I’m given a run through of the events and laugh when I realise that my father’s intention had been to set Ben up as Blair’s killer.
“He was desperate,” Ben says. “I don’t know about his financial issues but to go to the lengths he did.”
It’s a question rather than a statement, and I decide to answer it.
“His father left him nothing. It all came to me. Don’t get me wrong, my father isn’t on the breadline but he was expecting a substantial amount, as was my brother.” I stand up, making Blair moan when I stop with her feet. “I think we should go for a walk. Get some fresh air. Talk.”
Because there was nothing left to hide. No more lies to tell or hearts to steal.
* * *
We take the path around the loch, the one that heads towards the forests and upwards into the start of the Trossachs. There are security nearby; despite Franklyn no longer a threat and my father out of circulation, likely for some time, the rumours about the oil had begun and there would be more people who would try to take Blair for a weak monarch and leader and bully her into decisions that she wouldn’t choose to make.
“I’m making the announcement next week. We’ve done the research. The Bill will pass and we’ll become a constitutional monarchy. Then the country will go to the polls and choose their party.” She takes my hand. “Maybe I’m shirking my duties. Maybe my father would turn in his grave if he knew - Lennox certainly would – but I don’t think anyone should be allowed this much power. Too many people have an opinion. Too many people should have the chance to express it.”
“So you’ve made your mind up then?”
She nods. “I could abdicate and hand the crown to Lachlan, but that isn’t in the best interests of the country.” Her expression softens, becomes sad. “Ben already knows, but I’m not pregnant. Found out this morning.”
“She was more upset about that than shooting Franklyn.” It’s a murmur and one I understand. Ben didn’t get it.
I’m not sure I did either.
“I think I want to do what I always intended.”
I glance at Ben who is wearing a look that belongs to a man in completely unchartered waters.
“Which is? You need to guide us here.” I see one of the woodsman’s huts in the distance.
“I want to be the figurehead for my country. Do the visits and the appearances; be what I was born to do and have a family. I’m sorry if this is all a bit much; you’re probably both wanting to run a mile…”
It’s Ben who puts his hand on her shoulder. “Is this the right time to make a decision? Everything that’s happened? Your dad? Lennox?”
She nods and I see that stubborn chin. “I knew about my father. As soon as Lennox wasn’t here, I knew what I would have to become. And I have spoken to the advisors and the representatives from the interest groups.”
The interest groups would become the political parties.
“It doesn’t happen overnight. I’ll have a year or so to be the ruling monarch and then I’ll be able to step back some.”
We enter the hut. It’s well maintained and has power and a bar.
“My father came here when he needed to think.” She starts to put logs into the stove. I help.
Ben watches.
“What about us?” They’re his words.
“You can come here too.”
He doesn’t laugh. “About us, Blair. When I heard the gun shot, I understood how you felt when you thought I was dead.”
She doesn’t apologise or reprimand him. That regal look will never go, not even when she hands the crown over to her child in the distant future. “I think we’ve all probably thought about our futures in the last few days. Weeks. Maybe longer.”
She finds a bottle of scotch and glasses. Clearly the hut is kept well stocked. Each glass is given a generous measure and she passes them out.
“I want a life I’ll enjoy with children and laughter and here in this castle. I’d like you both to be part of that, even though it will never be conventional and probably always kept quiet. But I need to know what you want. Isaac has his career. Ben has his.” She looks from me to Ben and then to the window where the mountains can just be seen through the trees.
“My job was here with you before I left.” Ben’s voice is smooth. “Do I still have it?”
