THE ROYALS
SEASON 5
EPISODE 8: When you walk away, I count the steps that you take
It was almost two o'clock in the morning. Liam had moved into the spare room, a little over a week ago, but was struggling to relax, worried that Robert had placed a hit on his head. Jasper had noticed his apprehension and joined him in the kitchen. Both sat at the table, drinking a cup of freshly made tea, talking about nothing in particular, mostly about the reminder from the King Liam chants that if they are successful at removing Robert from power, he will become the King.
Their conversation stopped abruptly when the door opened, and in walked Gemma, holding her heels in her hand.
"Out late" Jasper said with a smirk. Gemma sat down at the table beside Liam and poured herself a cup of tea from the pot
"Robert has become obsessed. Every day he wants to meet, every hour he messages me. Wants to know what I am doing, if Liam is with me, how I am getting away with sneaking out. If he asks by the way I am often meeting my friend Victoria who is going through a ghastly break up" she explained. Liam laughed
"Of course" he agreed. She sighed, sipping the tea softly.
"Are you still alright with all of this? We are asking more of you than anyone" Liam asked her softly
"I am fine. He is beginning to trust me more. Talks more and more about how one day he wishes me to rule by his side, has not told me when, he has very much insisted that it is too soon for an unfortunate accident to leave him widowed, he suggests around the time of their third anniversary, although he detests the fact that it is still over two years away" Gemma exclaimed
"Gem, is there any chance that he planted a bug on you whilst you were in the Palace?" Jasper asked
"You lot really don't think very much of me do you. I offered to drive myself, which is much more fitting with the excuse he believes I told Liam. When leaving, I drive halfway home before calling into the gym, where I say out loud, if he is hearing, that Liam would be suspicious if he could smell anything on my clothes. I change, leave my clothes in the gym, have a workout, sometimes a swim, shower, and change entirely" she explained, stopping to take a sip of her tea.
"Any bugs would get left on the clothes, which get washed at such a high temperature it would destroy them. Any on my person would get either washed away in the pool or shower, or burned by the chlorine"
"You are a very smart woman" Liam complimented
"It is such a shame it has taken you this long to notice. Although, given the circumstances I believe that cunning may be a little more suitable than smart. Although, I am the fittest I have ever been" she smirked
She finished her tea, and looked down at the phone which buzzed on the table
"There he is again. Did you get home alright? Does Liam suspect anything?" she rolled her eyes. "If I wasn't so sure he was plotting something I would almost believe that he was concerned that you did not find out" Gemma teased Liam
Another buzz and she sighed.
"I shall bid you both a goodnight" she said, standing up, walking out of the room.
Harper sat with Helena, The Grand Duchess, Gemma, Len, Jasper, James and Liam over a buffet lunch.
"The reports have done wonders" she explained
"They have! It's all over the news, everyone is chanting for 'King Liam' it's quite remarkable. The public really have turned haven't they" Helena commented
"Well, here is the thing. If we stop now, we give the public a break, they will start to forget. It takes one good report to forget ten bad ones. As soon as they find love of Robert again it will be so much harder to make them forget it again. We're in a good place now, we need to maintain it" she explained
"How do we do that?" Liam asked
"We need another report. One more decent one, then, we need a march, a protest. Banners, parades up and down the street, outside the Palace" Harper explained
"How do we do that?" Len asked
"We need to have an attack on someone who the public adores. We need a final divide between Robert and you, Liam. We need the public to not only support you, but to take sides. We need to publish something about Robert going against you" Harper explained
"Like what? What angle would be best here?" Liam asked
"Something big. Something so significant if it was anyone other than the King he would be hung, drawn and quartered. Something so terrible that the public will never recover from it" she explained
"How long do we have?" Len asked
"At most, a week" Harper said. "I have enough unreleased articles to last that long but any longer and we risk replaying stories or letting conspiracies steer us away from the truth" Harper said
"What do you suggest then?" Gemma asked
"You need something drastic. Something which would really anger the public" Harper explained
"Does it have to be Liam that it effects?" Helena asked
"Well, who else would have such an impact on the public?" Harper asked
"The public themselves" Len suggested
"You mean we get Robert to attack the public?" Liam asked
"No, no we could never get away with that" Len replied
"But what if we had something which effected the public on a personal level?" Jasper suggested
"What are you thinking?" Gemma asked him
"The repairs to Buckingham Palace, after the fire. That is going to cost an extortionate amount" Jasper began,
"Two hundred and seventy-five million pounds" Helena stated. Rosie dropped the spoon she was using to stir her tea in shock
"I'm sorry" she stated quickly "That is just such a huge amount of money" she stated
"And that is going to be the response from all the public, when they find out that the costs of repairs are coming out of the taxpayer's money" Liam contributed
"Is that true?" Rosie gasped. Helena rolled her eyes at the security having a comment but hid her thoughts quickly.
"Unfortunately so" Helena confirmed.
"Who could confirm this?" Harper asked
"Any of the contractors would give an anonymous amount. Robert runs Parliament, or at least has delegated to the Lords … One of them might be inclined" Liam suggested
"I can put something together" Harper said with a smirk
Gemma lay naked on Robert's chest, covered only by a thin sheet. Hands entwined, he pressed a kiss to her cheek.
"You are exquisite. The way you handled yourself today, such dignity, grace. So personal. You are an inspiration, a role model. You are the Queen she could never be" he mentioned
Sensing her opportunity, Gemma picked herself up, her chin on the lower abdomen of Robert
"You see, your majesty, the difference is that I know when to keep my mouth closed, when it is appropriate to smile and wave." she stopped to press a kiss, lowering slightly. "I know when to make conversation, I know what topics to discuss, what to avoid, I know how to distract and divert conversations" another kiss.
"I suppose you could say, my mouth knows exactly what needs to be done, to satisfy you" she said sultrily as she lowered her head further.
Robert placed his hands behind his head and closed his eyes. Moaning softly
"I don't think I can wait three years for you to be mine" he groaned. Gemma pulled her head off him, moving up his body slightly
"Then don't. Do it now. Before the public falls in love with Willow, before I become established as Liam's girlfriend" she explained
"I would not even know where to start" he laughed
"Well, you would have to be smart about it" she said propping herself up on her elbows, invested in the conversation now.
"What would you suggest?" he asked
"Before the public grows attached to her. Everyone has sympathy for the young man who just lost the love of his life. Who could blame him for taking comfort in the arms of a close friend" she smirked
"And what if it was left three years?" he asked
"One of two options. One, she stays hidden so the public do not fall in love with her, which then makes it suspicious how the invisible woman disappeared. Or; you bring her out into public, get her engaged, show your deep love for her and remain heartbroken when she goes, but hurt the public in the process" she explained "Besides, that would require waiting three years before I could be by your side. Do you trust her in public now?" she asked him
"No. Not after the accusations with the energy companies" he admitted
"Then why waste valuable time. She goes, we get together, respectfully. We make conversation at events, meet up on the regular after then, three months later we announce a relationship" she explained
"It certainly is a consideration" he mused
"Whilst you consider that … In shall get back to something I enjoy" she said, pressing a kiss back to his public bone, lowering her lips down him. He closed hie eyes, groaning lightly.
Gemma had left soon after they had finished their rendezvous. Robert had insisted that he had some important work to get to, and she must return to Liam before he starts asking questions. She agreed, on the promise that he called her tonight, as Len and Jasper had invited Liam over for dinner.
Walking away as Gemma's car drove off, he walked up to his security guard, Martin, an requested a private meeting.
"Certainly, your majesty" he replied, and followed Robert to his office closing the door behind him
"Sir" he stated once alone
"I wish to make Gemma Kensington my bride, and the Queen of England" Robert stated
"Would you like me to start an annulment or divorce procedure, sir?" Martin asked. Robert thought for a moment.
"No. I cannot risk her speaking, and anything getting out" Robert said
"A monetary settlement for her silence, perhaps?" he offered
"She would never take that" Robert rolled his eyes.
"What are you thinking then, Sir?" he asked
"A tragic accident. If she was to fall and … Well, you know" Robert trailed off
"Sir?" The aid asked
"Die. If she were to fall and die. Some tragic accident which would not incriminate me" Robert explained
"What are you thinking?" he asked
"A public affair. A family dinner. Then perhaps drowning. That would be simple enough to write off as an accident. It's a shame that she wasn't caught in the fire" Robert explained
"Understood" Martin replied
"Enough of the formalities. Give me ideas. Speak freely. I need a plan and soon. I can't bear the thought of losing Gemma to anyone, let alone Liam of all people" Robert scoffed.
"Your majesty. What if you went on the Royal Yacht. Had a meal, perhaps she drank too much, then when watching the sunset over the horizon, she falls into the water. The cold, the alcohol, the speed of the boat. By the time she would be rescued it would be too late" The aid suggested
"Brilliant. How would we get on the yacht?" Robert asked
"The Grand Duchess has her birthday in a few days, does she not?" he asked. Robert nodded. "Perhaps a surprise party with the family, such a tragic event, you could easily have an alibi" he added
"I trust this conversation will remain confidential, but you will set all this up?" Robert asked
"Certainly, Sir" the aid replied, before walking out. Robert pulled his phone out sent a message to Gemma, to meet him in his office in one hour.
Robert had finished with his meeting, organising the family ready for the birthday. He walked into his office a few minutes early, expecting Gemma to arrive soon, he planned to pour them both a drink.
As he walked into the office, he saw her. Golden bra with matching thong, a thin white shirt, his white shirt, which she had undone, sleeves rolled up to her elbows. Laying back on the desk, her hair flowing down one side of the table. One leg stretched, one bent.
"Your majesty" she greeted, sitting up as he walked in
"No need to get up" Robert said walking over to her
"I was rather hoping, it would be you getting up" she teased as he walked over to her and she sat up, wrapping her legs around him and he leant into his kiss
"Not long now. I promise" Robert whispered to her as his hands gripped her ass furiously
"How long" Gemma moaned
"Within the week" he assured her.
The Royal family had all travelled to Balmoral castle, their Scotland home. They were all on their Royal Yacht. They were on schedule to depart, aiming to set sail down the River Dee, ready for the sunset over the Scottish highlands, a beautiful scene.
The weather had been generous, the family had all gathered on the deck, Helena, Mark, The Grand Duchess, Len, Jasper, Liam, Gemma, Robert and Willow.
They had finished their dinner of Salmon, potatoes and green beans, a favourite when up in Scotland. The evening passed on with polite games over a quiet live jazz band which was playing in the corner.
It was unnerving for everyone. Robert had told Gemma it would be soon, but he did not specify when, or how in detail.
Gemma had left Robert's after he had told her it would happen within the week. She followed her usual protocol, gym, shower, she got back into her car after, when she had a thought. Her car had been unattended at the Palace for some time whilst she was with Robert. She always checked herself for bugs, but she never checked her car for any tracking.
She drove to a hotel, about hlf an hour from Len and Jaspers. Once inside and settled in her room, she rung Len, knowing she had taken the precautions to make sure she would not be bugged or overheard. She knew if Robert tracked her to Lens house, it might raise suspicions.
Len Answered the phone on the third ring.
"Hello?" she answered. Unlike the palace, most of the time it was the occupants that answered the phone, and not the aides.
"Len, I'm at the Marriot, how are you!" Gemma said, as though they had not spoken for ages
"Are you alright" Len asked cautiously
"Yeah, I just thought it would be nice if we met up for a drink,. Oh, and could you bring me back those clothes I lent you? Oh! And some bathroom products, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste. I seem to have misplaced my bag" she explained
Len caught on, and nodded, replying to say that she would be there within the house.
Briefly, Len told Jasper and Liam what she was up to, they all agreed that despite the fact that Gemma did not invite them, it would be better if they all went.
Fourty-five minutes later, Len walked in through the doors, Jasper and Liam dressed in suits following in behind her.
"Gemma!" Len cried as she walked in, making a scene to play along with the idea that it was old friends catching up., They hugged, and Gemma looked behind her to see the men.
"Jasper" she greeted, hugging him, before pulling away and looking at Liam "Hey baby" she repadded.
"Shall we get a table?" Len asked
"Yes, of course" Gemma agreed, turning to tthe waiter "Private room please" he escorted them to a secluded part of the club. Leaving them in peace as he went off to get thir drinks.
"What's all this about Gem" Liam asked
"Robert met me today. He's been going on about how he wants me to be his Queen, originally it was planned for a few years down the line, but today he told me it would be within a week" she said
"Is that why I'm guessing you have moved out?" Len asked
"That and I was not sure if my car was being tracked" she explained.
"None of us blame you. Do you have any idea what Robert may be planning?" Jasper asked
"I honestly could not hazard a guess. But I talked to him about public perception. How she was such a figure for the wedding, then she critiqued him on the energy company takeover. She's been silenced ever since." Gemma began
"What did you say to him?" Liam asked
"I suggested that if he was sold on the idea of leaving her for me, he does it now, before the public fall in love with her, when she has quite obviously not been acting as queen should. or, he brings her out to public, let the public fall for her, and then leave her a few years later so it's not suspicious as to where she's been hiding. She can't be invisible like she is now for three years before a divorce" Gemma explained
"What did he say to that?" Len asked
"He initially said he would think about it. But meeting me today he said it would e within the week" she replied
"Gemma" Jasper began, calling the attention of the room to him "You have done brilliantly. But this could be your last chance. We don't know what Robert is planning, we don't know how long he will be King for. If you go through with this, it is asking so much from you. Are you sure you are happy to go through with this?" Jasper asked
"I thought I made myself perfectly clear before. I can handle myself, I know what I am getting myself in for. I know how this is going to go. I would not be here if I was not prepared to do what needed to happen" she said
"Are you sure?" Liam asked her.
"I have, in the past few weeks not only gone from a stranger in the Palace to the Mistress of the Queen, but I have just been able to convince said King of England to leave his wife for me. I know how to play the game, and if I want something, I tend to get it" Gemma said with a mischievous wink
The group all raised their glasses and clinked to a better future.
The family sat on the boat. Whilst polite chatter filled the silence, the air of unease floated over everyone. They had been prepped, after Len met Gemma, that this was perhaps where it was going to take place. 'It' being the definition as they did not know what he was planning. Knowing Robert, it could have been anything.
"Your Majesty, Your Royal Highnesses, if you would like to make your way to the top deck for the champagne toast to the Grand Duchess" The captain said. Robert stood first and the rest of the family followed.
Once at the top of the deck, the captain stopped the engine, the silence echoed through the scenery. It was stunning. The River was stunning, the sun setting over the distant Scottish highlands. A gntle swoosh of water as each wave crashed silently against the rocks, against the banks, against the boat.
Robert stood and tapped the side of his glass as the waitress finished handing out champagne. He gave a delightful speech, one which made a point of the lack of emotion in the one he gave to Len and Jasper at the wedding.
"To Dutchie" he finished, they chorused it.
Robert got up from his seat next to Liam and Gemma and winked at her as he walked towards his wife. Gemma kicked Liam under the table to tell him it was time.
Willow was, as usual sat in the corner. She had nursed her drink as much as she could, but was now on her second glass. Robert walked up to her, and held out his hand. Surprised, she took it, and the couple walked over to the edge of the boar. He picked the glass out her hand and put it down on the side.
"It's beautiful isn't it" he commented
"It is" she replied quietly
He placed his hands around her waist and pulled her in to him, as the waiter walked up with two glasses of whisky
"Your majesty" he said passing a glass to Robert, "Your majesty" he repeated passing a second glass to Willow. The pair clinked glasses and drank the golden amber liquid.
They finished drinking in silence, watching out the waves as the wind picked up slightly.
"I owe you an apology" Robert said to her quietly. She turned to look at him, surprised, but let him talk. "You are a shining diamond, and I have kept you in the shade, in the dark. If I am honest, I admit I was fearful that you would shine so bright I would be invisible beside you, but I was reminded that if you catch a diamond at the right light, it produced the most beautiful rainbow. And I have kept my rainbow hidden from the public, from everyone. Including myself, and I intend to amend it. Effective immediately" Robert promised her
"Where is all this coming from?" Willow asked
"I have missed you, and I know that I have been reflecting you, and keeping you away from your country. Our country. And I know we need to make it right. I can only apologise" Robert said. The poison which the waiter had put in her drink should be taking place soon. He only had to keep her talking a little longer, then all the hard work would be done for him.
Willow could feel herself begin to get dizzy. She placed her hand on Robert's arm to try and steady herself
"Are you alright?" Robert asked her, concerned. She nodded.
"Just a little dizzy" she muttered
"Come on, let's find somewhere quiet" he assured her. He helped guide her down the stairs. On the lower deck, he took her over to the side, right by the banister, he stood her against it.
"Take some deep breaths, darling. It will be alright" he said, as he brought his hand round the side of her, on the banister. She was breathing deeply now. Panicking slightly. She did not hear when he clicked open the banister, and the side came away.
"Close your eyes, it will help" Robert said calmly to her. She did as he instucted, feeling dizzy, not knowing he had pushed her over the side until she lost her balance. Robert closed the banister before she hit the water.
The splash was loud in comparison to the silence of the night, the jazz band still playing with the family on the upper deck, he hoped no one would hear. However, much to his dismay, someone did.
"WILLOW" Came the shout. He looked up, cursing his brother as Liam came running down the stairs onto the lower balcony, the rest of the family looking over the side, concerned.
"Willow!" Robert shouted into the water, pissed off now that they were drawing attention from everyone.
Liam was now right beside Robert, pulling off his suit jacket. Looking down at the now still water. Willow had not resurfaced. In the background, Robert could hear the captain sending out an emergency message, he turned, and Liam was diving off the side of the boat, into the water
"LIAM!" Len shouted
"What is going on!" Helena and the Grand Duchess shouted.
Liam resurfaced, empty handed
"I can't find her" he shouted, diving back under water. Without a second word, Jasper jumped in too
"JASPER!" Len screamed, but it was too late, he was already in the water
A few minutes later, Liam came back up, holding an unconscious Willow. Jasper jumped back on the boat, and took Willow from Liam, offering a hand to pull him back up.
Both dripping, Jasper put his ear to Willows nose.
"she's not breathing" he called. Len ran down to help, Gemma now in tears knew her rle, and ran over to Robert, comforting the heartbroken King.
Len rolled Willow on her side, and some water rolled out of her open mouth.
Rolling her back, the three began compressions, and CPR.
Within a few minutes, the air ambulance arrived, lowering a doctor on a stretcher, they hauled Willow up, and took her off to hospital, trying to revive her.
The boat was in silence the whole way back. Len and Liam sat together, upset. Jasper with them.
Mark, Helena and the Grand Duchess picking at the remaining food on from the buffet. Cyrus and Violet talking in hushed voices about what had happened.
Gemma was sat beside Robert, prepared to help support the King in whatever way he desired. He was sat, somber looking out to the water. Gemma stood and held out her hand to him. He looked up at her, confused.
"She is getting the best care that she can. There is no need, or time to mourn. You have a country to run. Come" she instructed. He followed her and they went below deck into one of the cabins. She shut the door behind them and pushed him onto the bed.
"Now" she said, pulling off her dress, leaving her in only her thong as she straddled him. "You need to release a statement to the press, explaining how heartbroken the situation has made you. But first, you need to revenge me, like the Queen I am destined to be" she smirked
It was four o'clock the following morning. They had brought the yacht straight back to shore, and private cars were waiting to take them to the private Royal Hospital in Edinburgh. Len and Jasper sat waiting, Liam had gone in to speak to the doctor. Robert had decided it was better for him to go back to Buckingham Palace to organise his affairs.
"Do you think he did it?" Len asked quietly
"He certainly has the motive. Gemma made that clear. But actually, pushing her off? I don't know. She didn't scream or anything" Jasper explained
"Was she drunk?" Len asked
"Whatever happened, it will be an accident" Jasper replied sadly
"Does he have it in him?" she asked
"He sent for his own father to be killed" Jasper replied
Liam came round the corner back to Len and Jasper. Pale, and tear-stricken. He did not have to say anything. Len and Jasper knew.
She had not made it.
It was three days after Willow's death had been announced to the public. The flags were set to half mast, and the public were granted five days of mourning. Liam was taking it harder than anyone had expected.
No one had expected him to kill Willow, even Gemma was horrified.
Liam finally had the courage to call Kathryn. He needed to talk to someone, and as much as he was talking to everyone who would listen, he realised how much he missed Kathryn.
He walked out to a payphone, not wanting anyone to track the number. Whilst he appreciated the privacy at Len and Jasper's, when it came to the safety of his love, and their child, he was not willing to take any chances.
Inside the empty apartment the phone rang. A layer of dust had settled over the surface, the vibration of the ringing phone causing the dust to flutter away.
There was no answer. After ten rings, Liam hung up, and sauntered sadly back to Len and Jaspers.
Liam returned to find Gemma in the kitchen with Len and Jasper, holding a cup of tea. He walked in, curiously
"Is everything alright?" he asked
"Everything is going so well, it has turned against us" Gemma said sadly
"What do you mean?" Liam asked
"Robert has invited me to move into the Palace with him, to keep him company following Willows death" she explained
"That's wonderful, we'll have someone on the inside!" Liam congratulated
"We think it might be too close" Len stated
"We already have Laura inside the palace, she can hear things and pass it on to us. There is a good chance that Robert will be testing Gemma's loyalty at first, anything he tells her he will be following. Besides, once in the palace she will be under constant surveillance, much the same as Willow was. Any time she leaves she will be followed, every conversation she has will be listened to" Jasper listed
"It has been a pleasure to assist you, and I will continue to play my part, doing what I can to keep his mind on me, and the throne. Not on you. If you need something, write me a note. But this is my formal resignation from the suicide squad" she said sadly
"You have done more than anyone expected, wanted or thought you would be able to do. You have been invaluable. Thank you" Len said, hugging Gemma
"The world is on Robert's side, mourning Willow. Once the national mourning is up, we will release the reports about Robert using public money to pay for the fire damage, along with the accusations that he started it" Jasper explained
"Sir Jon is already on the case of investigation to see if Robert had any part in Willow's death. That will be brought up. And if it comes out as he has, we can make a play that he set fire to the palace in an attempt to kill her" Liam explained
"When all this is over, we will have a proper celebration" Gemma assured them. She picked up her bag, and pulled out her phone, handing it back to them
"The last thing I want is for this to fall into the wrong hands" she explained.
After some more heart felled goodbyes, she walked out, without a single look back
There were news reporters everywhere for willow's funeral. Robert was dressed in black and had requested that Gemma attend as his associate. Not as a date but as an introduction to his circle, not Liams. Of course, she had accepted.
"What do you think you're doing?" Liam asked angrily as he pushed past the aides into Robert's office. Gemma hasily buttoned her shirt, she had been sat on Robert's desk, him between her legs. Liam was sure that they ahd only been kissing, but he smirked to himself knowing he stopped them from getting further
"Dear brother, how many times must I insist that you call instead of just dropping by, and pushing rather rudely past my guards" Robert droned.
"If I ring you, you could have hung up on me" Liam insisted, before turning to see Gemma " And you. My own brother" Liam said, insulted. Of course this was part of the plan, Gemma had assured Robert that she had finished things with Liam, and they had to have something of a convincing story.
"What can I help you with, or rather. What would get you out here soonest?" Robert asked, bored
"Willow isn't even buried, and you're moved on. With my girlfriend of all people" Laim exclaimed
"Oh Liam, Sweetie. We've been over for a long time. I'm surprised you didn't know that" Gemma hissed. Liam knew she was playing a part, but her coldness still hurt.
"Gemma will be my guest to the funeral. A few weeks of being seen in public with her, and then we can make the official step" Robert explained
"But why her?" Liam asked
"Because you're still in love with Kathryn" Robert teased. Gemma, behind Robert, gave Liam a sympathetic smile, and Liam walked out.
It was obvious to the public that despite such a huge memorial for the late queen, people knew very little about her. Robert had stated in some interviews that after the wedding she had contracted a virus, and for the past few months ill health had prevented her from public appearances.
It did not explain how the few occasions when she was seen, she appeared to be perfectly healthy, and Harper made sure to query it multiple times with the King throughout interviews.
The funeral was, none the less, a beautiful ceremony. A short while later, the family sat in silence back at the Palace. A common theme, silence in the palace. They were all nursing their preferred drinks.
Liam would have loved to have gone around the room, all sharing their favourite stories of Willow, but he was sure that no one really had the chance to get to know her. Robert had kept her hidden, away from people, away from the public, friends, family. She was a ghost. And he would never forgive him for that.
Soon, Len and Jasper, fed up with the silence, decided to offer they move the memorial to their house. Robert of course, declined, and Gemma agreed to stay with him for support.
Back at Len and Jasper's, it was much more sociable, what Liam liked, what Willow would have wanted.
They had gone around the room, sharing stories. Len about losing her at her hen party, Liam about their cereal dates, Helena from Willows unforgettable interview to be Queen, coming in on a severe come down.
The Grand Duchess joined in, saying how she confused her for a maid when she started, Cyrus began to agree, when A sharp elbow from Violet cut him off. Knowing that anything from Cyrus would undoubtably be inappropriate.
"Earl then chimed in with how he knew she would not be staff, not the way that she looked at Liam.
"And how did she look at Liam?" The Grand Duchess asked
"The way you used to look at me?" Earl teased
"With regret and disgust then" The Grand Duchess confirmed
"No. Not that, never that. I thought it was quite the opposite actually" Earl replied
"You thought wrong" Dutchie replied
"I think -" Earl began
"Wrong!" The Grand Duchess cut him off.
Earl stood up, and Dutchie followed suit, whilst nearly two foot taller than her, she held her shoulders back to hold her ground.
"You're not even going to listen to me anymore?" He asked
"Perhaps if there was something worth listening to" she retorted
"How would you know if you don't listen?" he argued back
"For Heaven's sake!" Helena called from the other side of the room. "Go outside and sort yourselves out. It's embarrassing" she added. The two elder adults scoffed and shuffled towards the corridor. Despite their ongoing argument, everyone noticed Earl's hand slip onto her ass as thy rounded the corner.
The shouting once the door closed was at first, a little muffled by the thick walls, however, the sounds of disagreement very soon dissipated, and turned into softer voices, giggles, moans. Breathing, louder and louder.
The room filled with an awkward silence. Everyone wanting to break the silence but no one knowing what to say. They just looked between one another, awkwardly, Eventually, it was Helena who broke the silence
"They have the subtlety of a set of cymbals" she rolled her eyes.
It had been perhaps twenty minutes since Dutchie and Earl had walked out. The conversation had been slow, and rather random conversations as no one really knew what was appropriate to say whilst trying to avoid the obvious coitus going on in the other room.
Jasper had asked if anyone wanted a refill of their drinks early on, as sipping drinks appeared a common theme in attempts to alleviate awkwardness. There was a resounding chorus of yes, and he ended up bringing through bottles of spirits, a few beers, and a few bottles of wine. Which everyone swiftly helped themselves to, rather appreciative.
Liam had asked questions regarding favourite foods. It seemed inappropriate to discuss happy memories of Willow with the groans, bangs and cries coming from the next room.
Eventually however the noise died down, and a minute or two later, the couple walked out, much happier to be in once another's presence.
"Wow Dutchie, you must have had quite the scuffle in there" Len said, a little tipsy and very much trying to break the tension in the room
"Why is that dear?" The grand Duchess asked
"Well, your hair, your shirt, you only have one shoe on..." Len listed. The Grand Duchess blushed, looking down at her mis-buttoned blouse, the single black heel on her right foot, and walked over to the mirror, trying to tame her hair which now resembled a wild bird's nest.
"Oh. Yes, quite" she said quietly.
They were disturbed from their still rather awkward situation with the phone ringing. One of the servants answered, and walked into the room, drawing the attention.
"Excuse me, Sir Jon Richardson is on the phone, he has the results from the bottles" They explained. Len stood, stumbled and sat down again. Jasper smiled lovingly at her and stood himself.
"Hello" he said down the phone
"Good evening Jasper, I am sorry for the late call. I had to wait until I was not overheard" he explained
"That's no problem" Jasper assured him
"How was the funeral?" he asked
"Exactly as you'd expect, if you consider our suspicions" Jasper replied. They all knew that the likeliness of the phone lines being tapped was small, but still a possibility. They tried to remain cautious where they could
"Well, that case has landed on my desk, luckily. I will make sure you are updated accordingly" he assured him
"Thank you" Jasper replied
"As for the other matter which you requested I investigated. The results have come back" he explained, a hint of a smile on his voice
"What were the findings?" Jasper asked
Jasper walked back into the room around ten minutes after the call had come in, to see a very lively game of charades in progress. Liam was making a waving motion with his arms which Jasper was sure could only be mimicking one of the inflatable arm-flailing tube people which popped up outside of every car dealership he had ever seen in America.
"It's a book" Violet said to Jasper, noticing his confused face, which matched everyone else as the most random suggestions were being shouted out
"A tree"
"The sea"
"A bee"
"A leaf"
"Drowning"
"A nineteen thirties disco"
"A plughole""
"Whirlpool"
"Tornado"
"Can you really not get it. Come on it's so easy" Liam insisted, pausing to speak the continuing the elaborate and vague waving motion.
"A pterodactyl" Len shouted. Liam stopped and looked at his sister bewildered
"How is (I) this (I) a pterodactyl?" Liam asked, waving his arms again
"Liam I don't know that (I) this (I) is" Len replied copying Liams arm motions as she explained
"Does eveyrone else give up too?" Liam asked, the room nodded, past being entertained and now both bored and frustrated.
"The Wind in the Willows" Liam said, as though it was the most obvious thing in the world
"How was that, in any way, The Wind in the Willows?" Helena asked
"I said, fifth word was - " Liam stopped and poointed to the floor
"Here?" Helena asked
"No. Willow's Funeral. Willow!" Liam explained. The room groaned, theyt were never going to get that.
"Liam, how about you go sit down, have another beer" Jasper said, passing him a pint from the table. Liam took a few sips gratefully and obliged. Sitting down on the sofa
"I just had a call from Sir Jon" Jasper said, calling the rooms attention
"Oh?" Helena asked
"Well firstly, the case of if Willow was murdered has landed under his supervision, so we know that one will be completed thoroughly, and he can let us know if there's any bribery, or undercover going on" Jasper explained
"That's really good news, right?' Violet said. They all nodded
"Very much so. This might mean that we can get Robert" Cyrus said excitedly
"He is still Monarch and therefore, above the law. But it will certainly help to turn the people against him" Len explained
"He also said that the results came back about those water bottles we found" Jasper explained
"Really?" Len asked
"Yes. He said that Robert's fingerprints were all over them. From the time when he was on the Island, but partial fingerprints from years back. He has confirmed from microanalysis that the bottles were taken to the Island about five years before Robert's plane went down. And they were taken, there is no sign that the bottles have been in the water" Jasper explained
"They were planted" Cyrus asked
"Yes. And by the sounds of it, planted by Robert himself" Jasper continued
"I'll do some digging. See if I can find a time when he would have had the opportunity to do that" Liam said. They all agreed, pleased with the results. Before taking another drink and continuing with their night.
It was about three days after Willow's funeral. Harper had run a wonderful report on the findings of the bottles. They had remained nameless, obviously. She said that she was written by a supporter of Robert, who had gone to visit the Island. Something about a mental retreat to walk in the footsteps of his hero. No one believed it, but they hoped it would stroke Robert's ego enough for him to not think they had gone to the island themselves.
She published the findings of the reports, that it was his fingerprints, and how far back they had gone. Liam even found a suitable week when Robert was unavailable without reason, one of very few in the Royal Calendar. This one lasting a week, rather than a few hours, a day tops. The times matched the results.
The public were furious. Just as they had hoped. However, it remained a conspiracy. Tactfully, the same day, Harper released another report, on how much it would cost to rebuild the fire damage, and that the public was paying the cost, and that taxes would undoubtably have to increase as a result of that. And that report had sparked a major attack on the monarchy.
Len and Jasper sat at their house, news on, watching the protests outside the Palace.
Helena and Mark sat inside the Palace, shuddering, flinching and cursing as rock, egg, fruit, can, and anything else which could be found and lobbed was thrown at the windows of the Palace.
Despite the loud bangs of the impact. There was one noise which was radiating through London. Len and Jasper could hear it from their house, many miles away. Even with every television, radio and phone turned off. It would be loud enough for people to hear.
"King Liam! King Liam! King Laim! King Liam!"
Inside the Palace, Robert was ignoring the noise. Gemma knocked and walked in
"Your majesty" she greeted, curtsying and walking up to him
"It's incessant" he complained
"It will pass they just need to get it out their systems" Gemma assured him
"Doubtful. Have you seen those news reports? Harper Day is determined to break down my image" Robert explained
"Well, she will have a good time trying. But in the end, she will not be successful" Gemma stated
"What makes you so sure?" he asked
"Well for starters, she's very quick to jump the gun, and a lot of her stories are based on conspiracies. She lacks a lot of proof. She also only has one play. It may be interesting now, the world turning on you, but it will pass. They will get bored"
"Again, regrettably I doubt that" Robert replied
"Frankly I find it an insult to be targeting a man who recently buried his wife" she added
"That's the next one I'm hearing rumours about. (I) King kills the Queen (I) That is old news anyway, it's been going on for centuries" Robert rolled his eyes. Gemma raised her eyebrow at him
"Did you?" she asked
"Did I what?" he replied
"Did you kill her?" Gemma asked. Robert stood and walked over to her.
"In a few months, you will have a crown on your head, and be Queen of England. That is the end. And the means justifies the ends" he said. He placed a soft kiss to her lips and walked out without another word.
The Next Day -
"Well we have a special treat for you tonight, here to talk about the latest in the news!" The host began, the room was filled with groans
"Oh come on now. We don't usually discuss sensible matters, but this one seems to be dominating at the moment. Please welcome, His Royal Highness, Prince Liam!" The host shouted. Out of a dark walkway off stage, Liam walked out, and into the bright lights of showbiz.
"Liam! Come, have a seat!" the host greeted "It's great to have you" he added
"It's great to be here" Liam countered
"Charmer isn't he. Who thinks that he's charming!" the host called, the room cheered
"Liam, we want you as King tell us. How do we make it happen!" he asked
"That is a question above my pay grade I'm afraid" Liam replied, getting a round of laughs. He was sure they were cued, but he did not care
"Well, you know my opinion on it. You know theirs" the host shouted pointing out to the audience. "And you know the publics. But what about you Liam. What are your views on your brother?" he asked.
Liam decided to be a little diplomatic. He knew that he could not bad-mouth Robert on live television, but that did not mean he had to support him either.
"You can't choose your family, can you" Liam laughed. Again, a chorus of laughter. "I jest. Robert is a wonderful brother" he complimented. The back and fourth continued for a short while, Liam being very reserved but still managing to make the audience, and the host, laugh.
"Right, Liam. Time to get serious" the host begun "What really happened with Willow. We've been hearing all sorts of crazy things, Robert pushed her … You were there on the boat, what happened?" he asked
"Well I admit I don't know all the details. We all had a drink and were celebrating my dear Grandmother's birthday. Willow and Robert walked over to the side of the boat, looking at the sunset I believe, then I'm not sure what happened. I heard a splash. Now I know there was quite a lot of marine life in that river, so I looked over the edge to see if I could see what it was, I was hoping for an otter, but it was a large splash" Liam began
"Was it a shark?" The host asked. Liam paused, wondering if this was a wind up or not.
"What? No. Willow had fallen in" he replied
"Ohh shit!" the host shouted, gasps from the audience. "And do you think Robert pushed her? Did you all jump in to try and save her?" he asked
"I did" Liam replied, ignoring the comment about Robert pushing her. "As soon as I saw it was Willow, I dived in, from the top deck, Jasper Frost followed me in, and between the two of us, we were able to get her out. Unfortunately, her heart stopped in the air ambulance.
"Well, we all still think you're a hero!" The host congratulated
"Thank you, she was a dear friend, it is just such a shame that she left us too soon"
"It is" The host added, pausing for a minute whilst they had a moment of silence. "Anyway, tell us about that dive, have you ever considered yourself for the Olympics?"
The squad had met that morning, with intentions of discussing what would happen once Liam took the throne, but it really went on about how they would get there. After Liam's interview the public hated Robert even more, not just the suggestion that he may have pushed her in, but that he did nothing to try and save her.
They concluded that they were close. They needed one final nail in the coffin
"We need to bring in Joanne" Harper explained
Harper, Len, Jasper and Liam knocked on her door and a few minutes later she answered, genuinely surprised to see them
"Can we come in?" Len asked
"Of course" she replied, rolling backwards, and letting them in, closing the door behind them
"You've done a good job at making the country see Robert for who he truly is" she complimented
"He's been managing fine on his own. We just made some a bit more public" Harper explained. "Which really is where we need you to come in" she explained
"What do you need?" Joanne asked
"We need you to do an interview, show the world the recording. Show how he tried to kill you. That will show them that he has it in him to kill Willow. We need to stop him, before it gets any further. Who else needs to die?" Harper asked
"I do" Joanne offered
"What?" Len asked
"If I go on tv, and show that recording, I would be dead by morning" Joanne explained
"No, you wouldn't. It will anger Robert, but it would be stupid of him to try and kill you after you've become a public face. It would point to him" Jasper explained
"Don't put that past Robert. He wanted me dead a long time ago. If he finds out I'm still alive, I won't last more than a few hours. But that's alright. I've got no friends, the only family I have moved away years ago. I'm stuck in this bloody chair, in pain. Struggling every day because he couldn't kill me right the first time" she explained
"We'll make sure you're protected" Liam assured her
"When I am killed, don't worry. Let me live on as a martyr" she said.
"Alright" Len agreed "So you'll do the interview?" Joanne nodded
Gemma sat on Robert's lap, kissing him softly. They were watching tv, nothing overly interesting on, Robert was telling her about all the places where he would take her to show her off as Queen, Gemma was replying with small facts about each place. Impressing her.
The six o'clock news came on, and neither really paid much attention, until the article began to play
"Robert tried and failed to kill me" came Joanne's voice from the tv. Robert tensed as his memory kicked in, reminding him of where he had heard it before. Gemma noticed his hesitancy and looked up at the Tv, moving off his lap to watch the news.
It started with a short introduction of Joanne, and then led into the recording she had. Playing loudly through the tv.
Once it finished, the reporters continued to ask her questions. Robert stood and turned off the television, turning to Gemma
"You should go" Robert said quietly. She stood
"Would you like me to wait in your bed for you?" she asked
"No" he replied. She stepped back towards the door but did not leave. She watched as Robert threw his glass into the fire, watching it smash into millions of pieces. She laughed.
Robert turned around sharply to her
"Is that the best you can do?" she scoffed "I thought you were this big bad King who would rise above this. Not someone who falls at every hurdle. People are going to stir shit up, it's what people do. It's easy enough to find your voice online and play it into a recording. It's easy enough to fake an injury" Gemma explained. Of course she knew Joanne was legitimate, but she had to play into Robert's ego.
"Liam isn't helping, promoting himself though my downfalls" Robert complained
"Downfalls which are taken out of context maliciously" she explained. "Nothing to be worried about. Liam is doing nothing but riding your coat tails. The people will see soon enough that he has not done anything. Then they will move on. Much like they will with this" she assured him.
Feeling brave, she walked over to him, and pressed a kiss to his lips.
"You really need not worry. Things will sort themselves out. Now. I'm going to bed. How about you get yourself another drink, not throw this one in the fire, and come and join me" she suggested, he nodded, and kissed her back.
Robert took a deep breath once the door was closed. He knew that she was right. That a bit of time, patience and perseverance and he could get through it.
But that recording of him and Joanne's conversation. He couldn't have that. He picked up his phone, and a dark voice on the other end answered
"Quick and quiet pizza, what order can I get you" A subtle way of asking which type of hit was required
"Quick and clean, with all the trimmings" Robert replied. Suggesting a clean shot, single bullet, with upmost discretion.
"And the name?" The voice asked
"Joanne Walker" Robert replied. The line then went silent. Robert replaced the phone on the handset, and walked up to his room, to join Gemma.
That's episode 8. 2 more. Please read and review