The Royal Scandal | Prince William |

120: Explain to the Children

July 17, 2018

When the news breaks Jaclyn makes a split-second decision to do damage control. She doesn't think about the implications or what her actions mean she just acts, pinning the lilac brooch into her shirt nearly drawing blood in her haste until she's sure Rose has caught the signal and heads down the long hall to "clean" the deserted guest bedroom.

"I love William," she says into her phone that's not even turned on. "These past couple of months have been hard, but he's helped me through all of it. We've never been stronger." Somewhere in the back trenches of her mind the slight lie grates on her, but she pushes through. She has to silence this story in any way she can because she knows the palace will never let them release a direct statement.

At least if she can get her insider out there in the press it can battle this other anonymous source for front page coverage.

She doesn't think about how just three months ago she was claiming to do the exact things she's now refuting. That divorce was her big threat when William came to her on his knees and begged for forgiveness. Just two months ago she was still fantasizing about setting him aflame and ruining him in a way that could match the destruction done to her heart. Revenge dresses, and scandalous interviews, and freedom were all at the forefront of her mind when she closed her eyes, but she never acted on any of them.

Now she leaves her confession in Rose's hands knowing that the second the housekeeper walks out the door she'll forever put a lock on that part of her life. If she truly wants out, truly wants the freedom she once had, now would be the perfect time to act on her impulses.

The door has been opened, but she closes it, walking away from the lilac vase that matches her pin and the darkened guest bedroom. She catches a swish of a skirt before the door to the servants' exit slams shut, and she doesn't follow. The next morning, she holds copies of the Daily Mail, The Times, and so on with the two inside sources coexisting together contradicting the other; and there's not an ounce of regret in her.

"We're going to figure this out together," William tells her, but when she smirks, he can only laugh in return. "Of course, you're already a step ahead of me."

The same day the twins are moved into a private room to save them the little semblance of privacy they have left. A crib is set up for Lillie who's nearly ready to leave, and Alex is transferred from one incubator to another. Jaclyn makes quick work of setting up their stuff while William situates the kids on the bed with a movie to watch.

"Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope..."

PJ stands up on the bed tossing Mia sideways as he cheers. "Star Wars! Star Wars!"

"You've indoctrinated them," William whispers in her ear, but he pulls her down on the bed beside him her task of unpacking bags forgotten on the floor.

"Someone's gotta raise 'em right."

Jaclyn leans into William's side, his chin resting on her head, and the kids crawl in between them. Surprisingly the twins snooze to the noises of blaster fire and explosions, and don't even stir when PJ shrieks in joy at seeing the X-wings.

Empire Strikes Back starts immediately after, and it's too late to start it yet none of them move. William leans down and quotes Yoda in a terrible gurgled accent until they're all laughing, but the kids are asleep and dead weight on them before the movie hits it's halfway point.

Han, Leia and Chewie are on Cloud City when William turns to her. "Why do you like Star Wars so much?"

Her brow creases as one hand freely runs through PJ's wispy hair. "You know why." As she giggles her chest vibrates and Mia hums, snuggling closer to her.