The Contest

Hugh lay in his bed looking up at the ceiling and thinking. It had taken some time for his memory to return, but now it had, he was afraid of being found out! He could still hear Scott’s words, and although they had not made much sense at the time, were now going round and round in his head with absolute clarity. The situation had dawned on him. Scott was alive, Eemay had fooled him, and there was no doubt in his mind that the truth would be revealed. What could he do?

He decided he just had to try and make a run for it. He snatched the drips sharply from his veins, splattering the white walls and bed linen with his crimson blood, before pulling monitors from his body and heaving his heavy legs over the side of the bed. He tried to stand, but the room suddenly began to spin, the pain in his leg unbearable. He stumbled over to the door, falling heavily against it and stood for a few moments, breathless and desperately trying to gather enough energy to make his escape. Somehow he managed to open the door, and as he did, fell straight into the arms of a police officer, about to enter his room.

Nurses quickly helped him back into bed, warning the officers of his fragile state, and allowing them five minutes to carry out their duty.

“Prince Hughchube of Searchmoor, we are here to arrest you on suspicion of the attempted murder of Prince Mycroscott of Excelsior. You do not have to say anything, but what you do say may be taken down and used in evidence against you. Is there anyone you would like to call?”

“My solicitor,” Hugh said flatly.

The following day, details of the Prince’s shock arrest made headlines in the Cyber Chronicle . . .

PRINCE HUGHCHUBE OF SHAREMOOR IN SHOCK ARREST . . .

Prince Hughchube of Sharemoor was dramatically arrested yesterday on suspicion of the attempted murder of Prince Mycroscott of Excelsior.

Until he is fit enough to be moved to the Hospital Unit at Cyber Prison, he will remain in hospital under 24 hour police supervision.

Pacebook and Jotter were throbbing with the shocking news and, feeling frustrated by the constant pressure from the Paparazzi who were keeping a constant vigil around the palace, I decided to give a press conference, live on TV.

Taking the microphone I spoke clearly into it . . .

“I would take this opportunity to say that there is compelling evidence to suspect Prince Hughchube of attempting to take the life of Prince Mycroscott, during the final stage of The Contest. An urgent investigation is being carried out. That is all I can say”.

I hurried away with the paparazzi hot on my heels, waving their microphones menacingly. Diving into a waiting car which sped quickly away, I managed to escape their frantic stampede, by seconds.

After the live conference, there were no more flowers delivered to the hospital, and no more good wishes. As quickly as the public had turned against me, they were now waging war against Hugh!

Plans for the wedding continued, but this time I was looking forward to it with great excitement. As the great day approached, public interest grew ever more manic.

Vanessa Vandetta, never one to miss an opportunity to advertise her designs, had delivered a selection of stunning dresses for the official engagement photograph.

A short feature appeared on the front page of the weekend edition of the Cyber Chronicle, giving details of the wedding . . .

HRH PRINCESS EEMAY FINALLY FINDS HER TRUE PRINCE CHARMING . ..

The marriage of H R H Princess Eemay of Cyberia to Prince Mycroscott of Excelsior will take place on Friday, the 11th of November. The ceremony, at Archivea Abbey, is due to commence at 11.00 am, followed by a reception for close family and friends, at Cyberia Palace.

The Princess chose a stunning knee length crimson dress, designed by Vanessa Vandetta, for the official engagement portrait.

Hundreds of messages have already been posted on Pacebook and Jotter , congratulating the happy couple on their forthcoming marriage.