It is now 5:30 pm and Horatio Nelson is staring out at the harbour in the distance. He suddenly hears footsteps behind him along with a calm voice.

Josiah Nelson: I see that we are almost home.
Horatio Nelson: Indeed. It seems that the ocean has been kind to us.
Josiah Nelson: So what are you going to do once we get back to London?
Horatio Nelson: Well I need to deliver this letter for Wellington. What are you going to do son?
Josiah Nelson: Go home and be with my wife.
Horatio Nelson: That is understandable...She probably misses you.
Josiah Nelson: She is probably waiting at the harbour for me.
Horatio Nelson: Probably.
Josiah Nelson: Father I want to ask you something.
Horatio Nelson: What do you want to ask me?
Josiah Nelson: Can you please tell me what happened at Trafalgar?
Horatio Nelson: I was expecting you to ask me what happened at the Battle of the Nile. You use to ask me that story a lot.
Josiah Nelson: Please tell me, father.

Horatio Nelson awkwardly glances down at the deck.

Josiah Nelson: What?
Horatio Nelson: Look all I can say is that it wasn't the greatest victory I have had. Many died that day.
Josiah Nelson: I know but it's been almost ten years father.
Horatio Nelson: Josiah I just don't want to talk about it.
Josiah Nelson: I understand father...

Josiah Nelson walks off to the back of the ship and he gazes out at the vast and endless ocean. He suddenly hears some footsteps behind him and he turns around and he stares at Thomas Hardy.

Thomas Hardy: You alright?
Josiah Nelson: Hardy do you know what happened at Trafalgar?
Thomas Hardy: Why don't you ask your father?
Josiah Nelson: I tried but he won't tell me. Was it truly that bad of a victory?
Thomas Hardy: Well compared to most victories...Yes.
Josiah Nelson: At least it wasn't a defeat right...
Thomas Hardy: True.
Josiah Nelson: It's been almost ten years and he won't tell me, Hardy.
Thomas Hardy: I didn't realise that it's been that long...
Josiah Nelson: I just want to know what transpired that day.
Thomas Hardy: Look I just feel like you should be asking your father about it not me.
Josiah Nelson: He will never tell me, Hardy. Honestly, he will probably take this secret to his grave.
Thomas Hardy: Fine I'll ask him to tell you what happened. But don't expect him to tell you it's hard to convince him to do things.
Josiah Nelson: Alright...I understand Hardy.

Thomas Hardy heads to the bow of the ship and he notices Horatio Nelson gazing out at the harbour in the distance. He calmly approaches Nelson and stands beside him. He gently puts his hand on Nelson's shoulder and Nelson stares at him with slight confusion.

Horatio Nelson: Hardy what do you want?
Thomas Hardy: Sir...Your son wants to know what happened. I feel like you should tell him it's the right thing to do.
Horatio Nelson: Hardy...Look I don't like talking about it. You almost got yourself killed that day...You took a bullet for me. Hardy, you are one of my dearest friends and I didn't want to lose you.
Thomas Hardy: Well, I didn't want you getting killed either so I had to sir. I had to take that bullet for you.
Horatio Nelson: Did you do that because I saved your life on the way to Gibraltar?
Thomas Hardy: Well, I guess...Because I thought I owed you one.
Horatio Nelson: You could have saved my life any other way that didn't get you hurt.
Thomas Hardy: Anyway sir...Can you please tell your son about what happened that day? I understand if you don't want to tell him...
Horatio Nelson: Fine...Hardy, I'll tell him.
Thomas Hardy: Alright sir.

Horatio Nelson walks to the stern of the ship and he notices Josiah gazing out at the ocean. Horatio Nelson walks up to Josiah and stands beside him gently putting his hand on Josiah's shoulder. Josiah stares at his father and he smiles a little bit.

Horatio Nelson: Fine...I'll tell you what happened at Trafalgar.
Josiah Nelson: Alright father.
Horatio Nelson: But don't expect it to be a heroic story...I know what you are like. You always wanted me to tell you about the Battle of the Nile or the Battle of Cape St Vincent.
Josiah Nelson: Alright...
Horatio Nelson: I will try to make it short because it's not long until we get to the harbour and I don't want to keep you waiting when we get there.
Josiah Nelson: Alright.
Horatio Nelson: We were outnumbered and outgunned the only advantage we had was that our men were better trained than the French and the Spanish.
Josiah Nelson: How many ships were there?
Horatio Nelson: We had 27 ships and the French and Spanish had 33.
Josiah Nelson: And the British still won...
Horatio Nelson: Yes but at a cost...I will get to that part just let me explain.
Josiah Nelson: Alright father.

Horatio Nelson: Just before the battle started Hardy being Hardy told me that I should take my medals off just so I wouldn't be a target. I told him that I don't have time to do that.
Josiah Nelson: How many medals do you have?
Horatio Nelson: Haven't I already told you that did you forget?
Josiah Nelson: Maybe...
Horatio Nelson: I have 7. But during Trafalgar, I only had 6.
Josiah Nelson: I see.
Horatio Nelson: I wasn't afraid to wear them that day. Hardy just wanted to make sure I was safe.
Josiah Nelson: That is understandable.
Horatio Nelson: I then gave the order to give the signal "England expects every man will do his duty." That was before the battle started.
Josiah Nelson: What happened when the battle started?
Horatio Nelson: Well, I remember that we were under fire for 40 minutes from 4 ships. Many of the men on the ship died around me and I almost got myself killed a few times but I'm use to that by now.
Josiah Nelson: You risk your life too much father...
Horatio Nelson: Well once this war is over I won't have to.

Josiah Nelson: What happened when the battle ended?
Horatio Nelson: Before the battle ended Hardy decided to take a bullet for me...
Josiah Nelson: Why did he do that?
Horatio Nelson: Once the French surrendered Hardy did tell me why he did what he did. He told me that he owed me for saving his life.
Josiah Nelson: I would probably do the same.
Horatio Nelson: I don't need you getting yourself killed Josiah.
Josiah Nelson: I won't.
Horatio Nelson: You are just like me when I was younger always risking your life. I have heard about your victories to Josiah.
Josiah Nelson: You have?
Horatio Nelson: Yes I have. I don't understand why you almost end up getting yourself killed every time you go to battle.
Josiah Nelson: I don't know either...
Horatio Nelson: Anyway back to the story...Once the battle was over almost 500 of our men were dead and over 1,000 were wounded. We had captured 22 of the French or Spanish ships and some were destroyed during a storm or the French and Spanish recaptured a small few back. However, we still had many of their ships.
Josiah Nelson: I don't understand why you don't consider this a decent victory.
Horatio Nelson: We lost many men that day and I almost lost Hardy. Many of our ships were almost destroyed and I almost got myself killed...

Josiah Nelson takes his hat off and he starts speaking in a sombre tone.

Josiah Nelson: Those men who died at Trafalgar shall be remembered as they died doing their duty for England...

They suddenly hear a calm and slightly enthusiastic voice behind them.

Thomas Hardy: We are almost at the harbour sir.
Horatio Nelson: Thank you, Hardy.
Josiah Nelson: I can't wait to see Lillie.
Horatio Nelson: It's been a while since I have seen your wife Josiah. How has she been?
Josiah Nelson: She has been well.
Horatio Nelson: That's good.
Josiah Nelson: I can't wait to hold her again. I just love her so much.
Horatio Nelson: You will be able to see her soon.

A few minutes later, the ships lower their anchors into the harbour. While the Victory heads to the port which is inside the harbour. Once the Victory anchors in at the port Josiah Nelson heads to the starboard side. He notices a woman with short light brown curly hair, hazel eyes who is wearing a light blue dress standing on the dock.

Lillie Nelson: Josiah!

Josiah Nelson hastily gets off the ship and he runs up to Lillie Nelson and hugs her. Lillie Nelson starts speaking in a joyful tone.

Lillie Nelson: Thank goodness your alright Josiah. Did anything happen did you run into the French?
Josiah Nelson: No we didn't luckily.
Lillie Nelson: I was so worried about you Josiah. I missed you so much.

Horatio Nelson carefully gets off the ship and starts walking over to the couple. Lillie Nelson notices this and she calmly walks over. Josiah Nelson quickly follows suit.

Lillie Nelson: Lord Nelson. I haven't seen you in a while.
Horatio Nelson: You don't need to call me that Lillie you are basically a daughter, to me now.
Lillie Nelson: Well what do I call you then?
Horatio Nelson: Well...You could call me father or Mr Nelson and or Horatio.
Lillie Nelson: Alright. I guess I will call you father then.
Josiah Nelson: Is there a carriage to take us home Lillie?
Lillie Nelson: I got my brother to get us a carriage.

Horatio Nelson: How is Marcel Thompson Lillie I haven't seen him since you and my son's wedding. But I have heard that he is in the navy.
Lillie Nelson: Well the last time you met him he was only a Lieutenant and now he's a Captain.
Horatio Nelson: Has he had to deal with the French yet?
Lillie Nelson: Not yet. But it seems that the war might be over soon due to what's happening in Belgium with Wellington and his army.
Horatio Nelson: Well yes.
Lillie Nelson: Well we better get going home I don't want to keep my brother waiting.
Horatio Nelson: Yes and I also have an important thing to do.
Lillie Nelson: It's been a pleasure seeing you again and thank you for bringing my dear Josiah back home to me.
Horatio Nelson: The pleasure is all mine.

Josiah and Lillie Nelson walk off together while holding hands. Horatio Nelson suddenly hears a serious but relaxed voice behind him.

Thomas Hardy: What should I do sir?
Horatio Nelson: Get some people to properly clean the ship, Hardy.
Thomas Hardy: As you wish sir.
Horatio Nelson: I don't know how long it will be until I return to check on the ship Hardy.
Thomas Hardy: Alright sir, I hope to see you soon.
Horatio Nelson: You will Hardy. It shouldn't take long what I'm doing.
Thomas Hardy: Alright sir.
Horatio Nelson: I shall find a carriage.

Meanwhile, at Apsley House in the middle of London. Charles is playing on a white rocking horse. While Kitty is preparing to make dinner for them. Suddenly his older brother comes up to him and begins whining at him.

Arthur: Charles let me on you have already been on it five times today it's my turn!
Charles: No!
Arthur: Let me on im the oldest!
Charles: But I rarely get a turn!
Arthur: Let me on the horsey!
Kitty: Charles Wellesley let your brother have a turn.
Charles: But mummy...Arthur has had more turns than me.
Kitty: You two need to learn to share your toys.
Arthur: Yeah Charles let me have a go.
Charles: Fine...

Charles gets off the rocking horse and Arthur gets on. Charles walks out of the room feeling irritated and slightly upset. He then wanders down the hallway and carefully walks up the stairs. Once he gets to the top he notices that the door at the end of the hallway is slightly open. With curiosity, he walks towards the door and gently pushes it open.

He enters the room which has cream coloured walls and a dark wooden floor. He notices a familiar light grey coat left covering the back of a wooden chair in front of the desk. The desk has a couple of piles of papers stacked up separately. Charles walks over to the chair and he carefully climbs onto it and stands on it. He notices that the left stack of papers has been signed by his father. While the right stack of papers are unsigned.

Charles suddenly jumps off the seat and he curiously tries to put his hand in the coat pocket. Suddenly the coat falls onto him and he starts trying to get it off when he accidentally falls onto the floor. However, he manages to get the coat off and he puts his hand into the pocket. He grabs a small shiny silver key out of the pocket.

Charles: I wonder what this is for. I should tell Arthur.

Charles carefully puts the key into his pocket and he gets up and hastily runs out of the room. He runs down the stairs and jumps down the last couple of stairs. Rushing into the main room and he runs up to Arthur and taps him on the shoulder.

Arthur: Charles what do you want?

Charles gets the key out of his pocket and he starts whispering to Arthur.

Charles: I found this key in one of dads coats.
Arthur: What do you think it opens?
Charles: I don't know...But I want you to help me.
Arthur: I don't want to get in trouble though.
Charles: You won't...Let's go upstairs.
Arthur: Fine...

Arthur quickly gets off the rocking horse and he and Charles leave the room and start heading up the stairs.

Arthur: What do you think it opens Charles?
Charles: I don't know.
Arthur: Why did you take it then?
Charles: I was curious.
Arthur: Well we could check mum and dad's room.
Charles: Good idea.

They start wandering down a long hallway until they stop in front of a dark wooden door. Charles jumps up and grabs the golden door handle and pulls it down causing the door to open. Arthur pushes the door open. They both enter the room which has cream coloured walls and a dark wooden floor.

They look around the room noticing a canopy bed with burgundy fabric draped down the sides. They also notice a dark wooden dresser that has a small wooden box that is shaped like a small chest on top of it.

Charles: I think it's that box. I think that the key opens the box.
Arthur: But that is so obvious Charles.
Charles: I know but let's try Arthur.

Charles and Arthur walk over to the dresser and they look up at the wooden box. Charles jumps up and tries to reach the box but he can't.

Charles: I can't reach it.
Arthur: Shorty.
Charles: I bet you can't reach it either.

Arthur jumps up with determination trying to reach the box. But after a couple of minutes, he gives up knowing that he can't reach it.

Charles: I told you that you can't reach it.
Arthur: We need something to climb on.

Charles turns around and notices a wooden stool next to the bed. He starts speaking in a delighted tone.

Charles: I need you to help me carry that.
Arthur: Fine I'll help you.

Charles and Arthur walk over to the wooden stool and they both carefully pick it up from both sides. They start carrying it over to the dresser and they then gently put it down. Charles climbs up onto the wooden stool and he notices a small lock on the wooden box. Gently getting the small silver key out of his pocket he puts it in the lock and turns the key. The box unlocks and Charles takes the key out and lifts the lid of the box.

Arthur: What's in it?
Charles: Shiny things.
Arthur: Let me see I want to see them.

Charles carefully gets off the stool and Arthur climbs up on it and looks inside the box with curiosity.

Arthur: Well they are not coins. But they are indeed shiny things.
Charles: Of course, they are not coins they are too big.
Arthur: I wonder what they are.

Arthur gently picks up one of the small shiny items and he notices that it has a bright scarlet ribbon attached to it.

Arthur: It's heavy for such a small thing.
Charles: It has a tiny golden sheep on it.
Arthur: It looks like you can put it on it has a big enough ribbon.
Charles: Put it on!
Arthur: Fine.

Arthur carefully puts the ribbon around his neck and he notices that it's too big for him.

Charles: Turn around I want to see it!

Arthur turns around and climbs off the stool and Charles starts giggling a little bit.

Charles: You look silly!
Arthur: It doesn't fit.
Charles: Let me put it on.

Arthur carefully takes it off and he hands it to Charles who then puts it on. Arthur starts giggling a little bit.

Arthur: It doesn't fit you either you look silly too!
Charles: Not as silly as you did!
Arthur: We both look silly with it on.
Charles: Maybe when dad gets home we can ask him about these.
Arthur: Maybe.
Charles: I think these things are dads.
Arthur: Yeah...
Charles: Don't tell mummy about this. I think we should put this back.

Charles carefully takes the shiny golden item off and he hands it to Arthur who puts it back into the box. Charles carefully climbs back onto the stool and closes the box and locks it back up with the key. The two boys suddenly hear their mother's voice calling them.

Kitty: Charles, Arthur come downstairs it's almost time for dinner!

Charles quickly places the key down beside the box and he climbs off the stool. The two boys sprint out of the room and down the hallway until they reach the stairs where they carefully walk down the stairs. They enter the main room and they notice their mother staring at them.

Kitty: What were you two doing upstairs?
Charles: We were just playing mum.
Arthur: Yeah we were just playing.

There is suddenly a gentle knock at the door.

Kitty: Who could that be at this hour?
Charles: Is dad home?
Kitty: No Charles not yet.

Kitty walks over to the door and she gently opens it. She starts speaking in a surprised but joyful tone.

Kitty: Lord Nelson. Why are you here?
Horatio Nelson: No need to call me that Lady Wellesley. I'm here at the request of your husband.
Kitty: I see. Then come in if you please.

Horatio Nelson enters the house and Kitty gently closes the door.

Kitty: Is my husband alright?
Horatio Nelson: He is fine.
Charles: Who are you, sir?
Horatio Nelson: Do the boys not remember me?
Kitty: It has been a while since you have visited them. The last time you saw Charles he was only a baby and Arthur was only one.
Horatio Nelson: I see...
Arthur: He has a hat like dad.
Charles: Do all important people wear hats?
Arthur: I want a hat.
Charles: Me too.
Horatio Nelson: Boys I'm a friend of your father. I'm Horatio Nelson.
Arthur: Dad told me about you.
Charles: Me too.
Horatio Nelson: So they do remember me.
Kitty: Well, I better continue making dinner for me and the boys. You may make yourself comfortable.

Kitty goes to continue making dinner and Horatio Nelson walks over to a light brown armchair he sits down and makes himself comfortable. Charles and Arthur wander over and look at him.

Horatio Nelson: What are you looking at?
Charles: Does everyone who is important wear a hat?
Horatio Nelson: It's not just the important people who wear hats.
Arthur: When will dad be home?
Horatio Nelson: He will be home soon. Oh, and he told me to say hello to you two for him.
Charles: I miss playing with dad...
Arthur: You just want dads hat Charles.
Charles: What I enjoy trying to be sneaky and take his hat...
Arthur: You look so silly with it on.
Charles: Because it's too big and I can't see with it on.
Arthur: Yes.
Charles: You sometimes help me take it though.
Arthur: Only because you look funny wearing it.
Kitty: No trying to take Lord Nelson's hat boys.
Arthur: We won't mummy.

Horatio Nelson gently takes the neatly folded letter out of his pocket. He then starts speaking in a warm and pleasant tone.

Horatio Nelson: Lady Wellesley I have a letter that your husband wished for me to deliver to you. I haven't opened it he said that it was for only you to see.

Kitty stops cooking dinner and she walks over to Horatio Nelson she gently grabs the letter. She carefully opens it and starts reading it.

June 21st 1815

My lovely wife

I miss you every day Kitty.
I miss hearing your beautiful, and comforting voice. I miss holding you in my arms.

I understand if you miss me, Kitty. I promise you that I will return to you, my love.

This war will be over soon my love. When I return we will be able to spend as much time together as we want my love.

I hope Charles and Arthur are doing alright without me being there. I know that Charles can be a bit of a handful sometimes. But I'm hoping my two boys are alright.

I promise that I will see you soon my love.

Your dearest and loving husband
Arthur Wellesley

Kitty almost starts crying happy tears and she gently folds the letter back up and places it on the nearby table. Horatio Nelson notices that Kitty is about to cry and he starts speaking in a confused tone.

Horatio Nelson: Are you alright?
Kitty: I just forgot how happy his letters make me sometimes. They sometimes bring me to the verge of crying happy tears.
Horatio Nelson: That's because you love and care about him.
Kitty: I'm guessing that he also wanted you to tell me that he wants me to write back to him?
Horatio Nelson: Yes indeed he did.
Kitty: I will write a letter to him.

Kitty exits the room to go get some paper, ink and a quill so she can write her letter. A couple of minutes later she returns with the things she needs to write the letter. She sits down at a large rounded wooden table and begins writing the letter.

June 23rd 1815

My dearest husband.

I miss you as well Arthur. I miss seeing you smile and your sky blue eyes. I also miss your kindness and joy towards me and the children. You know that even though you are a serious person Arthur you still show your kindness.

The children miss you, especially Charles. He misses playing with you and Arthur also misses you he looks up to you. Charles is also still being a handful but his behaviour is getting better.

I also have been hearing that people want you to be Prime Minister. I'm sure you have already heard that news but this is just in case you didn't know.

I also hope that you return to me unharmed my love.

Your most loving and caring wife
Kitty Wellesley

Kitty gently folds the letter up and she smiles cheerfully. She starts speaking in a joyful tone.

Kitty: It's done I now need it to be delivered to him.
Horatio Nelson: I will find someone to deliver the message to him.

Kitty gets up from her seat and she happily strolls over to Horatio Nelson. She gently hands the letter to him and he gently puts it in his pocket.

Horatio Nelson: I promise that I won't read it...
Kitty: Thank you...
Horatio Nelson: It will get to him. I'm sure we will meet again sometime soon...

Horatio Nelson gets up and he walks over to the door he gently opens it. He smiles at Kitty and he starts speaking in a pleasant tone.

Horatio Nelson: Goodbye Lady Wellesley until we meet again.
Kitty: Goodbye Lord Nelson.

Horatio Nelson walks out the door gently closing it behind him.

Kitty: Boys it's almost time for dinner go sit down at the table, please.
Arthur: Yes mummy.

Charles and Arthur quickly rush over to the table and they both sit down beside each other. While Kitty continues making dinner for them.

To be Continued...

Shout out to tatyannaa7 for creating the new cover for Blood Secret. You guys can also ask her to make a cover for you or character aesthetics she does that too.

A full picture of the new cover is shown below.