Chương 473: Chapter 473
The day came when the planned press release was scheduled to announce the royal marriage of Christian and Nora. A few weeks had passed since the accident and Nora had been leaving her room more regularly and joining the family for dinner. Dinner was much quieter than usual, Pearl had made several attempts to speak to Christian but he had avoided both she and Erik like the plague.
"Are you both ready for tomorrow's press release? I'm certain one of the major networks will want an interview as well." Auggie said as he sipped his scotch, the rest of table waiting for the answer. Christian had invited his siblings for dinner at the palace along with the rest of the advisory team and Maggie, of course.
"Yes. Yes we are ready," Nora said quietly. Christian looked at Pearl and Erik and looked away.
"Augustus, looking at this week's agenda, what do I have planned on Wednesday?" Christian asked.
"Looks like a lunch here with the prime minister but your afternoon is free."
"Leave it like that. I have a few things I need to take care of. Please keep us informed with how the release goes." Auggie nodded.
"So mother… how are you feeling?"Christian asked abruptly.
"I am well, thank you." Pearl quietly answered.
"Is mum sick?" Alexander asked.
"Mother is definitely not well," Christian said. Erik tried to stop the conversation.
"Your mother said she is well, I think we should believe her."
"What do you know of her wellness? I mean, you're the contributor to why I am questioning her well being in the first place, no?" Christian put his fork down.
Isla and Alex looked around at an equally puzzled Auggie and Maggie.
"Mother, they should know." Christian looked around. "She is expecting a child."
The table fell silent and confused "what?" and "how?" questions began to fly.
"Tell them mum. Tell them whose child you are carrying." The anger in Christian's face was apparent. Nora held her napkin over her mouth in shock.
"The child is mine." Erik stood up.
"I love her. And I want to marry her. She is the love of my life and this child is something I am proud to say I have fathered. I know you all find me less than worthy and I won't disagree. But I have never been more fulfilled than I am right now, being near to this amazing woman sitting next to me."
He smiled and kissed Pearl's forehead.
"Are you serious about this, Pearl?"
Maggie asked.
"Yes. I love him. I always have. And there is much to tell you all, in due time. Right now we are trying to navigate it all and be there for this family." Pearl looked at Christian.
"But mum, are you not too old for this?" Isla asked, obviously confused.
"Oh there's more," Christian said.
Pearl began to speak. She told them about how they discovered her past, and how her age was inaccurate.
Everyone was clearly in shock.
After a long moment of silence, Alexander stood up.
"I'm gay," he said. Everyone looked at him, dumbfounded.
"Well, more bisexual really and I am very proud of it." Everyone turned to face him. "So you know what? Fuck them. The world. And anyone at this table that can't accept Erik and your love. Or this baby…my little brother or sister. I'm going to miss being the youngest, but I will maintain those privileges for a little while longer anyway."
"Alex…" Isla began.
"I know, my love. I've always known." Pearl interrupted as she smiled lovingly at him.
"Well of course YOU did, but they didn't. And I figured why not throw all the shit on the table right away and see that we are all a bit different and it's ok. Erik, you're a bastard and a real cunt, or you were anyway, but I like you. You seem genuine and it's not me you're shagging and spending all your time with. If my mother loves you and you can remain good to her, you have my blessing."
Alex held up his glass. Erik was completely surprised by his reaction and smiled and thanked him.
"Are you serious?" Christian asked.
Nora put her hand on his and tried to calm him.
"I just lost my child and you have the audacity to celebrate this?" Christian asked.
"For once, dear brother, it isn't just about you. It's about US, as a family." Alex said, looking at his wine glass.
"I'm the one that is responsible for our loss. Not your mother. This isn't her fault and we shouldn't take our pain out on her," Nora said. She looked over at Pearl and Erik. "I'm happy for you both. For finding love again and for being so strong all these years. I can't wait to meet this little precious gift." She smiled and stood up, walking out of the room. Christian looked at the people around him and all at once, began to sob.
Tình trạng nguồn điện hàng tuần
-- Xếp hạng
Quyền lực 
-- Đá
Quyền lực