For all my readers that might be out there, I know that you don't think I own BBC Sherlock. That disclaimer applies to the entire story, so I won't have to keep typing them. Thanks already to all of you who have read it, favorited it (Thanatos' Wrath, edken), and followed it (Kizuki-chan, PhoenixoftheLostandForgotten, TheDeductionist). I really would appreciate concrit. Anyone who answers my poll and/or reviews is allowed to PM me ideas of where they think this is going.
Chapter One: In Which Tea Is Drunk And Strange Doings Are Afoot
'Sherlock! Do you want the crossword to mock? The Telegraph is here!' John shouted as he trekked up the seventeen steps to their flat. He set the kettle to boil and made toast in the hopes that he could coax Sherlock into eating. The git had the bad habit of only noticing hunger when he became hypoglycaemic. Luckily, when otherwise absorbed, he tended to eat whatever was put in front of him on autopilot. John was planning on doing just that when Sherlock strode out of his bedroom after a night of deigning to sleep when it was pointed out to him that, generally, one should sleep more than three or four hours a week.
Extremely out of character was Sherlock's beeline to the post where he nabbed a high quality- some of Sherlock's lectures do stick- envelope that he quickly squirreled away. John stopped pondering the mysterious envelope- not in any way similar to any other of Sherlock's secret missives- when Sherlock gulped down his tea and toast with honey and whirled back to his room, seemingly intending to get dressed. Honey was a trick John learned early on to get Sherlock to eat- the man was obsessed with apiology. Usually, though, Sherlock picked at food while absorbed in another task; he didn't hurry in much of anything unless he had a case. Since Lestrade generally texted them both or came in person when he had a case for them, and no clients had come by, that theory was out. John's musings were interrupted by Sherlock, dressed and finding everything needed to brave the outside world in early December. John frowned, puzzled.
'Did someone email you a promising case? You normally spend any Sunday without a case imitating a marble effigy on the sofa.'
Sherlock scrunched his brows and shook his head. He reassured John, 'No, I haven't a case. It's merely a prior engagement with my brother. He's sending a car right…about…now.' Sure enough, a midnight-black town car pulled up outside Baker Street, starkly visible through the window against the dusting of snow. Without further ado, Sherlock bounded downstairs and hurried into the vehicle.
John watched the car pull away bemusedly. In all his years knowing Sherlock, he had never seen Sherlock willingly meet with Mycroft. Until today, that is. John flipped through the paper leisurely, not needing to go anywhere until his afternoon shift at Royal London Hospital.
The paper was full of the normal dross. Government issues, economy issues, boring, boring, wait…what's this? Tucked in between celebrity scandals and crime sprees, there was an article about a recent palace press release. John began to read.
The Hidden Prince
By Jane Bradstreet
Our royal family generally doesn't mind the limelight. However, when Crown Prince Richard married Princess Violet, she convinced her husband not to give any information about their personal lives. Unluckily for all those who enjoy reading about modern royalty, that included any information about her children. Over thirty years ago, we were informed that the Prince and Princess of Wales had one son together, and Violet had a significantly older son from her first marriage. Even after they both passed, neither son has chosen to step into the spotlight. According to official sources, the prince, despite living as an unknown, has been groomed for his future role since childhood. The Palace Correspondent has stated, 'Despite going to school under what amounts to a pseudonym, he has turned out a polished specimen of the royal breed. He was educated at the finest of schools, joined the military like many of his forefathers, and gone above and beyond in preparing to one day be the public face of the Commonwealth. He speaks over two dozen languages, is an expert musician, has been awarded numerous military honours, earned a PhD in Sociology, and spends his days helping the community pro bono. Since it has been agreed that he should step out of the shadows, he has been the epitome of a tireless diplomat. He shall step forward in an official press conference in two weeks' time.' The nation will be eagerly watching for the news of the decade: Who will be succeeding Queen Elizabeth II?
John folded the paper and set it down. He wondered if he might have served alongside the next King of England. If all the accomplishments listed in that article were true, the figurehead of Britain in a few years would be a paragon of leadership. He set down the paper and prepared for a shift full of the injured and the intoxicated.
So, we know from ASiB that their royalty are probably a bit different. So, I kept Elizabeth II and her husband, but her first son's name is Prince Richard and he married a French/English widow with quite a bit of royal blood. Anyone who PMs me the correct answer to the idea from another British fandom that I will be borrowing will get an OC of them as whoever they want. Do not post where you think this is going in reviews, just PM me. My idea of Sherlock's childhood is inspired by sevenpercent's wonderful works. Review and answer the poll for more chapters!