Page 24 of Royally Scr*wed

With a heightened threat level Jude is immediately escorted back inside, along with the rest of us.

Still, we can hear the noise from behind the now closed balcony doors.

The next words out of the disruptor's mouth produces what will later be known as the collective gasp heard around the world. "Julius the Third is adopted! He cannot not be our king!"

Pure chaos erupts outside. Inside the palace, cameras continue to roll though no one in attendance seems to be surprised by this news.

Ozzy leans in and whispers something in Jude's ear. Jude nods in response before turning his attention to our guests.

"If the last few days have taught me anything about the people of Herefirth, it is their resilience and flexibility. I also know that our citizens are open minded and accepting of all people. It is trueI was brought home to the palace by my late father and mother, Julius Jr. and Poppy Rexford, at just a few weeks old and officially adopted weeks later.

My parents struggled to conceive for years, suffering many losses in that time. Then, they walked into a hospital nursery, found this six-pound baby boy and fell in love.

It was their wish at that time to keep my adoption mostly private, in part to honor my birth family’s wishes as well. You see, I’ve been orphaned twice in my life. Once at birth, and again when the only parents I ever knew were tragically killed during a humanitarian mission. Most of the people in this room may know this already. Those watching at home and on the streets of Herefirth may not.

For those who are wondering – yes Parliament was made aware and if anyone has done thorough research, they would find that by decree of the late King Julius, Sr. and approved by Parliament – rules for succession were changed before I was even a year old.

I have been a Rexford by heart since I was days old. I’ve spent my entire life committed to the people of Hereford, the same as the rest of the royal family.

I am committed to being your King.

As I understand it, there are people who have protested my right to one day be king but have always been out voted. Should the people of Herefirth feel differently, then, I encourage you to write Parliament and appeal. That is your right.

With both Parliament and the royal family all present in this room, I propose that we take a vote on allowing me to be interim king while we all mourn the loss of King Julius Sr. Then the people of Herefirth can make their opinions known exactly two weeks from today.

Does anyone inside this room object?”

Once again, I am left in awe of this man and his ability to remain calm and collected under pressure. If anyone would make the ideal leader, I’m convinced that it’s Jude.

Prime Minister Baron Ballard stands. “As a matter of fact, I do object. I took over the role of Prime Ministerafterthe Adoption of Royals Decree was put into effect. And I have taken part in upholding that decree twice in my time.Wehave debated this several times over, every time we’ve come to the same conclusion. With no other male children from King Julius, Sr. youare the rightful heir to the throne.”

“Aye!” One by one members of Parliament stand in agreement.

The doors to the meeting room burst open and Nigel steps inside. “Your Majesty, Anderson Levi is at the gate and he’s claiming he is King Julius’ son – the rightful heir to the throne.”

The room falls silent for a beat then the frenzy of questions starts.

“I think it’s time we turn those cameras off,” Ozzy speaks up, already corralling the small group of reporters toward the door. “Members of the press are to exit the room. The guards in the hallway will escort you to the ballroom where you may enjoy refreshments and wait until the all clear is given to leave the palace.”

“Regardless of his outlandish claims, Anderson Levi is a suspect in the king’s murder. Make sure he’s detained at once,” Jude commands.

Ozzy is already on his phone barking orders to have Anderson arrested and questioned while Parliament looks to Queen Lily for answers.

The shocked look on her face tells me that she knows nothing.

I can only hope for the sake of everyone in this room that Anderson is telling a lie.

CHAPTER 10

JUDE

Anderson Levi.

Anderson. Levi. Rexford.

First born son of Julius Rexford and Sophie Wellington.

Born the 4thof June 1966 in Springfield, Connecticut. Three years before my father was born. A yearaftermy grandfather married my grandmother.

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