“About what?”
“Me. Entirely made up stories. I was alerted by a journalist loyal to the palace. She did an interview that will air this evening.”
Delaney glances back at Fallyn briefly. “What is she saying?”
“That I… that we…” I clear my throat. “That I used her and discarded her once I got what I wanted. That she was with my child, and I forced her to terminate the pregnancy.”
Delaney gasps. “Oh my god.”
“These are the worst possible accusations she could make,” Arlan explains, calmly. “As you know, we are a Catholic country, so an abortion would not be forgiven except under the most extreme circumstances.”
“Right,” Delaney says. “How can she prove that?”
“That’s exactly the problem,” I say. “She can’t, but neither can I. It will be her word against mine, and given my history…” I pause, shaking my head. “I do not know what the people will believe.”
“But she has history too,” Arlan says. “Perhaps the people will understand she is emotionally unstable.”
“Yes, but how much damage will be done in the process?” I walk over to the window, glancing into the courtyard. “Rumor has it she has paid someone to smuggle her back into Havendon. I fear she will show up without notice.”
“Can’t you do anything?” Fallyn asks. “You’re the freaking king, aren’t you?”
I nod. “I am, but it is not common knowledge. I am attempting to contact my father at this time for advice. For now, security measures have been put in place to keep the palace safe. No one in, no one out.”
“What about Rome?” Delaney asks.
“I don’t know yet. Right now, safety and damage control are my utmost concerns. I do not trust her when it comes to you.”
“I understand,” Delaney says, slumping her shoulders as she sits on a nearby chair. “Something has to be done with her. We can’t live in fear of her and the media telling false stories.” She looks up at me with her big brown eyes. “It’s all false, right? Because I don’t care if you slept with her before you knew me, but I want to know if you did so I’m not caught off guard.”
I kneel down in front of her, taking her hands in mine. “I swear to you, my darling. I have never touched her.” My eyes shift up to Arlan.
“I will also swear it to you, Delaney,” Arlan says. “Not even a kiss. She is lying in order to disrupt his happiness.”
“I believe you. I always have believed you. I just wanted to hear it one more time.”
“Of course,” I say. “I am so sorry you have to go through this because of her.”
“What are the consequences of this?”
“Good question. Her parents are involved and are attempting to contact her, but as I understand from Tristan, she is not well. She is obsessed with trying to hurt me. I should have known after her public humiliation at the ball that she wouldn’t go away quietly. Now, I’m just waiting to hear—” My words are stopped when my cell phone rings. “It’s my father,” I explain answering it. “Hello, Father. You got my message?”
“I did indeed.”
“Have you advice for me?”
“This is very serious to say the least. I have a rather bold suggestion that only you and Delaney can decide if you wish to follow it.”
“Bold, you say? I’m listening.”
“If you break the news first, you will steal her thunder. You will hold a press conference, discuss the events that have occurred, extend your condolences to her family over their clearly delusional daughter, and, with your supportive fiancée by your side, end it before it even begins.”
“That is bloody brilliant.”
“I am surprised you did not think of such a controversial move on your own.”
I chuckle. “So am I, Father.”
“I would do it sooner rather than later. I’ve spoken with her father, and at this time, her whereabouts are unknown, so be aware of your surroundings at all times.”
“I will. We’ll be staying on the grounds today.”
“Good. When she is found, her parents are having her put into a high security hospital.”
“Still in Iceland?”
“It’s probably best that you are unaware of what measures they will take. I only told you this much to give you some peace of mind. Rest assured, her parents will ensure this does not happen again.”
I glance behind me then turn my back slightly, lowering my voice. “She will be exiled?”
“Do you really want to know?”
“Yes.”
“Her father is devastated. He has worked his whole life to ensure his family’s good name and reputation, and she is damaging it. The irony is he did it primarily for his children to have the best choices in life.”
“In Gemma’s mind, she believes that I am a choice.”
“Yes. Unfortunately for her, she will be exiled from Havendon for many years, possibly forever. While she won’t be cast out to a deserted island, she will be in a faraway place where she will not have access to outside sources such as the internet or telephones. Her mental health will be assessed, and she will be under constant surveillance round the clock.”
“I understand.”
“Now, do your press conference. I’ll be watching.”
“Are you returning soon?”
“A couple of more weeks.” He’s silent for just a moment. “I must say, this time alone with your mother makes me feel like a young man again. Perhaps I should have done this sooner.”
“Neither of us were ready sooner.”
“Quite true. Call me if you need anything else.”
“I will. Thank you.” Hanging up, I turn around and face the others. “We have a plan.”
Less than an hour later, I walk into the sitting room where a crowd of journalists wait including the one that tipped me off to Gemma’s devious plans. I nod at him as Delaney and I walk to the front. Unlike when we announced our wedding date, she appears calm, and I think she’s finally used to their presence in our lives. As the journalists sit in anticipation of what’s to come, I take Delaney’s hand in mine.
“Thank you for coming on such short notice,” I begin, noting the location of the news camera. “I come to you today with disturbing news. It’s been brought to my attention, that someone close to my family plans to have an interview today where claims will be made about me that are highly inaccurate.” I glance at Delaney who smiles softly as I continue. “The claims will state that I had a sexual relationship with a woman that resulted in an unplanned pregnancy; a pregnancy that I demanded end in termination.” I pause allowing the journalists to react. “I’m here today to denounce these claims. The woman making them, Gemma Richardson, is the sister of my closest friend, Tristan, and while I have had numerous interactions with her over the years, I’ve never so much as hugged her much less had an intimate relationship with her.” I look at Delaney again, whose expression hasn’t changed. “While I cannot say Ms. Richardson has never been pregnant or ended an unwanted pregnancy, I can say with absolute certainty that she has never had a sexual relationship with me that resulted in these events.” I pause again for effect. “What I have learned, is that Ms. Richardson is deeply disturbed emotionally and has developed an unhealthy fixation on me, causing the origins of this malicious fantasy she has created in her mind. For this, I offer my sincere condolences to her parents, who are dear friends of the royal family.” I bow my head slightly. “I will take questions, although, I don’t know what I will be able to answer.”
A man raises his hand. “Your Highness, is this the same woman that caused the disruption at the Independence Ball?”
“It is.”
He continues. “Rumor has it she was escorted from town. Is that true?”
“I am not aware of how her parents chose to assist her.”
I notice a man sitting in the second row with a sour look on his face, and I am immediately curious as to why. I point to him. “You, sir, in the blue suit, do you have questions for me?�
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He looks up, surprised, as his face turns red. “Um, no, Your Highness. No questions.”
“Oh, alright. You looked as though you did.” I tilt my head as my eyes narrow. “Are you sure?”
“Er, um… well, perhaps one,” he stutters, then looks down at some papers. “On 14 January this year, um, were you… uh… perhaps—”
“For a reporter, I am quite surprised at your inability to form a sentence,” I say, with a smirk. “Spit it out, sir.”
The man looks around the room at his colleagues, who stare back with interested faces. “I received a tip, Your Highness, that you were with Ms. Richardson on the date I provided in…” he pauses, checking his notes. “In Greece, sir, for a romantic weekend. Can you address this?”
Attending to hide my disdain, I respond calmly. “I can. I was in Boston with this lovely lady.”
Delaney smiles. “He was.”
“Thank you, sir. Another tip I have is that you started a clandestine affair with Ms. Richardson when she was just sixteen and continued this until very recently when Ms. Somers came to Havendon.”
“I have many people who could attest that at any age, sixteen or otherwise, I did not have a relationship with her. As for the rest of it…” I glance at Delaney. “It is also untrue. Delaney was here for over a month before the ball, living on palace grounds. We were apart for only a short time.” I look at her. “We were madly in love at that point, and there was no room in my heart for anyone else.” I look back at the crowd. “I realize this is hearsay at this point, but if I had to, I could provide ample evidence of how I spent my time over the years, some of which is unfortunately very well documented.” I pause as people chuckle. “Here are the facts. As a young man, I had more than my share of romantic encounters, as you are all well aware of. I have been more than open about my transgressions, and if there was a story to tell here, I would tell it. The truth is simple. Ms. Richardson is delusional. She is convinced, for reasons only she knows, that she and I should have been romantically involved. It is a fantasy, based on no truth whatsoever. I cannot force you to believe me. All I can do is stand up here as a man and tell you the truth. To her family, I am deeply saddened that this situation had to be made public, but my hand was forced by Gemma’s actions. Thank you for being here today and fairly giving me the chance to share my understanding of the events.” Pulling Delaney’s hand, we start to turn away, when someone asks Delaney what she thinks. She looks up at me. “You can answer if you want to, my darling.”
“I’ll answer.” She turns around and faces the group. “What I think, or rather know, is that Lathan is an intensely honest man. I know for a fact that since January of this year, Lathan has been one hundred percent in a relationship with me. I believe that, after having interacted with Ms. Richardson, that she is fixated on Lathan and intent on trying to ruin our happiness.” She pauses and smiles. “What she should know is there is no person, no delusional fabrication, or tabloid story that could invade what exists between me and your Prince. A thousand lies would have no effect.” She grins. “Other than completely annoying us.” The group laughs softly. “I know that if Lathan had done something wrong, he would own up to it, and do his best to make it right in any way he could. I know that he would never, absolutely never, demand that a woman end her pregnancy, no matter how difficult it would be to manage that situation. I believe that he did not do these things he’s been accused of, and so should you.” She looks up at me and smiles. “He has my undying support, and I hope he has yours as he navigates this challenging situation.”
I smile at the woman I will marry soon, proud of her decorum and media savvy. As Ophelia says, Delaney was born to be a princess.
“Are there more questions?” Gerard asks the crowd. It’s silent so we turn to leave, but I ask Gerard to pull aside the journalist that had all the tips.
A few minutes later, he is brought to me as we wait in the library. “Your Highness,” Gerard says. “Timothy Daniels from HCB News.”
The man steps into the room, nervously glancing between me, Delaney, and the several armed palace guards on alert.
“You wanted to see me, Your Highness?”
I pace in front of him with narrowed eyes. “It was you, wasn’t it?”
“I’m sorry, sir. I don’t know what you mean.”
“She contacted you for the interview?”
His eyes open wide. “No, sir. I’ve never spoken to her.”
“Then how did you get these tips you speak of?” I step closer. “And do not lie to me. I will find out.”
“I swear it, sir. A colleague of mine contacted me and asked me to research a couple of things. He said he was working on a hot story. That’s all I know.”
“Who is the colleague?”
The man looks extremely uncomfortable with my question. As his eyes dart to Delaney, I can tell he’s deciding how risky it will be not to answer.
“She could be dangerous,” I add. “If she hurts us, it’s on your head.”
After an awkward silence, he clears his throat. “He plans to air his interview at seven this evening. His name is…” He swallows hard. “Michael Stanford. He’s just out of university and quite ambitious, sir.”
“Ambitious? Well, he will learn today the consequences of his aspirations. Thank you, Mr. Daniels. That will be all.”
He bows. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
After the man leaves, I pull Delaney close to me. “You were amazing, my darling. So composed and eloquent. Completely turned me on.”
She grins. “Did it now?”
“Mmm hmm,” I murmur against her neck as my hand slides up her thigh. “I need a bite, but unfortunately, there is work to be done.”
“Unfortunately.”
As we make our way to the front of the palace, we pause in the doorway, waiting for the reporters to pull away. Once they’re gone, we step outside and start to head back to Havendon House when Delaney’s phone starts ringing. She pulls it from her pocket and answers.
“Hey, Fallyn. What’s up?” Delaney looks up at me with startled eyes. “What’s happening?” We stop walking as she listens. “Shit. Be right there.” She hangs up. “We need to get over there now. Gemma’s there and it’s not good. Not good at all.”
As we rush over to Havendon House, I wonder what we’ll find. Lathan is silent, his expression stone like, but determined. We approach, noticing the front door is already open. When we enter, Olivia is sitting on a bench in the foyer, but jumps up when she sees us.
“She is threatening to harm herself,” she explains with a worried expression. “Tristan and his parents have arrived. She barricaded herself in a room upstairs. She refuses to come out.”
Lathan scowls. “How the bloody hell did she get in the house?”
“I do not know.” Olivia shakes her head, and that’s when I notice her normally perfect hair is slightly messy and she has a scratch on her hand. “She frightened me, jumping from the wardrobe in Madam Fallyn’s room.”
“The wardrobe?” Lathan questions.
“Yes. I went to change the linens and she jumped out at me. I struggled with her attempting to stop her, but she slapped me and I was overwhelmed. I believe she thought she was in Madam Delaney’s room. She mumbled something about being here for days.”
“Days?” I ask as my mind makes sense of that. “Are you alright?”
“Oh, yes, but I couldn’t find her, so I rushed down here to get Madam Fallyn and Prince Arlan, and by then Tristan and his parents showed up. I don’t know how they knew to come. We searched and searched for her, then heard a scream from upstairs. When she saw her parents she ran into one of the rooms. Prince Arlan sent me down here to wait for you.”
“Stay with Olivia,” Lathan says as his eyes shift up the stairs.
“No way. I’m going with you.”
“I’d rather you didn’t.”
I sigh, then pull his arm until he looks at me. “Listen to me. This is just as much my problem as
it yours. We are a team, and as a team, we will deal with this. I don’t care what she says, or what she does, I’m going with you.”
He nods. “You’re right. Let’s go. Thank you, Olivia.”
“Let me know if I can be of any service.”
“I will.”
We walk up the stairs, listening for the group then I notice Fallyn standing in the hall. We head quietly in that direction to find Tristan, his parents, Arlan and Fallyn in front of a closed door. While Gemma’s father leans against the door, Tristan rushes over to us.
“She’s locked herself in there and won’t open the door. She says if we come in, she’ll jump off the balcony.” He glances at his parents. “She’s asking for you, and I’m afraid she’s really lost it.”
“I will talk to her,” Lathan says. “Maybe I can calm her down.”
“Please try,” Tristan says. “Please.”
“I will.” Lathan approaches the door and knocks. “Gemma? It is I, Lathan. Please open the door.”
The sound of her sobbing ceases when she hears Lathan’s voice, but a moment later, she responds. “No. Go away.”
“Let’s talk about it.”
Silence again, and then, “Alone? I don’t want to see her.”
Lathan glances at me, and I nod. “Alone.”
“I’ll open the door, but if anyone comes in with you, I’ll jump. I swear it.”
“No one but me.”
The door cracks open and Lathan slides inside, leaving me to wonder if he’s safe with her.
I could not be prepared for the sight that awaited me. Gemma, normally groomed and styled like a supermodel, is without makeup, her blonde hair tangled and lifeless, her eyes rimmed in red from crying. If I didn’t know it was her, I wouldn’t believe it.
“I am here, Gemma. Why are you doing this to yourself and your family?”
She glares at me as she paces. My eyes notice the letter opener in her hand and the way she repeatedly slides it across her flesh drawing blood.
“Let’s sit down and talk, shall we?”
“Talk?”
“Yes, Gemma. Talk.”
Unexpectedly Royal Page 45
