Execution [Book 2 of The English Lion]

XVII. Hugo

Monday, 18th September 1939. The day after the Soviets had invaded Poland from Poland's eastern borders and guess who decided to leave. Hey... It wasn't my idea. Blame it on Alexander. He made me swore not to tell anyone that he decided to have a sleepover at headquarters until October 3rd. Ever since yesterday, he decided to ditch all of his Royal duties and decided to sleep at Regius Obligatus, disappearing. Of course, I've been bombarded with questions, especially Isabelle. God, I can't really get away from her. Business is going as usual for me, Douglas and Emily.

I would be in the luncheon room, minding my own business as I would be reading notes from a binder as it is currently tea time.

The Royal family was there too, including Isabelle. Elizabeth sat next to me.

"What can I do for you, Elizabeth?" I asked.

"You can tell me where my brother is," Elizabeth started, "I know that you know."

I looked at her before writing a note and gave it to her.

Don't react. Keep it a secret.

Alexander's:

1. Sleeping at Regius Obligatus.

2.Been back at and forth from Northwood Headquarters and Regius Obligatus.

3. Avoiding all Royal duties.

4. Doing everything in his power to protect this nation.

5. Gathering intel from both the military and Regius Obligatus's perspectives.

That's all.

I would be working on reading through the binder after I gave Elizabeth the note as if nothing happened. Elizabeth folded the note and put it into her book.

"You've been awfully quiet, Hugo," The King told me and I glance at him before looking down at my notes.

"Well... I rather be concentrating on..." I muttered before standing up. I looked at the King.

"If you'll excuse me..." I started before leaving the room and ran off. I made my way to headquarters, and entered Alexander's office, knowing that he's there.

"Alex-" I started, but to find the office empty before backing up to exit, "And where in the name of the King is he?"

"Looking for me?" Alexander asked, with a bored drool in his tone of voice, and I turned.

"Yes. I just came from Buckingham Palace. Your sister asked where you were. I didn't say anything," I stated, hiding the fact that I - to a certain extent - did.

"Good," He said, after sipping a cup of tea, "Come on in."

I followed him as we entered the office again.

We both sat and there was silence as Alexander read a notebook.

"Is-" Alexander started.

"Yes. I know where Nazi Germany will invade next," I blurted and he stared at me, setting the notebook down. Alexander adjusted himself on his chair, curious.

"I'm listening."

"Denmark, and the West."

Alexander scoffed.

"What?" I asked - confused.

"I knew that the day after they invaded Poland. It's quite simple, really," Alexander replied offhandedly.

"Wh- Then why are you here and Northwood Headquarters but not back at Buckingham Palace? You're still working around the clock..." I asked as if giving up already. I mean, he is so way ahead of me to the point where I don't know how much he knows in regards to this war.

"Just so you know, I've been preparing Absconditus Custos and Regius Obligatus forces worldwide, coordinating agents and whatnot. I've been finalising the Inner War too. I'll have the whole Absconditus Custos forces with me, watching my every step, among a number of other things that they're going to do. Oh... Did you know that there's another BEF force called the Royal BEF?"

I stared at him, eyes widen as I looked confused.

"I take that as a no then."

Alexander sighed, looking worn out.

"You look worn out," I noted.

"I suppose I am..." Alexander replied, "I believe I'm doing myself a favour?"

I scoffed.

"More like Britain and the free world a favour."

Alexander rolled his eyes.

"Absconditus Custos will be given specific goals that will aid us here at home and abroad. Their influence is spreading fast," Alexander told me and I nodded.

"Because of the Regius Obligatus's influences in the branches," I replied.

"Yes. The recruits are growing by the day. Especially here in Europe. The more senior ranks of Absconditus Custos are training the recruits, and of course, have been talking to me."

The door opened and I turned to see someone unfamiliar.

"Ah, James."

He bowed and turned to me.

"James. James Bellegarde," He greeted, "It's nice to meet you, Deputy. But I must see the Director-General privately."

I stood.

"Of course," I replied before turning to Alexander, "I'll see you around, yeah?"

Alexander nodded and I walked out, heading back to my house, which isn't far from the headquarters. It is also where I spend the rest of the day relaxing the best I could, despite everything that is happening right now in the world.