Alexander’s order to meet with Elizabeth privately arrived at dawn. “Don’t worry about us, what was meant to be, was meant to be.” Lilyanna’s words echoed in Elizabeth’s mind as she headed towards her chamber, or rather, their chamber. Elizabeth had spent the night in Nicholas’ room in the west wing, with Lilyanna by her side and Nicholas was in another room in the east wing. She’d never forgot the joy she had felt when she held Lilyanna in her arms like a child, and trying to make up for the times they’d lost. But of course, they both knew that it couldn’t be make up, there was too much time between them, twenty years were like an eternity.
“I have made my decision.” Alexander said bluntly after the discomforting silence. ”Nicholas is to be executed tomorrow noon.”
“What?”
“It’s the only way to save this country. How am I supposed to explain to the King of Spain that my son is a fake? The news had gotten out yesterday, I received this letter today.” Alexander pointed to the envelope on his desk.
Almekia was no further than five hundred miles from Spain, and was no match for their strong army and full resources. Spain had made it clear that they were to attack for the land years ago until the engagement was made.
“There must be another way!”
“There isn’t. If I don’t kill Nicholas, there will be no way we can explain this with being accused of lying.”
“You can banish him! He was your son for twenty years!” Elizabeth was in a frenzy state.
“You think I don’t hurt? He was a son to me, and always will be! I couldn’t have asked for a more prefect son.” Alexander’s eyes were shining with tears; he saw the same emotions in his wife’s eyes. They had grown to love him over the years and nothing could change that. Love, especially the love from parents wouldn’t be taken away because they found out the child wasn’t theirs, they might be hurt, but never enough to just drain all the love away, they couldn’t.
“What about Lilyanna?”
”She shall remain in the castle, and treated as a princess.”
“And me?”
“You’ll still be queen of this country, and you’ll still have my love. Everyone makes mistakes in their lives and I’m sure the guilt had punished you for me.” Alexander ran his knuckles over her soft cheek as he spoke.
“Then excuse me for I shall deliver the news to our daughter and son.” Elizabeth verbalized as she stepped out the room. Yes, what was meant to be, was meant to be. She had stole those twenty years of content from destiny, now it was time to give it back.