Chapter 20: A Conversation on the Beach
Arthur still wanted to ask a few more questions, but seeing that Queen Victoria, now seated in her special wheelchair and being gently pushed by Princess Beatrice, was slowly approaching, he wisely fell silent.
Although Her Majesty's frail condition was an open secret throughout the British Empire, discussing her illness in front of her would only dampen her mood and possibly worsen her health.
"Let's go, Arthur. The weather is perfect for viewing the sea today," Queen Victoria said cheerfully as she was wheeled up to Arthur.
"Yes, Grandmother," Arthur replied obediently, following closely behind.
Due to the colder weather before, Queen Victoria, despite being on Whakaari Island, had not truly experienced the seaside view.
She had only taken a brief glance before returning to reside in the manor.
Though the manor was once home to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's family, it lacked the emotional connection the beach held for her.
Under the fiery dusk, waves crashed against the rocks, sending up sprays of water.
Bathed in sunlight, a dazzling rainbow shimmered above the sea.
It was in this very place that Queen Victoria had spent some of the happiest days of her life, alongside Prince Albert and their children.
Perhaps it was the return to this familiar place, but Queen Victoria looked noticeably healthier than she had in bed—her complexion more vibrant, her energy evidently restored.
"Arthur, come walk with Grandmother," she said, standing from her wheelchair and extending a hand as she slowly moved toward the beach.
As she drew closer to the shoreline, her feet began to sink into the sand. Logically, each step should have been more difficult, yet Queen Victoria seemed to grow lighter with every step.
Arthur quickly followed and supported her gently.
The two of them walked aimlessly along the beach—no servants, no guards, just the sea breeze and each other.
"Arthur, there's something I've kept to myself for a long time. I've thought about it over and over, and I believe I must tell you," Queen Victoria finally spoke after a long silence.
"Please, Grandmother. I'm listening," Arthur nodded solemnly, offering a warm smile.
Whatever it was that she had withheld, Arthur knew it was for his benefit.
"Arthur, the truth behind your father's assassination was uncovered long ago. But due to the sensitive nature involving the royal family, it was never made public. In fact, aside from myself, no one else knows the full story yet."
She stopped walking and turned to face Arthur with a serious expression.
"Do you know who was behind it?"
Arthur shook his head. Other than the estate and title he had inherited from his father, he had no power base in Britain.
There was no way he could have uncovered the truth in such a short time.
Sigh...
Seeing his reaction, just as she expected, Queen Victoria sighed heavily and confessed bitterly,
"Your father was killed by a faction loyal to your uncle, Edward.
I didn't tell you earlier for two reasons: one, I feared you would lose control if you knew the truth; and two, I feared you would be next.
So I had no choice but to keep it from you. You don't blame your Grandmother for lying to you, do you?"
Arthur was stunned for a moment but quickly regained composure.
"Of course not, Grandmother. I could never blame you.
I know everything you've done has been for my sake.
In those circumstances, learning the truth would have only brought me harm."
Relieved, Queen Victoria gently touched his forehead and said,
"When I first learned the truth, I wanted nothing more than to strip Edward of his title and name you my heir.
But reason prevailed.
First, removing the crown prince without proper justification would have severely damaged the monarchy's authority—possibly endangering the entire royal family.
Second, Edward's power is already deeply rooted in Britain. I could not eliminate it for you.
Even if you were to inherit the throne after my passing, I doubt you could hold it securely.
In that sense, your request to go to Australia turned out to be a blessing in disguise—it gave you a way out. That's why I finally felt at ease."
Arthur was deeply moved.
Even though Queen Victoria held immense authority in Britain, the heir to the throne wasn't someone she could simply depose on a whim.
The fact that she even considered removing Edward for Arthur's sake spoke volumes about her love for him.
"Damn that throne. But I remember my father used to say he never wanted it in the first place."
Arthur sighed, speaking with resignation.
From what little he remembered, Duke Arthur had always treated him with love.
He had repeatedly stated in both public and private that he had no interest in the throne.
It was clear Prince Edward had been blinded by power and ambition, choosing ambition over family.
But the reality was—had Duke Arthur not died, Arthur would've had to either wait for his father to abdicate or earn a fief through war.
Either path would have delayed everything too much.
"Arthur, I hope you can let go of hatred and focus on developing Australia.
As it stands, Edward has gained support from most of the British aristocracy—his ascension is all but certain.
Australia, compared to the British Empire, now or in the future, will always seem insignificant.
Edward will face his own consequences eventually, but I don't want you dragged into that mess.
Right now, taking care of your mother and your two sisters should be your top priority," Queen Victoria said with a deep sigh, her tone resolute.
Looking at Arthur—who so closely resembled her most beloved son—she couldn't bear to see him consumed by vengeance.
She feared he would foolishly provoke Edward, knowing full well he could never go head-to-head with the British Empire.
"I understand, Grandmother. I won't do anything reckless.
Right now, I am the Duke of Australia. My priority is building this nation," Arthur replied, nodding.
(End of Chapter)
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