“Then I must enlighten you. Neither you nor Nadia seems to have realised that there are still a good many people in Thracia who regard you as having a considerable right—or even the paramount right—to the throne; and yet I told you plainly when I was with you that I hoped you would keep away from this part of the world.”
“But I renounced all my rights of my own free will.”
“Who is to know that it was of your own free will? It might have been done perforce, or under a misapprehension, or anything. And, in any case, the renunciation does not ensure your never wishing—or merely being willing if requested—to resume your rights.”
“Stuff, Cyril! Why should I wish to resume them?”
“Why should any one wish to be a king? I know, of course, that you had quite enough of it when you were here; but then I was not afraid of you, but of others who might make a catspaw of you.”
“Many thanks.”
“There you are again! You really should not be so touchy. Can’t you see that although the people who have a theoretical belief in your claims might be content to let you go with a few sighs and vain regrets, there are others who might be glad to exploit their views and feelings for their own purposes?”
“I don’t see what harm they could do if they were.”
“I do, unfortunately. The head and front of this offending is your respected father-in-law, our old friend O’Malachy. He knows that you are not likely to revisit Thracia by your own wish, and therefore he works upon you through your wife. Guessing that you won’t let her come alone, he brings her here by a telegram to say that he is dying, and longs to see her. He gets her and the children into his hands, to use either as hostages or as puppets, you see, and he is prepared to proclaim you King as soon as you arrive. The town is notoriously disloyal, the garrison honeycombed with disaffection, the Bishop, who is the biggest man in these parts, hates the Queen, and the little King is in their power. What better starting-place could you desire for another revolution? Even if you kicked successfully, there is Usk, whom the Bishop would prefer to you, because he could begin by converting him to the Orthodox faith.”
“But why in the world should the O’Malachy want to make either poor little Usk or myself King?”