Keeping her safe

The Family History

Chapter 12

Rachel's POV

I knew the queen was my grandmother but it still felt weird hearing it from her lips. Especially since I never met my other "grandparents" before since they died when I was young or before I was even born.

I looked at her, I can see she was crying as well. Must be because of the loss of her son. My father. "Y- yes."

The queen showed she was displeased. "Speak up and always say it confidently. Try again." She put her tea cup down.

I sat up straight. "Yes."

She nodded her approval. "Now, I would like to explain to you what has happened. I know you have been quite through an ordeal this morning. My condolences to you."

Her eyes had a hint of sadness to show she was going through the same.

I mirrored her emotion. "My condolences to you as well. Your majesty."

She took a breath and started explaining. "Through the early morning hours your mother screamed."

Wait. What? My mother?! I perked up at the mentioning of her, but I couldn't interrupt my grandmother. Not just because she is the queen but because she is scary as hell.

"Apparently your dad died in his sleep. They are still doing an autopsy to figure out what he died of."

I looked down, not sure what to feel. "Your mother was pregnant with you and to keep you safe they announced that you were stillborn. The doctors were happy to help with hiding it if it meant saving your life."

I was surprised. I still don't know why my life is in danger though. Why is my life in danger damn it?! "I was of course not involved with this plan and mourned your death."

She looked sad thinking back to the grief it caused or maybe the time she lost with me.

"You see, a long time ago our forefathers signed a treaty. That if something should happen to our family and there is no blood right heir, the Castrel's family has right to the throne. The Castrel's saved this royal family in return during a gruesome war that we were losing over two centuries ago."

I perked up at this information. "Over the past two centuries, members of our family died mysteriously. Some were obviously the cause of the Castrel's family and some were more discreet."

My throat suddenly started feeling dry and my heart was pounding fast. "After your uncle Eric died in a car crash, while your mother was pregnant, they decided to place you in the Ellis's care. Always watching over you."

My heart warmed a bit. "I only found this out through the family lawyer. Upon the death of the last blood heir. Who is not Queen Victoria III shall Rachel Ellis be known to the public as the heir to the throne."

I turned pale. No... I can't breath again. I don't want to run a country and at the age of eighteen?! "Now I know this is a lot to take in but you have to be stro-"

I am going to throw up. I ran out to the garden, luckily the door to it was open and I threw up.

She followed her hands towards where I was running to. "Oh dear."