Chapter Text
He pulls Simon close. He knows the others are watching, he knows it confirms the rumours.
At this point, they can say whatever they want. He doesn't want to lose Simon, even though it looks like he will.
"I'm sorry," he says, and it takes everything in him not to cry.
"I love you."
Simon says nothing, just buries his face in the crook of his neck and grips at his coat.
They let go.
"I hope you'll have a nice Christmas."
He won't. It's going to be the first Christmas without Erik and it's going to be a Christmas full of fights and long silences.
"Thank you, Simon."
And then he walks away, because he has to.
He sits in the car and thinks how he did what Erik would have wanted.
What his mother wants.
What the Court wants.
The only thing he wants is not to lose Simon.
He takes out his phone and searches for a number. He presses call, while his bodyguard shoots him confused looks.
"Mrs Rosenqvist's office. How can I help you?" a secretary answers.
"Hello. This is Crown Prince Wilhelm. I'd like to issue another statement."
"Let's start a revolution."