Arthur did not respond, he just placed the napkin beside him and looked at him calmly, as if waiting for something more sincere to be said.
Stockma paused momentarily, as if carefully weighing his words, and then continued: "His Majesty Leopold has always trusted you, the chaos last night made us all too tense. I shouldn't have doubted your stance on this matter, your past actions, your loyalty to this country and the Royal Family has long been evident, my remarks earlier... I was truly out of line."
Stockma was afraid that Arthur would, in a fit of anger, side with the Duke of Cumberland, given that Arthur's current position is not merely being trusted by Victoria.
Besides, his influence in Scotland Yard and Fleet Street was enough to secure him a spot in the battle for the throne.
Moreover, he might have the support of the Duke of Wellington and Robert Peel.
