“Prince?” Raymond nearly spilled his remaining juice on the coverlet. “Crimson rain, I’m not a Prince! I’ve never even met King Frederick. I—”

Wenceslas smiled strangely. “We create our own truth around here, young Peter. Don’t worry about that.”

“But what happened to the real royal family? I’ve never even heard of Prince Peter before now.”

“That is because he didn’t exist before now.” The Chairman folded his hands, interlocking his fingers. “We have always kept the royal family a private matter in order to give the Hansa room to do as we like. We have plenty of flexibility.”

The man poured himself a glass of juice. “King Frederick’s real wife died more than two decades ago. Over the years, he’s had numerous concubines and a few bastard children, but none of them has the potential we need. Certainly no true leadership qualities.”

Raymond looked at the Chairman, disbelief growing as the realization sank in. “You want me to replace the King?”

“After you have been properly trained,” OX said.

“We selected you from among hundreds of potential candidates, Peter. The Hansa is convinced that you are someone the public can cheer and love.”

“But it’s it’s not right!” Raymond insisted.

Wenceslas looked at him calmly. “That’s exactly how King Frederick took the throne many years ago, and King Bartholomew before him, and King Jack before him.” Raymond reeled, and the Chairman continued. “We have been watching you for years and selected you from many candidates. Honest, young man, we believe you are our best hope.” His expression became sadder. “Unfortunately, the terrible fire that destroyed your home has forced us to move now. We would have preferred a more comfortable and orderly introduction.”

Raymond had trouble accepting the massive shift to his understanding of the world. “But… what will happen to Frederick?”

“After the efficient transfer of leadership, the old man will have his features altered and we’ll send him into a comfortable retirement on Relleker. King Frederick has served quite well for almost half a century, but his mind isn’t as sharp as it was. Truly, I think his heart is no longer in it. We need someone vibrant and viable to bring energy back to the Hansa.”

“I can’t believe this.” Raymond stared at the metal mask of the Teacher compy. “Someone will know. You’ll be caught.”

Basil Wenceslas smiled. “Who could possibly know? Forgive me, young man, but Raymond Aguerra was a nobody. With your features altered like this, who would even dream of making the connection? After the terrible apartment fire, everyone will believe you died in the disaster, just like the other unfortunate victims.”