Suspicion

"You are engaged?", the incredulous voice of Princess Alberta almost seemed to echo in the large room. Princess Nicholas and Lady Honoria were so shocked that they had to literally cover their mouths to keep them from falling open.

"Is that so shocking?", questioned AJ before turning back to leave the room. His work here was done. But before he could, Prince Nicholas, blocked his way.

"Aiden! What is the meaning of this ring? Are you really so desperate for the throne that you would resort to subterfuge? Faking an engagement? Where is this woman that you are engaged to? Why has none of the family heard of this supposed engagement? Just because you know that Father wanted you to be married, you are using this kind of method? Just wearing a ring does not make you engaged!"

"My 'family' knows about my relationship and has accepted my bride. I do not care about others. And neither does my fiance feel the pressing need to expose her relationship to gain acceptance. Also, this should be a good reminder for you that your spies can pass on only information that I let them know. Otherwise, they are useless."

The direct barb was aimed at Lady Honoria who had been Prince Nicholas' mistress while the man was married to his mother. She had also been the one to expose the scandalous relationship by sharing the Prince's and her private conversations with the media, resulting in humiliation for his mother.

While the older man stood speechless, a quiet glace was passed between Princess Alberta, Lady Honoria and the prime minister. They had always kept a careful eye on Aiden as he had always been a black sheep. When he had gone his own way and successfully started his own business, they had assumed it would be easy to get him to leave the throne. Who would have thought that by rebelling against King William, Aiden had not alienated him but instead endeared himself to the King?

They had confirmed with their source a the attorneys' that King William had changed his will last month after returning from meeting Aiden. What they had not expected was that the contents of the will would turn out to be different from their expectations. Lady Alberta and the prime minister quickly left the room to gather intel. Things had changed drastically.

Meanwhile, Lady Honoria was ready with her tears as she hugged her husband and cried," Nicholas. I am so scared. I have never blamed Aiden for his attitude towards me for I know I was in the wrong and my one mistake caused his mother's death. But our babies! With his hatred so great, our children will have not just a hostile half-brother but also a hostile King. What will happen then? Nicholas! You have to do something to protect them if your father has not done right by them! My children should get a fair chance! They are also the children of a Prince! Isn't the sacrifice you made enough to pacify him? I know that you abdicated the throne because Father said so but now you see your folly? I would have been happily labelled a gold digger if only it had meant that our children would have been safe in the future."

Prince Nicholas patted his wife's back slowly, regretting his decision of abdicating the throne. He had never expected that King William would actually accept the terms he had proposed. "Don't worry. According to the constitution, I was the next in line. I'll see what I can do to change the status quo. If nothing works, I'll propose that the new equal right to inheritance law be practised here. The law was passed four years ago, giving Alberta an equal right to the throne. And her seniority places her ahead in line."

Lady Honoria narrowed her eyes and stepped back as she smiled," It doesn't matter to me who rules as long as our children are safe. Lady Alberta has been supportive of us and sympathized with us so I can trust her..." But even as she moved away from him, her eyes were filled with malicious intent.

Meanwhile, Aiden walked towards the church, where his grandfather's coffin was placed and ordered Noel," Warn the media houses and internet providers. If there is any other news printed, related to the royal family other than grief, they can forget their future in Leland. The next days are going to be for mourning only."

As Noel went away, AJ turned to be the only one to enter the church. With a single word, he ordered the guards and the priest to retreat.

Finally, he walked to the coffin and held his grandfather's cold and stiff hand, bowing his head," Please forgive me, grandfather."

He had no idea how much time had passed when he felt a hand on his shoulder and a soft voice spoke," He died in peace, AJ. Do not regret giving him that."

Sighing, he took comfort in the small warm hand and hardened himself for what needed to be done next. "Call the coroners."

"Coroners?" Amy looked on in shock as Noel then brought in a few men and women and the doors to the church were closed. They had all been dressed in suits and she had assumed were simply his assistants. But these people were coroners?

"Check for any signs of poisoning or murder. You have four hours."

As AJ walked to the back of the church, Amy followed him, sitting next to him in the pews," AJ, do you think this is murder?"

"I do not know. But I am not believing anything until I know. The Royal Doctors should have known if there was a major problem with his heart. He had some of the best doctors tending to him twenty-four hours, then how did he suddenly pass away in his sleep?"