Execution [Book 2 of The English Lion]

XXVII. Isabelle

After yesterday's events at Regillus Eques, I fear that everything between Alex and I has fallen apart after we've been through since we first met. I was in the luncheon room, having breakfast with Alex's friends and family when I heard the news.

I sat next to Elizabeth as always. Douglas walked in, looking grim as he bowed. King George, as well as the rest of the family and I, look at him - expectedly.

"It's about the Prince of Wales, sir..." Douglas started.

'Oh god... what did he do?' I immediately thought, fearing that something had happened to him.

"What is it, Douglas?" The King asked - looking concerned. Everyone looked at him, with mixed emotions.

"I- He's..." Douglas started. I immediately got the message. I stood up and set the cloth aside on the table before walking out of the luncheon room. Douglas looked exasperated as Elizabeth stood up and followed me. Douglas followed shortly behind her.

"Isabelle! Wait!" Elizabeth called out, her voice diminishing in volume as I headed to Alex's room. I entered, before locking the door behind me. I allowed tears to stream down my face as I soon heard persistent knocks on the door. I ignored them as I study the books that Alex has on his bookshelf. I had always been drawn to his bookshelf because he has the most interesting book collection.

I then noticed an envelope on the bookshelf, addressed to me. It is in Alex's own handwriting. I picked it up as I made my way to his bed. I sat as I gently opened the envelope.

Dearest Isabelle,

I know that this letter isn't sufficient enough for what I have to say. It doesn't even cover my feelings for you. I know, and I'm sorry. I apologise for the last few weeks. I know that I should have told you what's going on, but the fact is... I have had a recurring dream lately. Ever since I proposed to you. Ever since the recent events relating to Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany. I couldn't let anything happen to you.

I couldn't tell you what is going on because I could not risk you and our families. The thought that Nazi Germany could destroy us all is such a risk that I cannot tell you. I fear that if I tell someone, especially you.... I don't know what I would do if I told you. I wouldn't want you to suffer the consequences.

It's just not this. I've been staying at Regillus Eques the past few weeks because I am a threat to Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany. If I had laid low for a couple of weeks, it would give Hitler the idea that I'm hiding so he wouldn't have the nerve to harm the family, least of all you. It worked. The final nail that would crush any hopes that would suggest that I'm still alive, and would still pose a threat to Hitler's regime over Nazi Germany is my death. My death is justified. I want to protect you, protect the Royal Family, and protect the people of Britain, France and Denmark. My death will be devastating for you, and I apologise, my love, for putting you through this. But, know this, I love you. Since I first met you until the end of time. My love for you has never faltered, and it will never falter. From the day we met to the end of time. Hitler, of course, would rejoice at my death. But... it will help emphasise the illusion that Nazi Germany and the Third Reich will last a thousand years. It will not. Not under my watch.

Keep calm and carry on. That is my advice to you, my love.

-Alexander, Prince of Wales

I lay down onto the bed after reading it as I just cried. Hours went by, and I soon fell asleep. I woke up the next morning. The letter was still in my grip. I look around, slightly confused about where I am due to the unfamiliar surrounding. I was still in Alex's room. The door opened and I eyed whoever was walking in.

It was my mother. She looked extremely worried as she closed the door and approached me. Mother sat on the edge of the bed as she studied me.

"Il me manque, maman. [I miss him, mother.]" I whispered to her, my voice strained as I felt myself on the verge of crying. Mother hushed me as she ran her hand through my hair, trying to comfort me.

"Je sais, Isabelle. Je sais que tu le fais. [I know, Isabelle. I know you do.]" Mother told me in a reassuring tone.

"L'idée de perdre Alex est juste douloureuse. Mais le perdre maintenant... C'est trop à supporter. Je ne peux pas faire ça. Je ne peux pas fonctionner sans lui à mes côtés. [The thought of losing Alex is just painful. But losing him now... It's too much to bear. I can't do this. I cannot function without him at my side.]" I retorted, before I started to tear up. Mother pulled me up as she hugged me, rubbing my back with her thumb in circles as she hushed me reassuringly. I heard the door open gently, and Mother looked at the person standing at the door, before she shook her head, casting a worried glance at me.

That person clears their throat. I look up. It was Father. Father closed the door and made his way to the bed before sitting down.

"Det vil være okay, Isabelle. [It'll be alright, Isabelle.]" Father told me.

"Hvordan kan du være så sikker? [How can you be so sure?]" I replied as I stopped the crying. Mother and Father glanced at one another.

"There will be a time to mourn Alexander's death, but now is not the time to do so. You must be strong, Isabelle. For Alexander's sake. He wouldn't want you to mourn him for a long period of time. Alexander would've wanted you to live your life," Father told me.

"I know. But a part of me died with him," I replied quietly.

"I know," Mother replied as I rested my head on her shoulder.

"I have an idea that'll help you take your mind off of Alexander for a while," Father told me and I looked at him.

"What is it?" I asked.

"You'll have to find out. It's a surprise," Father replied. The rest of the day, I would be spending my time at the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. It definitely took my mind off of Alexander. But, I couldn't help but think... Alexander would've really enjoyed this.