Despite his father, King Maximilian’s clear lessons, every fiber of Crown Prince William craved to see Grace, experience the comfort and calm being with her always evoked in him. He had tried to get over Grace again, but somehow, the more he tried, the more he needed to see her.
When he then overheard his cousin, college roommate and aspiring lawyer, Ryan Cameron, talking to Victoria about his weekend plans of accompanying his girlfriend Camila Reynolds back home to San Myshuno, both their hometown, for an event, a plan began to form.
Camila’s mother, a famous Selvadoradian high-fashion model, was hosting a special fundraiser fashion show in San Myshuno. Newcrest was a suburb of San Myshuno, so this would be his way out, now that William’s father had blocked every other way to her. William’s sister Victoria believed her boyfriend, Duke Hendrik DeWinter of Zeehaven and the Isles, would propose on Valentine’s Day and wanted a once-in-a-lifetime dress for the occasion. Excitedly, both Camila and Victoria begged the King for permission to have her attend.
William saw his chance. “I can tag along for moral support for Ryan,” he offered, trying to sound nonchalant.
With two girls pleading with him, the King melted and allowed it. He did, however, take William aside briefly. “Remember your promise,” he reminded sternly.
San Myshuno
Fundraiser Fashion Show
As expected, with the fashion show in full swing, William had stashed one of Ryan’s baseball caps and oversized hoodies in a bag nearby. When nobody paid any attention to him, he snuck out, put both on over his suit, and took a cab from San Myshuno to Newcrest to see Grace.
Newcrest
Grace’s Home
Their reunion was intense; they hugged, kissed, and soon it led to where their stolen moments always led. For the first time in weeks, William felt good and peace with himself and the universe.
After their moments of closeness and passion, Grace got up to get them water to rehydrate while William took a shower. When he was done, surprised Grace hadn’t returned to the bedroom, so he ran down the stairs, feeling chipper. The kitchen was dark, but there was light on in her living room.
William, wrapped in nothing but a towel, turned the corner with a smile, expecting more intimate moments with Grace. Instead, he found his father, King Maximilian, standing in her living room like the proverbial spider in the web, ready to wrap William up in his own web of lies, flanked by a couple of discreet but stern-looking security detail. The sight of his father, with a face etched in disappointment and anger, sent a jolt of shock through William.
His eyes fell on Grace, who stood frozen in embarrassment, her face flushed, wearing William’s tailored dress shirt. The shirt, clearly not made for her frame, accentuated her shorter stature and narrower shoulders, and the sleeves were comically long, almost reaching her fingertips. She kept plucking and tugging at the hem uncomfortably, clearly feeling exposed as she glanced at the strangers in her living room.
William’s heart sank further, knowing that this sight had to be an added slap in the king’s face. Not only had he deceived his father and defied his wishes again, but the very evidence of their intimacy was now on full display. And it was about to get worse. The crimson tone of Grace’s face deepened when she noticed the open package of condoms on the living room table. She dove forward to make them disappear, but her shaky hands fumbled, spilling the contents onto the table and floor. William leapt forward to assist her, and they ended up banging their heads together. He realized he was almost losing his towel just as his father’s voice made both of them wince.
“ENOUGH! William,” King Maximilian’s voice was a mix of anger and disappointment. “Get dressed immediately.”
William’s heart stopped. He stammered, scrambling to obey, his mind racing. He never expected his father to figure it out, let alone show up. He hurried to grab his clothes but then realized he needed the shirt Grace was wearing.
Turning back sheepishly, William pointed out, “I need the shirt, Grace.”
Grace’s eyes widened, her cheeks flushing an even deeper shade of red. King Maximilian sighed in exasperation. “Both of you, upstairs, now. Get dressed, and make it quick.”
The gravity of the situation hit William like a ton of bricks. The king had warned him that if he were to see Grace again, he’d be sent off to military training to straighten him out and learn some discipline. The realization that he had lied to his father’s face and broken a promise weighed heavily on him.
When William and Grace returned, both dressed in their respective clothes, Grace now wore an oversized tie-dye shirt adorned with environmental slogans and equally oversized, stained joggers, clashing with the royal elegance. King Maximilian’s eyes bore into William, a mix of love and disappointment. He glanced at Grace’s attire with a barely concealed look of disapproval before glaring at his son.
William, tears welling up in his eyes, managed to say his goodbyes to Grace, both of them sobbing. He promised her he would stay in touch, but the King intervened, pulling him away. “William, please don’t make promises you won’t be able to keep. Apologies to both of you but prolonging this unfortunate debacle would only turn it into a long goodbye and would only extend the pain. In cases like this, a clean and sudden cut is what’s needed, so that is what it shall be then,” King Maximilian said, his voice kind but determined, as he flagged down one of the security personnel to see William to the waiting car.
Turning to Grace, he added politely but firmly. “My apologies for barging in on your private time and for the lateness of the hour. Grace, I have always thought of you as a smart young woman with a clear grasp on life. My wife and I always held you in high regard and it was unfortunate that you and my son didn’t have the chance you probably would have liked and deserved. However, it has been four years since then, which is a long time and therefore this arrangement here is unacceptable. You must understand this cannot continue. William is engaged to another, has been for four years. They are set to wed after graduation, which William will now have to complete from his new station with the royal forces. I understand this may seem unjust and harsh, but William may not see you again. I am truly sorry, Grace, but there is no leeway in this situation. Again, please accept my apologies for the heartbreak and for this rather rude entrance.”
The awkwardness and tension in the room were palpable. The king truly loved his children and wanted to allow them everything, but he knew he couldn’t. The knowledge that William had lied to him and broken a promise only added to the gravity of the situation.
He then left with his entourage and William.
Henfordshire
Cromwell Palace, King’s Study
Queen Aria Grace burst into the room, giving the guards a grim glare before rushing to her son. William sat in a chair, a heap of guilt and despair, a military-issued duffel bag at his feet. He was dressed in a uniform bearing the royal colors of Henfordshire—deep green and gold—waiting to leave. He looked every bit the conflicted prince, his buttery blonde hair slightly tousled and a look of regret etched on his handsome face.
Seeing her son in such a state, Aria Grace showered him with affection, trying to provide comfort. Aria Grace, with her striking American beauty, exuded a sense of authority and compassion. Her stylish appearance always reflected her modern yet regal demeanor.
“Aww, my sweet baby, you look positively scared. I think your father’s scare tactics had their intended effect. Go upstairs now, Will, and change into real clothing. You’ll stay home for a few days. I’ll have my assistant call the college admin later,” she said soothingly.
“That has already been done, my heart,” King Maximilian interrupted. With his casual yet regal bearing, Maximilian exuded an effortless authority. His sharp features and confident demeanor were softened only by his love for his family. “Arrangements are being made for him to study remotely while at military camp. It’s not a scare tactic, AG. I am waiting to hear back from John as to William’s assignments, so I know where he will be going.”
Aria Grace stiffened, then shot up straight, turning to her husband with a piercing stare.
“Did you just say military camp? And with a straight face?! You are serious about this nonsense?!”
“Indeed,” replied Maximilian calmly.
“Oh no, no no no. No, Maximilian.”
“Aria Grace…”
“No!”
“AG, you don’t understand. I have kept most of this away from you, thinking William and I could handle it as men, as father and son. Alas, I have failed him and he me. I intended to speak to you about all this, but alas my royal duties kept taking up my time instead. I assumed the boy had taken my lessons to heart. His sudden eagerness to attend a fashion show, just because Victoria wanted a new special dress, knowing his cousin Ryan only went to because his girlfriend practically demanded it, gave me pause. I had the plane return for me after the kids were dropped off, and my instincts didn’t betray me. I caught him red-handed at Grace’s home, both in an unmistakable state. I warned William that this would be the consequence, and now I will follow through.”
“Oh, like hell you will! No, Max. I support you where I can, with all your tough decisions because of who you are and your lineage, but I draw the line at my children. NONE of them will join the military at anyone’s behest except their own, and even then they would have to fight me for it. Call John to call this idiotic nonsense off!”
“Aria Grace …. you do not seem to understand how far our son went. When I found him at Grace’s, they were both in a state of undress, and it was clear I couldn’t prevent further intimacy between them.”
“Thank you for explaining why people get naked, husband. You’d think after four kids I would have that down, but maybe one more time of mansplaining will help. So what? Will is a young man of not even 22. Of course he’s exploring. That is why young marriages are crap. Nobody had time to learn how to rock the boat properly yet!”
“AG, please. William is engaged. To Mina. But I found him practically in another girl’s bed! You cannot endorse that!”
“Of course I don’t! Did Mina and Will WANT to get engaged? NO. That sprung from some other king’s inbred mind, and you did nothing to prevent it! I was faced with the decision, and William pleaded with me to not undo it or Mina would be sent to some convent school until she’s 25 or some medieval nonsense! I was NEVER on board with that engagement, and you know it. I adore Mina; she is absolutely wonderful, but she shouldn’t be engaged to William or anybody else at this age any more than he should! They should be dating, like normal kids their age would. They are a lovely couple, I LOVE them together, but engaged at 17, 18, 19, 20, 21?! Those ages are where kids learn how to be in relationships, not already cemented into one! You undid so many rules, why not THAT one? It almost broke us, remember? I had not even processed whom I had fallen in love with before I was in a wedding gown walking down an aisle, leading straight into this very room in front of this very desk where your late father, may he rest easy, demanded us to go into production! I was barely their age myself and remember well that it was too young then, just as it is now! I watched all this unfold. William seemed happy with her, so I left them be. But clearly, it would appear some old feelings for Grace have reawakened, intensely at that. Intense enough for this boy, who ever since he was old enough to think for himself has done everything he could to make you proud, to go over your head and against your wishes. My wishes too. I don’t like this whole cheating bit, but looking at it objectively, what other choice has he?”
Just then, a knock on the door announced the arrival of Lord John Montfort-Yates, a burly, seasoned high-ranking aristocrat and military man, but also a lifelong best friend of Max. His imposing large frame now joined them. With his rugged features and commanding presence, John epitomised the military elite. His strong jawline and penetrating gaze conveyed a lifetime of discipline and loyalty. His full beard, dark with salt and pepper throughout, added a distinguished air to his look.
As he politely greeted everybody he could instantly tell the tone of discord between the royal couple, so he tried to remove himself from it by taking William with him. His deep, always slightly too loud voice rumbled through the room, making William jump.
“Ensign Cromwell, are you ready to depart for your assignment? First lesson will be that you are to stand when a higher-ranking official enters the room. And stand straight!” John said, rustling his beard thoughtfully.
William, startled, jumped up and attempted his best to salute, though his form was shaky. His mother quickly intervened, stepping in front of him and giving Lord John a steely glare.
“No need for this rubbish. Change of plans. He’s not going. Sorry for the inconvenience, John.”
“Aria Grace, queen of my heart…” King Maximilian began, stepping around them to face her, but her eyes narrowed in defiance.
“Max, if you say anything, ANYTHING at all now, that sounds anything like William should be leaving, I will lose it. Right here and right now. I will call my mother, have her come here and fetch William, to make sure he is out of your reach. And you don’t even try, John!”
John raised his hands in a calming gesture and stepped back, understanding the gravity of the situation.
“Mum, it’s alright. Papa is right, I have messed up and I must be punished,” William said, his voice filled with resignation.
“Oh, you will be! But I am your mother, and while I don’t always get the chance to mother you and your sisters the way my mother used to discipline Nick and me, and still does, but this will be one of those instances, and nobody and nothing will change that. Are we clear gentlemen? Max? John?”
Queen Aria Grace stood her ground, her fiery determination evident in her posture. King Maximilian sighed, running a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated but knowing better than to challenge his wife’s resolve in this moment.
“Aria Grace, you must understand the importance of this,” Maximilian began, his voice softer, pleading. “William needs to learn discipline and responsibility, for he clearly lacks both. The military will provide that structure.”
“And you must understand, Max,” she retorted, “that sending him away like this, especially now, is not the solution. He needs his family, his support system, not the cold rigidity of military life. William has more discipline and responsibility in his little finger than most middle-aged adults have in their entire body. What he lacks is wisdom and knowledge on how to handle very tough and complex situations. Sending him away to the military won’t instill that in him. All he will learn there is obedience, which he does not need. He needs to be taught how to handle the aftermath of bad decisions, for God knows everyone here in this room has had plenty of those. THAT is what he needs.”
Lord John, sensing the impasse, lowered his hands and spoke calmly, trying to mediate. “Your Majesties, perhaps we can find a middle ground. William can fulfil his duties here, with the guidance of both his parents, whilst also receiving the training and discipline he needs. We can arrange for private lessons and exercises.”
AG’s head snapped to him, her eyes glaring at him, her finger in his face. “One more word, one SINGLE muttered tone from you now, John, and you will wish you were back at the frontlines of some warzone so help me God! It will feel like a vacation in comparison!”
William looked between his parents, feeling the weight of the decision. “Please, Mum, Papa, I don’t want you to fight. I’ll accept whatever you decide, but please, don’t let this tear us apart. I have done enough damage, please.”
Aria Grace’s eyes softened as she looked at her son. She turned back to Maximilian, her voice gentler but firm. “Max, William is right, we need to do this together. As a family. You need to take off your proverbial crown and put on your husband and father hat. We will not lose our son to this. William is a wonderful young man. I don’t know what the military would do to him, but it won’t be anything I want for him. No offense, John.”
“None taken, Your Majesty.” John bowed slightly.
“Will, my sweet, let’s get you to your room and out of this awful uniform. Again, no offense, John.”
Lord John smiled wryly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Again, none taken, Your Majesty. I can assure you, the military hasn’t ruined me just yet. Though, my wife might have a different opinion. Clara always says the uniform is about the only thing she truly enjoys about my military career.” He gave a playful wink, lightening the mood despite the seriousness of the situation.
“Well, I always thought of Clara as a smart woman, and she isn’t wrong—you do look rather dashing in your uniform. But I prefer my son in different attire. And please, you can continue to call me AG. No need to put on fake airs now. I only pull rank on you when you’re being an idiot. Besides, I can’t have you contaminating Max with your military nonsense. He’s already got enough on his plate without your regimented absurdities.”
“Duly noted, AG. Absolutely no military nonsense for His Majesty,” Lord John chuckled, offering a mock bow to the queen. “I promise to keep my uniformed antics strictly off the palace grounds, lest I turn him into a parade ground martinet.”
Aria Grace wrapped an arm around her son, who stood taller than her, and led him out of the room. Watching them leave, Lord John turned to his friend.
“Interesting to see that wives are the same for all of us, no matter our heritage or titles. Want some ointment for those whip marks, old friend?” John remarked with a chuckle.
“Indeed, John. Indeed. Sometimes, I wonder if the crowns we wear hold any power at all in our own homes. Presently, I feel rather reduced to being a talking head, no more. Bourbon?” Maximilian sighed, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
“Absolutely, Max. I think a bourbon is exactly what we need right now. Well, and at least we know who’s really in charge. Makes all your many state visits worthwhile, at least there you can be all the king you wish to be. Until you return home and bow to your superior, just like the rest of us married marionettes.” John clapped a hand on Maximilian’s shoulder, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he took a seat with the usual moan of men past a certain age.
“True, my friend. Very true.” Maximilian laughed, the tension finally breaking, as he handed him the drink he had poured, ice clinking in the glass as they cheered each other.
“You know, Max, Aria Grace may have a point. Perhaps keeping William here, close to his family, is what’s best for him right now. But don’t tell her I said that; I’d never hear the end of it. I adore my queen as much as the next chap, but she doesn’t need any more reason to fuel her feisty ways. William is a good lad, and from what you’ve told me, I can’t say I blame him. Besides, I remember his father at that age. You had so many arguments with your father about finding a suitable match; you refused all of them until you met Aria Grace. I’m sure your parents were too traditional to embrace their son wanting to marry a commoner, but after all you put them through, I believe they did cartwheels when you finally agreed to settle down at all. They do say that our children are always the payback for what we put our parents through.” John leaned back, his demeanour becoming more relaxed.
“Your secret is safe with me, John, and I urge you never to repeat what you just said outside these walls, or I shall reintroduce torture chambers and the death penalty, if only to make an example of you, old friend. Let’s just hope she doesn’t decide to use her newfound authority to overhaul the entire administration. I’d like to retain at least the illusion that I’m in charge, at least to the outside world!” Maximilian chuckled.
“Oh, she already has, and you don’t even realise it. I said it before, the Henfordian royal colours used to be royal blue and gold, until not that long ago, when our current king married a girl with green eyes, whose favourite colour happens to be green. And just like that,” he snapped his fingers, “our royal colour became deep green and gold. Coincidence, I’m sure.” John laughed heartily.
“Well, John, I will have you know that I wear the trousers in my family, it’s just that my wife decides which ones, lays them out for me and ensures they are her favourite colour.” Maximilian raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes.
EchoesOfLegacy 