The Royals

Chapter 11

Isabel PoV

Me, Liam, Cyrus, mum and Francis, was in the secret room at the tunnels and Len entered with Jasper. ''Where's dad?'' she asked.

''Yeah. All they told me and mum, something happened to dad. Where is he?'' I asked, worried, then the door opened, and Ted entered.

''Security level one. Marcus, secure the tunnels. Mr. Frost, with me'' Ted ordered.

''Where's our father?'' Liam asked, this time.

''A short while ago, his majesty the king was found by royal guards just outside the gates of the palace. He'd been attacked'' Ted informed us and felt tears were forming.

''What kind of attack?'' mum asked.

''He was stabbed. Several times'' Ted answered, and I held onto Francis, for support.

''By who?'' Liam asked.

''His assailant is as yet undetermined. We've initiated emergency protocol and both the M15 and M16 are being notified'' Ted told us.

''Where's the king now?'' Cyrus asked.

''In surgery'' Ted replied.

''But he's going to be okay? He'll live?'' Len asked, her voice breaking.

''It's too soon to tell. He's lost a lot of blood'' Ted said and the door began to rattle.

''That's Marcus'' Jasper walked over to the door, opened it and Marcus, Alexa and Ophelia entered.

''Absolutely not!'' Ted yelled. ''Ophelia and Alexa should not be here

''They're both safe here'' Marcus said.

''You're out of line, Marcus'' Ted hissed.

''With all due respect, sir, she's the prince regent's girlfriend'' Marcus looked at Ophelia, then at Alexa. ''And the princess best friend''.

''Was'' I muttered, rolling my eyes.

''This plan was instituted by you. I'm simply following orders, sir'' Marcus told Ted.

''What does it matter if Liam's slut of the hour is here or not? Or the slut's sister? How much longer until news of the king?'' Cyrus asked.

''I want to see him'' I said.

''Nobody leaves this room until we're absolutely certain that the palace is secure'' Ted warned, and I put my hands on my head, sitting down, and felt Francis sitting beside me.

''It's my fault. I should have stayed and not go there'' I blamed myself.

''Isabel, look at me'' Francis said and I looked at his eyes. ''This wasn't your fault, ok? It wasn't yours'' Francis reassured me and I hugged him.

***

We've been in here for hours and it's killing me. ''What are they saying? Do you have an update?'' Len asked.

''The king is in surgery-''

''Yes, the king is in surgery because he's been stabbed, I understand, you said that'' Len cut Ted off. ''But when was he stabbed, how, why?'' Len questioned.

''And why weren't you with him?'' mum asked Ted.

''The king was stabbed twice with a large knife. Once in the lower abdomen, and a second time in the chest near his heart. The doctor's are amazed he's still alive'' Ted said. I looked at Cyrus who covered his ears, ran to the corner and vomit. ''We're reviewing security footage of our own and every security camera within a two mile radius of the palace''.

''Why only 2 miles?'' mum asked.

''It's not likely that he could have travelled very far, given how much blood he'd lost and the severity of his injuries. As to my whereabouts, his majesty and I had an understanding that I would look the other way for his occasional walks. It is an understanding I deeply regret'' Ted told us.

''No shit. You've proven quite adept at getting people killed, Pryce'' Cyrus hissed.

''It's not his fault. It's mine'' Liam started to blame himself.

''It's not anyone's fault'' Alexa said, trying to save the day again.

''I think it is. And I think it starts with your father's inability to do his job'' mum told Alexa and Ophelia.

''No it doesn't'' Liam defended them, making me roll my eyes.

''Your father could die'' mum said, making me stand stiff.

''Don't say that. The only person to blame is the person who did it'' I cried.

''It's important that we remain calm'' Ted said.

''Remain calm? My father has been stabbed and we're stuck in this cage like-''

''Zoo animals'' Liam cut me off. ''That's what he called us. When he gave his address to disband the monarchy'' he added.

''He was a fool to say that. I told him that was a mistake'' Cyrus said.

''I bet you did. And he disagreed with you, didn't he? He was going to sign the legislation today. And now he's been attacked'' Liam said, starting an argument.

''Be careful, boy'' Cyrus warned.

''Not boy! Prince regent!'' Liam yelled at him. Cyrus, Liam and Len started fighting and I was getting sick of it. I looked at Francis, and I think I knew what I wanted.

Francis PoV

I was standing beside Alexa, watching everyone fight, then Isabel stared at me for help. ''Alexa'' I whispered.

''Yeah?''

''Distract them when they're done'' I ordered and she knew what she meant.

''Good luck'' Alexa said, before I went to grab Isabel's hand and left the room.

Alexa PoV

Francis and Isabel left, then the adults stopped when they heard the door closed. ''Who left?'' Ted asked and everyone checked who it was.

''Where's Isabel?'' Helena asked. Shit. Everyone stared at me, ''Where's Isabel?'' Helena asked me.

''And Francis?'' Jasper asked.

''Um...''

''And don't lie, Alex'' dad said and I told them the truth.

Francis PoV

I was driving, and saw Alexa asleep at the passenger's seat. Then, someone spoke into my earpiece. ''Francis, where the hell are you taking Isabel?'' Jasper asked, angrily.

''At a friend's house'' I replied, referring to Nathan.

''Get back here now. Ted is not happy and-'' I didn't know what he said next, because I took my earpiece off and hid it in my pocket.

Alexa PoV

Jasper came back in, ''Francis said, they're heading to a friend's place'' he informed us.

''Who?'' Cyrus asked.

''Nathan'' I simply said.

''Jasper, you go and-''

''No!'' I cut my dad off. ''If you guys go there, Isabel will think I rat her out again. I don't want that. Besides, Francis and Nate will protect her'' I told them and they all agreed.

Nathan PoV

I was in my room, then I heard a knock. I got up from my bed, opened the door and saw Francis carrying Isabel, in bridal style. ''Isabel needs somewhere to stay'' Francis said, and I let them come in.

''Put her on the couch'' I told Francis and he did. ''What happened to her?'' I asked, worried, because Isabel's my best friend. When Francis replied, that was the most shocking answer to hear.