Page 100 of Throne Off Course

“How?” the Queen cut in, her tone laced with quiet steel.

Kensington hesitated. “A carefully worded statement. Perhaps a controlled release of financial records. We frame it as standard estate management, routine upkeep of longstanding noble arrangements.”

“And the second issue?” the Queen prompted.

“The Prince.” Kensington’s lips pressed into a thin line. “This has become about more than Alexander’s engagement. The narrative is shifting against us. People don’t see him as a wayward royal anymore. They see him as—”

“A prisoner,” Montrose finished grimly.

Silence.

The Queen’s gaze darkened.

She never lost control. Never allowed the public to dictate the monarchy’s affairs. But in the span of a few weeks, everything had unraveled.

She set her hands on the table, fingers interlocking as she measured her next words. “We need to remind the people who their future king is. Alexander has spent too much time surrounded by the wrong influences. That ends now.”

Montrose nodded immediately. “Genevieve’s presence should help reaffirm stability. We ensure they are seen together at key events. We emphasize unity. A modern royal couple, committed to their duty.”

The Queen’s lips curled into something that was almost a smile. “Yes. And if my son refuses to play his part, we force the issue.”

Kensington frowned slightly. “Your Majesty?”

The Queen exhaled slowly, as if dealing with children instead of political professionals. “There are many ways to secure a marriage. Alexander does not have to propose willingly—only publicly.”

The implication settled heavily over the room.

A public engagement announcement. One Alexander could not refuse without making a spectacle of himself.

And if he dared to resist?

Then he would face the consequences of public disgrace—something no heir to the throne could afford.

Montrose nodded, understanding. “We arrange a press opportunity. Something unavoidable. A moment where the Prince has no choice but to do what is expected of him.”

“And Genevieve?” Kensington asked carefully.

The Queen’s gaze was cool, unwavering. “She will know her role.”

Silence stretched again, heavy with the weight of unspoken truths.

They all knew what this meant. They were going to trap Alexander.

And once it was done, there would be no way out.

47

Alexander Gets Real

Harper leaned against the window frame in Alexander’s private study, arms crossed, watching as he paced back and forth.

“You know it’s time,” she said, her voice steady. “You can’t keep letting them control the narrative. Every day they’re twisting your words, your actions. You’re letting them paint you as either a rebellious child or a puppet. Neither is true.”

Alexander paused. “An interview is risky—”

“Look, at least this way, you get to speak for yourself. No palace spokespeople, no carefully crafted statements. Just you, unfiltered. I’ve secured Eliza Monroe. She’s fair, respected, and won’t edit your words to create drama. She won’t need to, if you’re honest.”

Alexander was silent for a long moment, weighing the merits. Finally, he looked up, a newfound resolve in his eyes.