Chapter 704
“All right. We’ll do as you say.”
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Leif VI nodded approvingly, relieved that Magnus had thought things through so carefully. After their private talk, Magnus wanted to case his father’s longing and worry, so he sent him a few photos he had taken of Caitlin and her family. “You can look at these whenever you miss them,” he said softly.
While father and son spoke privately in the royal study, word of their meeting soon reached the queen’s ears.
Inside the queen’s apartments, one of Heather’s attendants knelt and reported, “Your Majesty, we discovered that His Highness recently sent someone to a genetic testing institute.”
“A genetic testing institute?” Heather frowned. “What for?”
“We tried to investigate, but the institute wouldn’t release any information. We’re not sure what kind of test the prince ordered.”
Heather’s mind immediately began to race. “Could it be about his lineage? Did he find out?”
The attendant didn’t answer, but Heather’s expression darkened. “If that’s the case, I need to see for myself. Where is the king now?”
“In the royal study, Your Majesty.”
Without another word, Heather left her chambers and went straight to the study.
Guards stood at attention outside the heavy doors. Seeing the queen approach, they bowed immediately.
“Your Majesty.”
“You may step aside. I need a private word with the king.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The guards retreated a respectful distance. Heather didn’t bother to knock. She turned the handle and walked straight in.
Inside, she found Leif VI and Magnus sitting close together, looking at something on a phone.
“Your Majesty,” she said evenly.
Both men turned. Startled, Leif VI quickly put the phone away, his brows drawing together. “You should really learn to knock before you enter.”
“Mother,” Magnus greeted her, rising to his feet.
“I did knock,” she said smoothly. “Perhaps too softly for you to hear.”
As she stepped closer, Heather noticed the redness in Leif VI’s eyes. He looked like he’d been crying. Her
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Chapter 704
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frown deepened. “Your Majesty, are you all right? Magnus, what were you showing him? Why does he look so upset?”
Magnus kept his tone steady. “Nothing important, Mother. We were just discussing some matters concerning D country.”
Heather’s sharp gaze didn’t miss a thing. A corner of a document peeked out from behind the king’s wheelchair, stamped with the unmistakable insignia of a DNA testing institute. Her heart skipped. She strode forward, snatched the paper, and demanded, “What’s this?”
Magnus’s eyes widened as he realized what she had taken. “Mother, please–give that back!”
Leif VI reacted instantly, grabbing the file from her hands and hiding it against his chest.
“What are you hiding from me, Your Majesty?” she pressed, suspicion rising. “I saw the institute’s name. What kind of test did you do? Why can’t I know about it?”
Leif VT’s expression hardened. His mind was a tangle of thoughts. If Heather discovered the truth–that Caitlin and James existed–there was no telling what she might do. She could easily interfere, even prevent him from ever meeting them.
He couldn’t risk that.
Before the tension could escalate further, Magnus spoke. “Mother,” he said calmly, “it’s not what you think. It wasn’t a secret. The test was for me and Father.”
Heather blinked. “You and your father?”
Magnus nodded and continued, his tone deliberate. “I’ve known for a long time that I might not be your biological son. I just never believed it. But lately I heard… certain rumors, and I needed to know the truth. So I arranged a paternity test with Father. The results were clear. I’m not your real son.”
Leif VI felt an almost imperceptible wave of relief. Magnus had diverted her suspicion perfectly.
Magnus lowered his gaze, letting a trace of sadness show. “I didn’t want to believe it, Mother. You and Father have always treated me with such love… but the truth is hard to ignore.”
Heather’s expression softened instantly. Her earlier suspicion vanished. She reached out and wrapped her arms around him. “Oh, Magnus. Don’t talk like that. You’ll always be our son. Blood doesn’t change that. We love you as much as ever.”
Magnus nodded, forcing a small smile. “Thank you, Mother. Thank you, Father. I’ll be fine. I’ll stay strong and focus on my duties.”
“That’s my good boy,” Heather said, brushing his arm affectionately. She turned to Leif VI. “Your Majesty, don’t let this trouble you. Magnus is an exceptional young man. It’s time we started thinking about his future. I believe it’s time for him to marry–settle down, start a family. Once he’s king one day, he’ll be a fine ruler.”
Leif VI said nothing, unwilling to argue.
Heather pressed on enthusiastically. “In fact, why wait? I’ll invite Pamela and her family to the palace
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Chapter 704
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tomorrow. We can discuss the engagement.”
Magnus’s composure faltered. “Mother, please, there’s no need to rush. I’m not ready for marriage yet.”
“Young man, everyone says that,” Heather replied with a cheerful finality. “But it’s decided. Tomorrow it is.”
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