Sebastian felt a feeling of dread in his stomach. He had never expected to have a police visit about his mother’s death. It was odd especially given that it had been a few weeks since her death.
“Let them in,” he said after a long moment of silence.
It wasn’t like he could turn the police officers away. It wouldn’t reflect well on himself or the palace.
Angela drew back and showed two men into the room. Sebastian immediately identified that the taller one with dark hair and moustache was the superior officer from his steely confident exterior. The second officer was shorter and looked very nervous.
“Good morning, Prince Sebastian. I am Detective Superintendent Daniel Edgeworth from Albion police headquarters. The person next to me is Detective Inspector Felix Albury,” the superior officer told him.
“It’s nice to meet you two,” he replied. “Please take a seat. I am busy at the moment
Sebastian hadn't originally cared who saw them hugging in that moment. When he heard a cough from one of Edward's bodyguards, he was brought back to reality. He quickly let go of Edward.“There’s been some very bad news today,” he told him. “I wanted to speak to you in private.”Edward’s bodyguards made themselves scarce and Sebastian led Edward to his office.“The police are here. My mother didn’t die naturally, she was poisoned,” he told him.A variety of emotions flicked across Edward’s face. Sebastian guessed that his face had been the same when the police officers had told him. Edward gave him a hug.“Sorry about being an emotional wreck. I was also told I am technically the top suspect,” Sebastian said.Edward drew back from the hug in indignation.“You’re the last person I would suspect of murder,” he protested and went back to hugging him
Edward’s heart thudded in his chest. He was now very worried about Sebastian’s future. He didn’t want to see him arrested for something he didn’t do. He did his best to calm down so he could think everything through carefully. They had to have guessed he was in a romantic relationship with Sebastian from the marriage and were trying to trap him somehow. “I am happy to help with the investigation,” he answered carefully. “I just don’t think Prince Sebastian is the murderer.” “Why do you think that is the case?” Daniel asked evenly. “Prince Sebastian has always been the heir to the throne. He could have just waited for her to die naturally. There’s no need to murder her whilst he’s still a teenager,” Edward replied. “He’s also never shown any violent inclinations since I’ve met him.” The younger police officer slid a sheet of paper across to him. Edward saw it was an official royal document with Queen Annelise’s signature about setting up the go
Edward walked into the dining room the next morning for breakfast to find Sebastian there. He considered that to be a good thing as it meant that Sebastian hadn't been arrested yet.“Our outing is still on for this afternoon,” Sebastian told him when he sat down at the table. “Don’t bother wearing anything nice, we’re going incognito.”Edward was intrigued by the idea of an incognito date until he remembered Sebastian’s hat from their holiday.“Please tell me there’s no ugly hats involved,” he said.As there was no one else in the dining room, they were able to talk openly.“I will have to ask about hats. We’re having a picnic in a park,” Sebastian told him. “There’s going to be a ring of bodyguards around us so don’t try and make out with me. We’re going to be watched at all times.”The idea of having an afternoon outing didn’t
Sebastian’s nerves got the better of him during the night. He might be a master of public appearances, but his crowning ceremony was very different to anything he had ever done before. “You’ve rehearsed plenty of times,” Edward reminded him after noticing his shaking leg. “Everyone said you were perfect at the latest rehearsal.” “I know that,” he said with a frown. “I just can’t stop feeling nervous.” “If we were a normal couple in a house of our own, I would make you some chamomile tea to help you sleep,” Edward replied. Sebastian felt absolutely wide awake and not in the mood for sleeping. Edward had come to visit him in the night as he normally did. Sebastian was glad for his presence. “Let’s play a game,” he suggested. “It might tire both of us out.” “Strip poker?” Edward said with a wink. Sebastian knew that Edward currently had his mind in the gutter when he heard that comment. “I want to calm down,” he retorted.
Edward wanted to flee as soon as the first song was over and it was time for everyone else to dance. Sebastian kept his hand on his waist.“Remember that we will have to dance with other people if we split up,” Sebastian reminded him. “Let’s do a few dances and slip out when no one’s looking.”That suggestion was attractive. Edward put up with dancing a little more and was relieved when Sebastian’s hand finally dropped from his waist. That meant it was time to sneak away.They wove their way through the dancing couples. Sebastian led him to the balcony which was free of people. The night wind was cold, but it was welcome after the stifling heat of the ballroom.“You’re better at dancing now,” Sebastian commented. “It’s coming more naturally to you.”Edward was pleased to have a compliment about his dancing.“How many more hours is this dance party going to go
From the detective’s demeanour Sebastian knew he was still the top suspect for his mother’s murder. He resisted the urge to glare at Daniel. He was the king of Albion now. He had to act the part and not be tempted to do childish things. “I was wondering when I would hear more about the investigation,” he said. “Please take a seat.” Daniel took the offered chair and opened his notebook. “There has been a development. We tracked down the source of the ricin. The murderer obtained it off the internet from an underground ricin seller abroad in Switzerland. The seller was arrested for selling it and he had a ledger of his most recent clients. Busting that seller has led to a lot of arrests.” Sebastian waited for Daniel to get to the point. He felt that Daniel had come to tell him this information for a reason. “Surely if you know his most recent clients, then you have found the murderer?” he asked. Daniel cleared his throat.
Sebastian knew Edward was right. Getting too invested in the case was not helping himself or his stress levels.Waiting for new leads was the only thing he could do. There were other people to investigate the case.He just had a strange feeling in his stomach that he couldn’t pinpoint. Then he got it.“I think some of what I’m feeling is guilt,” he said. “I benefited from someone else murdering my mother. I became the king and inherited her power and money.”He had grown up knowing he would become the king of Albion someday. He had never held any feelings of dread, hate or love towards his future role. It was just something that was set to happen. His desire to become king had become stronger after meeting Edward.Then he had ascended to the throne at 19, a lot sooner than he had expected and only a year after his desire to become king had increased. It felt like if he hadn’t had those feelings, his mother
Sebastian returned to the palace from his meeting to find Bernadette waiting for him by the entrance.“King Sebastian, I’ve arranged for a car to take you to the hospital,” she told him. “I thought you would want to check on Edward.”Sebastian felt his heart skip a beat.“Why is Edward in hospital?”“There was an accident at his university. He took a minor hit to the head. The doctors at the hospital can give you a better briefing than me. The news has only just got to me.”The car that Bernadette had arranged pulled up outside and she gestured for him to get in. Sebastian took the hint and rushed over to it. He would have to wait for a full briefing when he got to the hospital. Until then he would just have to worry.He checked his phone to see if there was anything from Edward. There was a text from the morning saying that he missed him. After that there was nothing. He didn’t eve