Newbury & Hobbes 04 - The Executioner's Heart Read Online Free PDF

in his chair. “You understand, Newbury, that such things are tolerated only because you are able to deliver the desired results?”
    Newbury nodded, but didn’t say anything in response. Was this the reason for the Prince’s visit? To warn him, to admonish him for his pursuits? It wouldn’t surprise him to discover it was. He knew the Queen found his esoteric studies extremely distasteful, but also essential to the well-being and protection of the Empire. She reasoned that she needed to maintain an expert in the field, someone who could understand and combat any threats of an occult nature that may arise. But she also feared the lure of it would prove too much, and that Newbury would be absorbed by the darkness. Recently, he’d begun to wonder if she was right.
    “Anyway,” the Prince continued, “I didn’t come here to discuss your peculiar habits, Newbury. I came because I require your help, if you’ll give it.”
    “I am at your disposal, Your Royal Highness.”
    “Very good. As I hope you are aware, Newbury, I have always had great faith in your abilities, despite your … unusual methods.” The Prince narrowed his eyes as he delivered this last, and Newbury couldn’t help but cringe. “Ever since that affair with Lord Huntington in Cambridgeshire, during which you did me a great service.”
    “I fear it was not quite the resolution to the matter that you’d wished for, Your Royal Highness.”
    “Nevertheless, you did what was necessary. What was needed. One can ask for no more.” The Prince leaned forward in his chair, his eyes searching Newbury’s face. “Would you do it again, Newbury? Whatever was necessary?”
    Newbury was momentarily taken aback by the Prince’s sudden intensity. “I…” he stammered. “Yes, of course. Without hesitation.” Increasingly, this was becoming Newbury’s mantra: that he would do whatever was necessary, whatever he deemed to be right , irrespective of the Queen’s directives. The Crown, he had discovered, was not beyond egoism, self-absorption, and corruption, just like anyone else. As a consequence, he had learned to apply his own moral standards, to make his own decisions.
    That said, Newbury had nothing but the utmost respect for the Prince of Wales. “I take it, then, that there is something I might assist you with, Your Royal Highness?”
    The Prince nodded approvingly and leaned back in his chair. His eyes hadn’t strayed from Newbury’s expectant face. “I believe I can trust you, Newbury. God knows, I need to trust someone…” He trailed off at the sound of Scarbright rapping loudly on the door, before the valet bustled through with a silver tea tray in his arms and an apologetic expression written on his face. He took measured steps as he crossed the room, careful not to slosh the hot water or rattle the saucers. With a brief, panicked glance at Newbury, he set the tray down on the low table between the two men, bowed to the Prince, and got out of the room as swiftly as his legs would carry him.
    The Prince smiled indulgently at Newbury. “There are agents abroad in London, Newbury. Foreign agents. The great houses of Europe are intent on bringing the British Empire to her knees. They circle like vultures, waiting impatiently for the Queen to die. They bicker and snipe at one another, pledging their undying support to my mother, even as they plot to pick over her remains. They would see her dead and buried, see the Empire broken up and their own pockets lined with the fruit of our labours. What is more, they have allies. Even here in London—in the Houses of Parliament, no less—our enemies abound.”
    Newbury frowned. Was it really that bad? Had the dissent spread that far?
    “I can see from your expression, Newbury, that you doubt the veracity of my words, that you believe me to be exaggerating. But allow me to assure you, I speak the truth. Even now, the enemies of Britain are at work, sowing seeds of dissent, tirelessly endeavouring to