Thomas: Ellen, can you come in here please?
Ellen: Yes, Your Majesty?
Thomas: I’m looking at the books and I don’t understand some of these expenses. For example, it says that my father had $5000 a month in expenditures but I can’t understand why. Where was that money going? Do you know?
Ellen: Your Majesty, you don’t know?
Thomas: Know what?
Ellen: About your niece?
Thomas: My what?
Ellen: My sincerest apologies, Your Majesty. Allow me to start from the beginning.
Thomas: Ok...
Ellen: Thirteen years ago, His Royal Highness the Prince Hugo was involved with a classmate of his at the University of Britechester, a girl named Louise Monahan. She was his age, and they took multiple classes together.
Thomas: I see...
Ellen: Shortly before the war, Ms. Monahan discovered that she was expecting a baby. The baby, as all parties understood, was the child of His Royal Highness Prince Hugo. When she revealed this information to him, it is our understanding that he promptly left her home and never spoke to her again.
Thomas: Go on.
Ellen: Following the meeting with Ms. Monahan, Prince Hugo traveled here to the Palace to inform His Majesty the King and Her Royal Highness the Queen that he had chosen to enlist in the Winchesterian Army. He did not disclose with them that he had fathered a child. Following the conversation with your parents, he traveled back to Britechester.
Thomas: Oh. Is that all?
Ellen: I’m afraid not, sir. That same evening, it is our understanding that Prince Hugo met with his friend Mr. Jack Wells at a bar in Britechester, where he revealed that he had enlisted and that Ms. Monahan was expecting. Prince Hugo asked Mr. Wells not to disclose this information to the King. One week later, as you know, Prince Hugo withdrew from University and was deployed.
Thomas: How did my father find out?
Ellen: Mr. Wells contacted me the day Prince Hugo left and requested a meeting with your father. The two of them spoke extensively one afternoon and Mr. Wells revealed everything to him. Your father was furious with Prince Hugo, but thought it best not to address the issue until he was home from war. Unfortunately, as we know, the opportunity did not present itself.
Thomas: So it was hush money for Jack? This $5000 a month was to keep him quiet?
Ellen: Not exactly. Your father felt terribly about the way Prince Hugo left things with Ms. Monahan. Before she had the baby, he went to see her, and promised her that, in exchange for her discretion, the royal family would personally take care of all expenses relating to the child, including a private education. I also understand that your father sent the child birthday and holiday presents annually. A DNA test was done shortly after the baby was born, and it confirmed that she is in fact the daughter of Prince Hugo.
Thomas: Where are they now?
Ellen: Ms. Monahan and the child live up north in Sutton Hills. Ms. Monahan is an elementary teacher.
Thomas: The girl - what is her name?
Ellen: Magdalena April Monahan, sir. I believe they call her Maggie.
Thomas: [sighs] So where do we go from here?
Ellen: It’s up to you, sir. The agreement is in effect until Miss Magdalena turns 18, in 4 years. And Ms. Monahan did reach out to us after your father passed away to send her condolences. She does not hold ill will towards this family - she only wants the best for her daughter.
Thomas: I completely understand. I think I would like to reach out to her. I’ll consult with my mother regarding the matter. Thank you, Ellen.
Ellen: Oh, Your Majesty - one more thing.
Thomas: Yes?
Ellen: Your mother doesn’t know.
