Continuation

by DianaRose1900

"What the Hell do we do now?" Len asked in hushed voices, making sure Robert did not overhear. "We make a suicide squad. We have to take him down!" Helena replied with a smirk. Continuation of The Royals, Season 5 written, 6 in progress. Len X Jasper, Liam X Kathryn, Cyrus X Violet, and other pairings. Suggestion of adult themes, violence and drugs. T for safety. Please review

4. Episode Four

THE ROYALS

SEASON 5

EPISODE 4: Can't stand the heat then just stay out the light.

Not getting anywhere, aside from ranting about Robert, the team decide they need to build it. Who do they trust? They create their suicide squad. Each meeting their respective, host a big gathering at James' single bed place. Sara Alice is very pleased with the Princess coming back round. Awkward tension between the Duchess and Earl Frost. Rguments and snide comemnts over the coversation. In an attempt to get them to get on, Eleanor and Jasper lock them in the bedorom closet, and make out on the bed whilst they wait. The Duchess and Earl agree to be civil (Flirtatious) to take out Robert. Helena blackmailing Caine, Liam explaining the situation to Gemma. Liam also goes to see Willow's parents. Asks if they have heard much of their daughter since the wedding. They say no. He explains that Robert might be resiricting her contact. He needs to know if there is anything about their past that Robert might be using to blackmail Willow. Gets case details, and gives them to James Hill to cover up. ** another blackout** - Find proof that Robert did this one too.

In the Palace, Jasper and Len sat up in her bed, drinking tea. They had been out doing tasks all week, not involving their plan to take Robert down, this week was visiting schools, opening events and visiting Charities.

Len had requested that they had today off. It was Saturday and they were in desperate need of a break. The couple had awoken but being their day off were taking advantage of not having to get out of bed. The sat up, on their phones, drinking the tea. The topic of Robert came up often, although they always had to be cautious about being overheard. Whilst Len was sure that Robert would not want to bug her room, she could not put anything past him.

And as a petty move to make a point, whenever she found herself getting intimate with Jasper, she made sure to make enough noise to deter any listeners.

"When's the last time Robert had any good press?" Jasper asked, taking a sip of his tea from the tray which lay between them on the bed, rather precarious to have a teapot between two people sat up in bed, but they did not mind.

"I don't know" Len replied after a moment of contemplation on his question. "Why?" she asked. Jasper put his phone down, and carefully rolled himself so he was facing her.

"Because you had so much good press from your Robin Hood thing, The public favours good press" Jasper began

"What are you suggesting?" Len asked

"How did the press find out you were Robin Hood?" Jasper asked

"Long story. I told my mum, who told Sebastian who she was sleeping with, without telling any of us, who then blabbed to my brother who told the press in an attempt to out me and damage my reputation" Len explained

"Would you say that Sebastians loyalties lie with Robert?" he asked. Len dropped her phone angrily and turned to face Jasper

"Are you intentionally trying to hurt me? Or...?" she asked. Jasper laughed at her reaction which only made her angrier

"Hear me out" he assured her "If Robert thinks he is ruining our reputation by exposing us, telling the press what we've been doing, but if it's all well recieved by the public, all he would be doing is advertising how good we get. Especially when all the press he gets is negative" Jasper explains

"What if he gets some positive press too?" Len asked

"What if I can make sure nothing positive about Robert gets out?" Jasper asked

"How could you do that?" she asked

"I have means, I know people" he replied raising an eyebrow

"You're kind of hot when you're mysterious" she teased

"You like that?" He asked seductively

"Too much. Now back to what you were saying. How does Sebastian come into this?" she asked

"We can't trust him" Jasper replied, but Len cut him off

"You just don't like him" she reminded him

"You know I have reasons for that, but you admitted yourself, he told Robert you were Robin Hood. So, we can't trust him, but Robert can. If Robert thinks Sebastian is betraying us, he will believe him" Jasper said

"You're suggesting Sebastian double crosses Robert and tells us things about him?" Len asked, confused

"No. I wouldn't trust him to do that. But I do think we can use him to feed Robert information in our favour" he replied

"Well, how would we get back in touch with him. I can't imagine mum will be wanting to sleep with him again, she has Mark now, whether he was planted by Robert or not, she's going to keep him to appease Robert, stop him giving her other guys to shag" Len laughed

"You were friendly with him, weren't you? Did he ever find out you knew it was him? OR does he think you still believe it was your mum?" Jasper asked

Len thought on it for a moment

"You have a good point" she said with a smirk.

"I have a few of those" Jasper replied, leaning into her and pinning her into the bed.

---

Jasper and Len missed breakfast. Their antics carried on, and distracted them long into the morning. At gone ten o'clock that morning, the pair stumbled into the Dining room. It was empty, everyone else had gone, but the waiting staff came in anyway, and a few minutes later they had some breakfast being served.

"What are we doing today?" Jasper asked

"I don't know. I would be tempted to go back to bed" Len replied with a smirk

"We can go back to bed, what spend all day tangled in the sheets?" Jasper replied

"With a break for lunch" Len requested

"Of course. Why don't we go for a picnic. Get some sandwiches and stuff, and take a drive. Find somewhere beautiful, in the woods, looking up at the clouds, the trees" Jasper suggested

"I didn't know you were such a romantic" Len teased "That sounds perfect" She smiled, leaning in to kiss him.

"Can't think of a better way to spend the day" Jasper replied

They continued to eat their breakfast for a while. They had just finished when Robert walked in the room, piece of paper in hand.

"Good morning" he greeted

"Hey" Len replied, Jasper simply nodded.

"Here is a list of charities you need to visit today" he said, placing the piece of paper down in front of Len

"But we had a day off" Len argued "I was told we could have today as just us" she said motioning between her and Jasper

"Well, no rest for the Royals. Hurry up, you need to be at your first appointment in twenty minutes" he said harshly. "Sorry your picnic will have to wait" he added walking out.

---

The day had dragged on. It was reaching ten o'clock that night by the time they returned to the castle. Both tired, angry and frustrated that Robert had overheard their plans and intentionally found something to get in the way.

They finished, returned to the Palace and went straight to her room.

"I'm hungry" Len replied. After this morning, they were anxious to talk in the Palace, they had one of Roberts drivers so they could not talk whilst out and about.

"Let's go get some food" Jasper replied quietly. She nodded. They walked downstairs and just as Len went to turn into the Dining Hall, Jasper caught her arm, and they walked down and to his car. Once they got into the car, and out the Palace gates, did she ask where they were going

"Anywhere we can speak freely" Jasper replied.

"With food?" Len asked pleadingly. Jasper looked down at the beauty in thepassenger seat and smiled at her

"Of course. What do you fancy?" he asked

"I don't know. What's about?" she asked?

"This late, kebab, maybe a pizza if you're lucky" he replied

"Kebab it is" she decided. "What is a kebab, is that the thing with the ...stuff in it?" She asked, miming with her hand.

"I love it when you're descriptive" he laughed. "Have you never had one?" He asked

"Probably when I was drunk or stoned" she replied

"Doesn't count" he laughed. "Come on, let me enlighten you"

Half an hour later, they were sat in his car, devouring two of the largest kebabs they had ever seen, a large portion of chips to share between them, sauce pots covering the dash and a milkshake each.

"We should do this more often" Len said with a mouth full of food, bits of lettuce stuck in her hair but a look of utter euphoria in her eye. One which made Jasper both aroused and jealous. But he was able to push it aside.

"Being able to talk freely?" he asked

"That. And the food" Len replied

"What if we move out. If we get our own place, which isn't bugged, where we can have whatever, we want to eat, not whatever Robert dictates on the menu. Where we can say whatever, we want, whenever we want, and do whatever we want, wherever we want... In every room … In every piece of furniture which we pick" he said, his voice slowing down and getting much huskier as he spoke. Len looked up at him

"You mean, we buy a house? Together?" she asked he nodded. She thought on it for a moment before nodding.

"Are we doing it?" Jasper asked excitedly.

"We're doing it!" Len replied. They soon got their phones out, and started browsing the properties they could afford, and liked the look of. They found a few, and made a list, sending off some enquiries. It was well past midnight by the time they returned to the castle. Agreeing not to tell anyone until it was agreed.

---

Two days had passed since Len and Jasper had made the decision to move out, whilst still keeping it quiet, they had a new sense of purpose and a drive to get them through. They had set up three viewings on Sunday, and decided that, as they had booked the day free a few days in advance, as it was a Sunday and as they had not mentioned to anyone what they were doing, mainly so a certain King could not interrupt, they would just attend the viewings, despite what other functions may be assigned. They were due a day off after all.

The couple had pulled up outside a stunning 7-bedroom rustic cottage, about twenty minutes from the Palace, secluded, with lots of land. They were both taken at the first sight. The agent met them outside and walked them around the property.

They returned to the large dining room and took a seat at the table.

"What do you think?" she asked

"It's perfect" Len replied

"Len" Jasper said softly "This is the first one we have looked at" he reminded her

"I know. But you know when you know. Don't you like it?" she asked. Jasper paused, looking around the room. The large open plan kitchen and dining room had a large open fireplace in, the kitchen was beautifully modern consider the age of the house, and yet still fit in perfectly with the aesthetics.

The exposed beams ran through the cottage and into the large living room next door. It was considerably smaller than the Palace, but it felt like home.

"I do" he replied They cancelled their other viewings, and asked how quickly they could close the deal. The agent said that she could get things in motion, and within two weeks they could have the keys.

---

2 Weeks Later.

The agent drove away, leaving Jasper and Len alone outside the property, keys in hand.

"Let's do it together" Len said. Jasper took her hand and they turned the key, opening the door, and stepping inside the house.

"It's ours" Jasper commented

"Can I ruin that illusion?" Len asked

"...What?" Jasper asked cautiously

"Can mum move in too? Just until Robert is taken down" she asked. Jasper thought for a moment so Len continued "She can't talk in her own house. The only person she can talk to is Robert and bloody Cyrus. And even then her every move is watched. Her entire life is dictated by Robert"

"Sure" Jasper replied with a smile "But one limit. Not Cyrus" he requested. Len nodded

"No don't worry. He would never move out of the Palace anyway" Len laughed

"What about security?" Jasper asked

"You?" Len asked, he laughed

"I was thinking … Rosie misses you. And James Hill needs a job" he replied

"It would be nice to have Sarah Alice back" Len agreed.

"That was easy" Jasper laughed

---

"We ready?" Len asked Jasper as they stood in the Palace outside the dining hall. He nodded and they walked in. Helena was sat by the window, staring out at the gardens sipping her tea in silence. They had been so absent the last few weeks sorting the house, they wondered if she had much interaction with people.

Liam spent most of his time with Robert, all to aide the case of being Robert's right-hand man. Willow was seldom seen. She took most meals in her room now, she only really came out for Sunday dinner and then she didn't say much when she did.

Mark was there a lot, but having come to the realisation that he was planted by Robert, Helena was cautious not to say too much to him.

She turned as the door opened and the couple walked in. She smiled softly, and patted the chairs next to her.

"Good morning" she greeted. Through her grace and manners, it was obvious that she was lonely, and pleased to have someone to talk to.

"Hey" Len said, "Mum … We have some news" Len began

"Please don't tell me you're pregnant" Helena said "This is no time to bring up a baby" she added

"No" Jasper laughed

"We've bought a house. Our own house. Our own rules. Away from the Palace" Len explained. Helena beamed a sad smile

"Congratulations you two" she said. Standing up and hugging them both. Stepping back, she smiled at them both "It's going to be so quiet without the two of you. When do you move in?"

"We got the keys today" Len replied

"We would love for you to move in with us" Jasper added. Helena's mouth dropped open slightly

"No. I would hate to impose" she replied

"We insist!" Len argued "It's a big enough, plenty of rooms"

"Privacy, Its quite secluded, no one to overhear you" Jasper replied

"We're going to ask James Hill to be our security. And Rosie of course" Len explained. Helena beamed for a moment, before pulling them both in again

"Thank you" she whispered, letting them go. "Well. When do I get to see it?" she asked

---

"Tea?" James asked as Len and Jasper walked in and sat at the table in his living room

"Yes please" Len replied. She got chatting to Sarah Alice whilst James made the tea, bringing it in and sitting down opposite them

"Sarah Alice, go and play in your room for a few minutes" James instructed

"But I don't want to" she said crossing her arms

"Just for a few minutes, I promise" James replied. She huffed and stormed off upset, arms still crossed and a pout on her lips.

"What's wrong?" James asked

"What do you mean?" Jasper asked

"You only ever call me for a meeting, or to research someone. Now what's wrong?" he asked. Len laughed, causing James to raise an eyebrow

"Len and I have bought a house, away from the Palace" Jasper explained "We would love for you to be our Head of Security. We would also have Rosie" Len said

"Are you serious?" James asked, smiling.

"Of course!" Len replied

"Yes. Absolutely! When do you get the house? When can I start?" James asked. "Sorry, that sounds rather eager doesn't it" he calmed himself down.

"What about …" he trailed off, his eyes going towards Sarah Alices' closed door

"She has to come too! It wouldn't be a home without her" Len insisted.

"Do you want to tell her?" James asked, Len and Jasper exchanged a look

"Maybe we should show her instead" Jasper replied with a smile.

---

"You can't be serious" Rosie said as she sat in the dining room of the cottage. She took a sip of her tea. Jasper and Len had gone to her that morning, she was still Lens security at the Palace, and told her they had bought a house so she would be moving to their new cottage.

Despite being good friends with Len, and a critical part of her security for the last few months, she was rather lenient when Len said that she and Jasper were going out alone. She had remained unaware of what was happening between the team.

"Robert was responsible for the blackouts?" she asked, gobsmacked "And his plan to remove Parliament … That's permanent?" she added

"I'm afraid so" Jasper replied

"Why didn't you tell me any of this?" she asked Len, angrily

"We couldn't tell anyone, Robert has ears everywhere" Len replied. Rosie thought for a momement, but nodded. Understanding.

"Yeah alright. You know that I won't say anything to him don't you" she confirmed

"We trust you, Rosie" Len replied

"Personally, I hate the bastard" she laughed

"Join the club" Jasper replied

"What else have I missed then?" she asked. Jasper and Len exchanged a look. Of course, they had debated whether they told Rosie everything or not. But they both trusted her, they knew that her loyalties would lie with Liam and Len. Not Robert.

"Where to begin. Willow told me how she's being held hostage in her marriage to Robert, not allowed to even speak" Len started

"Why?" Rosie asked

"He has some information that would incriminate her father" Jasper explained. "But it's not as bad as when Helena told us that Robert was dictating her love life. He killed Jack -" Jasper began

"He killed Jack?!" she gasped

"And Spencer" Len added

"No!" she replied

"Then we met Joanne" Len added

"Joanne?" she asked

"Well. When we realised that Spencer had not been fired, but according to his sister, killed himself" Len started

"You said Robert killed him" she replied

"We'll get to that" Len promised

"Alright. God I've missed so much!" she complained

"I know. Sorry" Len replied. "Well, we chased up with Spencer's sister, who told us the Palace informed her he killed himself" Len added,

"We chased up some footage and have some of Robert dragging Spencer's dead body" Jasper replied

"What did he do with the body?" Rosie asked

"The lake" Jasper replied

"Wow. So how does Joanne link into this?" she asked

"Oh!" Len exclaimed "So we went to see Melissa, Spencer's sister, and she had a pile of all Spencer's things from his office. We had a look through, to see if we could find any explanation, but … Nope. Just a load of notebooks" Len began

"Until, one of the notebooks had a page ripped out. Indent on the page under saying 'Robert killed Jack' then a number" Jasper added

"Please say you called the number" Rosie replied

"Of course we called the number" Jasper laughed

"And?" she asked

"Enter Joanne" Len replied with a smirk

"She works for the Military. Worked with Robert, where one night he told her how he planned to fake his own death, have his father killed, take over Parliament, take out the wifi and leave the UK under a dictatorship" Jasper explained

"Isn't it just a bit suspicious she said that all that after it happened. Well, except the wifi thing" Rosie asked

"Well, the wifi almost happened, but we took it down" Len said

"How did you manage that?" Rosie gasped

"Saw a man about a dog" Jasper laughed, Rosie joined in

"No seriously" she laughed

"That was it" Len replied "And besides, we have Robert's entire confession on tape" Len added.

Rosie leant back in her chair

"Wow" she gasped

"We're trying to take him down" Jasper assured her

"Just tell me what I can do to help" Rosie replied.

---

Jasper and Len had begrudgingly agreed to return to the Palace one last time for dinner, where they could announce to Robert that they were moving out. Of course, they had told Liam and Helena already. But they knew that Robert wouldn't be pleased.

They had just finished a rather delicious dinner of … something with duck, they weren't entirely sure. The plates had been cleared, and Len stood, drawing the attention of the room. She tapped her spoon against her glass for good measure.

"We have an announcement" Len said. All eyes were on her now. "Jasper and I have decided to get our own place. We have bought a lovely little cottage, and we're moving out tomorrow" she said

"Wonderful!" Helena replied with a beaming smile. Liam shook Jaspers hand, even Willow curled her silent lips into a smile. Then the attention turned to Robert. The only one yet to say anything,

"Well. Congratulations are clearly in order" he replied, instructing the waiters to bring round a bottle of champagne and some glasses. They did, and he made a toast

"To Len and Jasper" they all repeated it and took a sip.

"I'll assign you my best security" Robert added

"Oh, actually we've sorted ourselves out" Len replied

"No. I insist" Robert replied

"It's a kind offer, but we already know who we want" Jasper replied

"Who?" Robert enquired

"Rosie, and James Hill" Len replied, sourly

"Oh" Robert replied, looking down at his glass and taking a large sip. "I think you're making a big mistake there"

"We don't think so. We want friends, not strangers to be our security" Jasper replied bitterly

"Weren't you once Len's security Jasper?" Robert asked angrily "Perhaps a little distance between the help and the Monarchy isn't such a bad thing"

There was a brief moment of silence throughout the room as Len downed the last of her drink before the couple stood up. Excusing themselves. Robert finished his drink, slammed his glass back down on the table and picked up Willow's glass, taking a sip. The look which Helena and Liam exchanged was caught by Willow, but in his rage, Robert missed it.

---

It had taken a further two days before Helena had the bravery and opportunity to tell Robert that she was moving in with Len and Jasper. When she eventually did, Robert walked off, silent. Helena had barely seen him since.

She had gone to see the cottage a next day to look at it, and she was delighted. She was shown her room and from then she had been planning what to bring. The days had dragged but finally she had moved out.

Len, Jasper, Helena, Sarah Alice, Rosie and James all sat around the dining table that night, when Helena tapped her glass and stood to the room.

"I know times have been hard. I know that it is an uphill battle, and we still have a long way to go. But I just wanted to take a moment and tell you how impressed I am with you both. I am so proud. This is a beautiful cottage and I am honoured that you have asked me to share your space. Now, don't worry I shall do my part and keep my distance. But I need to express my most sincere thanks to you for getting me out of the Palace. You gave me my freedom back. So I invite you all to join me in raising a glass" she toasted. They all picked up their glasses, raising them to match.

"To freedom!" she toasted, which they all replied.

They had already set in their cleaners and chefs, their little home was getting more homely. This had become their new meeting spot, James was rather appreciative of getting his space back, and they all agreed it was much less suspicious with people going to Len and Jasper's for "Lunch" rather than slipping away from their guards, which they were sure if Robert had not picked up on yet, it would only be a matter of time.

---

Because of the move, and the caution surrounding James' place, it had been near enough a month since their last meeting. They called one the very next day, and just after lunch, they all sat in Len and Jasper's homely living room.

"What's the update?" Cyrus asked

"There is none" Jasper replied

"Then why have you called a meeting?" Liam asked curiously "Surely unless there is an agenda it's too risky to call everyone together?" he added

"That's the thing, the reason why we called this meeting" Len began "We have got nowhere. We found out why Willow didn't follow through, and we're working on sorting that out so she can be freed. We learned about Jack and Spencer getting killed by Robert, and we met Joanne, who basically just confirmed what we all suspected all along" she added

"That sounds like we've achieved a lot" Violet commented

"Has it? Our biggest achievement was stopping Robert from taking down the internet whilst he was on his honeymoon. We can't celebrate it, and there is nothing stopping him do it again. What we've done is put out one fire, and looked at where the others have burned out. We need to stop Robert" Helena added

"How do we do that?" Liam asked

"That's what we're here to discuss. We need to Come up with a plan, we're just flitting about and so far, we're no better off than when we started" Jasper replied

"We need help" Len added

"Help?" James asked "What do you mean?"

"I mean, we are all prime suspects for Robert, he has people watching us, listening to us, following us. If we start anything which has potential to take him down, he will stop us. We need people he's not expecting. We need to grow our suicide Squad" Len replied

"What are you suggesting?" Helena asked

"I suggest that one week from today, we all meet again, and we bring with us one person. One person who we trust, who we know is on our side. Who we know has either a vendetta against Robert, or wants to see him taken down" Len said

"It's risky" James said cautiously

"Everything we have done is risky" Len reminded him "And the longer we keep this going on, the riskier it gets"

"But the fewer people who know the less chance Robert has of finding out" Cyrus insisted

"Len is right, we could never do this on our own. He keeps too tight a chain on us. If we have others, we have alibis. We won't be to blame for taking Robert down, and we can pick up the pieces of, whatever is left of the Monarchy when he does" Violet added, Cyrus gave her a furious look, but she raised an eyebrow.

"I think she's right" Helena replied quietly

"Helena?" Cyrus asked

"Cyrus. It has been four months, we aren't getting anywhere. If we don't do something it will drag on forever" she replied

"Shall we put it to a vote?" Liam asked

"All in favour, of selecting one trusted person to join our team to take him down" James asked Everyone except Cyrus raised their hands. He looked around the room and reluctantly put his hand up too.

"Wonderful. We'll meet back here in a week" Jasper announced.

---

One Week Later

"Are we all ready?" Helena asked as Liam, the last to arrive walked into the living room and sat down. They all nodded in agreement

"Remind me, dear Uncle, why we had to put our guests in the spare room where no one could see them" Liam asked bitterly as he sat down.

"Because, dear boy. We live under the thumb of a dictator. We spend every minute of every day worried he will hear us, or see us, or kill us. We deserve some excitement and this is the best we could come up with" Cyrus replied

"Always a flair for the dramatics" Len laughed

"Guilty. Now, who wants to go first?" Cyrus asked. There was a silence around the room.

"I think it's better you start Cyrus, you seem to know how you want to do this" Helena replied. He stood up and nodded.

"Certainly. Now I decided that we need someone who Robert can trust, even if she is on our side. Someone who has a history of betrayal and loyalty to the crown. Someone who we know works only for her own desire" Cyrus began

"Why on earth would we want someone like that? They sound the opposite to what we need" Helena critiqued

"Save all questions for the end Helly" Cyrus began. "You see, she is motivated by outcome. She wants what is best for her, and being the devious minx I am" Cyrus stopped to wink at himself in the mirror, "I was able to talk her round to the outcome when Robert is removed, and someone decent is back on the throne" Cyrus replied

"Was that a compliment Uncle?" Liam teased"

"If you must take it as such" Cyrus replied. "Anyway. You know her, you hate her. I present the newest member of our team, the Grand Duchess Alexandra of Oxford" he announced, opening the door, and in walked Dutchie.

"Dutchie" Cyrus greeted with a kiss, she kissed back and sat down opposite him

"Cyrus, dear. When you have the glory of the Palace, please enlighten me as to why you chose this café to meet?" she scowled

"Well. I have come to learn that the Palace is a little … Observed lately, and sometimes I want to be able to talk freely, without being overheard" Cyrus said, motioning to her guards who stood behind her. She took the hint and waved her hand. They disappeared round the corner.

"What is this about, Cyrus?" she asked

"You said something to me, back at Robert's wedding. When Violet was brought back .You said that 'you needed me on side when we take down my nephew' What did you mean by that?" Cyrus asked. She laughed

"Oh dear, I was about six champagnes in by that point, I really don't know what I was saying" she replied

"But did you mean it?" Cyrus asked. She paused, studying him for a minute

"You still live in the Palace don't you, Cyrus. I am as loyal to the crown as you are" she replied

"The crown, or the man beneath it?" he questioned

"The man beneath it is my grandchild" she reminded him

"And you know as well as I do that the monarchy has so much blood in it relatives don't matter anymore. So, I need to know, you brought me Violet back to keep me on your side. What side are you on?" he asked

"I am on the side of the Crown" she repeated a little more firmly this time, before placing her handbag on the table and standing up. "I think we are done here" she replied, turning her back and taking a few steps.

"The current crown? Or the future crown?" Cyrus asked. She stopped, and turned to face him again

"Is there a difference?" she asked

"One is a dictator, one will restore the Monarchy to it's Glory. One considers you a threat, one considers you a weapon. Be our weapon Dutchie. Help us get the crown back on a Worthy head" Cyrus replied. She took a few steps and sat back down.

"How do I know I can trust you?" she asked

"You came here today didn't you?" Cyrus replied

"I was promised breakfast" she laughed

"You can still get it. But I need to know we want the same outcome" Cyrus stated

"The crown does not belong on his head. It goes against everything the Modern Monarchy stands for"

"Well then, My dear Dutchess. We have a lot to catch up on" Cyrus added with a smirk.

"Mother" Helena greeted

"I know I have perhaps given you conflicting views of my loyalties before. I have always been a supporter of the Crown, whoever it may have been. Robert knows that too. He knows better than to question my loyalty. However, let me assure you all now, that for longevity of the crown, and the Henstridge Monarchy, we need to act, we need to remove him from power. And my Loyalties now lie with the Monarchy. Not the crown, and not he dictator who is pretending to be the King" She replied. There were a few murmurs of approval and she took a seat beside Cyrus.

"Well, there's mine. Who's next?" Cyrus asked

"I will" Violet replied, standing up. "Now, I don't have the wonderful contacts I am sure you all do, however from my time serving at the Palace I made a few friends. One of whom has recently been promoted to Lady in Waiting" Violet began

"That's very close to the Queen isn't it?" Liam asked

"Precisely. She came to me a few weeks back, and expressed in confidence some concerns regarding the King and Queens marriage. She said that the Queen has not been herself, that she is isolated, lonely. She spends hours ranting to her and complaining about the King" Violet continued

"How do we know we can trust her?" Len asked

"Her loyalties lie with the Queen, and we all know Willow is only supporting Robert because she is his prisoner. The Lady in Waiting, Laura Wilson has grown to detest the king from hearing Willow talk about him. She wants Willow to be happy, and she wants him gone. She has contacts to the privy chamber, and can get us information" Violet claimed

"Laura" Violet called as she strolled the gardens, seeing Laura come back from what she could only assume was a lunch break. Alone in the gardens, not likely to be overheard, and out of uniform so the chances of being bugged were slim.

"Violet" she smiled, walking over and the two girls exchanged a hug. "How have you been?" she asked

"Alright thank you, how are you?" Violet replied

"Same old" Laura replied with a sad smile. "It keeps getting worse"

"I feel your pain, I really do. But, what if there was something which you could do about it?" Violet asked in a shushed whisper

"Like what?" she asked "I wouldn't want to get the Queen into any trouble" she added

"You wouldn't. But if there were some people who wanted the same as you. Wanted to be able to live in peace again, wanted happiness again. Would you be supportive of that?" she asked

"Of course I would be" Laura replied.

"You still have your contacts with the Privy chamber?" Violet asked

"Every morning we exchange timetables to align them, although they are so different lately, I don't think the Queen has shared a meal with anyone since Sunday" she replied

"That's terrible!" Violet cried. "Would you be able to pass on that information?" she asked. Laura looked around cautiously

"I … I don't know I would lose my job if anyone found out" she replied

"I know, I'm asking you to take a huge risk. But it would be so helpful, we could have a much better chance of getting our outcome if we did." Violet promised. Laura thought deeply about it for a minute

"I can't be too obvious" she whispered. Violet nodded. "Thank you"

The door opened and Laura walked out. A tallish woman, with her hair up in a neat bun. A light blue dress which came down to her knees, and dark tights adorned her body, along with a pair of modest heels. She was rather pretty.

"Thank you for letting me join. I will pass on any information I can. Any unusual or regular meets, anything suspicious or just updates. Anything the Queen tells me. That information is yours if it helps you get rid of him" she said. She was met with supportive smiles and went to sit down besides Violet, who placed a hand on her knee supportively, exchanging smiles.

"I'll go next" Jasper said standing up. "Some of you may recognise her name, some of you may not. She has been on our side before, mostly. But she is now. She has the power to help us ruin Robert to the public. She can twist anything to support who she wants, and convict who she wants. In her own way, she is Judge and Jury" Jasper introduced.

"Mostly?" Helena asked

"She can be won over by a better story" Jasper assured her. "She is almost considered a friend, but she can help us out. We have all these bad things on Robert, but if we release them, then we incriminate ourselves. She hides behind the pen. Hides behind the social media pages. Hides behind millions of views on a good story. She can interview, interrogate and turn the country's most loved man into a corpse rotting in the street the next day" he added.

The door opened and out walked Harper Day, the journalist.

"Harper Day. She will be our means of turning the public against Robert, whilst promoting us. Making ourselves seem the better option. Robert may have eliminated Parliament voting him out, but what would he do to every person in the country wanting him out?" He asked.

"Frost" she greeted not looking up from her desk. "What story do you have for me this time?"

"So many. But I have an offer this time, more than a story" he replied. She looked up from her laptop curiously

"And what makes you think I would be interested in that?" she asked

"Because I can make you huge. You would be the key and sole reporter on every major event affecting the Crown. You would get to document everything down to his demise. Your name will be the centre of everything relating to it" Jasper said

"So why do you need my help? Why not just drip feed me the stories you have?" she asked

"Because we don't want to just hit him with some hard to read news. We need to turn the public away from him. We need to paint him in the light he really wears. We need you to collate the stories, release the correct one at the correct time. You would be an integral part of when and how" he explained

"You are being incredibly flattering today. Either you really need my help, or someone has slipped something into your morning coffee" she replied

"Are you in or not?" he asked, ignoring her statement

"I get first article on all news" she asked. He nodded. "I can pick and choose which and when?" again he nodded. "I get the rights to a book after this, and any movie royalties which come from it?" He laughed

"A portion" he compromised. SHe thought about it for a moment, before agreeing. Holding out her hand, He looked at her hand for a moment, looking back up to her.

"Only Robert though. Everyone else we get good press, we show the public it's not the Monarchy that's shit. It's Robert" he agreed before shaking her hand. She nodded

"Fine" she agreed. And they shook.

"I have to say, I was surprised at the offer, but I was promised some good stories. I trust I won't be let down?" Harper asked .

"Believe me. You will have as many as you can handle" Len promised her.

"Good" she smiled, sitting down in a space between Jasper and James.

"Now me" Len said standing up, "I suppose I should have checked to see who was actually in on this before inviting. However, I have someone who can convince the world it is red when it is in fact green. I have someone who can read people like a book, can pick the locks into people's minds, and someone who has already proven themselves to Robert as loyal. Someone who I can assure you is most definitely on our side, but can certainly play the part of our enemy" Len began

"Oh no" Jasper replied, upon realisation of who she had brought

"That's right. No major introductions but I bring you, count Bellagio, or maybe you better know him as; Earl Frost" Len introduced. The tall man walked through into the room. There was an echo of facepalms from Jasper, James and Helena, whilst the Duchess gasped, blushing, and Cyrus giggled in excitement

"Really?' Jasper asked

"Bellissima" he greeted as she walked up to him. He was staying in London, in a small 3 room flat. It had not taken her long to track him down, Jasper had told her which names he used when he was checking into places, she knew which ID he would have to provide. It took her less than twenty minutes before she came across a probably address. Walking and knocking on the door, as soon as it opened, she knew she was right.

"Mr Frost" she greeted, he invited her in and made her a cup of tea. Sitting down in his bedroom/living room, she glanced around.

"How are you finding London?" she asked politely

"It's quite the change from the glamour of the Palace" he admitted

"Have you heard from Jasper lately?" she asked

"Not since the morning of the Wedding. After Willow didn't comply, I got myself out of there as soon as I could. I knew Robert would recognise me. I fear that Jasper will assume I had something to do with it, and he has not tried to contact me since" he confessed

"And yet, you stayed in London" she replied

"I … Was not ready to go yet" he admitted

"You really want to make things work with Jasper don't you" she suggested

"I want my son to be happy. I just have yet to accept that his happiness does not involve me" he said

"What if there was a way to make that happen?" Len asked

"Elaborate"

"You were on our side before, you have proven your loyalty to us and our cause. But to Robert, you took a shot at your son. You have proven yourself as loyal to Robert. You could be our inside man" Len suggested

"Robert knows how much I want to make a connection with my son. He knighted Jasper on my request. He would never buy that I had switched sides" Earl responded

"Well. You have a skill to be rather convincing. You can play people like puppets. If you really think that you could not convince Robert that Jasper has cut off all ties, and instead of building bridges you want to take him down, then I am deeply disappointed in you" Len said sadly. "If anyone can double cross, it would be you" Len replied

"And you think that would help my relationship with Jasper?" he asked hopefully

"To work together? Certainly" she replied

"Alright" Earl replied, holding up his mug of tea, she joined him. "To Jasper" he said. She replied, and they drank.

"And you really think you can trust him. The man shot me on Robert's request" Jasper protested

"I shot you so we could rebuild our relationship" Earl assured Jasper

"I would worry what else he would do to prove himself to Robert" Jasper replied

"Nothing which I would not have warned you of prior to it happening" Earl promised

"Well, that makes it better" Jasper scoffed.

"Well, as Cyrus so kindly brought Dutchie, there is always the option that they get back together and move into the Palace" Len replied

"Absolutely not!" Dutchie cried in outrage at the same time that Earl agreed, the two shot a look of anger between them.

"What benefit does that have?" Cyrus asked

"It shows their loyalty to the Crown. Gives Earl easy access to manipulate Robert, and with Dutchie supporting him they both become Robert's allies" Len explained

"Well. We can work out the finer details later on" Helena said. "I however, have someone who would be more of a benefit" she said standing up, Earl looked a little offended but went to sit down by Len regardless.

"I have someone who has already betrayed us to support Robert, but I am certain that his alliances lie with us. And if there is any doubt, I am sure I can keep him in check" she replied with a smirk. Len shuddered recognising that look.

"Sebastian was the only one of my lovers that Robert never knew about, he wasn't killed or chased away. But he was the one that told Robert that Eleanor was the Robin Hood. When Robert thought he would be taking down Eleanor, all he did was promote her, and paint her in a good light. Sebastian is on our side, but is a trusted friend of Roberts. He can feed Robert things about us, showing loyalty to Robert, but very much all with our approval" Helena assured them.

Out of the door walked Sebastian, big smile as he greeted the group. Len felt Jasper tense a little beside her, so she placed a hand comfortingly on his leg.

"Your Majesty" Sebastian greeted, standing up as she approached in the large, very posh restaurant. "I feel as though I must apologise, we did not end things on good terms" he greeted

"Yes well" Helena began. "I suppose really that there are always ways to make amendments" she replied. His eyes lit up

"I hope you know I never wanted to call Len out like that. I thought that Robert knew, or at least that he would keep it quiet. I never expected him to tell the press like that" Sebastian claimed

"I believe you. But I need to know if you really support Len and myself, or if your indiscretion was trying to build an alliance with Robert?" Helena asked

"I love your daughter" he began, stopping himself "Not in that way, we got quite close when we were building the hotel business" Helena did not say a word, instead, she looked over to him, her eyes telling him that he should keep talking.

"I know how truly beautiful she is, I know how good her heart is. When I told Robert about her being the Robin Hood, I was talking to him with admiration for her, not to do anything against her. Knowing how Robert abused that knowledge to stop her, it hurts me, angers me" Sebastian explained.

"You support my daughter? Not my son?" Helena asked

"I support goodness. Eleanor is nothing but good. Your son, I assume Robert, is arrogant and motivated by himself. I can't support that when Len is so selfless" he said "Sorry" he added, realising his insult.

"Don't apologise" Helena replied, in thought. "How about, we make come up with some peace offering, and resume our relationship?" she offered a suggestive look on her face

"Is this a trap?" Sebastian asked curiously

"Not at all" Helena replied, walking towards him. "You can help me out, and in return I am sure I can help you" she replied, her lips inches away from his ear.

"I could be tempted" Sebastian replied

"I've always said I look better on the good side" Sebastian said with a smirk as he smiled down to the group.

"He told Robert" Len said

"I was in awe of you" Sebastian replied. "I don't trust him now; we need a monarchy that is good. We need to get rid of him" he explained. There was little objection to him. He took his seat.

"My go?" James asked, supported by nods. "Alright" he stood up.

"I was thinking about who would be most beneficial to this cause. Now I admit, I don't have a massive amount to say. But I worked out that we would need to find someone who would help us when we got stuck. And more importantly, who would hinder Robert or at least his team, at every opportunity" James begun

"Robert has sovereign immunity, he is above the law, so if he did anything which was perhaps, questionable. His team would not be able to get away with it, meaning if he wanted to follow through with something, such as the servers, or the internet. We need someone who can prove that if decisions were made, it was Robert, no one else. So, I brought an old friend of mine, who was recently been promoted to the Police and Crime Commissioner for Scotland Yard. Sir Jon Richardson" James introduced.

The door opened and out walked a tall man with a very stern face. He looked terrifying. Certainly not someone you wanted to cross. He stood to the room, legs slightly parted, back straight, his arms crossed behind his back. Looking straight ahead, his eyes flicked round every one in the room, before nodding once.

"I hope you all understand the gravity of the situation if it came out that I was conspiring against the Crown. As I am sure, it is quite the weight on you all. I am sure, that if we can all work together then there is nothing for us to be concerned about" he replied curtly. A man of few words, he went to sit down beside James.

"Well" Liam began after a moment of silence. "I suppose that leaves me left" he stood up, and took a few paces, clearly still trying to work out what he was going to say. "I think that some of you may disapprove of my choice. You can tell me that I am taking a very big risk, based from a hunch" he directed his gaze towards Cyrus.

"Me?" he asked. Liam ignored him.

"Perhaps you might tell me that I am thinking with something other than my head. Without being too crude, something that has driven me in the past" he laughed lightly to himself, as he looked towards Helena and The Duchess, his mother scowled at him back, again he ignored her.

"And, for those who trust me, and trust my gut instinct, maybe you will be able to see how we can abuse Robert, by making him think he is breaking me" Liam finished, looking towards Len, who nodded in support, he smiled and carried on.

"We all know that before Robert came along, Willow and I were getting close. And as soon as Robert came back, he went after her, because she was interested in me. We know that before Robert disappeared, he and Kathryn would never have gone public, but when he comes back, and finds out about me and her, his interest in her grows. Despite him still being interested, or with Willow" Liam explains

"Liam, please don't tell me you have willow back there" Helena warned

"Better" Liam promised. "Robert has proven to us all, that he has no doubt in being unfaithful to Willow, in order to hurt me, and get the attention of another woman. Now we know that Willow is being hushed because Robert does not believe she has what it takes to be Queen. But what if we had someone who knew exactly what it took, who knew how this world works, who thrives in this world. Someone who is smart, bautiful, able to keep up with him and keep him on his toes. Someone who likes me, but isn't afraid to hurt me, and feed his power, support him too" Liam explained

"Have you just found Robert a second wife?" Earl Frost asked, receiving a chorus of laughs from the room

"Not exactly. But if she has a public affair, he loses the love of the public. If she acts as a Mistress, she hears his plans, we can find out, and she's there to support him when the plan falls through" Liam explained.

"It's been a while hasn't it" she said, her voice echoing through the empty house. The 'click' of her heels as she walked closer bouncing off the walls. She approached him, her blonde hair swinging over his shoulder as she pressed a soft kiss to each of his cheeks. She sat down opposite him, and crossed her legs.

"What's this about Liam?" she asked curiously

"I'm doing something. Something which could have me arrested, or knowing Robert, killed. But I can't succeed without you" he began

"You want me to help you get yourself killed?" she teased. "I have a gunroom downstairs, all you had to do was ask" she laughed. He rolled his eyes, smiling that things were not awkward. He was a little concerned. It had been a while since they had seen one another.

"Not exactly. Tell me Gemma, what do you think about the current Monarchy?" Laim asked. Gemma looked up at him, quirking an eyebrow

"What's your angle, Liam?" she asked curiously "How about this. Instead of me, revealing to you my cards before you tell me why you asked. How about you tell me the outcome you want, and I'll tell you if my cards support that. Before I decide if I want to play or not" she explained. Laim smiled softly to himself. She knew how to play. If this came through, she could be the key to them winning this war.

"Robert isn't a King. He is a Dictator. We need to take him out before he destroys the country" Liam explained

"And what do you need me for? A scapegoat?" she asked

"Not at all. You need to take the place of the Queen, whilst working with the pawns" Liam replied

"How?" She enquired

"Robert went after Willow because she liked me first. Robert was happy to cheat on Willow with Kathryn, because she was with me" Liam began

"You want me to play the role of your girlfriend whilst being Robert's Mistress" she finished. Liam was a little taken back.

"You are as sharp as a whip!" He complimented

"Your words are sweet, but your surprised tone is insulting" she replied "But, I have to agree with you about your brother. I have always loved the Monarchy, but if he keeps things up the way they are, then I fear the public won't last much more without a civil revolt" she replied

"Are you in?" he asked. She thought for a moment, before replying.

"What do I get out of this?" she asked

"Aside from a future for the monarchy?" Liam replied

"That's what you get out of this. I asked what I got out of it" she stated. Liam took a deep breath.

"If we are successful, I will be King" Liam began, pausing uncomfortably as he fiddled with his hands for a moment or two. "You know that you cannot be my Queen" he added, pausing again, "That's not to say you would not be a high ranking candidate, it's just that Kathryn and I... we're... I mean-"

"Oh come out with it Liam. You're not going to offend me" she replied.

"I can't make you Queen, but you can be a Lady in Waiting, you can and will have a prominent, and visible role within the Royal Family. You can attend and host all the events, you can be front rows at weddings. I can set you up with some of my prince friends" Liam teased. She laughed

"You had me at Lady in Waiting, but I certainly will not refuse the others" she replied.

"So … Are you in?" he asked. She considered for a moment before nodding.

"Someone needs to take him down. It might as well be the best!" she replied smirking.

The door opened slowly, and out walked Gemma. As glorious as ever. Stunning mid-height heels, long toned, tanned legs, a short white skirt, smart, rather conservative top considering how much leg she had on show. Handbag over one arm, hair curled gracing her shoulders, and a pair of sunglasses poked in the top of her hair. She already looked the part.

"It's lovey to see you again" she announced, looking between Len, Helena, The Duchess and Jasper. The rest she looked over with a hint of confusion. "And nice to meet you all too" she said, her eyes hovering over Earl Frost for a moment, perhaps confused as he did not match the rest of the ensemble. She walked over to Liam and sat down beside him

"What of Kathryn?" Cyrus asked

"She is safe. She is hidden far out. We discussed before she left about the lengths that may have to be taken to take out Robert, and of course, he believes that we are sworn enemies after I saw her and him together. It will be fine, she will understand" Liam promised.

Len looked around the room, counting.

"I think that's it. This is our suicide squad" Len announced. "So. Firstly, if you are in the Palace, make sure that you do not use your phone for anything. They are monitored. And if you leave the Palace, leave your phone there, you will be tracked. And try to avoid the drivers unless it's something innocent. They all report back to Robert" Len began

"On that note, you are safe here, and are welcome to stay here to get out the Palace. We have our own drivers who don't report to anyone" Jasper assured them, receiving a chorus of thanks from the room.

"That being said, we need to be able to communicate, so here" Len said reaching behind the sofa to pull out a bag, taking out the phones and handing them round. "These phones only have us inputted. Do not add anyone else, do not give this number out. This is solely for the use of contacting us for meetings or to be called for meetings. Do not, whatever you do, let Robert or his people see this phone" Len said sternly.

"So is everyone up to speed on what's been going on?" Jasper asked. Helena, Liam, Cyrus, Violet and James all nodded. The Grand Duchess cautiously nodded, but everyone else shook their heads

"Let's start at the beginning" Liam said. "In time order. It all started really when Robert went on his mission, and was believed to have committed suicide"

"Then dad announced he was offering to disband the monarchy" Len added

"Then the King was stabbed" James said

"Then I became King Regent" Cyrus joined in

"After you made us illegitimate" Len reminded him

"Not an important detail" Cyrus brushed off

"Then Simon died" Helena added

"And I became King" Cyrus said

"And we found out that Ted Pryce killed dad" Liam explained

"Then he was killed" James added

"I met Willow" Liam said

"Then Robert came back, literally in the middle of the night" Len replied

"And we left it up to the public to who would take the crown" Helena stated

"Robert won" Cyrus added bitterly

"And he got Willow" Liam added

"And then we started to conspire" Cyrus replied

"Robert then saw me and Kathryn, and tried to go after her" Liam complained

"He thought he won too, didn't he?" Len added

"I'll get to that" Liam promised

"Then he insisted that we sort out South London" Jasper added

"And Jasper got shot" Len said

"Thank you for that" Jasper said to his father

"He called me, wanting me to make an appearance, I came as quick as I could" Earl defended

"That never changed did it" The Grand Duchess said snidely.

"Mother!" Helena gasped

"No, no. It's alright. Besides, she never complained" Earl replied

"Moving on. If you haven't caught on already, Earl is Jasper's father. He shot Jasper on Robert's orders" Len said

"I was trying to build a bond between us again, it had been so long" Earl added

"You shot me!" Jasper shouted

"And look where we are now Son" Earl smiled

"MOVING ON!" Len shouted

"Better place with him than you are with me" The Grand Duchess complained. Len brought her hands up, confused after she had said to move on

"Let it go. I did not shoot you, did I?" Earl replied angrily

"I don't know. Based on how quick you are with other things" She replied

"At least I do some of the work" Earl complained

"Even I could work for thirty seconds" The Duchess replied, voices raised now

"You never did though, did you" Earl shot back

"Enough. You two. Outside now!" Len shouted standing up. She motioned for the Grand Duchess and Earl to follow her. Jasper bringing up the rear.

---

"Get in there" Len hissed, shoving her grandmother and boyfriends' father into their bedroom, pushing them into the adjoined bathroom. "Now sort it out. I don't care how, but this snapping is done as soon as you come out" she instructed. Closing the door behind them.

"Is this your plan?" Jasper asked her with a raised eyebrow

"Yeah" Len stated

"Well … What do you think they'll do?" He asked with a raised eyebrow

"I guess they'll either shout or screw until it's out their system" she shrugged

"And … What are we going to do whilst we wait?' he asked, placing his hand on her hip, slipping it round to her ass.

"I have a few ideas" she said with a sultry look. She pressed her body into him and pushed him back onto the bed. Straddling him.

---

"Well. Safe to say that's one of the quickest we've ever been" Jasper laughed as he pulled his trousers back on. Looking at Len who was adjusting the buttons of her top, an item which never made it off in their rush of passion.

"True. That has to be some sort of record!" she replied. They quietened to listen to the bathroom, where no noise was heard. They walked back over to the door, and inside were the two adults, arms crossed and sulking across the room from one another.

"Can we all be adult now?" Len asked sternly. They looked at her, angrily. But nodded in agreement. "Good" she finished decisively. They all stood and walked back to rejoin the meeting, where everyone was sat rather awkwardly. Len looked around, wondering what they ahd missed. She looked towards Liam who refused to meet her Gaze. Cyrus however was grinning.

"Did... you hear that?" she asked awkwardly. There were a few mumbles, a cough and the odd nod.

"You really should invest in some soundproofing if you plan on doing that when you have company over" Cyrus replied, still grinning. Len shuddered. Jasper, quick to change the topic motioned between the Duchess and Earl Frost.

"These two have agreed to cooperate and not distract us with their coy comments anymore" he assured the room.

"Aww" Cyrus complained sadly, he was ignored

"Good. Right, where did we get to?" Liam asked supporting the decision to move on.

"Jasper got shot, then the night he was to come back, Robert organised the blackout" Len joined in

"He organised it?" The Duchess asked

"He did" Len confirmed

"Why?" Gemma asked

"So he can say that the government are failing" Liam replied

"Which led to the disbandment of Parliament" Jasper added

"Which also secured his throne because they can't vote for independence from the Monarchy now" Helena contributed.

"Then he married Willow" James joined in

"She was supposed to out him at the wedding, but she didn't" Earl Frost added

"They went on their honeymoon, and left me as head of the state. He had planned for the 4G and internet servers to eb wiped out whilst he was away, discrediting me, and giving him more power when he returned and was able to fix it all. But we foiled that plan" Liam explained

"Then Willow came to me, apologised for bailing out on us at the wedding, telling us how Robert had this information over her, and she had to protect her family" Len explained

"Which I have been looking into and have, with the help of Jon, been able to quash a bit" James said, motioning to Jon, who nodded back.

"Then we wondered about the man Robert had set mum up with" Len began

"A bit of investigation work and we discovered that Robert had killed both Jack Parker and Spencer Hoenigsberg" Helena added sadly.

"But that led us to Joanne, who worked in the Service with Robert. She was shot by Robert, a shot intended to kill her, but instead, she survived. And before he killed her, he explained his whole plan to her, which she was lucky enough to record" Jasper said

"Then, we decided that the Palace was too closely watched and rooms were bugged, so Jasper and I decided to move out and here we are!" Len explained. "You all joined this shit show in the hope of bringing it to a close"

"That is an awful lot to take in" Jon said calmly, the rest nodded in agreement.

"Have you heard much from Willow since your conversation?" Gemma asked Len

"Not really" Len admitted. "To be honest, she rarely attends meals now, and when she does, she is with Robert who does not let her speak"

"That's such a shame. Have you spoken to her friends, family?" Gemma asked

"No. I could go and see her mother tomorrow, see if she has heard anything from her?" Liam asked

"I think that would be a good decision" Helena agreed.

"So what do we do now?" Harper asked, piping up for the first time since her introduction.

"There is substantial evidence on Robert. But if we release it all at once, he will retaliate with force, We need to do it drip b drip, turn his people against him, his staff against him, and his allies against him. Only then, when he has no support can we take him down" Sir Jon explained

"Do you have a plan for that?" Sebastian asked eagerly. Jon looked around the room, before nodding.

"I do" he said, before beginning to explain his plan.

---

The meeting was concluded with everyone, amazingly, agreeing to the plan. Liam, James, Jon, Harper, Sebastian, Cyrus, Violet and Laura had all bid their goodbyes and had gone their separate ways.

Gemma, the Grand Duchess and Earl Frost had accepted the offer to move in with Jasper and Len for the time being. They had toyed with the idea of the Grand Duchess staying in the Palace, but they decided that with the additional bugs and Robert not trusting anyone, it may be more detrimental to the point where she would not be able to play the loving, doting grandmother.

The remaining six sat in the drawing room. They had finished their dinner, some chicken breast stuffed with spinach and ricotta. Delicious, they had to complement their chefs! They had opened a few bottles of wine, and had a decanter of brandy floating round too. Everyone had a drink in their hand and were chatting idly.

Across the room, there were a few snide comments being passed between the Grand Duches and Earl.

Helena and Len were talking about how it was the right decision to call more people in;

"We really had no other choice. Things simply were just not moving quick enough" Helena commented

"Well. It's a good thing you asked the Count to join. He knows all about being quick" The Grand Duchess sniped from across the room. She was talking to Jasper at the time, so despite her selective deafness at time, proved that her hearing was fine.

"Once again, you never complained" Earl droned from across the room, with a confused Gemma glancing between the two. "Besides, you used that one to publicly humiliate me earlier. Either get a new quip or leave it" he added

"Where was this dominance when it counted?" she replied

"Do you have any insults which aren't vulgar?" he replied, bored

"Perhaps if you were better in the sack then I wouldn't have so many notes" she replied

"Never said any at the time, did you?" he asked

"And mother, I distinctly remember the comments you made to me about how above average your sex life was" Helena interjected

"Oh who's side are you on?" The Grand Duchess asked as Earl laughed loudly.

"I have no idea what's going on, but I kind of love it" Gemma said, said standing up and going to sit by Len who was also leaning back in her seat watching the show. She passed the bottle of wine to Gemma who topped up her glass, before Len filled her own, placing the bottle back down. They clinked glasses and watched them for a bit longer.

"I can't believe he did all of that, honestly, did he?" Gemma asked Len in a hushed voice. The Grand Duchess and Earl Frost arguing in the background about their snide comments, and how as their relationship never ventured much further than the physical acts, that she did not have any other insults, it did not explain her lack of compliments, however. As much as Len liked the gossip, she knew that Gemma had felt a little isolated since she had returned, especially as Liam had gone back to the Palace, leaving her with Len and Jasper.

Jasper was attempting, albeit failing, to mediate between the two, so Len knew that anything she missed he would tell her about later. She turned to Gemma who seemed appreciative of her taking the time to talk to her.

"Unfortunately, yes. He did. And I'm sure there's more which we either don't know or haven't found out about yet" she admitted. Gemma sighed and took a sip of her drink.

---

Liam walked back into the Palace. He knew that he had missed dinner, so he trailed down to the kitchen, in the hope that he would be able to get something before all the chefs went home. He was out of luck, as he walked into the Dining Hall, Robert was sat alone at the table. Copious amounts of paper out in front of him.

"You're late back" he said out loud, not turning around

"I was invited to have dinner with Len and Jasper" Liam lied. He had not eaten, but he had to have some excuse for Robert.

"Did you talk about much?" Robert asked, again still marking the papers, not looking towards Liam.

"Nothing of any interest, mostly showing off their new place. It's been good for them, he's been good for her. Lens been clean for a month now, only alcohol. We're really proud of her" Liam explained

"Is that so" Robert replied in monotone.

"They've made the place look lovely. You really must go and visit sometime" Liam insisted

"Perhaps" Robert replied.

"I really think it would be a nice thing to do" Liam added, knowing he had to at least seem as though he's trying to keep the family together. This time, his words made Robert put down his pen with a soft 'click' on the desk, followed by a loud sigh.

"They do not want me there, and frankly I do not want to go" Robert said coldly, looking up at Liam as he spoke. As soon as the final words left his mouth, he looked down, and picked up his pen again, signalling the end of the conversation.

"Alright" Liam replied softly, walking off.

---

"I dread to think what he plans on doing next" Gemma said softly to Len.

At her words, there was a low hum, and the house fell into darkness. Silence fell across the room, Len and Jasper stood to walk to the window. There was not a single light in view. The city was once more plunged into the darkness of a blackout

"I think we have out answer" Len said to Gemma as she took Jasper's arm in hers, he pulled her close.

"Don't worry" Helena said calmly. "The power will be back on in a minute"

"We don't have any generators here" Jasper informed her, even in the dark, you could see her face drop. The Grand Duchess, however beat her to the punch.

"So … We are stuck like this?" The Grand Duchess said in disgust.

"Well. Only if we stay here" Len replied

"What do you mean?" Helena asked

"Well. The last time we had a blackout, we opened the palace gates. Now, we don't live there anymore, and Robert only agreed to that because I started it" Len explained

"What are you suggesting?" The Grand Duchess asked

"I'm known for my Robin Hood escapade. Thanks To Sebastian telling Robert" Len began, Helena cut her off

"I told you, Sebastian didn't mean to do that" Helena explained

"And I have no objection, I think we could use it again. I think it's time to put into action stage one of Sir Jon's plan. I think we need to trick Robert. Make him think he's ruining us, when really he'll be supporting us. In the public eye at least" Len explained

"What are you thinking?" Jasper asked her.

"Everyone has freezers, which are defrosting as we speak. Let's comendeer a few community centres around the local area. Get everyone to bring what's going to spoil. Community centres have generators. We have provide lighting, hot drinks, food. We barbeque anything we can't oven. It's a blackout. People don't feel safe Let's give them the security they need" Len explained

"How do we tell people though?" Helena asked

"The electricity may be out, but people still have data on their phones. We can put things on social media, get some publicity" Jasper offered.

"Let's do it. How does Sebastian come in though?" Gemma asked

"We invite him to come down and he can tell Robert tomorrow, so Robert can promote our good deed thinking we want to stay in the shadows" Helena explained.

"Wonderful. Now, this bit is slightly awkward. In order to keep our suicide squad a secret... Dutchie, Earl and Gemma, I think it's best that you three stay here. If you're seen with us then our covers are blown" Len said awkwardly. Despite a few moments of complaint, they did all agree.

Gemma tried to beg Len to take her with them, not wanting to be alone with the Grand Duchess and Earl. After their constant spat earlier, Len did feel sorry for her. But the time was not right. Gemma had to be shown with Liam. Not with Len. Reluctantly, Gemma agreed, and sulked back to her chair in the dark, as the rest of the party left.

---

Liam walked into his bedroom. He had some snacks at Lens, but it was not a sufficient meal. None the less, he knew Robert had him beat. The chefs had gone and if he went to the kitchen to get some food he knew Robert would start to unravel his story.

Then, without warning, black. The lights all went out. Without hesitation, he grabbed his phone, flicked his torch on. He knew it would take five to ten minutes for the generators to kick in, he did not have the patience for that.

He walked into the Dining Hall and saw that it was now empty. He turned on his heel without a moment's hesitation and headed for Roberts office. Pushing the doors open, his phone illuminating his brother sat smugly behind his desk. As soon as the door closed, the lights flicked back on. Liam flicked off his torch. Hearing the door close, Robert spun around in his chair. Brandy in his hand as he smirked, looking at his brother

"You did it again!" Liam asked, outraged. "The blackout. Why! Did it not cause enough damage last time?" Liam asked, unable to contain his anger

"The message did not get through last time. I needed to make it clear" Robert confirmed. Liam started at his brother for a few moments before walking out. Disgusted.

---

Liam closed the door to Roberts office, and rounded the hall. He pulled his phone from his pocket, and ended the audio recording. He smirked as he sent the recording to Len. This phone being separate from the Wifi, and being untracked.

Pleased that he had finally captured a confession from Robert.

---

Cyrus and Violet smiled at one another, the jets of the hot tub bubbling up around them as they clinked their glasses together. They leant in and kissed softly, pulling apart and looking deep into one another's eyes.

"This is amazing" Violet smiled. "Thank you"

"For what?" Cyrus asked

"The hot tub" She replied

"My pleasure" he replied, she smirked and moved to sit on his lap. Leaning down to tease his lips with her own.

"It will be" she said seductively. Lowering his lips to kiss him properly as the lights went out.

"For Christs Sake" Cyrus complained

"What happened? Did we blow one of the fuses?" Violet asked. Cyrus stood up from the hot tub and looked over the balcony, out at the rest of London, which was now plunged into darkness

"Only if we've blown every fuse in a two hundred mile radius" he replied. Violet sighed sadly. Cyrus went to step out of the hot tub, missed the step and hit the floor with a loud 'bang' followed by a 'Ouch' Scowling in the darkness at Violet giggling.

---

Helena and stood back, watching the room as it bustled with quite a few hundred people. She was rather lost, and decided that the best place for her was to stand back and observe out of the way. After at least an hour of watching, smiling and making polite conversation with the few that dared to talk to her, Eleanor finally walked over to her, looking at Jasper who was cooking on a Barbeque out the doors.

"It appears that your plan was quite the success" She complimented her daughter who smiled looking out at the crowds of satisfied, comforted civilians.

"I like to think so" She replied. As soon as the blackout came, she had messaged Sebastian her plans, on her phone, which she knew could be tracked. They had decided, along with Sir Jon's suggestions, not to let Sebastian go to Robert, but to message Sebastian and see if Robert was tracking messages. They wondered if Robert would contact Sebastian to screw over his family.

None the less, Sebastian replied and was there within fifteen minutes. He was on one grill whilst Jasper was on the other. There were queue's of people, regardless of heritage, class and location they were all working together, helping one another out. It was inspirational.

Lens phone vibrated in her pocket. She pulled it out and saw it was a message from Liam. She looked to her mother. She played the audio quietly for them both, listening to Robert's confession they felt their blood begin to boil, and a look of anger crossed their faces.

They turned their attention back to the room. Harper Day was walking around with her phone, taking pictures, videos and interviewing people. Of course, she was on their side, so she was tailoring interviews to support Liam and Len, and to throw shade on the lack of hospitality from the Palace, and King Robert.

"We can't do anything now. It will only incriminate Liam. But we have it if we need it" Helena stated. Len agreed. They figured that they needed to get involved again, so they parted ways and went back to their duties.

---

The halls of the palace were eerily quiet. It had been much quieter since Helena, Len and Jasper moved out. The generators had kicked in, but the lighting was much dimmer than usual. It gave the large, empty Palace a feeling of loneliness.

Liam walked the halls, hearing his feet echoing and trying to convince himself it was more people. It didn't work. He just felt more and more alone.

He remembered the last time there was a blackout. The Palace, for better or worse, was flooded with people. Liam walked to the balcony and saw that there was, once more, there was a military presence on the bridge, and this time, no one was being let through.

Liam pulled out his phone, with the intention of messaging Len to check she was alright. He did not know if she had generators at her cottage. He rung her, but she did not answer. On a whim, he went back to his missed notifications, and saw a news article that Len was hosting a community feed.

He smiled, reading the comments, listening to Harper Day on her live broadcast. He was so proud of Len. He wanted to go and join them, but he knew better than that. He had to show Robert he was on his side.

He made his way down to the cellar, and picked up a nice bottle of whiskey.

---

Robert sat in his office, opposite Liam, with his back to them. Sat in silence as they looked over at the blackened city.

"I want to apologise about my outburst earlier" Liam apologised, holding his glass up in a truce. Robert studied him for a moment, before raising his back.

"It's alright" he replied "I suppose I should have warned you. You are my brother. My right hand man. I need you to help me, not to push you away, so for that, I do apologise" Robert said. He clinked his glass against Liams, and they both took a sip.

"It's alright. I should not have shot in like that" Liam replied.

"It's done" Robert finalised. Silence fell upon the room for a few moments, Liam knew better than to break the silence. His patience paid out and before long, Robert was the first to speak.

"I'm going to take over the energy companies" Robert explained simply

"Can you do that?" Liam asked

"I'm the King" Robert replied "I can do whatever I damn well please" Robert explained

"Are you aware of how this would appear to the public?" Liam asked Robert curiously

"What do you mean?" he asked

"Well. You've taken over the crown, you disbanded Parliament, and now you intend to take over the energy companies. Wouldn't it appear a little like a dictatorship. What if it was Cyrus doing this as King?" Liam asked. Robert thought for a moment.

"Well, I'm not Cyrus. You know that, the people know that!" Robert insisted. Liam didn't respond. He decided it was not a battle worth fighting. His patience paid off, after a few minutes of silence, he spoke up.

"What do you suggest?" He asked plainly. Liam thought for a moment.

"Ask the Lords" Liam said softly. "Ask your round table, see if they support you. Of course, you know they will, but then at least it's come from a vote from Britain's greatest minds" Liam explained. Robert turned back to the window, looking out over blackened London. He tooka. long gulp from his glass

"You're right" He finished. A few moments after the silence had become excruciating for Liam. He knew that was intentional. He decided not to reply. Instead, the brothers spent the next hour in silence, drinking until the decanter was empty.

---

The next morning, Liam knocked on Len and Jasper's door. Jasper opened with a smile, inviting him in. The blackout was still going on, but they were pleased that the cottage was so open, there was plenty of natural light.

"Morning" Len greeted walking into the hall. Liam replied and they walked towards into the kitchen. Sitting down as the kettle which was on the log burner boiled.

"Inventive" Liam complimented. Len smiled back.

"Black though I'm afraid, the milk got used at the community centre last night" She replied

"Black tea?" Liam asked disgusted. "I'll need some sugar then" he laughed. "How did it go last night, I saw it on Facebook, but I was with Robert. Sorry I couldn't come down" he apologised

"Oh! Don't worry" Len replied, passing him his tea. "It went well. I lost count of how many people come, but it was into the hundreds, it must have been! Everyone got on well, everyone donated some food" Len explained

"Well, it was a really good idea. I'm not sure why Robert didn't open the gates like he did last time" Liam voiced

"Last time it was me who opened the gates anyway" Len explained. "Why didn't he open them this time?" Len asked

"Did you say you spent the evening with Robert?" Jasper asked

"Yeah" Liam replied. "But it weird. We just sat in his office, he just looked out over London, and told me he's going to take over the energy companies" Len dropped the spoon she was holding, and it clattered against the table.

"What?" she asked

"Exactly" Liam replied

"He can't do that, can he?" Gemma asked from the doorway, they turned their attention to her and she walked in, feeling the unspoken invitation to have a seat and to join the conversation.

"I don't know, really. I think he can do what he likes now. Especially now he's got rid of Parliament" Liam replied

"What did you say about that?" Len asked

"I asked him to think about how it would look to the public. I warned him that actions without anyone to back him up may appear as a dictatorship. I told him to go and discuss it with his lords, share the blame" Liam replied

"Why would you do that?" Jasper asked, more curiously than harsh, but still a tone of disagreement in his voice

"No" Len interjected "No I think you're on to something. If you tell Robert to do something, he will do the opposite" Len explained, sitting down besides Gemma, and opposite Liam.

"What's our gameplay here?" Gemma asked

"If Liam told Robert to ask his Lords, then to Robert it would seem as though he thinks Liam does not support his decisions on his own. To ask the Lords would be a weakness to Robert. What Liam has expertly done, is made this decision exclusively Roberts, so when he inevitably screws it up, he has no one to blame, and loses face in the public eye" Len explained

---

The electrics came back on around midday, and there was immediate notice country-wide that at six o'clock that evening, the King was to make an address. Everyone gathered at Len and Jaspers. Armed with bottles of wine, Brandy and some cheese and crackers.

Six o'clock on the dot, Robert appeared, sat behind his desk in his office. Arms crossed on the table.

"Good evening" he greeted

"Twice now, in rather a short space of time the country has been plunged into darkness. Without warning. I know, that you all deserve answers, and tonight I intend to bring them to you" He began

"I have live on chat, the heads of the three main energy companies for the United Kingdom. May I introduce Peter Parsons, Frederick Cooper and Michael Thomas" Robert introduced as three faces popped up on the screen, they all said their hellos.

"Gentlemen, what do you have to say to the public, your people, whom you have let down so significantly and so much lately" Robert asked

"What is he doing?" Jasper whispered to Len, who shrugged, not taking her eyes off the screen.

The three men took it in turns to apologise to the camera, explaining that their companies faced unprecedented conditions where their computer systems failed. All three had come to the same conclusion that there must have been some remote shut down, the only way it could explain the situation.

They were simultaneously muted by Robert who stood from his desk, and silently, in a power move of sorts, walked to the front of his desk.

"You have all failed us. Once is forgivable, albeit barely, but twice is too much. How many more times must it happen for someone to take action. Well, I speak for all the people when I say, that I say none" He said coldly.

"By the power I have been assigned as sovereign of this great country, I am going to take the control of all energy suppliers throughout the country into my own hands. Your output is, from now on, my sole responsibility, which means, gentlemen, that your services are no longer required. The smaller energy companies will be haring from me personally soon. But as for you three, you can consider this your public dismissal" Robert said, the three muted faces began to argue and talk back, but they disappeared in moments.

"Don't worry England. I am in control now" Robert said, looking straight at the camera.

"Things are heating up" Gemma said, entertained.

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