THE ROYALS
SEASON 5
EPISODE 9: Let this day turn as cold as night
It was a dark night; the only noise was the slight wind blowing through the trees. The rustle of the leaves, the soft creaks of the branches. Joanne lay in her bed, sound asleep. Silently, she turned her head slightly, nuzzling into the blankets, and letting her breathing get deeper, slipping into the depths of unconscious.
The headlights were dimmed, barely visible in the dark night. Four black vans, with tinted windows followed in quiet convoy. Almost invisible and deadly silent, they were the height of discreet.
They pulled to an inaudible stop, and the sliding doors crept open. Out of each van jumped six soldiers. All dressed in black protective gear. Holding intimidating weapons. Faint footsteps as they ran in unison and surrounded the house. All exits covered, the one nodded, and kicked the front door down.
Floods of soldiers ran through the property, searching each room.
They got to the bedroom and three walked inside, one stood at the door. The lead nodded to the other two, and pulled back the covers. The bed was empty.
"Clear" a sharp whisper and they moved on, searching the entirety of the room. Under the bed, in the wardrobe.
"OUT HERE" Came a loud shout, and save a few to continue searching the majority of the hoard followed the noise.
The back garden adjoined with a woodland. Down the trig and leaf covered track, they chased Joanne. Who was going as quick as she could. She knew she had been caught, she was just hoping to be far enough away not to hear the bullet until it was too late.
The 'Bang' echoed through the woodland. Disturbing some of the wildlife. A flutter of wings from a few startled birds and the cry of a distant fox filled the empty silence that followed.
One soldier walked over to the body which had now fallen from the wheelchair. With a gloved hand, checking for a pulse before pronouncing her dead. The troops got back into their vans as quickly and quietly as they got out, and drove away without a trace.
The next morning over breakfast, the Palace, and the Cottage were both silent in shock, watching the news.
As soon as it was announced; "Joanne Walker, the brave soldier who spoke up about Robert was found dead this morning, after having been shot by an unknown source. Police are working hard to find the culprit, but questions are already being asked if the Palace is involved. More in this as it comes in" The news reported read.
"Sara Alice. Why don't you go and see if you can find the chocolate I hid in the garden for you" Len asked.
"Yay chocolate" She said and skipped out happily
"Shall I go hide a flake or something?" Rosie asked. Len nodded, Rosie left, and returned a few moments later.
Jasper had froze, a deep feeling of guilt rising up inside him.
"I can't believe this" Sebastian said, shaking his head. He had only just come back from visiting family and was brought up to speed after the report came out last night.
"It must have been" The Grand Duchess said
"Come again" Earl asked
"It must have been Robert" she repeated
"It's so obvious though. Are we sure this is not someone else doing ti to frame Robert?" James asked
"That would be the question" Len added
"If someone was trying to frame Robert, it wouldn't be a clean shot would it. If it was professional then chances are it was instructed by the Palace. If not, if it's amateur then there's more of a chance that it was someone trying to frame him" Rosie commented
"We need Sir Jon. See what details he can find" Len stated. They all agreed.
"Should we get Harper to write an article anyway, saying it was Robert? We could use the hatred" The Grand Duchess suggested
"I don't know if he could be hated any more" Sebastian chimed in. "But this is my chance to get back in with him. If I defend him, publicly. He knows he has an ally in me" Sebastian suggested
"We've all distanced ourselves" Liam explained
"Exactly, so he'll have no choice but to confide in me" Sebastian offered
"If you think it's worthwhile. And yes, let's play on the "Robert is a killer" card" Len agreed.
"Jasper, are you ok?" Liam asked, noticing Jasper had been quiet. He nodded slowly.
"Dutchie, can you ask Harper now. Come on Liam, let's take Jasper for some fresh air" Len offered.
Harper's phone rang, after the Joanne report, it had been ringing all day for people asking what was going on. She had spent the last hour creating a rough draft for a report about Robert sentencing Joannes death, but she was waiting for confirmation from Len and Jasper before publishing it.
She picked up the phone without seeing who it was
"Hello" she replied quickly
"Is that any way to answer the phone to the Grandmother of the Monarch?" came a pretentious voice. She sat up straighter.
"I apologise your highness" she said, rolling her eyes but not letting it show in her voice
"Better. Now we were wondering if you would be able to create a report on Robert being the cause of Joanne's death" she asked
"I was just finishing writing one. Would you like that report released today?" she asked
"As soon as possible" The Grand Duchess requested
"Certainly. And everyone else is happy with this too?" she asked
"They are" she confirmed
"It will be out by lunch" Harper assured her
"Lovely" Dutchie replied, hanging up
"Good chat. Bye then" Harper said sarcastically into the phone.
"Cyrus" Violet called from the other room
"What is it?" he called back
"What's this?" Violet asked
"How am I supposed to know. I'm all the way over here" Cyrus shouted. Violet sighed so loudly Cyrus heard it from the other room. She walked in holding a little box which had a ring inside
"What's this?" she asked again. Cyrus flicked his eyes between the ring and Violet.
"You know just how to spoil a surprise" he commented "It's for you"
"For me?" Violet blushed
"I've had it for a while. But I was waiting for the right time" he assured her
"What's wrong with now? Or any time?" she asked
"I was more thinking, waiting until Robert was off the throne. Then we could celebrate the way we want to, in a Palace where we're not overheard" he began to explain.
"Were you seriously going to ask me to marry you?" she asked
"I am, and I will. I promise" Cyrus said, kissing her softly, taking the box and closing the lid "As soon as that bastard is out of power" he assured her
"Then let's take him down" Violet said with a smirk.
Liam, Len and Jasper were walking round the grounds when Jasper stopped.
"It's our fault" he said sharply
"No, it's not" Len replied
"She was fine until we pushed her to release that recording. She was happy living under the radar" Jasper explained
"She said so herself. She was miserable. She had no friends, no family, she was in pain, and living in constant fear that he would figure out what happened. She's made it better for us" Liam said trying to reassure him
"We could have managed it and kept her out of it" Jasper insisted
"It's terrible it is, but if we can prove he killed her, and Willow, we can do it. We can take Robert down. WE can be free again" Len insisted. Jasper took a deep breath and carried on walking
"Then we had better make sure he goes down" he replied.
Rober sat in his officer reading the newspaper, as the headlines screamed how Willow's death was his doing. Another Harper day report, shock. He turned on the news, knowing he was only going to see negative comments about him, and alas, he was right.
He decided not to sully himself by watching, but instead to go over and find Gemma, hoping that she would be able to give some insight or support.
Gemma was sat in the conservatory, reading a book. She smiled when he walked in, stood, and bowed. Robert smirked. Willow never did that. Gemma knew her place, and her Palace manners.
"Your majesty" she greeted
"What do you make of this?" he asked, putting the reports in front of her nose
"The accusation that you had something to do with that poor girls murder?" Gemma asked, causing a raise in Robert's eyebrow. "I think it's absurd. Why would anyone think that you did?" she laughed "Honestly, it's too obvious"
"What should I do about it" Robert asked
"I would issue a statement. State how you respected and admired her, if you even want to say that you know her at all. If not, then just state how you've never met her before, she's trying to frame you and you never made that recording. Let's be real here, she can't deny anything now can she" Gemma replied. Robert thought before thanking her, and walking out. She watched him leave for a moment before shaking her head slightly, going back to her book. She hoped it would be over soon.
Len and Jasper had received an official invitation for a meeting at Scotland Yard, with Sir Jon. It came through officially, and due to the nature of the meeting, no details could be given to anyone, which included the King, as it was advertised as a matter of extreme confidentiality.
Impressed with Sir Jon's ingenuity, Len and Jasper dressed up in their smartest clothes, and took one of the Escort vehicles to their secret meeting. They had to sign in and were scanned for any metal. Len had convinced Jasper not to bring his gun with them, as it was not a trap. It was quite the effort to convince him, but she had managed it. Now, looking at others getting stopped in the scanners, she was relieved.
The couple walked into Sir Jon's office and sat down. He closed the door behind them, slipping the sign to show there was a meeting in progress, and under no circumstances were they to be disturbed. It all felt very formal.
"We are still trying to work out what happened with Joanne" he began, cutting straight to the point
"What do you mean?" Len asked
"We had three dozen officers on duty that night, all under strict orders to have the whole house covered" he explained
"Then how did she get killed?" Jasper asked
"That is what we are trying to find out. At the time of her murder, there was no protection at the property. We are led to believe that the Chief Commander of the Police who were stationed there, instructed the troops to stand down. The reason is not yet determined. The chief has not been seen since; we are simply going off the officer's statements" Sir Jon explained
"There is a chance that Robert overthrew the police? Is there corruption then?" Jasper asked
"It sounds as though there is a good chance. I have my most trusted officers looking into it. I can assure you that this matter is being treated with the highest confidentiality, security and priority" he assured them.
Kathryn lay on her bed, one hand on her stomach, feeling the baby kick against her hand. She detested that she had settled into her imprisonment. But she was rather relaxed. She knew that she was in no danger. And she was far past the point of being able to outrun Lucius now.
Every day she watched the news, she knew there was no hope of Liam even finding out that she had been kidnapped until after Robert was gone. Each day, she prayed that she would see the big banners across the TV. Her indication she would be free.
She had seen many things on the news. Liam dating Gemma, which she was rather upset by, until only a few days later she saw videos of Robert and Gemma. That reassured her slightly. She was sure that Liam would not have left her for Gemma and wondered if he had tried to make contact to explain everything to her. She had to have trust, it was the only thing she could now.
Once again, every day at one o'clock in the afternoon, Lucius would come in with a tray of food. Rather delicious food she had to admit, or maybe it was the pregnancy, where she was craving more food.
Lucius hovered for a moment, after she thanked him for her food. There was an article on about The Kings Mother's new Lover. Kathryn rolled her eyes. Helena was always wanting some attention; she got her new boyfriend to stroke her ego on Tv for her
"Lucius" Kathryn called; he turned his attention to the pregnant woman before her. "Why are you here?" she asked him, curiously. "What are you getting out of this, out of keeping me here?" she asked, sitting down on the bed.
Lucius remained silent, deep in thought.
Lucius walked slowly out of the castle, having just been fired by Helena. The woman of his dreams, his infatuation, had just broken his heart, shattered his whole world, she never wanted to see him again.
"Lucius" Robert called. He turned to face the Monarch.
"Your majesty" he greeted
"Come with me. I don't think your duties are completed yet" he insisted. Lucius followed him to his office, and closed the door behind.
"Sir" he greeted
"I have a task for you, in return for a favour" Robert begun
"What would that be, Sir?" Lucius asked
"I need you to look after someone very special. Kathryn. She's pregnant, and I am sure that her child is mine. I need time when she is away to deal with the whole Liam issue. I don't want her getting hurt. I wouldn't want her in the crossfire. Keep her away, keep her safe. And do not, under any circumstances let her find out what is going on" Robert insisted
"And what would the favour be in return, Sir" Lucius asked
"You can have my mother" Robert promised
"Sir?" Lucius asked
"When it is time for Kathryn to return, she will be replaced by my mother. She will be yours, as your partner or your prisoner. For as long as you desire" Robert replied
"May I think about it?" Lucius asked
"You have twelve hours. After that, I will assume you are not interested, and matters will be dealt with accordingly" Robert smirked dangerously.
"I would not be here, if there was not something worth it" Lucius replied quickly, watching the television again, as the article on Helena's new lover finished, and a new one came on.
"And we're back with the three o'clock show, hosted by Daniel Stevens! Today we have a special guest, he's a friend of the country, a friend of the people and today representing his friendship to King Robet. Everyone, please put your hands together for Sebastian Idrisi!" The over voice came.
The lights lifted and Sebastian sat proudly on the sofa, opposite the host. Relaxed, one ankle on the other knee, his suit jacket undone, smiling and waving at the audience.
"Good afternoon, Sebastian. How are you doing today?" the hose asked
"I am very well! Thanks for having me on the show" Sebastian stated
"It's a pleasure. Now, this was a bit of a strange one wasn't it. Because usually it's my people who reach out to your people, but this time, it was you who reached out to me!" the hose explained "So tell us, why did you want to come on my show today?" he asked
"Well. As you know I've been close with the Royal Family for quite some time now. And I watched the news this morning, as I do every day, but everyone seems to be blaming King Robert for this Joanne girls' death" Sebastian began. The host clapped his hands
"I was hoping you'd come on with something juicy! Come on, spill the details!" he grinned
"Well actually, I don't think Robert did it" Sebastian stated. The host paused, his smile faltering to a frown before he remembered where he was, and it shot back to a much faker smile, more of a grimace
"You don't?" He asked
"No. I mean. It's obvious isn't it? Why would King Robert want to kill her, and if he did, why would it be so obvious. He's a smart man, he would have waited until the attention was off, then she would slip under the radar and then off the face of the planet. Why would be draw more attention to this girl?" Sebastian asked
"You seem to know a lot about this" the host commented
"I think it is someone trying to frame King Robert, and before everyone jumps to why the King would do this, I think we need to be thinking more about who would want to frame the King" Sebastian said
"And who would you think did?" the host asked.
"Again, it would be someone in the shadows. No one obvious. Ted Pryce killed Simon, perhaps it was someone who has a vendetta against the Monarchy?" Sebastian stated.
Helena and Mark were sat in a quaint café, just on the outskirts of London, edging on Berkshire, overlooking some stunning scenery, they tucked into their light lunches. Helena, a chicken salad with a cup of tea. Mark on a steak with a beer. Eating in silence, simply enjoying one another's company.
"Such terrible news about that girl who died" Mark said out of nowhere. Helena slowly put her cup down, and looked at her partner.
"It is" she replied flatly, unsure what Mark's intentions with this conversation were. He took her reply as an invite to go into the conversation. He put his empty glass down, and turned to her.
"What do you make of everything which has been going on?" he asked her
"You are going to have to be more specific" she replied
"The country turning on Robert. The people demanding Liam to become King. Every news segment is something against Robert. The money to rebuild the Palace, the energy scandal, the blackouts, even killing his own wife and now this poor girl too. It is almost as though someone is out to get him" Mark stated
"The public like to latch on to any piece of gossip they can. It all gets exaggerated, but it will blow over soon enough" she replied.
"I am sure you are right. However, be honest with me, it's just us here. Do you think Robert is fit to rule? Do you think he might have done what the papers are saying?" Mark asked. Helena raised an eyebrow at him
"Robert has been brought up to rule. He has had the best training" she replied
"But tell me. Would you prefer Liam?" Mark insisted, a little more forcefully this time.
"How dare you ask me to choose between my own Sons. One is on the throne, and the other is helping the people. They are both glorious in their own ways" Helena replied. Finishing the conversation. They returned to their food and drinks in silence.
They got back inside the car. Helena very aware that Marks interrogation was probably set by Robert, to see where her loyalties lay. She was pleased that she did not outright object to him, but she knew that she had not supported Robert enough if it got fed back.
"I am sorry. I got rather defensive before" Helena apologised
"It is nothing to apologise for. If I am honest, I was expecting this much sooner. Robert had warned me before that it might all get too stressful for you, you were bound to snap at some point" he explained
"Excuse me?" Helena asked, aghast
"You lost everything you had when Robert became King, and married Willow. You went from being the Queen of England, to the Kings Mother. An afterthought. No longer the centre of attention, in fact now so far from the shadows cast upon you make you almost invisible -" Mark began
"Stop it" Helena ordered, but he ignored her.
"It was only so much you could take. Of course, you would. Maybe that is why you have lost your support in Robert. Because if Liam took the throne, you would be able to have a much more powerful position. At least until he married, but we both know that Liam is a lot more malleable than Robert. Much easier to control. You could keep your status with Liam. Keep everything. Admit it Helena, you want Robert gone!" he said, his voice raised now
"I want no such thing. I want a happy life. Be that in the Palace, or out. And I will have you know that I build my own status. My husband and my sons have never influenced that" Helena replied, coldly
"Where would you be, without Robert, or Simon?" Mark hissed
"A better place than being with you" she replied
"What?" Mark asked, taken aback in confusion
"Take me back to the Palace. You have an hour to pack your things and get out. You and I are done" she said, turning to face away from the man, finalising her decision. Silent in shock, Mark did not argue back.
The return to the castle was awkward, but thankfully, quick. Within ten minutes, she was out the car and back into her room. She thought that she might have been a little upset over her breakup, but she just felt free.
She appreciated Marks company, but he was never what she would have chosen for herself. He was pleasant sure enough, their final conversations excluded, but she knew virtually from the start that he was set up by Robert to control her, spy on her opinions and to keep her out the way, as proven by the fire at Len and Jaspers engagement party.
She looked up when a knock came at the door.
"Enter" she commanded, and the door opened. In walked Robert
"Mother" he greeted.
"Robbie" she replied. He walked over and hugged her, she hugged him back.
"I heard about what happened with you and Mark, I wanted to express how sorry I was. You two were very happy together" he commented
"We were, but the spark was just lacking, you know?" Helena replied
"He said that he had crossed a line, and was sorry. And wondered if you would consider a friendship, if not a relationship" Robert explained
"Tell him that I am sorry. That I after all we have been through, I don't see a friendship being viable between us" Helena replied
"Mark Aston" Robert greeted, holding out his hand
"Your majesty. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Mark replied, shaking his hand
"Come, sit. Would you like a brandy?" Robert offered
"Please" Mark replied. Robert poured two glasses from the decanter on his desk
"I have an offer of sorts" Robert stated. Mark raised an eyebrow but let him continue. "You are aware that recently, I made the decision to take over Parliament, as it was unable to effectively serve our country" Robert asked
"I do, Sir" Mark replied
"And I understand that you have a bit of an interest in politics?" he asked
"I do" Mark repeated
"I would like you to move into position of my new Cabinet Minister in a few months' time. Once the dust has settled on my takeover, I would like you in that position" Robert requested
"I would be honoured, Sir. Thank you" Mark replied.
"Now, there is one small catch. I would need you to prove your loyalty to me. The last thing I would want to do is to remove you from post due to a disagreement in our thinking" Robert smirked
"Sir?" Robert asked
"I assume, you know my mother, Queen Helena" Robert asked
"I have never had the pleasure of meeting her, but I am aware of who she is, Sir. As is most of the country, mesmerised by her" he explained
"Once I marry Willow, and she becomes Queen, my mother will have a lot of her duties stripped from her. She will lose the fashion shows, the galas, the garden parties, the tours, the visitations. I need you to occupy her time" Robert requested
"As in, babysitting, Sir?" Mark asked
"As in a relationship. Take her out, spoil her. Give her a distraction. However, Not forever. For a few months whilst I set things up. I'll let you know when. Then, leave her, cause a fight, break her heart. If you do this for me, then the job is yours. Indefinitely" Robert promised
"Of course, Sir. I will be able to manage that" Mark assured him
"Very well. I shall introduce you both at the party" Robert said. They clinked glasses and downed the amber liquid.
"If that is all?" Mark asked "You are a very busy man, I would not wish to take up any more of your time" he replied
"Very courteous. You are free to go" Robert replied. Mark stood and walked to the door. His hand was on the handle when Robert called
"Oh, and Mark" he turned to face the Monarch. "I don't trust my mother, so if you hear any whispers of her betrayal or support for anyone else, I expect you report to me as a matter of urgency" Robert insisted
"Of course, Sir" Mark replied
"Are you sure that you would not want to keep a friendship? He might be a good contact to have" Robert said, a little put out as to why his mother was not as upset about the break up as he expected. She was handing it rather well in fact. Something was wrong, he knew it.
"I am sure. Have you seen the news about you today?" she asked
"There is news about me every day at the moment. Are you going to ask if I had that woman killed too?" Robert asked in a bored tone.
"Not at all. No I was referring to the talk show where Sebastian... Oh what's his surname..." she began
"Sebastian Idrisi?" Robert asked, intrigued
"That's it. Yes. Sebastian was defending you on live television today. Have you seen it?" she asked
"No" Robert replied quickly. Helena pulled out her phone, and showed him the video. They watched together for about ten minutes, Helena would see the corner of his mouth begin to twitch into a smile
"Looks like there's at least someone with a bit of common sense out there" Helena commented
"And a lot of influence" Robert replied quietly. "Thank you" he finished, walking out of her room.
It was almost evening. Len put her book down and looked at her husband, who was sat opposite, starring into space.
"This is ridiculous" she muttered. Jasper flicked his eyes over to her, then looked away
"Jasper!" she called. He turned to her again, this time, more interested in what she had to say.
"Sorry" he said
"Come on" she said standing up and holding her hand out, he took it, and she pulled him up to standing.
"Where are we going?" he asked
"We're going to Joannes place. You need closure" she insisted
"Len, it's going to be riddled with police" Jasper explained
"It's worth a try" she replied.
They got to Joannes, and found her house deserted. No sign of police presence, except the line of 'Police - Do Not Cross' Tape which covered the front door.
"Why are there no cops here?" Jasper asked
"They probably finished this morning" Len suggested
"Maybe" Jasper replied "Or, Robert doesn't want people finding out it was him, and he sent the police away" he offered.
"Cynical, but an option, yes" Len replied. "Come on" she said. Puling out a pair of nitrile gloves and handing him a second pair, followed by shoe covers
"You're very prepared" Jasper commented, almost fearfully
"Shut up. We don't have much time" she added. They tried the door but it was locked.
"Worth a try" Jasper said, about to take the gloves off, when Len looked up.
"Lift me up, I think I can get in through that window" she said, pointing to the first floor window which was open a few inches
"Len you cannot get up there" Jasper insisted
"Sure, I can. Come on, let me stand on your shoulders" she said. He sighed, and picked her up. Clumsily, she made it to the window ledge, and pulled herself inside. Screaming Lighty as she fell into the room.
"Are you ok?" Jasper called from outside
"All good" she replied back
"Good. Go and open the door for me then" he called
"On my way" she shouted. She looked around the room, she was in the bedroom. It was as though nothing out of the ordinary had happened. The bed was a bit of a mess, but there were no signs of an invasion, or of a murder. She wondered where it had happened, because it certainly wasn't in there.
She went downstairs and unlocked the front door, Jasper ducked under the tape and walked inside. Closing the door behind. He looked around the room, and back to Len
"I know, I thought the same. It looks normal" she said
"What are we doing here?" he asked
"I'm not sure" Len explained. "I suppose, just a bit of closure"
"Closure will be when Robert gets his justice for this" Jasper explained, walking over to her. Stopping when a floorboard creaked beneath him. He stepped on it again, as though confirming it was loose
"What?" Len asked confused. Jasper squatted, and lifted the rug. Seeing a small square cut into one of the floorboards
"Have you got anything with an edge?" he asked
"What?" Len repeated
"Like a fork or knife, something I can use to prise this up?" he asked
"Um" Len said looking round the kitchen, seeing some utensils washed up on the side. "Here" she said, passing him a knife
"Thanks" he thanked, using the corner to lift the board. They both peered inside, and it came up with ease. There were three things in there. The original recording of Roberts confession, a gun, which Jasper quickly determined was loaded. And a note.
His still gloved hand picked the note, unfolded it, and read it.
I was dead from when his bullet missed. If he kills me now, he just puts an end to my misery. Make it worthwhile
Robert looked up from his papers as the door to his office opened. He hurriedly pushed them to one side, as Gemma sauntered towards him
"Your Majesty" She greeted
"Gemma. Is everything alright?" he asked
"No" she replied
"What's wrong?" Robert asked. She walked over to him and sat in his lap.
"I am in desperate need of your company, yet no matter how long I lie in bed and wait for you, you don't come. So, I came to find you" she replied
"What company are you after?" he asked
"The sort which will only occupy a short while, and then leaves us both satisfied" she smirked, unbuttoning his shirt, he let her, his hands tracing the length of her thighs.
Panting, on his desk, Gemma pulled her dress back on, as Robert finished buttoning his shirt.
"Aren't you going to ask me?" he asked. Gemma looked up, confused
"Ask you what?" she asked
"If I did it. If I had that Joanna girl killed" Robert asked. Gemma stood, and studied Robert carefully
"I don't care" she replied bluntly. "The only time, I give a shit about what you're doing, is when you're doing me" she assured him
"Really?" Robert asked, surprised
"Really" she confirmed. "You're the King of England. You do what you need to. It's not my place or anyone else's to know, pry or question you. It is a shame that you would think so little of me though" she replied sadly, and walked out of the office, leaving a confused Robert behind her.
Harper smiled at her latest report. She had approached some of the Lords which Robert had had selected to help run the country once he disbanded Parliament. They all had been happy to share the details on Robert's plans not to re-establish a democratic leadership, providing the reports were anonymous, which she confirmed, they were.
It was rather incriminating, but most importantly, I was the confirmation of the suspicions that everyone was having. She hit send, and then set about her alias accounts, sharing to the larger sharing pages, making sure it would get out. And fast.
Robert was scathing as he read the report. His Lords, his trusted Round table had betrayed him. He growled in frustration and threw a coaster at the wall, it made a terrible BANG, which echoed through the walls.
A delicate knock came from the door a few moments after the impact.
"WHAT!" Robert screamed. The door opened and in walked Cyrus.
"What" Robert repeated. His anger evident in his voice.
"What's got you so bitchy" Cyrus asked
"Don't patronise me Cyrus, I really am not in the mood" Robert said turning away from his uncle.
"I'm sorry" Cyrus replied. "What's wrong?" he asked sincerely. Robert thrust his phone in Cyrus' face
"This" he hissed. Cyrus read the article
"Those self-centred bastards. The lot of them" he groaned
"I can't trust anyone anymore" Robert said quietly
"Not any of that lot. No. But there's not 'no one' now" Cyrus insisted.
"Who do I have?" Robert asked
"Liam could take taken the glory of everyone shouting for him to be King the other day, when he as on that Dave show. But you know what he did. Didn't say a word against you. Supported you all the way" Cyrus explained.
"One supporter" Robert listed glumly
"Sebastian. He stuck his neck out for you today. Single handed, he turned the country away from thinking you had something to do with the murder" Cyrus explained
"Two?" Robert stated. "Who's next? You?" He scoffed
"Exactly. Me" Cyrus replied
"As if" Robert replied
"Well think about it. We all believed that you died. Then Simon died, and instead of letting Liam take the crown, I convinced your mother that I should take the crown. You come back, the people chose you and how many times have I tried to take the crown back? Or turn people against you?" Cyrus asked. Robert thought for a moment.
"Exactly. None. I've just been living my best life" Cyrus explained
"That must have been such a chore for you" Robert replied sarcastically.
"The Lords you chose for your round table are all motivated by themselves. They are driven by their own gains. Get rid of them, strip them of their role. And keep the three who have had the opportunity to go against you, but supported you openly" Cyrus insisted, turning on his heel and walking out without a single reply.
Robert sat around his round table. In silence. The Lords all looked between one another. Liam and Cyrus sat closest to Robert, looking very confused.
"I heard something rather troubling today" Robert said, breaking the silence. "A news article, which advertised something which was not meant to go public. Something, which only the people in this room knew" Robert added.
The Lords looked between them again, some knowing what he was on about. Some oblivious, and some looking rather guilty.
"Now, I trusted each and every one of you. You all had a role to play, and part of that was not only to support me, but to support the country, and one another. And after what I have learned today, I can conclude that none of you are suited to the role" Robert hissed
"With immediate effect you are all dismissed from your roles" he added
"Your Majesty" one dared to speak up. The attention of the room turned to him. "Whilst I confess, I did read the papers, and I know that someone has betrayed us, why are we all facing the punishment?" he asked
"It was more than one. It was a few. And whilst I have my suspicions on who, my faith was to trust the Lords, and that has been broken. It has reminded me of exactly why I disbanded Parliament in the first place. People are far too subjective. Too opinionated. Too risky" Robert said, walking around the table as he spoke
"You are all stripped of your titles. Your land will return to government property, and there is no longer a place for you in my rule. You will be escorted out today, and shall never return" he said, sitting down once more
"Dear brother, uncle. You may stay seated. The rest of you, get out" he hissed. There was a chorus of scraping chairs and mutters, but slowly the room cleared.
Robert poured four glasses of brandy, and passed one to Liam, and another to Cyrus. Both Liam and Cyrus exchanged a glass at the fourth, before turning to Robert.
"There are only three people who I trust now" Robert said glumly. This was the first time that Liam and Cyrus could see just how broken Robert was. No façade, no mask, no feigning it for the people. The man was broken. In spirit, body and mind. He downed the contents of the glass in a single gulp, and poured another.
A knock came at the door, and Robert waved the guard to open it. In walked Sebastian who smiled at Liam and Cyrus, before shaking their hands, as an old friend would. He sat down beside Cyrus at the table, and Robert pushed the fourth glass down to him. A few drops spilling as it went.
"Thank you" Sebastian said
"You three are the only ones who I know are on my side. Liam, my dear brother. You had the chance to turn people against me, and promote 'King Liam' when you went on television the other day, but you did not. For that, I thank you" Robert raised his glass, the others followed, and they took a sip. Robert, again, downed the entire contents, and poured another.
"Sebastian, today you risked everything to defend me today. In fact I am led to believe that you changed the opinions of many people. You have proven your loyalty to me" Again, he raised a glass. Sebastian, Liam and Cyrus looked between them. Almost concerned about how much Robert was drinking now, as once more, they took a sip, and Robert drank the contents of his glass.
He filled it again, his hand shaking slightly.
"And my dear uncle. Who showed me the light in the dark. Reminding me that you, are the ones I can trust" Robert said. He was beginning to slur slightly. He raised his glass clumsily, some drops spilling out. Downing the contents
"I think you've had enough" Sebastian said, pulling the decanter away from Robert.
"See. This is why you're here for me. Looking out for me" Robert said as he poured himself another drink.
"We need to talk damage control then" Liam said, trying to change the subject
"For what?" Robert asked
"You have many very angry, recently fired, stripped and humiliated men. With nothing to lose, they would easily go out in public speaking against you" Liam explained
"How do we stop them?" Robert asked
"I suggest that between Sebastian, Cyrus and myself, we go round them. Talk to them, calm them down and try to make it a positive for them. Make sure they don't want to go against you" Liam explained
"You're right" Robert mused. He stood, picking up his glass and the decanter as he walked out the room, repeating over and over. "You're right. You're right"
Kathryn sat in her room, crying, looking out the window. Her hormones had been playing up lately, she knew the baby was getting closer. She needed Liam. It was beginning to dawn on her, that at this rate she would be delivering her baby, alone, in this room. Raising her baby in captivity. Without Liam.
The door opened, and she did not even turn. Lucius walked up to her, passing her a tray which had a cup of tea, and a box of tissues. He placed it down silently, and walked out.
Across the country, televisions turned to a blank screen. Radios crackled and turned to silence, distant tapping. Phones, tablets, laptops, every piece of technology the screens went black. A few moments later, fizzled into a view of Robert's office desk. He was sat behind his desk, staring at the camera. The decanter now lay on its side, a small dribble left in the bottom of the bottle.
"My Royal subjects" Robert greeted, his drunkeness clear to everyone. "I have, as leader of this great, fine country, made a decision. That you do not have faith in your Leader. In me. That you doubt me, and you accuse me of heinous crimes, murder, blackmail, monetary abuse. And I decided-ed that. Enough is ENOUGH!" he shouted.
"Thereby, I honourably decree that from his moment. On the fifteen-ith of December Two thousandth and twenty. That a new law shall be insisted. Insti- instigated. INSTIGATED! From this moment on, I order a censorship. That anything, word, art, propaganda, report, word... Anything against me, The KING OF ENGLAND will be treated as Treasonous! With fines, imprisonment and death as a result! Starting from NOW!"
The screens cut back to black
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