remembering. "You're not supposed to see me yet"
"We need to talk" he replied.
She followed him as they walked to his office. He held the door open for her and closed it once she as inside. He poured himself a glass of whiskey, setting the decanter down, not offering her a glass as he did. She noticed that.
"Are you certain that you want to marry me?" Robert asked? Willow looked up at him, a little surprised. Wondering if he had known
"I am" she replied confidently, trying to hide her curiosity. He looked at her, studying her for a moment before taking a sip from his glass, putting it back down on the table, leaning back and looking at her again.
"You have heard some horrible rumours about me these last few days I am sure. Of course, the black outs may have had something, a little to do with me but it was all part of a bigger plan. One that would pose a much greater benefit to London as a result. It has come to my attention that you may have had a tip off, which led you to that conclusion. Didn't you?" He asked
"I don't know what you are suggesting. I already told you. That was a conclusion I came to on my own" Willow replied
"If you had, you would not have been that confident. So, I ask you once more, Wilhelmina. Who told you?" he asked, colder.
"No one told me" Willow replied, firmer
Robert sighed. He took a sip of his drink. He looked over at her for a few moments. The silence crippling her, but she was determined not to break. To let him know of anything untoward.
"It's a shame" he said softly. "We are not even married yet, and you are lying to me" he started.
"I am not lyi-" Willow began but Robert cut her off
"Save it" he hissed. Leaning forwards, intimidatingly "I don't know hat lies my family has been feeding you. But my brother has been after my throne since I returned from the dead. My sister only cares about securing her vices, the drugs, the drinks, the irresponsible sex" he sneered. Downing the glass contents in a sip.
"You have seen the paternity scandals posed by my mother and uncle. Surely, of all people you are smart enough to know that there is nothing those people look out for apart from themselves. Whoever has told you, whatever they have. I thought you would have been smart enough not to believe it"
"No one, has said anything to me" Willow replied slowly
"Well. Then let me be the first. I don't know what it is you are planning, be it today, or once in rule. But as King, as head of the government, and the only ruler in the country. I have no opposition to remove the powers of the Queen, which I intend to do so. Once you claim that title, you, my dear, will be nothing more than an image. You will be instructed not to speak. Not to the press, not to the Lords. Not even to the family. No one" Robert said coldly.
"And if you disobey me" Robert said, sitting back in his chair, "Well I don't see why anyone would object to me bringing back hanging" he smirked
"You wouldn't dare" Willow gasped.
"Who is going to stop me?" Robert asked.
"It's heartless" Willow complained
"Killing someone?" Robert asked, raising an eyebrow "Your father would know all about that, wouldn't he" Robert queried. Willow took a step back, shocked.
"Did your mother ever know? The aristocrat, set up in an arranged marriage to whom? The High Duke of Sutherland?" Robert said patronisingly.
'How did you know?" Willow breathed but her question went ignored
"But of course," Robert continued "She never wanted him did she. She never loved him. She loved your father. Thomas. A mere blacksmith from in town. What did she do? She promised Thomas a life with her, if he killed the High Duke. And he did. He and your mother lived happily ever after." Robert explained. Standing up.
He walked backwards, pushing against willow until her back was against the wall,
"So, my dear fiance" he spat "You will marry me, and whatever plan you have arranged with whomever may be against me, you will not go through with it. Not for my sake, not for yours. But for your parents. I will bring back hanging, and they will be top of the list" he hissed.
"Are you threatening me?" Willow asked, feeling a rush of anger, Robert laughed, a non-humorous, dark laugh.
"You are a smart woman, Wilhelmina. I am simply keeping you in line" Robert finished, hovering his lips intimidatingly close to her for a second, before pulling away, and walking out of the room.
"Look Baby! This one has lights" Violet said, walking between perhaps a hundred hot tubs in the showroom. Cyrus followed around, knowing damn well he would agree with whatever decision she made, but liking how happy she was
"And this one has three different jet settings" Violet squealed, running over to the next one.
"Does it?" Cyrus asked, not really paying attention to her.
"Cyrus this one has reclining chairs!" She called "Cyrus, come and look!" She called. He walked over to her and had to admit the hot tub she had found did look amazing.
At that moment, he felt a very strong vibration in his pocket. It was the Suicide Squad phone. He pulled it out and there was a text message from Len;
"The apple has fallen from the tree. ASAP"
He stared, confused at his phone for a minute before deciding, that despite not understanding what it meant, they should still probably go.
"We'll take it!" Cyrus announced to the overly enthusiastic seller. He let the aides deal with the transaction, and he and Violet went back to the Palace.
"What's the hurry?" Violet asked
"No hurry" Cyrus replied with a wink, she paused for a moment.
"Can we use it when we get back?" she asked
"Once it's set up, of course" he replied. She knew he was being sketchy, but she left it until they got home.
Cyrus closed the door behind him and Violet, who was now realising what had put Cyrus on edge, and why he could not just have told her. Not when the aides which reported back to Robert. They took a seat. A few people had drinks, but the prominent bottle of whiskey was not sat on the table, not this time anyway.
"What's all this about?" Liam asked
"First!" Cyrus called, the attention of the room looked to him. "What in the Heavens does "The apple has fallen" mean?" There was a round of nods in agreement, as they turned to Len who had sent the message to call a meeting.
"To call a meeting" Len said as though it was the most obvious thing in the world
"How did you get that?" Cyrus asked
"Suicide squad. That's a task force. Force, as in forces of gravity, Gravity, discovered by Issac Newton. Newton, as in the guy who had the apple fall on his head" Len explained
"Sounds like you had an apple fall on your head" James commented quietly to himself
"I didn't want Robert to work it out" she explained
"No one would have worked it out" Liam laughed
"You all came, didn't you?" Len asked with a raised eyebrow. No one could deny that.
"Well. Now that is all sorted. What did you want to call a meeting for?" Helena asked
"This. When we returned to the Palace yesterday, Willow ran into us, and dropped this note" Len explained, passing the note around for them all to read.
"She dropped this?" Helena asked
"Well. She ran into us so we both dropped things, and then she gave this note to us, saying we dropped it" Jasper explained
"No" Helena replied outright
"No?" Len asked
"No. It's not a god idea. Certainly not alone" Helena said
"Why not?" Len asked
"She betrayed us. She led us on and she married him" Liam reminded her
"We know what Robert is capable of" Len reminded him
"But we also know she is on his team, not ours" Jasper added
"Are we in agreement? It's not a good idea?" Helena asked
"Yes" Liam, James and Jasper replied
'No" Len and Cyrus added.
"Cyrus? You're supporting this?" Helena asked
"You know as well as I do what that bastard son of yours is capable of. Willow was all in support of King Liam. I would not put it past Robert to be holding something over that poor girl's head … We can go and listen, we don't have to say anything" He explained
"Hear her out. She at least owes us an explanation" Len replied "Besides. Robert is watching her every move, she says the Palace is bugged, and she could only tell me she wanted to talk by walking into me to pass me a note... That girl needs help" Len explained
"Do you really think this is a good idea?" Helena asked. Len nodded.
They looked between themselves for a few moments, before James spoke up
"I think we should hear her out. Like Cyrus said, listen, and don't say anything" James said. They slowly all agreed.
"How do we do this then?" Helena asked
"I was thinking, I meet Willow and ask her to help me write some social media posts, so I can get control back from Rachel, we can talk through written notes, then any bugs or cameras won't be able to see, and I can bring the notes back to show you all" Len promised. They debated it for a while,
"I still don't think it's a good idea. Not alone anyway" Jasper stated
"We don't want to scare her off. As long as Len doesn't say anything we'll be fine" Liam replied
"What do we say if she asks about us now?" Cyrus asked
"We tell her that it was too late. We've all moved on, accepting Robert's reign" Helena explained
"Would she believe that?" Lan asked
"Have we given her any indication otherwise?" Violet asked. They all thought on it
"I don't think so" Cyrus replied
"Why would she go after Len?" Helena asked
"Oh. Thanks mum" Len replied, insulted
"You know what I mean" Helena replied "Is she testing to see if you are in on it too?" Helena asked
"I was the one who told her about Robert causing the blackouts. I was the one who told her about Robert making the disbandment of Parliament permanent. I was the one who told her that Robert stole my letter and used my words" Len explained "I will go, she needs to talk to someone. I'll go and see her later on" Len said. This time, they all agreed.
Cyrus stood besides the new hot tub which had been installed and was now being filled with water. Cyrus heard his heavy, dominating footsteps approaching, but did not turn.
"Uncle, whatever are you doing now?" Robert snarled
"I think it's all too obvious what I am doing, Robert" Cyrus hissed back, then turning to face his nephew. "Come on, you are smarter than that"
"I insist that next time you decide to make a purchase such as that, you ask for my approval" Robert replied, turning on his heel
"Don't worry, dear Nephew. You can use it, as long as you ask me first" Cyrus called back. Robert turned on his heel and walked back to his uncle.
"I don't need to ask. I'm the goddamn King. You know what that privilege is like" he snarled, walking back out.
"Willow" Len called as she walked into the reception room, seeing Willow reading a book, alone, in silence. "Can I ask your opinion on some social media posts?" Len asked. Willow looked up, surprised, she closed her book and sat up straighter in her chair. Len walked over and sat next to her.
"Of course, how can I help?" she asked quietly.
"I was thinking of something like this" Len replied, placing a piece of paper down on the table, with a line of writing on.
[What would you like to talk about?]
"Well, it's a good start" Willow stated. "But how about this?" she asked, picking up her pen and scribbling on the paper below.
[Robbie. You were right. I'm sorry. I couldn't follow through at the wedding]
"Ok" Len replied, writing below;
[What changed?].
Willow hummed as she read the note. Writing;
[I wanted to! I believe you and I swear I did not tell him anything. He asked me if someone had given me a tip off after I confronted him that I knew he caused the blackout. He told me that he found something about my past. Something my family is deeply ashamed of, and if I followed through with whatever the plan was, he would release it, ruin us]
Len looked at the paper, writing;
[Did you tell him the plan?]
Willow replied
[No. I promise]
Len looked across to willow, searching her face for any sign of insincerity, before writing;
[Was that not a sacrifice worth making to your country?]
Willow shook her head.
"No" she replied
[I didn't think so. I thought you had got Robert wrong. I thought I knew him better than you]
"Well that was stupid" Len said, receiving an angry glare from Willow before she wrote:
[Did Liam ever tell you what happened between Robert and Kathryn?] Willow wrote. Len shook her head. [He slept with her, then called her a whore. He used her for her body. He's no better with me. Uses me for a face. I have no say, no decisions, no voice. Nothing except to smile, wave, shut up and meet him in the bedroom when he desires]
A tear slipping down her cheek as she did. Len chose to ignore it, deciding not to do anything to cause more attention.
"Keep going" Len said softly, writing;
[If you knew that, why did you think you knew better?]
"It's a bit long" Willow replied Len nodded encouragingly. Willow picked up the pen and thought for a moment before writing;
[You told me his decision on Parliament was permanent. When I confronted him, he got angry. The next day, I went to see him. To tell him I wanted to call off the wedding. I knew you wanted me to say those things, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I wanted to call off the wedding entirely. But he told me no. He researched my father. Found out a dark past even I did not know. And now he's blackmailing me. If I leave him, my father will be locked up for life. Or hung!]
Len scoffed reading it, writing:
[Hanging?]
Willow could see Lens concern at that.
"Yes" Willow replied
[He wants to bring it back]
"Interesting" Len stated. Writing a question she felt important;
[Are you on his side?]
Willow laughed reading it. Writing her reply confidently.
[I haven't been since you told me about parliament]
"I like that" Len replied.
[Thank you. I'll come back when I know more. Promise me you won't get pregnant!]
Again, Willow laughed.
"Well, there is no chance of that!" she laughed.
"Good. Well, thank you for this" Len said picking up the papers. "I'll speak to you soon" she said with a smile.
Helena and Mark were sat in the outdoor conservatory, drinking tea. he was telling her about how much he loved the varying weather. He told her stories of his youth, when he would travel the world, most frequently by boat.
"It's so beautiful" he said, taking a sip of his tea, enjoying the silence. It was a beautiful day, a gentle breeze, a blue sky so deep in colour it took your breath away, not a single cloud. They were watching the flowers sway ever so slightly in the breeze, and the ducklings from a nearby pond coming over to explore.
Helena heard the phone vibrate in her handbag, she darted her eyes to Mark, who appeared to have not heard anything. She tried to listen to his stories, this one of when he was in Argentina, or Austria, maybe Antartica. She knew she should have been paying attention, but she was completely invested in that phone. She wondered if it was Len, having spoken to Willow, or if something else had happened.
She knew she had to see what the message was. She really did enjoy Mark's company, but she had more important matters at hand. She thought, wondering how she could away. She could excuse herself to the restroom, which would get her enough time to look at her phone, but not to get out.
Oh, how she missed the days when she had an itinerary, and an excuse to get out of situations she did not want to be in.
Just as she was about to run out of excuses, she heard the door open behind her. She turned, as did Mark to see Liam.
"Mum" he greeted "I am so sorry to interrupt, but did you forget about our afternoon together?" Liam asked. Helena smiled at the quick thinking of her son.
"Oh my! Goodness, Mark, I ma so sorry" Helena apologised, standing and placing a soft kiss to Mark's lips.
"We will continue this, but I cannot break a promise to my son" she apologised. Mark stood and wished them a good evening, as Helena and Liam walked off. Helena thanking Liam once out of earshot.
Cyrus looked longingly at the hot water in the tub before him. It glistened in the afternoon sun. He watched as Violet stripped off her gown, naked beneath as she slipped her body into the warm water, sinking down until her shoulders were covered. She took a few steps towards him.
She rose from the water, the droplets falling from her sodden, tight form. Cyrus growled lightly, already feeling his arousal deep within him. He walked to the edge of the hot tub, and she knelt on the chair, up to her hips, still covered in water.
She leant over and kissed him, a soft kiss to his lips. He kissed her back, as she brought her hands down off his shoulders, to the waistband of his gown. Undoing the loose knot and pushing the material from his body.
He moaned, as she lowered her head down his chest, her mouth hip height, working his member until he stood proudly to attention. He placed his hand on the back of her head, hearing the water slosh back and forth as she moved against him. On to him.
He pulled her up by her hair, and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. Letting her go, she slid backwards, towards the other side of the hot tub. Curling her fingers to beckon him over. He stepped in, sitting down under the water, moaning lightly at the hot temperatures.
She moved towards him, straddling him, hips rocking against his as her lips pressed against his. He wrapped his arms around her, and as he lowered his lips to her neck, a loud vibration came from his robe pocket.
"BASTARDS" Cyrus shouted.
"Do we need to go?" Violet asked excitedly. Grumpily, Cyrus stood up from the hot tub, picking up a towel.
"I swear they do this intentionally" He complained
"I like it, it's like being called to duty" Violet replied. Her enthusiasm perking Cyrus up a little.
Once again, they all sat in James Hill's dining room. Sarah Alice sat on Lens lap sleepily, as everyone else took the pieces of paper Len had got from her meeting with Willow. Once everyone had finished reading, the note was placed back down on the table, and everyone leant backwards waiting for someone to speak. It was Len who broke the silence
"Well?" She asked "What do you think?"
"Do you trust her?" Helena asked
"It makes sense" Liam replied
"What can we do about it?" Jasper asked
"Wait" Cyrus interrupted "How do we know that Robert set her up to this?"
"Even if it is Robert's idea, I did not say anything" Len assured them, seeing her mothers eyes watching her.
"Are you sure? Even the slightest hint could have slipped out" Helena reminded her
"She had a recorder on her. Anything which was written is there, anything said, would have been recorded on the device" Jasper replied, placing a recording device on the table.
"And Len knew to be cautious, we all have suspicions that room is bugged" Liam added
"I can listen to the recording if you want?" James offered
"Actually, James I was thinking you could look into these claims. If we get rid of what Robert is holding over Willow, she might come back to our side" Liam explained
"I still don't think we can trust her" Helena replied
They all agreed with her.
"I will look anyway, and I'll listen to the recording. It's not like I have much else to do" James offered
"Thank you. Now where do we go from here?" Helena asked
"We need to keep getting good press. We got loads of stories and support from our shopping trip, it's all over social media!" Violet replied
"Wonderful. Eleanor, Jasper. How about you make a list of things which would make us look good. Bring Sarah Alice with you, give James some time alone" Helena said, James smiled
"Would you two be ok to look after her? I have a few friends still at Scotland Yard. I can see what I can do about it"
Sarah Alice perked up at the idea of spending time with Len and Jasper. Especially to be back in the castle.
Len and Jasper lay on the bed, his arms around her, watching Sarah Alice sit on the floor. She had a packet of coloured glitter pens, and a big piece of paper. She was doodling in the top corner of the page.
"What am I supposed to be doing?" she asked, once she had finished her drawing.
"We need to write a list of good things to do" Len said softly to her. Sarah Alice 'hummed' a few times, not really able to think of anything.
"Giving money to the poor?" She asked.
"It's good, but we've already done that sweetie, we need some new things" Len replied.
"What makes you happy, Sarah Alice?" Jasper asked
"Presents!" she said excitedly.
"And what is a good present?" Jasper asked
"Puppies?" Sarah Alice said, "Can I get a puppy?" she asked
"Didn't your daddy say you were allergic?" Jasper asked
"Yes" she said sadly.
"Well what else do you like?" Jasper asked
"Chocolate?" Sarah Alice replied
"Chocolate" Len mused to herself. "I have an idea. Sarah Alice, how much do you like your dress?" Len asked. Jasper gave her a confused look.
"I like it a lot, why do you ask?" She asked
"Then we will have to get you an apron. Come on. You too Jasper" Len said jumping up off the bed and heading towards the door
"Yes, come on Jasper" Sarah Alice replied. She stood, following Len out. Jasper laughed to himself, standing up and following the two women out, bewildered, but happy.
James Hill sat at his desk. On the phone.
"Ade. It's James." he said
"'Ello James, how are ya?" He asked gruffly
"I'm well thank you. Are you free to chat for a minute?" James asked
"Always got time for you" he replied
"This stays between us" James requested
"'Course. Secrets safe with me, you know that" he replied
"I need you to look into the murder of a Duke" James replied
"Murder o' a Duke? Right oh. Who, when?" he asked
"Not sure. Someone who was close to Felicity Moreno. Probably around 25 years ago" James explained.
"I'll look in'o it for ya. Might take me couple o' days. Big mans been around a lot lately" Ade said quietly.
"Don't put yourself out, just anything you can get back to me, I'd appreciate" James replied.
"Anything for you. Stay safe now, James"
"You too Ade" James replied, hanging up the phone. He listened to the silence for a moment, before picking up his laptop, with the intention of doing some research online.
Robert was walking through the castle, when some shrieks of joy caught his attention. He turned and walked towards the kitchen. Inside, he saw Jasper, Len and Sarah Alice laughing hysterically. There was quite a mess on the table, and there was some brown sludge on the three of them too.
"What is all the racket?" Robert asked walking in. The three stopped to look at him.
"We're making chocolate" Len said, shrugging
"Chocolate?" Robert asked. "Why?"
"I need a hobby. Sarah Alice was bored, and we fancied chocolate. So here we are" Len explained, before Sarah Alice could hint at the real reason.
"Oh, so you are just making a treat?" Robert asked
"Well For now" Len began, making Robert raise an eyebrow at her. "But if it all goes to plan, we'll put out recipes, make a book, and have our own brand of Palace chocolate" she explained. Robert studied her for a moment.
"It sounds a lovely idea. What have you got so far?" he asked. Len nodded to Jasper who stepped forward to Sarah Alice.
"Currently we have three flavours" Jasper said noting to the few bars on the table. "Milk chocolate with Earl Grey Tea, White chocolate with cranberries and macadamia nuts" Jasper said pointing to the chocolate, chuckling lightly to himself "And Sarah Alices' own concoction, marbled chocolate with Jellybeans and marshmallows"
"It's my favourite!" Sarah Alice said excitedly, chocolate round her mouth.
"It sounds delightful. Let's let the whole family try them tonight, after dinner" he suggested. "Speaking of, where are the cooks?" He asked
"They're only next door, prepping. We'll be out of here once it's set so they can prepare dinner" Len assured him.
"Very well then" Robert said, nodding at the three, turning on his heel and walking out. Once he was out of earshot. Jasper walked over to Len.
"I know he's your brother. But he is still a prick" Jasper whispered. Len laughed, agreeing.
After dinner, the plates were cleared, and Robert stood to get the attention of the room.
"I believe, before dessert is served, we have something new to try. I believe there are some experiments for us to try" Robert said. Sarah Alice could barely contain her excitement as Len smiled with her. Jasper on the other and was cautious. Unsure as to what he was trying to achieve.
He sat back down, and in walked three waitresses holding silver trays. Approaching the table they waited in a line.
"Sarah Alice, I think you know which order they should be served in" Robert said. She smiled.
"First, milk chocolate and Earl Grey Tea" She announced. One of the Waitresses stepped forwards, walking around the table so they could take a piece of chocolate. Robert, Willow, Cyrus, Violet, Liam, Helena, Jasper, Eleanor and Sarah Alice all took one. Tasting it. There was a series of delighted murmurs from the room. Compliments being passed around.
Once they had finished the tea chocolate, Sarah Alice suggested they try the white chocolate one, which received some more positive comments.
Finally, it as the jellybean and marshmallow, Which Sarah Alice loved. Everyone showered the three with compliments.
"Delicious" Willow complimented.
"Oh my! Please, may I have more?" Violet asked
"I rather like the white chocolate one" Cyrus complimented.
"The one? I like them all" Liam replied
"I like them. And I love the idea! Why endorse brands when we can have our own. Ingenius, and... delicious" Helena complimented. Her sincere compliments evident in her voice. Len blushed slightly. All eyes turned to Robert, the only one to have kept quiet since chocolate had begun being handed out.
"I don't really care for chocolate" he said loudly, a disappointed silence falling over the room. "I would much rather a strong whisky" he added, holding up his glass.
"Well. We can try and work that into our next bar" Jasper replied, coldly.
"Do I HAVE to go home?" Sarah Alice asked disappointed as she, Jasper, Len and one of the guards knocked on James Hill's door. "I had such a good time today" she complained
"We love seeing you, don't worry. You can come back again soon!" Len promised, hugging her as the door opened.
"Daddy!" Sarah Alice greeted hugging James as the door opened. "We made chocolate!" Sarah Alice added
"I can tell!" James said to her energetic demeanour. She passed him a small box with some ribbon on it
"We had to bring some chocolate back for you!" She said with a smile
"Thank you" James replied. "Thank you for looking after her today" James said to Jasper and Len
"It was our pleasure, anytime" Len replied
"Did you have a productive day?" Jasper asked, knowing he had to be careful what he said with Robert's guard so close.
"Very, thank you" James replied,
"We are always here, just let us know when" Len replied "Besides, we have more chocolate to try don't we" she said to Sarah Alice, who nodded eagerly. James laughed.
"Thank you" he replied sincerely.
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