Execution [Book 2 of The English Lion]

X. Antoine

Wednesday, 23rd August 1939

When I heard of the Nazi-Soviet Pact from Regillus Eques, and I immediately contact Alexander. He replied to my letter with a very long rant - which was to be expected - alongside a note on a separate paper. I had read the note quite carefully, of course. It is the following:

Your Majesty,

This is no laughing matter now, as you know well as I, that the Inner War must soon be carried out the day Britain and France declare war on Nazi Germany. I fear that with my fake death will shatter Isabelle with grief. I fear for her, as I know that she will not handle my death very well. Please stop her from doing anything harsh or anything that will harm her life. Now, back to the matter at hand: the Inner War and the war against Hitler.

Sir, what I am about to share with you is something that I have not shared with anyone yet. I have reasons to believe that Nazi Germany will turn his attention to the West after invading Poland. One of his many victims will include Scandinavia, the Lowlands, and France. Hence, now my fear turns its attention to both the Danish and French Royal Family. Sir, you and your family must flee to the United Kingdom, hence it is safer for you to rule France from London through a government that had been set up here.

I know that I have ordered the Polish Regillus Eques to evacuate from Poland, alongside the Jews and burning all the necessary confidential papers, they will be relocated to the Western branch (something I had in mind). The French branch must stay where they are in France. They know as well as I do that they are risking their lives by staying there. But, the letters that I have been receiving today from all over Europe, had told me one thing: Regillus Eques will stand up against Nazi Germany. The agents are ready to serve the Crown. They are willing to die for the Crown. They asked me this one question: If all Europe falls, and the United Kingdom stands alone against the tyranny of Hitler, what will they do? Let the United Kingdom fall? Because if she falls, what have Regillus Eques achieved through the years of planning?

One final word sir... We must halt all contact between you and me once the Inner War has begun. You, alongside Regillus Eques, know the signal. It is far safer for both of us. Especially me.

Sincerely,

Alexander.

After reading this letter, of course, I had begun preparations. Christian asked me what was going on. I didn't reveal that much information, out of respect for Alexander, fearing for his safety. Throughout today, and the next couple of days, I have been busy with preparations. God knows when the invasion of France will begin and I do hope that Alexander is right about this.

Friday, 25th August 1939

"Voici le roi François. Qui est-ce? [This is King Francois. Who is this?]"

"Voici Alexander, Prince de Galles, Votre Majesté. [This is Alexander, Prince of Wales, Your Majesty.]" Alexander replied.

"Qu'est-ce qui ne va pas, Alexander? [What's wrong, Alexander?]"

"Avez-vous entendu parler du Pacte anglo-polonais de défense commune? [Have you heard about the Anglo-Polish Common Defence Pact?]"

"Oui. Qu'est-ce que tu en penses? [Yes. What do you think about it?]"

"I think it's an outrage! Britain needs to do something more than provide a pacte inutile. Je doute que le gouvernement de Chamberlain fasse quoi que ce soit ... efficace. [useless pact. I doubt that the government under Chamberlain will do anything... effective.]" Alexander replied, reverting back and forth in French and English. I am beginning to believe that his French is beginning to rival his mother tongue.

"I know, Alexander. But your time will come. After all, we have discussed it, non?"

Alexander sighed.

"Of course. It's just..." Alexander replied.

"You're frustrated. You know you could do more. But you couldn't do anything yet until Britain declares war, so your hands are tight," I stated, knowing exactly what he means.

"Exactement comme ça. Je ne pourrais pas dire mieux, [Exactly like that. I couldn't put it any better,]" Alexander stated, "Bon ... je dois y aller. Il y a des devoirs que nous devons tous les deux accomplir. [Right... I must go. There are duties that we both must carry out.]"

We both hung up and I would return to doing my duties for the rest of the day.