The Royal Scandal Chapter 1

The early morning light filtered through the thick, velvet curtains of Nicholas Windsor's opulent room, casting a golden hue over the antique furnishings. Nicholas, the third in line to the British throne, sat at the edge of his bed, his mind a tumultuous sea of thoughts. Today, like every other day, he was expected to fulfill his royal duties, to smile and wave, to be the perfect image of a Windsor. But beneath the surface, a storm brewed within him—a yearning for freedom, a desire to escape the gilded cage that was his life.

His brother, George, was the family Favorite, basking in the glory and attention that came with their lineage. Nicholas, however, was often overshadowed, his individuality stifled by the expectations of his overbearing father, Prince Charles, and the ever-watchful eyes of the media. As he dressed in his tailored suit, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was merely a puppet, his strings pulled by forces beyond his control.

The day unfolded with the usual routine—meetings, appearances, and the constant scrutiny of the press. As Nicholas navigated the labyrinth of royal obligations, his thoughts drifted to his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. Her reign, marked by resilience and grace, was a testament to the weight of the crown. Yet, Nicholas couldn't help but wonder if she too had ever felt the suffocating pressure of duty.

During a brief respite, Nicholas found himself in the palace gardens, seeking solace among the meticulously manicured hedges and vibrant blooms. The tranquillity of the garden offered a momentary escape from the chaos of his life. But even in this sanctuary, he couldn't escape the shadow of his responsibilities.

His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of his father, Prince Charles. The air between them was tense, a silent battle of wills. Charles, ever the traditionalist, was a staunch advocate for the monarchy, his life dedicated to upholding its legacy. Nicholas, on the other hand, sought something more—an opportunity to forge his own path, to live a life unbound by the constraints of his birthright.

"Father," Nicholas began, his voice steady yet laced with an undercurrent of defiance, "have you ever considered what it would be like to live a life free from the obligations of the crown?"

Charles regarded his son with a mixture of surprise and disapproval. "Nicholas, our duty is not a burden, but a privilege. We are the custodians of a legacy that has endured for centuries. To forsake it would be to betray our heritage."

Nicholas sighed, the weight of his father's words pressing down upon him. "I understand the importance of our role, but must it come at the cost of our own happiness?"

Charles' expression softened, a rare glimpse of empathy breaking through his stern exterior. "Happiness, my son, is a fleeting thing. Our duty is eternal. You must learn to find contentment within it."

As the conversation drew to a close, Nicholas felt a sense of resignation settle over him. The path before him was clear, yet fraught with challenges. He would have to navigate the intricate dance of duty and desire, to find a way to Honor his family's legacy while carving out a space for his own dreams.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the palace in a warm, amber glow, Nicholas stood at the precipice of a decision that would shape the course of his life. The road ahead was uncertain, but within him burned a resolve to forge his own destiny, to rise above the constraints of his lineage and become the master of his own fate.

The sun blazed high in the clear Australian sky as Nicholas Windsor stepped out of the sleek black car, greeted by the warm, welcoming smiles of the gathered crowd. The royal tour, organized meticulously by his father, Prince Charles, had brought him to the vibrant city of Sydney. Despite his initial reluctance, Nicholas found himself enjoying the freedom and anonymity that came with being so far from the watchful eyes of the British media and his overbearing family.

It was his third day in Australia, and the schedule was packed with official visits and engagements. Yet, amidst the formalities, Nicholas had managed to carve out moments of genuine enjoyment. The people were friendly, the landscapes breathtaking, and for the first time in a long time, he felt a semblance of peace.

But the tranquillity was shattered without warning. The news broke slowly at first, whispers of escalating tensions between global superpowers. Then, the unthinkable happened—nuclear war erupted between China and the United States, quickly dragging Russia into the fray. The world watched in horror as the northern hemisphere was engulfed in chaos and destruction. Communication lines went silent, and the airwaves were filled with final goodbyes and desperate cries for help.

Within hours, reports confirmed the worst. North America, Europe, and much of Asia were obliterated, reduced to ashes in the blink of an eye. The once-mighty nations lay in ruins, their voices silenced. The world as Nicholas knew it had changed irrevocably.

In the days that followed, Nicholas found himself isolated in Australia, one of the few places spared from the nuclear devastation. The continent, along with New Zealand, stood as a fragile bastion of survival amidst the global catastrophe. As the reality of the situation sank in, Nicholas was confronted with the harrowing truth—his family, the British monarchy, and the life he once knew were gone.

Sitting alone under the vast Australian sky, Nicholas stared blankly at the horizon. The enormity of his loss was suffocating, a heavy weight pressing down on his chest. His father, grandmother, brother—all gone. The Windsor legacy, extinguished in a blinding flash of nuclear fire. He was a prince without a kingdom, a man without a family.

As he grappled with his grief, Nicholas made a decision. He would remain in Australia, the only home he had left in this new, fractured world. The people who had accompanied him on the tour were supportive, understanding the gravity of his choice. Together, they would navigate the uncertain future, forging a new path in a world forever changed.

Yet, as Nicholas looked up at the endless expanse of sky, a flicker of resolve ignited within him. The world had been reduced to chaos, but he was still alive. And as long as he drew breath, he would find a way to Honor his family's memory, to carve out a place for himself in this new reality.

The atmosphere in the dimly lit room was heavy with despair. Nicholas Windsor sat at the head of the table, surrounded by the men and women who had accompanied him on the royal tour. The news of the suicides within their ranks had hit hard, each loss a stark reminder of the devastation that had befallen the world. Outside, the weather was growing increasingly erratic, with rare glimpses of the sun piercing through the thick, oppressive clouds. Riots and public suicides plagued the streets, while doomsday cults whispered of the end times.

Nicholas knew he could not remain idle in the face of such chaos. He poured a generous measure of brandy into each glass, the amber liquid glinting in the subdued light. As he handed out the drinks, he searched for the right words, something to give his team hope amidst the darkness. But when he spoke, it was with raw honesty.

"I have no words," he began, his voice steady yet tinged with grief. "I am only going to say this: I thought of ending it all, just like those people. My grandmother, my father, my brother—all gone. And let me tell you this, my family does not have a doomsday bunker for the rich and billionaires. I was not made privy to any such crazy plans, and I would be disgusted if they did exist."

He paused, letting his words sink in. The room was silent, the weight of shared loss palpable. "I am not going to sit in a bunker somewhere, hide like a coward when everyone out there has lost someone, and a lot of us have lost everyone."

Nicholas raised his glass, his gaze sweeping across the faces of his team, each etched with grief and uncertainty. "To the dead," he said, his voice resolute. "To those we've lost and to those who remain. We owe it to them to keep going, to find a way through this."

The team reacted with a mix of sombre nods and murmurs of agreement. Some raised their glasses in a silent toast, while others wiped away tears. In that moment, a fragile sense of camaraderie and determination began to take root. They were all survivors, bound together by tragedy, and it was up to them to chart a course through the chaos.

As Nicholas sat back down, he knew the road ahead would be fraught with challenges. But he also knew that he was not alone. Together, they would face the uncertainties of this new world, drawing strength from each other as they sought to rebuild and create a future worth living for.

Nicholas sat back in his chair, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the air. The gravity of the situation began to settle in as he contemplated the implications of his family's tragic fate. His voice broke the silence, tinged with a mix of uncertainty and urgency.

"What do we do now?" he asked, his brow furrowed. "As far as I know, the government still maintains control over Australia, despite the general unrest and chaos in the streets. None of the major cities were nuked, and I know I sound like a selfish bastard and a monster for saying this, but where does this leave me legally and constitutionally?"

He took a deep breath, his thoughts racing. "With my grandmother gone, God rest her soul, and my father and everyone else presumed dead, I was third in line for the succession. Australia is still part of the Commonwealth, and the Queen was the head of state. With both of them gone, that leaves me in the line of succession. I think you know where I'm going with this."

The room fell silent as his team absorbed the weight of his revelation. They exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of shock and contemplation. Finally, Sarah, one of the team members, spoke up, her voice steady but cautious.

"Nicholas, it's a complicated situation. Legally, yes, you could be considered the next in line for the throne. But with the monarchy in such turmoil and the world in chaos, the question remains—what does that even mean now? The Commonwealth is in disarray, and there are more pressing concerns than royal titles."

Another team member, James, chimed in, his tone serious. "We need to focus on survival first. While the idea of you stepping into a position of power could provide stability, we can't ignore the reality of the chaos outside. People are struggling, and they may not care about royal succession when they're fighting for their lives."

Nicholas nodded, feeling the weight of their words. "I understand that. But if I am to be seen as a leader, I have to know what that entails. How do we navigate this? What authority do I have, if any?"

Sarah leaned forward, her expression earnest. "You could use this opportunity to unite people, to provide a sense of hope and direction. But it will require more than just a title; it will take action and genuine leadership. We need to establish communication with the government and find out how they view the current situation."

Nicholas felt a flicker of determination igniting within him. "Then let's do that. If I am to lead, I need to understand what that means and how we can help those who have lost everything."

The team nodded in agreement, their resolve strengthening as they began to formulate a plan. The path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Nicholas felt the urgency of the situation pressing down on him like a heavy weight. The gravity of their circumstances was undeniable; if the rest of the Commonwealth lay in ruins, Australia and New Zealand would have to take the lead in preserving what remained of their shared heritage.

"We need to contact the Governor-General," Nicholas declared, his voice firm. "We must understand what our next steps should be. I know you might think me heartless, but the chain of command cannot be broken. The head of the snake must remain intact if we are to do anything meaningful. We must move quickly."

His team nodded in agreement, their expressions a mix of determination and trepidation. They were all British, their families lost to the chaos, now stranded in a country half a world away. Yet Australia was a friendly nation, sharing a common language and a constitutional monarchy with Britain. They could not afford to waste time.

As they made their way to the Governor-General's residence, the streets were eerily quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos that had erupted just days before. Nicholas felt the weight of history on his shoulders, the legacy of the monarchy pressing down upon him. This was not just about survival; it was about preserving their way of life.

Upon arriving, they were ushered into the Governor-General's office, a space that felt both familiar and foreign. The Governor-General, a dignified figure with a calm demeanour, greeted them with a nod.

"Nicholas," he said, his voice steady. "I understand the gravity of the situation. What can I do for you?"

Nicholas wasted no time. "Governor, you know the law and process better than I ever could. With my grandmother and father gone, am I automatically the head of state for Australia?"

The Governor-General regarded Nicholas thoughtfully, weighing his words carefully. "Legally speaking, Nicholas, the line of succession is indeed a matter of constitutional law. With the Queen and your immediate family presumed deceased, you would be next in line. However, the reality of the situation is more complex."

Nicholas leaned forward, urgency in his tone. "What do you mean?"

"The Commonwealth is in disarray, and the people are in turmoil. While you may hold the title, the authority to govern will depend on the support of the people and the existing government structure. We must work together to ensure stability and continuity. Your leadership could provide hope, but it is essential to establish a clear plan moving forward."

Nicholas felt a mix of relief and trepidation. He was not just a figurehead; he had the potential to lead. "Then we must act quickly. We need to unite the people and provide them with a sense of direction."

The Governor-General nodded, his expression resolute. "Agreed. We will need to communicate with the remaining governmental bodies and ensure that we present a unified front. Together, we can navigate this crisis and preserve our way of life."

With a newfound sense of purpose, Nicholas and his team began to strategize their next moves, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.

Nicholas stood resolutely in the office of the Prime Minister, the weight of the world pressing heavily upon his shoulders. The atmosphere was tense, filled with an unspoken urgency as he glanced at the Governor-General beside him. They had managed to contact the Prime Minister's office, but much of his staff had retreated to bunkers, overwhelmed by the chaos.

"Prime Minister," Nicholas began, pouring three glasses of brandy, one for himself and one for each of the leaders. He handed the drinks to them, hoping to ease the tension, even if just slightly. "I know you have an impossible task ahead of you, and you don't have time or patience for pests or distractions, but the chain of command must continue."

The Prime Minister, visibly weary yet determined, accepted the drink, his eyes narrowing as he listened. "What do you propose, Nicholas?"

"I spoke with the Governor-General," Nicholas continued, his voice steady. "And I am staying permanently in Australia. If we return home, we could just die in a nuclear winter. I'm not going to throw my life away on some adventure to find my country reduced to ash, only to die for no good reason. Here, at least, I can be of some use."

The Prime Minister nodded, his expression shifting as he considered Nicholas's words. "You make a compelling point. But what does this mean for you? You know the implications of your family's absence."

Nicholas took a deep breath, his heart racing. "I come regarding the constitution and the matter of head of state. With the Queen and Prince Charles gone, I am it—the last of my family. If there is any chance to preserve our way of life, we must act swiftly and decisively."

The Prime Minister's gaze turned serious, weighing the gravity of the situation. "You understand that this will not be easy. The people are frightened, and there are factions rising up. If you take on this role, you will be held accountable."

Nicholas met the Prime Minister's gaze, unwavering. "I understand the risks, but we must maintain order. The last thing we need is for this to turn into a Mad Max scenario. We need to unite the people, restore some sense of normalcy, and provide hope."

With a nod, the Prime Minister acknowledged Nicholas's resolve. "Very well. If you are committed to this, then we must work together to establish a plan. But we will need the support of the people and the government to ensure stability."

Nicholas felt a surge of determination. This was his moment to step into the role he never sought but now embraced. The future of Australia and what remained of the Commonwealth depended on their actions.

Nicholas leaned forward, his eyes piercing with determination as he addressed the Governor-General. "Governor-General, you know your history better than me. There is a precedent for this. When the Queen's father died suddenly due to poor health, the Queen was automatically sworn in as head of state and head of the Commonwealth. This happened immediately after the King's death. Queen Elizabeth became Queen the moment her father passed. Am I right in my history?"

The Governor-General regarded Nicholas thoughtfully, nodding slowly. "You are correct, Nicholas. The constitutional framework allows for such a transition to ensure stability and continuity in governance. The moment the monarch passes, the heir is recognized as the new sovereign."

Nicholas felt a surge of resolve. "Well, following that precedent, I suggest for the sake of stability and in accordance with the law, I am sworn in here and now as King and head of state of Australia and what remains of the Commonwealth. Perhaps when the time is right, a small coronation can take place."

The Prime Minister listened intently, his expression contemplative. "This is an unprecedented situation, Nicholas. But if we are to maintain order and provide the people with a sense of hope, it may be the right course of action."

Nicholas continued, "Governor-General, with my grandmother having set this precedent, what do you say to swearing me in as King now? And when the time is right in the future, we can plan for a small coronation to formalize my position."

The Governor-General met Nicholas's gaze, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. "If this is what you truly wish, then I believe it could provide the stability we need. We must act quickly, and this could unite the people under a common banner."

Nicholas felt the weight of his decision settle around him, but he also felt a glimmer of hope. This was a chance to lead, to Honor his family's legacy, and to provide a sense of direction in a world turned upside down.

The swearing-in ceremony was a moment etched in history, a sombre yet significant occasion that marked Nicholas Windsor's ascension as King of Australia and what remained of the Commonwealth. The Governor-General stood by his side, a symbol of continuity and stability amidst the chaos. As the last remnants of his family faded into memory, Nicholas felt the weight of the crown settle upon his brow, a mantle of responsibility he had never sought but now embraced.

After the ceremony concluded, Nicholas turned to the Prime Minister, his expression earnest. "As you know, back in Britain, the Queen would meet with the British Prime Minister for an audience to discuss the affairs of state. I am sure you are aware of the little red box my grandmother loved so much. Considering the seriousness of the situation and the catastrophic loss of life and damage caused, I suggest we have daily audiences to discuss matters of state. What do you say?"

The Prime Minister regarded Nicholas thoughtfully, weighing the implications of such a proposal. "I believe that could be beneficial, especially in these uncertain times. Regular communication will be essential to navigate the challenges ahead."

Nicholas nodded, then turned to the Governor-General. "And you, Governor-General? Are you fine with that arrangement? I apologize for this, but I want to help—not just sit and look pretty while the world burns."

The Governor-General's expression softened, recognizing the sincerity in Nicholas's words. "I believe your involvement is crucial, Nicholas. Daily meetings could provide the guidance and leadership that our people desperately need. We must work together to restore order and hope."

With a sense of purpose, Nicholas felt the beginnings of a plan take shape. This was not just about titles and tradition; it was about taking action in the face of overwhelming adversity. He would not shy away from his responsibilities but rather embrace them fully.

Nicholas listened intently as the Prime Minister delivered the grim report, his expression grave. The weight of the world's collapse bore heavily on the room, an unspoken acknowledgment of the monumental challenges ahead.

"Your Majesty," the Prime Minister began, his voice steady but laced with tension, "the world has collapsed. Europe is a nuclear wasteland. The United States, Canada, most of Russia, populated sections of China, all of Japan, and Korea are obliterated. I think it's safe to say we are on our own."

Nicholas felt the enormity of the situation settle over him like a shroud. The Prime Minister continued, "The embassies—the American and Chinese ones—confirm it. They've heard nothing. And from the British embassy, the same silence. Virtually every other country is in the same position, at least from the embassies that haven't gone insane or committed suicide."

He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "I sent someone into the Russian embassy to inquire, and a quarter of the staff had committed suicide. Luckily, the ambassador is still alive, for now at least. Your Majesty, I haven't heard anything from New Zealand yet. I simply haven't had the time."

Nicholas nodded, absorbing the bleak reality. "What about our own situation here, Prime Minister? Economically, militarily, and in terms of climate and food security?"

The Prime Minister's eyes met Nicholas's, a flicker of determination in their depths. "We've declared martial law to maintain order. Economically, we're struggling, but we have reserves to keep us afloat for now. Militarily, our forces are intact and have been deployed to ensure stability and protect key infrastructure. Climate-wise, we're seeing erratic weather patterns, but nothing catastrophic yet. Food-wise, we're rationing supplies to ensure we can sustain the population through the initial shock."

Nicholas took a deep breath, the enormity of his responsibilities pressing down on him. "Thank you, Prime Minister. We must focus on maintaining stability and supporting our people through this crisis."

The atmosphere in the room shifted dramatically as the Prime Minister drained his glass, the brandy burning a path down his throat. He began to pace, his eyes fixed on Nicholas, a storm of emotions brewing beneath his stern exterior. The Governor-General, seated at the desk, stared out at the darkened sky, the faint sun casting long shadows across the room. He too took a deep swig of his brandy, lost in thought.

The tension was palpable as the Prime Minister stopped his pacing, his gaze piercing and unyielding. "Let me get this straight," he began, his voice a mixture of incredulity and disbelief. "This is the end of the world, and our new king at the end of the world is a...freaking tranny?" His words hung in the air, heavy with judgment.

The Governor-General chuckled, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. "Oh God, if only Bob Hawke or Menzies could see this. They'd be rolling over in their graves."

Nicholas stood his ground, meeting their gazes with a calm resolve. "I'm sorry, but I had to tell you. If we are to work together, we should be honest."

The Governor-General snorted, raising his glass in a mock toast. "To you, Your Majesty. At the end of the fucking world, we have the first tranny monarch in history. Can you believe it, Prime Minister?"

The Prime Minister sighed, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "It's not what I expected, but here we are. We have to focus on the task at hand, no matter what."

Nicholas felt a mix of emotions—hurt, defiance, and a steely determination to prove himself. The world was in chaos, and he had a duty to lead, to guide his people through the darkness, regardless of their prejudices.

Nicholas took a deep breath, his voice steady as he addressed the Governor-General. "Governor-General, I apologize for not telling you before. With everything happening, I just wanted to help people."

The Governor-General snorted, his expression sceptical. "Your Majesty, cut the bullshit. You just wanted to get this coronation done to protect yourself, is that right? It's fine, Nick, if that's true. Considering the new fucked-up world we live in and you losing your family, you wanted security, you wanted protection. It's fine, Your Majesty, if that's true. I mean, right now across the fucking world, how many people are burning, pillaging, and raping?"

Nicholas met his gaze, a mixture of vulnerability and resolve in his eyes. "Sir, if you knew I was a trannie beforehand, would you have agreed to the swearing-in ceremony? Sir, please, at least answer that."

The room fell silent as both the Governor-General and the Prime Minister considered the question. The Prime Minister was the first to speak, his tone thoughtful. "Your Majesty, in these times, we need leadership more than ever. Your personal life is your own, and it doesn't change the fact that you are willing to step up and lead. I would have supported the ceremony regardless."

The Governor-General nodded slowly, his expression softening. "I agree. We are beyond the point of worrying about such things. What's important is how you lead us through this crisis. Your honesty now speaks volumes, and I respect that."

Nicholas felt a sense of relief wash over him, the tension in the room easing slightly. He knew the road ahead would be challenging, but he was determined to prove himself worthy of the crown and the trust placed in him.

The Governor-General's gaze remained fixed on Nicholas, his demeanour serious as he prepared to ask a question that hung heavily in the air. "But before I can fully accept you, Nick, I want some basic questions. Do you have a pussy? A full sex change? Like, you don't have a dick, and you now have a pussy, correct? And also, you have been on HRT for four years, is that also correct? So now let me get this straight—you now have a pussy and tits, is that right? You've kept this hidden from everyone in your family and even your team, is that correct?"

Nicholas felt a flush of embarrassment wash over him as he nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "Yes to all your questions."

The Governor-General opened his mouth to ask another question when the Prime Minister interjected, his tone firm. "That's enough! Have some respect. He may be a trannie, but he is still our head of state—our King. And he has been at least open and honest with us. He has not lied to us so far, which is more than I can say for most of those vipers in Parliament. Now apologize and pay him some respect; he has earned that much."

The Governor-General smirked, the tension in the room shifting slightly. "Relax, I was just going to ask for the sake of the succession if she can have heirs or not."

Nicholas felt a mix of emotions—frustration, embarrassment, and a deep-seated need to assert his identity and role. This was a moment of reckoning, not just for him but for the future of the monarchy.

Nicholas felt the weight of the Governor-General's words settle heavily upon him. "No, Governor-General, I can't have children as I wasn't born with a womb. When a transgender person like me first starts taking estrogen, within the first year or so, any semen that a trans woman still has becomes essentially worthless. The estrogen makes me shoot blanks, if you know what I mean."

The Governor-General nodded, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Now that I have had a full sex change and I have been turned into a woman—or trans woman—I still don't have a womb or ovaries or that stuff. So unfortunately, no, sir."

The mood shifted as the Governor-General's expression turned serious. "Nick, this is serious. I am sorry for what happened to your family, but if you are the last one standing in your family and the others are gone, having a legitimate heir is vital for the survival of the monarchy, especially in this new fucked-up world we are living in. You and I could die from all the radiation that has been thrown up into the atmosphere, or we could have a civil war. The world is now the Wild West, Nick, and the world has changed. We need to decide on a possible heir."

Nicholas felt a knot tighten in his stomach. The implications of the Governor-General's words were profound, a stark reminder of the precariousness of their situation. He was thrust into a role he never sought, facing challenges that seemed insurmountable.