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And that was when he had known it was love.
A very inconvenient love, as far as the palace was concerned.
An impossible love, but one worth fighting for.
And that meant being prepared to lose—possibly to hurt others, to inconvenience many. But he would do what he could because... He could not justify it logically, for it went against everything he had been taught, but Julius knew he was right.
If not, the King would be forced to choose.
‘Your Majesties,’ Julius greeted his parents. ‘Could I ask for a closed room?’
‘No,’ his father said. ‘There have already been too many delays, too many negotiations. It’s time to proceed.’
‘Then I must formally request my titles be put into abeyance.’
‘Wait—’ the King instructed the scribe, and Julius watched Phillipe’s eyes bulge.
‘No,’ Julius said, ‘this is a formal request. Please note it.’ He looked at the chief scribe. ‘And then we shall either proceed with all present or in a closed room.’
‘Proceed,’ the King said, challenging him to continue with all present.
‘Very well. I will not be signing the Document of Intent. I will choose my own partner, when and if I am ready, and when and if they agree.’
‘“They”?’ his father checked. ‘Are you gay?’
‘I could be.’
‘Julius!’ his mother exclaimed. ‘Enough!’
He looked to his mother and could hear the frantic plea in her rather too high voice.
‘I request a closed room,’ she said.
It took for ever to clear it.
‘You promised...’ the King began.
‘Yes,’ Julius said, ‘I did. But we are all older now, and your daughter is stronger than you allow for. I have spoken at length with Princess Jasmine and she is prepared to take over my duties. I, of course, have offered her my full support.’
‘No. She can’t do it,’ said his father.
‘I disagree. She will be wise and gentle. As well as that, she has a husband who, although he would prefer to stay out of the spotlight, will stand by her side when he has to. And I will stand by the other. Anyway, we’ve spoken. It’s done.’ He looked at his father. ‘You wanted Claude to be your heir. We all did. But he’s gone. You have a son willing to take his place—’
‘With conditions.’
‘With one condition,’ Julius corrected. ‘And if you cannot agree to that, then you have and a daughter who, though she would prefer to quietly raise her family, is prepared to step up for what is right. But you are King. You make the rules. For now,’ he ominously added.
‘Respect...’ his father warned.
‘Of course. But don’t raise your children to be rulers and then expect them to sit meekly by while you dictate their futures. You have heirs—a prince and a princess. In the blink of an eye we could all be ruled by Arabella, who would be a very strong queen. Think on that when you make your decision.’
‘You always have to get your way...’
‘Perhaps you taught me too well.’
Julius walked over to his father, who did not flinch, and neither did he expect him to.
‘Claude, like you, was born to be King,’ Julius said. ‘And you made sure he was ready for all that lay ahead. Jasmine never wanted it, and you made sure she never had to shoulder that burden. So you had your spare...’ He looked at his father. ‘A natural leader.’
