“No, my dear,” Albert said seriously after adjusting his posture. “He asked for my opinion on Anne.”
William put down his device and waved to Cynthia to dismiss the servants. “What did he say?”
“He said you don’t agree with executing Anne.”
William nodded. “That’s right. He mentioned that the ministers all wish for Anne’s execution and that I could best comply with their wishes. This is likely the essence of constitutional monarchy—where the Queen listens to ministers, ministers heed public opinion, and public sentiment is influenced by the Queen and government views.”
In this family, no one makes decisions or takes responsibility. What are your thoughts?”
Albert crossed his arms. “I agree with the Prime Minister.”
William looked up. “You agree to execute Anne?”
“Definitely,” Albert said. “Keeping her alive is a source of trouble.”
“I know this,” William stood up, dropping the ham. “But we can keep her imprisoned.”
“As long as she’s alive, opposing forces will have leverage to create incidents in her name. Conservative opponents and terrorists among her followers are detrimental to the family’s stability.”
“I know this too,” William sighed. “But I never thought about killing her.”
“Then you need to consider it now,” Albert said. “Now is not the time for compassion.”
“This isn’t about compassion,” William replied. “I’m making this decision from a monarch’s perspective. She was once a monarch, even if she’s abdicated. The royal family shouldn’t harm each other during my reign.”
“Why can’t you treat her as a criminal?”
“Of course! I think lifelong imprisonment is enough. It could be more torturous than killing her. For those who hate her, it might be more satisfying.”
“What about the conservative forces?”
“Every dynasty has conservative forces. Killing Anne won’t pacify them.”
Regarding terrorist forces, every family and government is troubled by them. “Killing Anne isn’t the solution.”
“But it would serve as a strong warning,” replied Albert.
William, annoyed, said, “Why does everyone want her dead?”
“Why won’t you execute her?” Albert challenged.
“I don’t need to explain my decisions, Albert. I am the Queen!” William retorted, throwing down her napkin and storming out of the room, with the dogs following her. Only Albert remained.
The young prince sighed and drank the now-cold coffee in one gulp.
