Execution [Book 2 of The English Lion]

XIX. Antoine

Thursday, 21st September 1939

After what had happened so far in September, I fear that France's defensive lines are not as strong as they were prior to the Paris Peace Conference of 1919 to 1920. Despite everything... It seems like Regillus Eques has a hold of things. Not scrambling. No panicking. They've dealt with the situation and still have the will to continue. No questions asked, and no answers provided.

I was in my office when a call came through.

"Voici le roi François. À qui est-ce que je parle? [This is King Francois. Who am I speaking to?]" I asked.

"There is no need to speak French with me, Your Majesty," Winston replied.

"Ah, Winston. Is there anything that I could assist you with?" I asked.

"Talk Alexander out of whatever he's going to do. He was quite clear on how to proceed with... the plan. He can go on and on how it was his duty and the fact that the Royal line is quite secure... Yet, as we both know the boy quite well, he can be quite... stubborn. He knows the consequences, and in his own words, 'I know what I'm getting into, and damn the consequences if needs be,'," Winston told me. I sighed.

"Of course... But no guarantees," I told him.

"Yes. Yet, we must hope for the best," Winston replied before hanging up. I then dial Alexander.

He picked up the phone and I was greeted with a yawn from the other line.

"The Prince of Wales speaking..." Alexander's voice stated sleepily.

"Alexander," I started.

"Your Majesty." Alexander immediately greeted me, "Um... is there anything you need, sir?"

"Yes. You need to get some sleep and to stop whatever you're doing," I replied, ordering him.

"First part sounds nice, but the second part... I don't think so, sir," Alexander told me - coldly, "It is not enough that we do our best, sir, sometimes we have to do what is required. I'm doing what is required to save this nation and her people, alongside the free world, from Hitler and his tyranny."

"Quoting Winston now, are we?"

"Yes, because it is indeed what I am doing, sir. It is not enough that I am doing my best to save Britain, France and Denmark... But I have to do what is required, what is necessary and what is in my power," Alexander replied and he was greeted with silence. I was shocked by the answer. But, what can you expect from Alexander? The unexpected. Don't expect the unexpected. Embrace it.

"There's really nothing that I can do to stop you, isn't there?" I sounded in exasperation.

"No, sir," Alexander replied and I can't tell that he's grinning, "Nothing. At. All. Until that monster sitting on his Nazi throne is gone."

Silence.

"Care to elaborate, Alexander?" I asked, after mustering some courage.

"Well... If I don't do what is required, what is necessary and what is in my power... Then I fear the worst will come true... Hitler will not stop at anything until all Jews, and other races are eliminated from the Aryan race. He will not rest. While others may be so blind... I have not. Mein Kampf, his autobiography outlines it all. Once he finished his goal... He will sit on a throne that is built on bloodshed, in full Royal regalia..."

Alexander stopped and I understood. It was hard for him to talk about it.

"It looks like I cannot tell you to stop. But, Alexander..."

"Yes, sir?"

"Godspeed, child."

There was silence.

"Yes, sir."

He then hung up. I hung up as well before going back to my papers, unsure about the future. France's future. Isabelle's future. Alexander's future. There are so many questions for an old man, but to dwell on these questions... Are useless. For the rest of the day, I tried to distract myself by carrying out my duties, trying to stop thinking about these... possibilities.