"While members of the royal family were seen arriving at the airport to pay tribute to the monarch, King Aiden was spotted entering the palace gates in his car. While King Aiden is known for not being friendly with the media, one could that he was visibly moved as he acknowledged the mourners with a salute as his car drove inside. We will keep you updated with the latest news on the Royal Family as the state funeral for King William begins at the Southern Palace tomorrow from where he will be taken to be buried with the family. Kind Aiden will be the pallbearer for the procession and the members of the public have been invited to pay their respects at King William's coffin."
"The King's Will be read on the second day and all questions regarding the inheritance of the throne will also be answered."
While news reports continued to flow in, Aiden entered the small room to see his grandmother sitting in her usual rocking chair. He had spent countless hours in this room watching her create things and tell his stories, being her lively self. Seeing her lifeless like this pained him and with no regard for propriety or the crowd of money-hungry onlookers called his 'family', that had gathered there, he went forward and hugged Queen Lily.
The old woman who had always seemed so strong and larger than life seemed so delicate in his arms now as she shuddered and sighed softly. As much as she wanted to hold her grandson and cry over her beloved's death, duty forbade her from doing so. A moment was all she could give him and herself, for she knew that even though her dear Willy's body had barely turned cold, the jackals and vultures were already lurking, ready to snatch what they could.
Her eyes met Amy over his shoulder and she saw the sympathy there. She knew the little girl wanted to come to her and hug her as well. Little Mimi had always been like this. But as she looked at her son's face who stood just behind Mimi, she knew that the girl was not safe. Aiden had done well to let her masquerade as part of his team staff.
"Really, Aiden! There are staff and workers here. Control your emotions and maintain your dignity." Prince Nicholas commented with some irritation.
Stiffening, Aiden turned around slowly and looked at the man with venom," It is King Aiden to you, Prince Nicholas. You better remember that, especially since there are staff and workers present here."
The man was about to speak when a hand on his arm stopped him and a somberly dressed lady continued," Aiden, forgive us but you are not yet the King. Even though King William has passed away, you have not been coronated as King. There is also the matter of King William's will..."
"Lady Honoria." Making the name sound like a curse, Aiden spoke harshly, "I, Aiden Jonas William Agilofings, was appointed as the crown Prince of Leland almost twenty years ago. At this moment, regardless of what you or Prince Nicholas Agilofings may feel, I have automatically ascended to the throne as per the law and constitution of Leland. If after the reading of the will, there is any doubt, we can have voting in the house of lords and the house of commoners. Until then, you will not breathe a word to the press. Or else you will both lose your title."
Aiden then turned to his grandmother and spoke slowly," Grandmother, I will handle everything from here on. Please rest for now. My assistant will help you up."
Aiden nodded at Amy who hurriedly stepped forward to hold the old lady's hand. Feeling a pang of sympathy for the older woman, Amy gently placed an arm around her shoulder and took her away. It was only as the door started to close behind them that she heard Lady Honoria's shrill voice," King William had promised me to give Thomas and Nicholas junior..."
Even as Amy was curious to know more, she looked at the stooped figure and felt a pang of sympathy. At least there had been no such thing when her mother had passed away. And whenever her father would pass away, she wouldn't be there to create or witness any chaos.
"Lady Honoria, if you think Thoman and Nicholas will be able to inherit the throne then you are dreaming. Are you really hoping that one of them will be appointed as the prince and you will become the Regent Queen?"
As the young boys shivered under their half-brother's penetrating gaze, it was princess Alberta who intervened," King Aiden. Emotions are running high at the moment. Uncle William was loved by all. I agree with you that now is not the correct time. But we all know that Grandfather had wanted you to get engaged. He had even confided with the Prime Minister that he would remove you from the throne if you did not at least get engaged soon. So it is not beyond belief that he may have changed the will."
Aiden sent a sharp glance at the Prime Minister who was sitting in the corner of the room, making the burly man cower before he turned sharply to Noel, who handed him a file.
Extending the file with his right hand, "These are the seating arrangements for the church service tomorrow as well as other instructions. Please make sure everyone in the family follows them."
Princess Alberts frowned as she went o take the file," Why are you doing this? This is the assistants' job..." However, she did not complete the sentence as her eyes were now glued to his hand as she asked incredulously," You are engaged?"