Chapter 186: No More Secrets
“Good evening, I’m Scott Dearborn and this is WBN’s News Spotlight. This evening I’m joined by the Earl of Buckland, Devon Grey, and Grant Fellowes, Viscount Perry, to discuss their recent appointment as co-chairs of the newly established Crown Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.”
“The commission, set up by Prince Stephen to recognize and celebrate diversity in Weston, will make recommendations to his royal highness – and the national assembly – regarding policies that impact traditionally underserved populations across the country. Lord Buckland, Lord Perry, welcome.”
“Thank you, Scott,” Devon replied. “We’re so thrilled to be here.”
“So I guess the first question viewers might have is why Prince Stephen would choose the two of you to head this commission?”
“Well,” Grant said. “His royal highness knows that both his cousin and I are passionate about all Westonians receiving equal treatment and privileges under the law, as well as recognizing the amazing contributions every population brings to our culture here in Weston.”
“So you’ve had discussions on the topic?” Scott asked.
“Oh, many, many times,” Devon said. “But those discussions were not simply theoretical, but – in our case – quite personal in nature.”
“Oh?” Scott asked. “Please elaborate.”
Devon laughed.
“Certainly,” he said. “Grant and I are so passionate about celebrating diversity in Weston because we, ourselves, are part of that diverse population. You see, we recently became engaged ….”
“I’m sorry?” Scott asked, interrupting. “Engaged to be married? To each other?”
“Yes,” Grant replied, glancing at Devon and smiling. “We’re very, very happy.”
“And Prince Stephen is aware of your engagement?” Scott asked.
“Absolutely,” Devon said, “and he has given us his blessing, both as my cousin and as sovereign.”
“That’s amazing,” Scott said, excitedly. “I’m sure you realize that this is unprecedented here in Weston, Lord Buckland, as you are the first member of the royal family to ever come out as LGBTQ+.”
“Well, as I said, Prince Stephen and Princess Elizabeth were both thrilled with our announcement, and have been very supportive,” Devon said.
“It occurs to me that you, Lord Buckland, are currently heir to the throne of Weston,” Scott said. “Doesn’t this news impact that role significantly?”
“I suppose it does,” Devon said. “But I think we all expect good news from the palace at any time that will push me down in the succession. But if something, God forbid, would happen to Prince Stephen before that time, I would, of course, serve Weston to the best of my ability.”
“But what about an heir?” Scott said.
“There are ways that we could provide one,” Grant replied. “Surrogacy, for instance. Certainly, it might require some changes to the succession laws, but I’m sure that we could work toward a solution with the national assembly.”
“But this is all completely hypothetical, Scott,” Devon added. “I have no doubt an heir will be forthcoming, and there will be no chance of me becoming Prince of Weston – a position I do not, in any way, desire.”
Scott turned back to the camera.
“Our conversation with Lord Buckland and Lord Perry has taken a rather fascinating turn this evening, as they have publicly announced their upcoming marriage – the first gay marriage in Weston’s royal family,” he said. “We’ll be back in a moment to talk more.”
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