A/N Thank you everyone who has been reviewing and following this. I am slowly really getting back into writing I promise as the chapters go on I am continually attempting to improve things. I am having a lot of fun writing this. So thanks again for reading, reviewing and following.

Chapter 6

Jasper was back at the Pub finally getting that greasy sandwich he desperately needed for his hangover. He couldn't believe what happened this morning, that that was bloody Prince Robert standing in his flat. He's still in shock it's unbelievable he really was him, and the thumb print he gave him proved it. How why was he even alive? Where has he been? Why did need his help? Jasper could barely wrap his head around it. He has to tell Eleanor. But how? I was specifically told by the Queen herself not to contact her or he'll go to jail. He looked up at the Telly for a moment and caught a glimpse of her it was Eleanor she was standing with Ophelia consoling her on the news, "Hey Mate would you turn the volume up on the news?"

"You got it! Can I get you another pint?"

"No, but thanks."

The doctor got up and spoke "Ted Pryce has died. He was pronounced dead at 2:30 pm due a brain tumor and the injuries he sustained on Saturday after being brutally attacked. At this time the Palace correspondent would like to make a statement on behalf of The Pryce family and the Palace."

It was Rachel making the statement for the Royal family, Jasper laughed, "Guess the Queen added a new job function for her," he muttered to himself. He giggled knowing what Rachel did in her spare time. "The Pryce Family and the Royal family at this time would like to ask that you allow Miss Pryce and her family to grieve in private. The burial for Ted Pryce will be a private service paid for by The Royal family out of respect for Mr. Pryce's service to the Crown. They do not hold anyone including Miss Pryce responsible for Ted Pryce's actions. Mr. Pryce acted alone in attacking the King, this is a tragedy all around for everyone. The Royal family wishes the public to know they do not hold Ted Pryce accountable for his actions regarding the murder of King Simon, he was a man with a brain tumor that caused him to have delusional thoughts and he believed God was telling him to kill the King. As the Royal family is very saddened that Mr. Pryce took those actions and the loss of the King Mr. Pryce's condition caused him to act out irrationally. We will not be answering any questions at this time."

With that the broadcast was over. He watched as the cameras followed the Princess, Ophelia and the Royal family back to their SUVs. There has to be a way he can get a hold of Eleanor. Jasper quickly got up, threw some money down for his tab along with a tip and walked out picking up his phone. He dialed the number Robert had left him. The phone began to ring.

"You work fast Jasper. I take it Lenny reached out?"

"Not exactly, didn't you just see announcement on the news? "

"No need I knew the moment Ted Pryce had died. He died at 2 am. I thought you knew that I saw you skulking in the shadows at the hospital early this morning. That's how I followed you to the Pub up the street from your home. I slipped drugs in your drink. You didn't think you drank that much did you?"

"I saw Eleanor leave yes, but I had no idea Pryce died. But I am calling because there's really no way I'll be able to get near The Princess without the Queen putting me in jail. But honestly, I just can't figure out why you wouldn't reach out to her yourself. Why do you need me to do this for you? And where have you been all this time?"

"Jasper, all you need to know is I need you to set up a meeting between me and my sister. Remember what I said no one is to know I am alive. I just need you to bring Eleanor to meet me. That is all! Don't contact me again until you can set up that meeting. I have faith that you'll figure something out. Oh and Boone says hello."

Eleanor, Liam and Helena were in a SUV together being followed back to the Palace by Ophelia and Nick.

"I can't believe you allowed Rachel to say that we don't hold Ted responsible. I don't care that man doesn't deserve to be buried with honor, he killed our Father the King in cold blood Mother."

The Queen quickly responded, "Liam stop being overdramatic. We need the public to stop rioting and to move on. End of discussion. Dr. Jax said we should have your test results by next week to know for sure that you are Simon's children."

"Oh great! Whoopee."

"Eleanor grow up! I told you I was sorry. We still need to talk. There's a lot to discuss between us."

"Great Queen! When can I pencil you in?"

"We'll be having tea tomorrow morning just the two of us."

Eleanor was so not thrilled about having bloody tea with her Mother tomorrow. What the bloody hell did she need from her, she's nothing, but the spare. Eleanor's mind began to wonder. She really needs to find out where Jasper is. She misses him terribly, all she wanted was to take comfort in his arm, but unfortunately with the way things are going right now she can't pull herself away to go find him. She'll have to be at Ted Pryce's funeral for another glorious photo op.

The cars finally arrived at the Palace, the SUV with the Royal family was of course let out first then Ophelia and Nick were escorted inside. It had been a long time since Ophelia had been inside that Palace over a year since the King was murdered. She saw Liam hanging back. They hadn't spoken since his visit to New York City. She felt bad the way they left things.

Liam began walking towards her. He extended his hand out to Nick. "I guess congratulations are in order for the both of you."

Nick shaking his hand, "Thank you your Highness."

"I told you before Nick please just call me Liam. You both must be starving and Ophelia now that you are eating for two you have to come have dinner with us. Dinner should be ready any moment. There's a lot to catch up on."

Nick looked at Ophelia he was quite upset he didn't realize she had told anyone let alone Eleanor she was pregnant. That was something that they were keeping a secret from everyone. "Liam, could we catch up to you? I need to speak to Ophelia for a moment."

"No problem Nick, Ophelia you remember the way yes?"

"Yes Liam, thank you." Liam made his way to the dining room and Ophelia turned to Nick, "What's the matter?"

"You told the Princess, I thought we agreed to not tell anyone until we knew the sex of the baby. How could you tell her, oh God does the Queen know? Please tell me she doesn't know, you said she was planning on announcing our engagement for us. Phe we haven't even told my parents or my sister about the baby." Nick is pacing angrily.

"Nick calm down, the Queen doesn't know about the baby if she did I would know after our chat today. I'll just send Liam and Lenny a text asking them not to say anything. Is that good?" Ophelia sent a quick text to Eleanor and Liam.

Nick finally started to calm down. "Yes, thank you, I guess we should get in there huh." Nick grabbed Ophelia's hand squeezing it tight. "I love you, you know that? You are the strongest woman I have ever met." Ophelia kissed Nick on the cheek as they walked towards the dining room.

They entered the dining room, Liam, Eleanor and the Queen were already seated as was Cyrus. Ophelia was quite surprised by this. Why would King Cyrus want anything to do with Ophelia, he hates her more than the Queen did. But in all honesty she was surprised about everything that has happened over the last few days.

Cyrus was quite disappointed to see Ophelia walk in. "Come in and eat. Don't worry we aren't going to poison you Ophelia, well not yet anyways, that would be too obvious. Don't for a second think that I forgive you like the rest of these morons. Your father murdered my brother and you do not deserve my forgiveness ever you lowly peasant. But unfortunately for me the public needs think I forgive you."

"Your Majesty, I don't need your forgiveness. I've done nothing wrong your issues are with my Father not me."

"We all carry the sins of our family Ophelia, don't for a second think I don't carry mine. And if it were up to me I'd have you tried for treason, you stupid Bitch." Cyrus was being his usual self.

"Enough Cyrus leave the girl alone, she's been through enough. And lay off the drugs a bit why don't you and shut up and eat something. You don't have much time left!" Helena was quite angry with Cyrus and so tired of his shit.

"Shut up Bitch! You and I have unfinished business. Don't for a second think I've forgotten what you did."

Everyone looked quite confused at what Cyrus was saying. Those two once were thick as thieves. What was it the Queen did?

"Naughty, Naughty, Naughty, what did you do now Queen?"

In unison Cyrus and Helena yelled, "Shut up Eleanor and mind your own God damn business."

Well this certainly wasn't what Ophelia and Nick were expecting when they agreed to return to the Palace. They finally walked over to the table Liam stood up and walked over to pull out the chair for Ophelia next to Eleanor and Liam motioned to Nick to come sit next to him which was across from Eleanor and Ophelia. Their salads were brought out promptly after they were seated.

Jasper was back at his flat pacing he didn't know what to do how he could get to Eleanor. Ugh what was he going to do? He can't call her, he can't return to the Palace. He can't contact her at all, but he needs to find a way. He won't be allowed at Ted's funeral and there will be way too much security there. He can't even tell her why he needs to see her once he does talk to her. He missed her so much he needed to tell her the truth about Robert, everything, he promised himself he would never keep anything from her again. The only thing he can do is wait for her to leave the Palace and try and find a way to get her alone from there. That's the only way. He knew how to avoid the cameras outside the Palace all he can do is wait. Jasper grabbed his keys and ran out of his flat.

Dinner was over. Thank God! Cyrus left as soon as he was done eating he couldn't stand to be in that room with all those bitches. They mostly sat there in silence no one dare say a word to each other after that awkward conversation before.

Eleanor wondered when was the last time they had dinner together sort of like a family. She remembered suddenly it was right after Robert's funeral. She really missed Robert, especially today, she loved Liam, but her relationship with Liam surprisingly wasn't as good as it was with Robbie. Liam was her complete opposite sure they looked similar, but she looked just like the female version of Robbie and personality wise her and Robbie were more two peas in a pod. Liam was almost always the odd man out which is funny since he and Eleanor should be closer being twins and all. "What I'd give to see Robert again," Eleanor thought.

Liam really wanted to talk to Ophelia and Nick alone more since they barely got to speak before dinner. He wants to reassure them that he is okay with what's happening, and no one really wanted to speak after that awkward encounter with Cyrus and now Mum won't stop asking Ophelia questions. "Why is she so all of a sudden interested in Ophelia when they were dating she could care less about her," he thought to himself. Liam kept looking over at Lenny trying to get her attention maybe she could help him get them away from Mother. But of course Lenny was off in her own world again. Liam hoped she was okay, I wonder what's on her mind.

Eleanor suddenly stood up, "Okay dinner is over can we please get out of this room, and it is still early enough that we could all take our after dinner tea in the gardens. So shall we?"

"What a wonderful idea Eleanor, you should all go. Enjoy yourselves and Ophelia, Rachel and I will work up that statement for you for after your father's funeral."

Liam, Eleanor, Ophelia and Nick all walked out to the gardens the flowers were beginning to bloom so nicely it was a beautiful end of spring early summer night. The smell of the flowers in the air was intoxicating. Not often do they get to just enjoy the Palace all those bloody tours that go on. Everyone decided to keep walking through the garden it was such a beautiful night no one wanted to actually sit yet. Liam and Ophelia found themselves falling behind as Eleanor and Nick chit chatted, laughed, and got to know one another, they didn't even realize Ophelia and Liam stopped to look at some of the flowers.

"Ophelia, I know I congratulated you two before, but I want you to know is I am truly happy for you. All I ever wanted for you was to see you happy. Same goes for you Nick it seems the better man has won. I also wanted to say I am very sorry about things with your father. For the most part he was a good man. And I am sorry the brain tumor drove him mad. So do you know what it is you two are going to do after the funeral? Will you stay in London or go back to New York? Or where you plan to have the wedding? Or when?" Liam was hoping the answer was they were going back to New York and that the wedding was there. He really was glad Ophelia was happy, but her being around doesn't make it easy for him.

"Thank you, I was really worried about telling you. I know we decided to just be friends for now and you were hoping for some day, but Nick's the one. I do care about you please don't think I didn't, or don't, but I am not meant for your world. To be honest you know I am not really sure what we plan to do. Nick is constantly coming back and forth between London and New York, now that I'm having a baby, its put a different perspective on life. Since both my parents are gone I would like my child to be able to be close to Nick's family and I can't really dance for some time. I was thinking of focusing on my career in the art world."

"Well, that's fantastic you are still are pursuing your dreams. Do you know if you are having a boy or a girl yet? When are you due"

Ophelia chuckled, "I'm not far enough along to know the sex yet, as I texted you before Nick's family doesn't know yet. No one knew actually. I don't even know why I told Len, I guess I just needed to share it with someone. I only found out last month that I was expecting. Everything going on is happening so fast." Ophelia quickly changing the subject, "So who's the brunette I have been seeing photos of you with on the tabloids?"

Liam chuckled and smiled, "That would be Willow. She is a really nice girl. I think you'd like her. We are just friends for now. But she is really great. She is full of surprises. Quite possibly more surprises than you."

"Liam, in my experience don't wait too long before acting on your feelings you don't want to see her end up with another guy, because she gets tired of waiting for you to come around."

"Thank you, I've missed this. I do hope we can all be friends Ophelia, I really want to try with Nick for you. I don't want to lose our friendship, it meant a lot and means a lot. I would really love it if you could meet Willow sometime, I think you two would get alone smashingly."

"I'd like that too Liam."Ophelia looked ahead, she could barely see Nick and Lenny. "Well, we'd better catch back up to them before they realize we are gone."

Liam smiled. "Alright. Let's get going then." He was truly glad to have that moment to work things out with Phe she truly meant a lot to him as a friend. If they couldn't have some day at least they can have their friendship.

Jasper sat in a car just outside the Palace gates it was still very early yet, the sun was just setting, but he's beginning to realize he might not have the opportunity he was hoping for tonight. Eleanor has really toned down her partying ways since her birthday party. Who would blame her for the changes she is making after everything. His thoughts drifted back to his task at hand how is he going to get her alone and where could this happen? So many times she has her coffee brought in to her as well as her clothes, there has to be a way something short of a miracle. Hopefully if the Princess does go out tonight it's just somewhere local not Paris again. It was only 7:30pm Jasper was in for a long night of sitting in his car good thing he had a big cup of coffee to keep him awake.

Eleanor noticed Ophelia and Liam coming up behind her she fell back for just a second and grabbed Ophelia by the arm and dragged her next to her. "Your fiancé really knows his music Phi." Nick began to turn red hearing Eleanor talk about him, "I think I might like him almost as much as I like my brother." She chuckled, "but seriously he's quite the catch. I am glad you found someone, who makes you happy. So tomorrow I was wondering what you are doing in the afternoon, since the Palace is handling your Father's arrangements you are free, yes."

"I am not sure really, what's up?" Ophelia looked confused

"I was thinking things have been so terrible with everything with our dad's that we need to have some retail therapy and a good girl's day. I know you're thinking the Princess shop outside the Palace, never she always has things brought in, but I am a girl and time to time I do love to get out and shop for myself. I do have to keep my fashionista edge you know. Say yes Phe. I have been dying for a much needed retail therapy since I quit my drugs, booze, boys and well girls, too."

"Okay yes, we can go shopping. I could use a good girl's day and some retail therapy. You are a great friend Len. I hope you know that."

Eleanor blushed and stumbled a bit in her words, "Well you know I try.. We better go have our tea so you two can get home and rest we have even busier days ahead."

"Oh Len, I wanted to thank you for not telling your Mother I am pregnant, we haven't told Nick's family yet. Which we probably should do tonight. Would you hate us if we skipped tea with you and Liam tonight?"

"Of course not go," Eleanor motioned for her to do so continuing to speak, "do what you need to do! See you tomorrow afternoon then?" Eleanor hugged Ophelia and turned to Bloom who was assigned to Ophelia and Nick, "Would you please have the car brought around for Ophelia and Nick, they'd like to go back to their flat. Thank you Ms. Bloom!"

Liam and Nick were chatting away about music or what not, when Eleanor and Ophelia walked up to them. Ophelia reached out and put her hand on Nick's shoulder, "Nick, Bloom went to grab a car for us are you ready to go?"

"Leaving so soon Phe it feels like you and Nick just got here." Liam proclaimed.

"Yes I am exhausted and my body is not my own anymore you know." Everyone chuckled. "Thank you for being such a good friend Liam, it means the world to me I hope you know that." She hugged him.

Liam then extended his hand to Nick, "It was good seeing you again and congrats on both your engagement and parenthood. If you two plan to be in town for a little bit maybe all of us can get together for a brunch or something sometime soon? Fully bury the hatchet, what do you say?"

"That sounds nice, can we let you know Liam. Thank you for your well wishes. See you later Len."Nick waved to her he felt it inappropriate to hug the Princess no matter how good of a friend she was to Phe.

Ophelia waved goodbye to Liam and Lenny and grabbed Nick's hand and they started walking out to the car. Nick didn't know how he felt trying to be friends with his future wife's ex. He remembers how she chose Liam over him and left for Monaco after him. Nick didn't have the money or the prestige that a Prince has. He can't shower Ophelia with gifts and trips like that especially not now with a baby on the way. As they walked Phe turned to him, "What's on your mind?"

"Nothing really, just concerned is all."

"About what Nick?" They paused for a moment.

"Just about being friends with Liam, Lenny, the whole Royal family for that matter. Six months ago Liam flew to New York and was banging on our door telling you that you were his GOD DAMN SOME DAY!"

"Lower your voice, look I am in love with you! I agreed to marry you. I do not belong in their world unless I am blending in as staff. We are having a baby together. Ugh Nick, I can't handle anymore stress. Stress is bad for our baby. Stop worrying. I have some much more on my plate right now." She starts to cry.

Nick walked over and hugged her. "I'm sorry Phe. I just get stuck in my head sometimes. I didn't mean to stress you out. How about we get Bloom to stop and grab us some ice cream on the way back?" Phe looked up at him with those beautiful dough eyes of hers, he would do anything for her.

Phe stopped crying, she sniffled, "I'd like that! Can you please stop worrying? Its been a long few days and we still have to tell your family about the baby and I'd like to get some sleep."

Nick kissed Phe on the head very sweetly, "Yes, I'd do anything for you. I love you Ophelia. Let's get out of here." Nick gave her another tender kiss and put his arm around her as they walked out to the SUV that was waiting for them.

Jasper perked up he saw a black SUV pull up to the front steps of the Palace could this be his chance? Was that the Princess leaving? He had to take out his binoculars to see who was getting in the car he only saw Ophelia and that guy Ophelia was with at the Royal ball that one time. Eleanor was no where to be seen. He needed to get to her. If only he could he would call her.

Eleanor and Liam stayed in the garden after Ophelia and Nick left. Eleanor was sipping on a cup of tea sitting on a white bench in the middle of the garden and Liam was standing nearby looking at some of the flowers that were in full bloom.

"So Liam, come sit with me. Have some tea why don't you." He walked over and poured a cup of tea for himself he wasn't ready to sit just yet. Eleanor slid over and made some room for him to sit next to her she even patted the seat indicating he should sit there, as she continued talking, "What was it you and Ophelia were chatting about when you fell behind?"

"Nothing really Len, I just wanted her to know I was really happy for her and I would would like to be friends, I would like to be friends with them both even if she isn't my someday anymore. So Lenny how are you feeling?"

"I'm just fine. Why do you ask?" Taking another sip of her tea.

"Well I notice you haven't been high in a little over a week. I am really proud of you that you've been sober this long, and I just wanted to make sure you weren't going to relapse with everything going on this week." Liam put his tea down and walked over to Eleanor and put his arm around her. "I love you, you know that?"

"Oh no Liam what's going on now?" Eleanor started to look nervous.

"Nothing Len, I just know I don't tell you enough. Plus after me not seeing what happened with Jasper and you and just everything else over the last few months the last year even. I wanted you to know I was here for you always and forever. It's always been us against them!"

"I know, I know, I'm fine really." Liam raised an eyebrow, "I've just thinking about a lot you know." Eleanor took another sip of her tea and got up and walked over to the cart to pour herself another cup.

As Eleanor was walking back over to sit down next to Liam, he proclaimed, "Lenny you can talk to me. You can always talk to me. What's up?"

"Nothing really, I am fine Liam."

"Len something is bothering you out with it already. No judgement here."

"Well, just now that I stopped hiding with the drugs and drinking so much I am starting to feel things, feeling everything." Lenny started to cry, Liam put his arm back around his sister pulling her in for a half hug and lightly rubbing her arm to help calm her down. " You know for the longest time I was always numb I felt nothing. I wanted to I guess feel nothing because I didn't want to feel the pain anymore. Like if I let myself feel how upset I was after Robert or Dad died I don't know if I would have made it Liam and I miss them terribly."

"Len don't say that you were always the stronger one and you've always had me. No matter what I am doing, you are my number one!"

Len smiled a little wiping the tears from her eyes. Continuing on, "The worst of it has always been what's happened between me and Jasper. How much it hurt after he slept with Mum because we had a stupid tiff going on or the fact that he let Mandy hurt me and he lied to me for months. All of it just kills me inside. And I hate myself for how much I feel for Jasper even after the horrible things he did. And of course you know me, I do things without thinking and can't always take them back like the wall in my room. But Jasper I could have stopped him from leaving not turned him away. But of course I didn't." Eleanor starts to cry much harder this time. Liam put his tea down and grabs his sister and hugs her tight almost spilling her tea from her hands Eleanor kind of chocking, "Liam your killing me here."

"Sorry Len, I love you always. Can I offer you some advice," Eleanor shook her head yes, "I know Jasper's hurt you but he's done nothing for the last six months but try to make it all up to you. You have a chance to change things with Jasper, a chance you didn't get that with Dad or Robert. He's still alive don't waste another second, forget what's going on and find what made you happy. Aren't you the one who told me that after Dad died?"

Wiping her tears, "I suppose, I did. Honestly, Liam I don't remember much of the last year I was high all the time." She kinda let out a half smile and a laugh.

"Well, once the funeral and this God forsaken photo op is over go find him. Be happy, choose love! That's how you can honor Dad and make things right. That's all he ever wanted from us Lenny."

Eleanor placed her tea cup down on the bench and hugged Liam and gave him a kiss on the cheek, "Know that you have been always been the one thing that's kept me alive. Thank you brother. I love you know that always."

"Len it's always my pleasure to kick you in the ass when you need it. Do you want me to stay and chat a bit more? I am enjoying this heart to heart with you. I was hoping since our night ended earlier than expected I could try and get a hold of Willow make sure she got the flowers I sent her."

"I'll be fine. Go make it up to her. I'm fine. Please don't for a second worry about me."

"Are you sure Len? Because you come first always. If you want me to stay I will."

"Liam I a perfectly fine now go. I am about to go to bed. I'm exhausted and yes I know surprising because of how early it is."

"Goodnight Lenny. Thanks. I love you. Remember the moment things are over go find your happiness."

"Goodnight, brother. Oh hey to really get her to forgive you get the gardener to cut you a small bouquet before you go."

Liam smiled. "Thanks Len, you are the best sister I'm glad I'm stuck with you."

With that said Liam, left Eleanor on her own. She was utterly exhausted and she had another full day again tomorrow. But first she needed a cigarette. She was dying for one of her vices and this was the least harmful of them all. She walked back inside and out to the balcony. She quickly found her stash with her lighter. She lit her cigarette. It tasted so good. It had been so long since she had one. She began to wonder what Jasper was doing at this moment she needed a good shag after the week she was having, it would go great with this cigarette she thought, but unfortunately she didn't have time to fly around the world where ever he is and find him there was too much to do. After the funeral he was the first priority on her list. She missed him lurking around trying to find moments to talk to her.

Jasper saw another SUV pull up to the stair of the Palace this time he was hoping it was Eleanor, but of course not he didn't see her anywhere it was for Liam he had flowers in his hand. He must be off to see Willow. Jasper was getting quite discouraged maybe she wasn't leaving tonight. He began to look around to see if he could see her somewhere in the Palace. He pulled his binoculars back out to get a better look. He looked up and there she was sitting on the balcony that always made him nervous how high up she was. "God she's so beautiful," he said out loud. He was mesmerized by how beautiful she was. What he would give to be next to her right now. Run his hands through her brown hair and just to smell her hair was intoxicating. He thought about the night he told her there was no video tape when they were out on that balcony. How could he be so stupid to turn her down in the tunnels? He wanted her he needed her. He craved her. It's been eight months since he had her Jasper ached for her so badly. How can he get back to being next to her, being inside of her. He wanted to take her right there on that balcony. Just as quickly as she came out Eleanor was gone she went back inside the palace. Jasper realized the only way he would be able to get to the Princess is if he had help from the inside.

Eleanor washed her face and got ready for bed, she walked over and climbed in under the covers while still thinking of Jasper. She used to hate that smug look on his face, but she would give anything to see it again. To let him hold her and take advantage of her. He was right about one thing. She liked it when he controlled her. Her life was so full of chaos he was the one thing that she knew she never had to worry about. She didn't care anymore how or why he came to be with her all she cared about was wanting to be near him again. She almost got the courage to take him back the night Beck appeared at her door, but she decided to choose Beck knowing it would be easier, but unlike Beck, Jasper never tried to change her he always just guided her through the noise that was and is her life he understood her more than anyone ever. Eleanor was exhausted she couldn't keep her eyes open any longer, what a long couple of days she had.