Chapter 327

"Edward. Edward you need to come in here." Frances said as she stood in front of the television in the living room of their hotel suite the next morning.

Edward came in, working on his tie. "What is it, Frances. You know I am getting ready for today's celebration." He snapped.

She put her hand over her mouth and gasped. It was Erik, in an interrogation room, telling police all their family secrets.

"Reports are coming in about a major development with Britain's Royal family. Multiple sources are telling us that a coup has taken place, Prince Sebastian leading the act of espionage to expose the Royal family's crimes. Murder, fraud, embezzlement and terrorist funded activities are included in a taped confession from Erik himself. Prince Erik's wife, Pearl Clarke, is also said to have helped to organize the covert coup d 'etat, finding out Erik and Augustus are not actually Edward's sons, meaning Prince Sebastian is the rightful heir apparent to the throne of England and we are also being that the new prince, just born a few months ago, is actually Sebastian's biological child. She has filed an annulment with the claim of fraud. We have been told that Prince Freiderike is in custody and the king and queen are wanted for questioning. We will continue to update you as this story develops."

Frances looked at Edward. His face pale and calm. "Edward. What do we do?" She asked. Sirens were heard coming down the street. He turned and walked out of the room, and into the bedroom. She looked back to the television and began to sob.

She heard a gunshot and ran into the bedroom. She screamed for help and security came running in.

*********************

Pearl and Bash were out on the deck, having tea and making fun of Jim in the hot tub. Apparently the mountain weather brought out the exhibitionist in him. He put on a Speedo and settled into the tub with a cigar. Bash and Pearl thought it was hilarious. Tia was rocking Christian and watching television.

"Breaking news." Came across the tv and Tia yelled for them to come inside.

Sebastian and Pearl watched as the report was given. Edward was dead. The reporter then proceeded to tell of the coup. Hearing everything they did was tense and yet peaceful. Pearl felt tears rolling down her face. It was such a relief to hear them all being exposed for what they were. She looked up at Bash. They had risked it all, even their lives for this. Sebastian was going to be king.

Blake opened the front door and walked in.

"Erik had been indicted. Edward is dead. You are all safe. We need to get Auggie." Blake said. Pearl nodded and walked in to the bedroom to gather her things. Sebastian followed her in.

"Pearl." He began. "We need to talk." He said.

She turned to him. She knew what he was going to say.

"Edward is dead. Erik is going to prison for a very long time. Auggie is not in line anymore. I will have to take the throne. I am going to be king. Soon. Very soon. It is my obligation for now. The British people are going to be destroyed by this. It will take some time for it all to heal. I have to help them heal, I have to lead them to peace again, long before we can talk about a democracy. And I hope we will have those talks. It's what should be." He explained. "I can't do the romantic thing. I can't take the time that is required to court you and make you sure about this. Like you deserve."

"I understand." Pearl said. "I will keep Christian in the US with me. You will need to focus on this." She said. She walked to him and hugged him. "It's ok, I'll be ok." She said, beginning to cry. It hurt. It hurt badly. Her heart was breaking and she couldn't stop it. She didn't want to leave him. But she had to be strong. She had do what was right.

She turned back and began packing again. He picked up his mother's necklace. She turned and found him on his knee, holding out the necklace and bowing his head.

"Ye are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone.

I give ye my Body, that we Two might be One.

I give ye my Spirit, 'til our Life shall be Done.

You cannot possess me for I belong to myself

But while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give

You cannon command me, for I am a free person

But I shall serve you in those ways you require

and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand." He recited a Scottish proposal.

She looked down at him.

"Marry me. Not because I asked. Not because you feel you have to. Marry me because you know it is your destiny to be my wife and to be queen. Marry me because I am the father of your child and you find me worthy to give you more children. Because I can protect you and you can protect me. Because you fell in love with me at first sight, and I, you. Because you can't imagine a life without me. I will court you for the rest of your life, I swear it. We may have to rush this a bit but I promise you, I will give you everything you will ever need. Or die trying. Because you are my best mate. My world. But most of all, marry me because even though I have given you these reasons, you never needed one. Marry me,Daoine Sidhe." He said. "I cannot do this without you. And I don't want to, either."