Grand Duchess Xenia truly lived up to her reputation as a prolific mother. After giving Ferdinand his third son at the end of 1905, she gave birth to his fourth son at the beginning of 1908!
Unfortunately, before Ferdinand could hold a celebration for the little one's arrival, terrible news reached him.
"Your Majesty, King Carlos I was assassinated on the spot today at Commerce Square in Lisbon; Crown Prince Luís Philip was severely wounded and later died of his injuries; Prince Manuel, the second son, was also struck in the arm by a bullet!" the adjutant rushed in and reported.
Ferdinand knew this was serious. Regicide was a major matter at any time, and more importantly, both victims were important members of the Saxe-Coburg-Gotha Dynasty and closely related to him!
The king of Portugal before the previous one had been Ferdinand's father's biological brother. In other words, in a single day, one of his cousins had died, followed by one of his cousin's sons!
"Have they caught the murderer?" Ferdinand asked furiously.
Ferdinand had to make a move now. If his own family members died and he showed no reaction, how was he supposed to keep his footing in Europe?
Oh, his anger was not an act. He was genuinely enraged. Although Ferdinand usually did not think much of the family, he was, after all, one of those who had benefited from it!
What had happened in the Kingdom of Portugal could very well endanger the Saxe-Coburg-Gotha Dynasty's rule in Portugal. Should they lose the Portuguese crown, it would be no small blow to Ferdinand; it would weaken the entire family's influence across the world. No member of the Saxe-Coburg-Gotha Dynasty could tolerate that!
The maid stammered, "They've been caught. They're still being interrogated!"
Ferdinand nodded. He knew Portugal's