Page 63 of Defying the Crown
The law is clear—succession can only be altered through Parliament with royal consent. But Magnus has allies everywhere, constitutional loopholes at his disposal, and the power of public opinion. And Harald, Gods help him, is in no position to fight back.
I glance at my watch. Two hours until I'm expected at the hospital to brief Harald on today's correspondence. Two hours to formulate a plan.
My decision crystallizes as I descend the stairs. Magnus thinks I'm his loyal servant, that I'd help dismantle Harald's future because I "understand." His arrogance will be his undoing.
The palace gardens blur around me as I walk briskly across the grounds, nodding mechanically at staff who greet me. My mind races through options, connections, possibilities.
Only one person has both the power and motivation to help me stop this. Someone who will understand exactly what needs to be done.
I reach for my phone, sending a brief, encoded message requesting an immediate meeting.
The door opened without a sound, revealing Anja Christensen, Denmark's new Prime Minister. She didn't extend a hand or offer a smile, her steel-grey eyes fixing on me with unnerving intensity.
"Erik. I assume this isn't a social call regarding the Crown Prince."
I took a steadying breath. "No, Prime Minister. King Magnus plans to disinherit Prince Harald in favor of his cousin Oskar."
Something flickered across her face - not surprise, but sharp calculation. "Bold move, considering that would require parliamentary approval and a constitutional amendment."
"The King believes he has the necessary support."
Anja's eyes narrowed slightly, the only sign my news unsettled her. "The recent scandal with the American has shifted public sentiment. Harald's suffering made him more popular, not less. Magnus is a relic who's clinging to power in a changing world."
Her words confirmed my own assessment. "Harald would be a better monarch. One suited for a modern Denmark."
"Agreed. Which is why we must act." She paced deliberately, heels clicking. "I can block the King's petition in Parliament easily enough. But we need to be proactive in dismantling his support and forcing abdication."
Relief mingled with unease at her ruthless efficiency. "What do you propose?"
She smiled, and I understood why opponents underestimated her only once. "Accelerate his political isolation. Leverage allies who owe me favors. If needed, I have information about his private affairs that would shock the nation."
An unsettled feeling twisted my gut. "There's a price for your cooperation, I assume."
Her gaze pierced through me. "Naturally. The days of the monarchy as a symbolic relic are over. Harald keeps his crown at my discretion, ruling in service to the people, not tradition."
"You'd make him a puppet king."
"I'd make him a partner in progress." Her tone brooked no argument. "This is the cost, Erik. Uphold a dying institution or preserve the man you love to be an agent of change."
The words hit like a physical blow. In Anja's unflinching presence, I realized the impossibility of separation between heart and crown. The choice lay bare - tradition or Harald. Power or love.
I flinched, my carefully constructed facade cracking. "He will understand the parameters."
Anja's smile widened, a predator scenting weakness. "Then we have an agreement. You've made the right choice—for Harald and for Denmark."
As we shook hands, I felt the weight of my decision settle heavily on my shoulders. In Anja's unflinching presence, I realized the impossibility of separating my heart from the crown.
For Harald, I reminded myself. Always for Harald.
Chapter 25
Daniel
I followed Jayda up the steps of the private jet, barely registering the royal crest emblazoned on its side. My best friend's hand remained firmly clasped around my wrist, guiding me forward like a lifeline through fog. Everything felt distant, unreal—my mind fixated on the image of Harald in that hospital bed, looking so fragile.
"Danny, sit here." Jayda's voice cut through my thoughts as she guided me into a cream-coloured leather seat. The luxury surrounding me might as well have been cardboard for all I noticed. My hands trembled slightly as I fumbled with the seatbelt until Jayda reached over and clicked it into place.
"When was the last time you ate something?" Her question floated somewhere in the background of my consciousness. I couldn't remember. Time had become meaningless since Ella had shown up at our door with that photo. Harald's sunken cheeks and pallid skin haunted me, making my stomach twist into knots.
