Anastasia pov.

♔♔♔

Harry steps out of the shower with his towel around him, he steps around me and doesn't bat an eye. Harry has been quiet for most of the day and I can't help but feel like he is up to something. Something is rattling around his head but he doesn't want to openly say it. I brush it off and step out of the bathroom, "Do you want to watch a movie with me?" I offer, watching as he throws on a t-shirt and runs his towel through his hair.

"No," Harry simply responds, launching his towel to the floor before running his fingers through his damp hair.

"Oh... Is your shoulder hurting? You've been quiet all day." He hasn't spoken to me much today, I thought it had something to do with his shoulder, being tired or the fact he probably just isn't in the mood to talk, but as I cock my head and take more notice of him, I realise there's more to his silence than I think.

Harry glares at me, "Of course it is hurting, it hasn't stopped since I came up here," Harry mutters, his hand reaching for the sheets and drawing them back with force, an indication he's irritated, but I'm not sure who with.

Me? My father? Matthew?

"What's wrong?"

"Anastasia, leave it alone, I am going to bed."

"No, the fuck you're not," I spit out, "Look, Shady Sheila, fess up about what you're doing because I am tired of it."

Harry glares over at me and raises his eyebrows, surprised by my tone.

It is rare that I raise my tone of voice or don't compose myself but there comes a time where I need to stand my ground and be firm.

I am soon to be Queen, I need to learn to use my voice more and rule with an iron fist.

"Me? Shady? Look who's talking." Harry gestures his hand between us.

"Excuse me?"

"You had me followed, Anna."

I grow withdrawn for a moment. He isn't wrong.

I did have him followed, but for good reason.

"The next time you have me followed, make sure that they are good at their fucking job, you of all people know I am not stupid."

"And you should know I am not stupid either but you treat me like I can't figure anything out."

"What are you talking about and why did you have me followed?"

"Do you honestly think that I am not smart enough to figure out that the whole wedding dress thing was part of a cover? You mysteriously left for a few hours and kept me occupied and distracted, just like you left to see my father the other night and came home with blood on you and wouldn't tell me what happened. It doesn't take a genius to figure shit out, Harry."

"I don't know what you're alluding to."

"You killed someone, Harry."

"Anastasia, where did you get that theory from?"

"Surprise, surprise, a man went missing and was found dead in the same location you were in, and I know this because you turned the location off on your phone but forgot to take Mathews off, moron."

Harry shakes his head, "Coincidence."

"And the person who was found near a pier in Brighton, an hour away from Singleton where your detective has been hanging... You met with the said detective in Crawley which is only an hour away."

"I had nothing to do with what happened in Brighton, that was not me."

"Oh, so there's a group of you?"

"No, how the fuck did you know I was meeting a detective?"

"Harry, I am going to be Queen, do you think that I can't find things out when it comes to you? I have people besides you that can dig."

"I'm kind of turned on by this... But that is a fucked up power move to use on me. Anna, there is no need to have me followed and shit, I am doing my job."

"You lied to me, you were being shady, what else was I meant to do?"

"Take my word when I tell you that you don't want to know what happened that night. I didn't tell you for a damn reason. You don't need to be worried about certain things, I don't need you stressing. For fucks sake, I am not insensitive enough to tell you horrible things while you're sick. Do you think I didn't realise you threw up knowing I had to move victoria? Do you honestly think I hide things just to be an asshole? I value our relationship and sometimes there are things better left unknown. But feel free to keep tabs on me, I have nothing to hide, but I don't want to hear a word when you find things out that aren't pleasant. I do my best to protect you from things physically, mentally and emotionally."

"I am sorry, but I just wanted to make sure that you weren't going to get into shit like my father and end up like him."

"I'm not your father, Anastasia, you seem to have this fear that he will rub off on me... It won't happen, I am currently saving his fucking arse and trying to clean his mess."

"By killing people?" I question.

Harry shakes his head, "Anna, that wasn't what was meant to happen."

"Oh? I bet Victoria thought the same thing."

"Hey, that isn't fair, you know I had nothing to do with that. Those people from the boat aren't going to stop."

"You don't think I don't know that?" I snap at him, "Doesn't mean you go off and be shady and kill people and try to hide it from me."

"For fucks sake, they're going to kill you, Anna. I'm trying to prevent it and you're making that very hard." Harry blurts out and from the way, his eyes grow wide and his lips form into a firm line, he regrets it. "Fuck, I shouldn't have told you that, I'm so sorry."

I stare at him speechlessly, unsure of whether he's serious or just bitter. "Anastasia, now do you see why I try to keep certain things from you?"

"That's why you've been so secretive? Is your plan to get rid of them before they do more damage?" I ask Harry, "Are you like participating in fucking mafia activity?"

"I am not part of the mafia, I'm attempting to avoid them before they're on my arse for saving your father. There are too many people in this twist."

"You haven't answered me on the plan."

"Sweetheart—"

"Don't sweetheart me. You just told me people are trying to kill me. Don't turn soft on me now."

"The plan was to protect you and your family, your father ordered us to get rid of one of the men from the boat, we had to deal with him. The plan was to tie him off and scare him into moving to Spain and living a new life far away from here. I had his new passport and identity with enough cash to last a year... he turned it down and threatened you, he wasn't going to leave..."

"So you?" I can't finish my sentence, the thought of Harry killing someone doesn't settle well with me, even if it is to save myself.

Harry shakes his head, "No, Anna, I didn't. Mathew did, I moved the body. So you can stop looking at me like I'm an evil murderer who has no mercy. But you need to know if it comes down to it, and I have no choice, I will do what I need to do to keep you safe. The Aces and whoever they're involved with, will not harm you."

"Good to know considering you just said they're going to kill me."

Harry sighs, "Can we please drop this? But I'd suggest the next time you have me followed you tell me because your little detective almost got strangled."

"What did you do?" ... "Please tell me he is alive, Harry."

"It's a natural defence that when I'm suspiciously followed to act upon it. Just slammed him against a wall and put my arm at his neck and forced him to tell me what the fuck he wanted.... Let him go, obviously once he told me you had him follow me, but seriously, bad idea." .... "How many others times have you had me watched?"

"Just a few other times just to make sure you're safe."

"I can handle myself, Anastasia."

"Will you start being honest with me now?" I softly ask, not wanting to continue arguing or being firm.

"I never lied, I simply didn't tell you for your own good."

"I understand but do you understand my perspective?"

Harry nods his head, "I do. But the future Queen needs to trust me. And by the way, my location wasn't off to hide from you, it was off because I thought I was being tracked by your Dad's angry mob who are after him. I do want to make it to our wedding."

"Starting to wonder if we will both make it."

"Don't talk like that," Harry quickly instructs, "Speaking of weddings.... when are we getting married and did you pick a dress?"

"I want to get married as soon as possible."

"Okay?" Harry seems a little confused.

"This weekend. Nothing fancy."

"Where?" Harry asks while grabbing some pain meds out of his side draw.

"Do you want me to rub your shoulder? It might help," I offer, taking into consideration how much he has worked his shoulder when he has meant to be resting it.

"No," Harry shakes his head, "I don't want anyone touching it, and I nicely mean this... it's just throbbing."

"Ohh.... and I thought we could maybe do it here? Or go to Hillsborough?"

"Baby, there's a big difference between here and your favourite castle... My mother's garden is nothing compared to Hillsborough."

"Which is safest?"

"Whatever you pick I'll make sure is a safe option. If you want Hillsborough we can make it happen. If you want it here, we can make it happen."

"Hillsborough has staff, people would see, especially if there's paparazzi."

"Darling, I promise whatever you want, we will make sure is safe and under the radar so nobody leaks stories on it."

"What do you want? It's your wedding too."

"I just want to marry you," Harry responds, "We will do whatever you want. If you want swans, I'll give you swans, if you want some big wedding, I'll give it to you, if you want a small one, I'll give it to you. Anything you want?"

"Anything?"

Harry nods his head as he sits on the bed and wiggles his legs under the covers, he looks up at me and raises a brow, "I have a feeling I might regret that..."

"Suspenders," I simply respond with a smirk.

"Ah, fuck," Harry mutters, "I knew saying 'anything' would come back and bite me in the arse."

"You might get lucky," I chuckle, crawling on the bed and falling beside him at ease.

Harry laughs and shakes his head, "At this point, the universe is against me getting lucky, every time we try, we are interrupted. I bet I could kiss you now and we'd be interrupted."

I nod my head in agreement, "You're not wrong," I sigh, "Soooo... those suspenders?" I grin as I prop up on my arm and look at him.

"Goodnight, I love you, I'm going to sleep."

"Harry—"

"I'm tired," Harry chuckles, leaning to kiss my cheek before reaching over and closing the lamp on his side table.

"Harry," I lower my tone of voice and watch his silhouette in the dark as he brings the covers up to his shoulders.

Harry doesn't say anything and I decide to leave the topic alone. I pull at the covers and rest down on the pillows, becoming comfortable within the bed.

Harry clears his throat and breaks the silence, "I'm wearing suspenders, aren't I?"

"Mhm," I hum.

"Why can't I wear a prince outfit?"

"You're not a prince, go to sleep."

"Ouch," Harry shuffles around under the covers. "Can't we compromise?"

"Sure," I agree, "You can choose the suspenders and their colour."

"But... It might cause my shoulder to hurt more, ya know the suspenders putting pressure on my shoulder."

"Well..." I sigh, unsure of whether suspenders would make him more uncomfortable, I know he hates wearing suspenders but I don't want to force him into something if he's going to be highly uncomfortable.

"I'll wear suspenders, baby, I'm just aggravating you."

"I love you, goodnight."

♔♔♔ ♔♔♔

Harry's pov

I hurry down the hallway to the front door with my shirt unbuttoned, the knocking of the door distracting me from continuing to get ready.

I swing the door open, unsure of who I was expecting, but I didn't expect this. I raise my brow as Prince Louis stands in front of me, "All due respect, but what are you doing here?" I instantly question.

"I'm here for Anna."

"Mhm... She's not here," I respond, unsure of how he got the address.

Louis stares at me for a moment and I go to close the door but he stops me, "No, no, not specifically for her, I need to talk to you."

"I'm sorta busy," I lament, somewhat irritated.

I'm meant to be getting ready peacefully and it seems that everything isn't tranquil at all. My sister is running around like a chicken with their head cut off, my mother is somewhere doing God knows what, and Anastasia... Well, I just hope she's getting herself ready and hasn't decided to bail on our plans.

"Do you think I drove up here for no reason? Stop being an ass."

"Being an ass is a speciality and part of my job. What do you need?"

Prince Louis rolls his eyes, "Victoria was found."

"Okay, and?"

I do not care that she was found, we assumed she would ultimately be discovered, that was the whole point of moving her, so she would be found and away from the Manor.

"I was one of the last people to see her."

"And this relates to me, how?"

"I know about you and Anna."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Louis narrows his eyes on me, "I know about the two of you."

"Get in," I mutter, letting him inside the house and closing the door behind him. I don't need any lurkers seeing or hearing things.

"Victoria had suspicions that Anastasia found someone else and that's why she ended things with Henry. I overheard her telling the press outside the castle while you were in Greece. They started to speculate, I didn't want them to out the two of you so I said it was me.... Victoria was angry and long story short, I'm the last person who saw her and everyone saw her getting angry with me so I'm the first person they'll turn to and frame."

"And what do I have to do with this?" I ask with a snarky tone. I don't understand what his problems have to do with me, quite frankly, Victoria is no longer my problem.

"I was hoping you could help me?"

"How?"

"I don't know. But I could get framed for something I never did and now the media think me and her are dating, the headlines came out this morning."

I roll my eyes and sigh, "Why didn't you just keep your mouth shut?"

"Because I didn't want Victoria to learn about you and Anna."

"How do you know about us?"

"Anna and I grew up together, we are best friends, I asked her about it once, she tried to decline but I knew, ever since I just let her tell me small things, I respect that you two want to keep things quiet."

"Mhm," I hum, "So the media think you two are together? I will figure something out.... If Victoria didn't know then who the fuck sent the letters?" I trail off, remembering the letters that I have been receiving. "Nevermind," I shake my head, "Look, I'm getting married, I can't deal with everyone else's shit, so I need you to stay under the radar unless you have royal duties, I suggest that you rent a place and stay away from any royal places."

"Where do you suggest I stay?"

"Louis, you're a Prince, do you not have a place that isn't on royal land that the media doesn't know about?"

"Harry, I am a Prince, what do you think?" Louis responds and I roll my eyes.

Damnit.

"I assume you're in the same shitty boat as Anna then," I mutter.

I run my hand through my hair and think for a moment. "The man next door needs a hand on his farm, it's a nice house, he'd let you stay with him if you just help him with basics, even if all you do is mow the grass, just until I can figure something out. If they find out you're with her, Victoria's little crew might come for you. So, now you're my responsibility. While I get married and enjoy my day, keep your mouth shut."

"Are you inviting me to the wedding?" Louis questions.

"Uh..." I trail off, "It isn't much of a wedding, but I don't see why not, you already know about us... If Anna trusts you then I guess I do too."

"You don't trust me," Louis points out the obvious.

He is right, I don't. I don't trust many people, but I am giving him the benefit of the doubt to not fuck me over.

"Huh, you are smart," I sarcastically smile, "Jus' don't stab me in the back over this. The King is going to be pissed when he sees the headlines."

"I would assume he wouldn't be thrilled. I was never a choice for Anna."

I am not sure why he wasn't a choice for Anna, I might not give him the satisfaction and tell him, but he seems like a genuine guy from what I have seen when he has been around and at royal events.

"Neither was I," I respond, "Sit down and make yourself comfortable," I gesture towards the couch where Louis takes my glass of whiskey I left on the table and downs it.

I stare at him, surprised by his sudden actions, he doesn't strike me as the sort of Prince to drink hard liquor. 'Look..." Louis sighs, falling to the couch, "It has been a long week, don't judge me. Being apart of a royal family fucking sucks."

I shake my head, "No judgment here," I respond, doing my best to do exactly that — not judge.

If these members of royalty aren't happy, I don't understand why they allow the monarch to control their lives so much. If all of those who are unhappy were to rebel against the rules of the monarch, then surely, somehow, there could be a reform of amendment. It's like when a union goes on strike to express their issues of being paid inadequately or for whatever issue they don't agree with. When the union stands up and goes on strikes, it causes evaluation and further amendment of issues, changing the forms. Anna and Louis can't be the only ones that are having issues when it comes to being royal. Perhaps, if they band together, they could change things for the better. But then again, who's going to listen?

The King and Parliament have had their chances to improve conditions and they haven't, I can only assume the chance of change is only going to occur when Anastasia is Queen, and if I'm being honest, I am somewhat dreading that moment. I know it is coming soon, more than likely she will be inaugurated as Queen in the New Year and be crowned before the spring. I fear the day Anna becomes Queen not just for her safety but her sanity. Being King has destroyed her father, he has gone off the deep end and there's no sign of him returning any time soon, although I know that she will not follow in the same steps of her father and get involved in matters that could kill her, there is part of me that wonders if she will be able to stay composed and genuine when she takes on such a role. Being a princess hasn't had the best of influences on her, she denounces it... I can only assume her being Queen will not cause a revolution where she will abruptly relish being royal. All I will be able to do is protect her, love her and support her through it all. I know she can handle the challenges that she may face, I have no doubt in her abilities, but I have seen her father decline over time and it worries me.

Victoria may not be an issue right now, but I'm sure she will manage to haunt us all from the grave, she is still causing problems and being a pain in my ass. I clear my throat and glance towards Louis, "Has the media said what they think happened?"

"Yeah, they think she was murdered and I'm the easiest target, were you not listening?"

"Don't get snappy with me, I'm not the one to piss off, I am the only one who can help you."

"You're so sure of yourself, I am sure Anna could help." Louis sneers, not too happy with my confidence and dominance.

I'm not trying to be dominant or confident, I'm striving to grasp an understanding of things so that I can fix the issues without involving the King. "Louis, I love my soon to be wife, but there is no way she will be able to fix this situation. The media set the precedent, there are no autopsy results yet, it's all media speculation, so we need to get the autopsy results and make sure that it isn't murder."

"We?"

I nod my head, "Do you think I'm going to do all the dirty work for you?"

"I'm innocent!" Louis exclaims, unfortunately, throwing his hands up in the air, "I'm innocent, and my world is getting turned upside down."

"Story of my life, join the club, pal." I smile, attempting to lighten the mood.

As much as I aspire to be an asshole, I can't. Louis is a decent guy, he was a genuine friend to Anna to attempt to stop the press from finding out about mine and her relationship, he has never stepped on my toes or caused me any reason to resent him.

"Why is Victoria coming after everyone?"

"What do you know about her family?" I ask a question with a question, not quite sure what Louis knows and does not know. I can't quite figure out if he is the kind of person who knows everything and doesn't say it or if he genuinely has no clue about the dark side of the families.

"Not too much, I know my family stayed away from the Aces, there's an old rumour that they're so horrible that they swapped babies at birth... they wanted a son so bad they swapped their daughter at birth. Of course, that's probably just bullshit talk. I do know that they aren't as wealthy as the rest... Victoria's husband has asked my father for money many times, but that's as much as I know about that. My family try to steer clear of them and only give them money if they leave us alone."

"They swapped babies?" I gasp.

Surely they can't be that wicked and selfish to take someone else's baby just because they don't want a daughter. As much as I want to say I'm surprised by the rumour, I'm not. I wouldn't put anything past them at this point. They're proving to be horrible people that nobody wants to deal with, unfortunately, somehow, the King got caught up in their immoral behaviour and is paying the consequences. However, I do understand his reasons. I would have done anything to protect my wife too if I was in his position, but I still think there's more to the story than he's telling— there's always more to every story.

If his wife was dying in his arms, what could they do that no doctor could?

How could the Ace's save her but the King could not?

Did they orchestrate the accident on purpose in an attempt to kill both of them or did they want a reason to manipulate the king?

There are numerous questions and very little answers.

"Could just be a rumour, I wouldn't read into it, but they have always pushed for Henry to have the best title possible, hence why they pushed him on Anna so that he could be more than just an ordinary prince.... god, forbid if he's just a prince... Not like Anna or I's titles come in handy. She and I despise them, and his family is so adamant to have high titles that they'll stop at nothing."

People always want what they can't have— but they should be careful what they wish for, a title comes with many burdens that not many want to deal with.

"I've never heard the rumour."

Louis chuckles to himself and glances up at me, "If you and Anna have kids, I'd advise you keep that baby close and never take your eyes off of it, that baby will be wanted by many, especially that clan of evils."

The thought of my future children being subject to possibly being taken by any means causes my spine to shiver and my stomach to turn. If Anna and I have children, I'm not sure how I'm going to not only keep the Ace's away from any form of sabotage but also the outside world away from them. I don't want my children to have to watch their back all the damn time. I don't want them to be like Anna and forced to fear the unknown or have a lack of normalcy. I want my children to be able to run through gardens and chase sunsets without being pulled back by royal strings and protocol.

I want my wife and kids safe, but I don't know how I can make that happen.

I shake my head, "I don't even want to think about my kid being subject to royal bullshit, no offence."

"None taken, you're in for a shit show when you become King."

"I don't become King. I can only be King consort and that's if Anna grants me the title."

I might joke around about wanting a title and wearing a crown, but at the end of the day, I don't give a shit about it. I don't want the responsibility of what comes with the crowned jewels, I don't want the stress and the dysfunction of it all.

"She will grant it to you, but you won't want it."

I nod my head, "I'm happy being known as Harry, the security personal." ... "You are in charge of the coroner's report for Victoria." I instruct Louis, changing the subject, watching as he stares at me clueless as to what he's meant to do.

I heavily sigh and roll my eyes, disregarding that he doesn't do what I do for a living and has no clue who to even speak to, "Nevermind, I will do it, you just... well..." I trail off, cocking my head to the side, unsure of what task to give him that he can undoubtedly accomplish, "I need you to stay sober, my wedding starts in thirty minutes and I am sure Anna would like to see you... Perhaps walk her down the aisle?" I suggest, keeping in mind that this is far from the typical traditional wedding that I would have liked to have had. I know Anastasia acts as though she doesn't care that her family is not here and that this is far from the Princess wedding she deserves but I feel somewhat guilty for not giving it to her... I know it isn't my fault since I offered to give her any sort of wedding she wanted and this is what she chose. I had envisioned a wedding where she had the most elaborate flower decorations everywhere, surrounded by friends' and family.

Louis nods his head and places an empty glass on the table, "I can do that, I'd be honoured... Is that what you're wearing?" Louis questions, gesturing towards my modest suit and tie. We couldn't find detailed coloured suspenders like Anastasia had craved so she had to settle with a charming burgundy tie with my white button-down and black suit jacket. "That isn't royal attire."

"No shit, I'm not royal, did you forget? I don't have military suits, I don't have a royal dress code, all I have is this." I gesture up and down to my attire, not seeing what is wrong with what I am wearing. Any other typical male would wear this to their wedding.

"You can't get married like that," Louis shakes his head, I have a nice morning jacket in my car and cufflinks."

"Louis... I can't wear royal cufflinks, I am not royal. I'm nothing but a commoner." I remind Louis of my ranking. I am nothing to the royals; I am not the top tier person that deserves any sort of special treatment and entitlement to royal protocol or clothes. I am perfectly fine with my simple suit and tie.

"You're going to be Anastasia's husband, you're entitled to royal cufflinks at the very least, I insist. I'll be back." Louis insists, not giving me a chance to continue to debate him before he saunters out.

♔♔♔

I heavily sigh as I adjust flowers and add to the details, doing my very best to make sure my mother's garden looks superb and adequate for the future Queen and my future wife to marry me in.

I know Anastasia deserves more, she deserves better, but at short notice, this is the best I could do. My mother's garden is beautiful, don't get me wrong, but deep down, it isn't what I pictured for Anastasia. I had hoped for more, I had wished to at least have her surrounded by the royal gardens that are larger than this or to get married in Westminster Abbey.

I adjust a few of the elegant burst of blush roses at the arch of where Anna will walk out the doors and make her way to me. "Harry," Mathew scolds, "If you don't stop, you're going to get soil on your shirt, stop." Mathew slaps my hands away and ignores my glare.

"She deserves perfection. I was fixing the flowers."

"Mate, we spent all night doing this, it is perfect. Stop nitpicking."

I grow quiet for a moment as I stare at the flowers, my hand reaching to brush over the small sprigs of myrtle wrapped into the arch. My mother informed me that Myrtle is a tradition when it comes to royal weddings, it has something to do with marital fidelity, luck and prosperity and other things my mother named off the list while helping me arrange flowers while the florist tried her best in other areas to set up flowers. "Do you think she's having second thoughts? I can't give her a palace. I could barely get all the traditional flowers."

"She doesn't want a palace. She wants you. Don't start that shit, you tried your best at short notice, it isn't like you're poor, mate, and even if you were, she would still love you." Mathew mutters, his eyes flicking around, reminding me that even though I'm getting married, he still is on high alert.

I don't flash around what I can or can't afford, I try to keep things modest and under the radar, but I know that there are some things I know that I cannot afford. I can't afford the royal jewels and a house that will look like a palace. I don't even have a house for her, but considering our circumstances, I don't think we will need a house?

We will live in a palace? Or maybe I will stay in my apartment? I am not sure, it is another thing I will need to think about.

I cock my head to the side and glance around, seeing nothing but flowers everywhere and lovely decorations in the garden with a few echoes of lambs from the neighbour's farm as I walk towards the Priest.

"Need I be worried?" I instantly question, unsure whether I need to go into security mode or if I'm able to continue fretting over wedding plans and whether Anna will walk towards me or not.

Mathew shakes his head. "No, now stop worrying, you're marrying a royal, stand up straight, adjust your tie, damnit, I thought I taught you better," Mathew rolls his eyes, adjusting my tie and my coat jacket, "Royal cufflinks, perfect," Matthew grins.

"I don't see what the big deal is about these cufflinks."

"You will one day. Once she's Queen you'll have your very own royal cufflinks.... You'll have your own slim-cut single-breasted two-button suit, worn with a blue shirt, classic spread collar and a red – or maroon – tie."

"That's oddly specific."

"Everything about royal wardrobe is specific. If you think I'm strict with your appearance..." Mathew laughs, "They're worse."

"Matthew, you about strangled me with my tie once."

Mathew shrugs his shoulders, "I warned you to make sure it's tied properly. Ever since that day your tie has always been tied correctly and not loose."

"Mhm," I hum, stepping to the side and taking a deep breath as I glance towards the doors Anna will accompany out of, hopefully soon. "Matthew," I softly begin, my fingers fidgeting with the hem of my shirt, "Are we making the right decision?"

"Harry, what do you mean? Do you have doubts?" He instantly demands.

I shake my head, "No... I want to marry her. But... her parents aren't here, am I wrong for not asking her fathers permission?"

"Mate, all that matters is you and her. The monarch will keep you two apart if you have to have permission. You and I both know that. Her dad will not openly give his blessing, he can't as King."

"This monarch is going to piss me off even more now, isn't it?" I half chuckle.

Matthew nods his head, "Good luck, pal." Matthew pets my shoulder and I let out a sigh.

The things we do for love. The monarch won't stand in my way when it comes to Anastasia, I have decided that on my own. I will stand in the shadows and be a silent husband while she's a part of the monarch. I don't care, I just want to be with her. I won't force her to abdicate the throne when and if she ever takes Queen, I will not force her to leave the monarch altogether. No. I plan to simply love her through it all and stand by her side. That crown will cause many arguments amongst us, I already know, but nothing will be able to get in our way. Parliament and the people of the United Kingdom won't separate Anna and me, nor will Henry or anyone else.

I look up and everything in my world ceases. All at once, everything feels right and secure. There Anna stands in her white, long sleeve dress with cascade flowers, Louis by her side and ready to walk her closer to me. With my mouth gaped open, I glance at Matthew, "fuck, I'm one lucky man... She's beautiful, I'm about to marry her— the love of my life," I whisper with a choked voice, unable to control the smile painted across my lips and the tears threatening to fall from my eyes.

I am not an emotional man, I don't cry when we watch romantic movies or sad ones, I don't react much to things; I'm more of the man to show his emotions in private, but right now, how I feel cannot be contained. I'm about to marry the woman I love, my soul mate, the woman who makes me a better person each day and has taught me so many things about life. I'm about to marry my best friend and I couldn't be happier. Anastasia an intelligent, beautiful and strong-minded woman and I, for the life of me, have no clue how I managed to make her fall in love with me.

All I know is I must have done something right in my lifetime to deserve such an angel in my life to marry.

As Anastasia makes her way towards me, I look towards my mother who is smiling with my sister while they walk behind Anastasia, making sure her veil doesn't touch the ground as she walks. My mother was right— when you know, you know— and I know this is right. This is the moment I've been waiting for. The butterflies in the pit of my stomach are taking flight, Anastasia's smile is beaming and every fibre of my body tells me I'm making the right decision marrying her here today. Although this may not be the most traditional way I had wanted to do things, it doesn't matter. All that matters right now is the fact that we are getting married. We are tying the knot of our love and sealing it for the rest of our lifetime.

It's an honour to be Anastasia's husband, it's an honour to have the chance to proclaim my love for her and express my vows to her very soon, and it's an honour to have her love. She's my everything and I've never been so sure about something in my life. I wholeheartedly want to marry her and spend the rest of my life with her.

Louis and Anastasia reach me, and before I can do or say anything, the priest kindly asks, "Who gives this woman to this man?" Almost making me chuckle but I hold back my laugh.

Louis smiles, "I do," he nods his head before kissing Anastasia's cheek and allowing me to take her hand as she steps closer.

My mother and sister adjust Anastasia's veil before my mother looks at me and winks, giving me more confirmation that I have, indeed, made the right decision.

♔♔♔

Anastasia's POV

I gaze at the white wall, unsure of where exactly life took a turn for the worst, moreover, why things took a turn for the worst. Just a few hours ago, I was getting married to the love of my life, keen to walk down the aisle and say "I do" to the man I'd spend the rest of my life with. A few hours ago, life was perfect, and nothing could ruin the love and happiness rested between us— being royal couldn't even stop the two of us.

But here I rest, on a stiff hospital floor, tears stained down my rosy cheeks, my head rested on Louis's shoulder while nurses bustle past us, doing their best to save lives— but how unfortunate they couldn't manage to save a life that meant so much to me— a life that had much more to live for.

It's ironic, the country always declares, "God save the King," but who the hell is meant to save the rest of us? Who is meant to save me?

I stare at the wall and enable my thoughts to play our memories like a movie, like the times we raced through the wildflowers or the countless times he had to pick me up after I had fallen over. Although recollections are bittersweet, it hurts more retaining the moments because that's all I have left. I'll never have him wander into my room and tell me goodnight, I'll never have him get irritated with me and roll his eyes, I'll never have him hold me while I cry again.

I'll never have what I once did— all I will have is memories of what once was and what will never be the same again.

I never imagined this day would come, I believed I had forever and took time for granted; I never thought the day of sitting in a hospital and getting the verdict that he's gone would transpire. It's not something you think about, it's not something you wish upon anyone, it's something you attempt to push out of your thoughts. Death is always around us, it happens every day and every night, at all hours— but it goes unnoticed until it hits close to home. By the time it hits home— it's too late— there's no more memories to be made or more time, it's over. What's left after death is a whole lot of sorrow and regret.

Oh, how regret is one hell of an emotion that can't be kicked comfortably.

As I gawk at the wall, I drive the memories aside and focus on the regrets of my life— there's numerous. I regret not being nicer to some people, and I regret being too nice to some.

I regret taking for granted the precious time I've had with everyone who's in my life.

I regret not spending more time with my father, the man who ultimately made inadequate decisions but always sought to make up for his lack of judgment and the fact he didn't give me a normal life.

I regret not saying, "I love you," more to those who deserve to hear it.

I regret a lot of trivial things in this life.

I close my burning and weary eyes with a sigh, resting further on Louis as the racket of the nurses pacing up and down the hallway continues to fill the space of quiet murmuring between everybody.

"Her majesty," I hear an unfamiliar voice as the sole of my shoe is tapped. I open my eyes to observe an older man staring down at me.

He's wearing a suit and tie, his hair is styled excellently and if I didn't know any better, I'd say he's a businessman but I know he isn't. A businessman has no interest bothering me at this hour in a hospital— this man is a parliament official.

"Anastasia, you need to read over this," the member of parliament presents to me a letter-sized envelope.

"What is this?" I softly challenge, gawking at the envelope in his hands.

"It's the protocol."

"What protocol?" Louis immediately demands, "Harry and Matthew are over there," Louis gestures towards the two as I lift my head off Louis' shoulder and take the letter-sized envelope from the parliament official.

"Protocol for the monarch and what happens."

"Is this necessary? Her father just died," Louis shakes his head disapprovingly, "Do you have no courtesy?"

"I have to."

"You should leave," Louis stands to his feet, flinging his arm towards the doors, "Harry," Louis gestures for Harry, his fist in a ball of fury.

"Louis—"

"It's Prince Louis to you," Louis corrects the man, "Parliament gives no fucks about us." Louis shakes his head, extremely infuriated.

We've always known some members of parliament don't care about our wellbeing or anything of our nature.

"Watch how you speak to me," the man pushes out his chest in an attempt to show dominance.

I push myself up off the floor and to my feet, "Harry," I grab his attention, putting myself between Louis and the man.

Harry is prompt to become the middleman, benevolently urging me behind him, "Now is not the time nor place for bullshit," Harry murmurs, keeping his voice hushed. "I don't know what the issue is, but either sit your asses down or you both leave." Harry's eyes narrow towards the exit doors.

"He just gave Anna the protocol papers for what happens now that her father has died," Louis informs Harry on the problem.

Harry's jaw clenches and he shakes his head disapprovingly. "Leave, and so god help you if I have to escort you out. I don't care that you're apart of parliament, I don't care if you're the fucking Pope, there's a time and a place and right now isn't it. Go."

The man shakes his head, "I can't leave, I have to announce the death of the king and who reins."

"It doesn't matter who reins, Anna reins, that's how the monarch works, you need to leave," Harry commands, striving to stay calm and keep his cool as nurses pass us in the hallway.

"Just give it to me," I direct, holding my hand out towards the man. He isn't going to leave until he receives what he desires. I don't know why it's a prominent deal, everybody knows that since the King has died I am now the reigning Queen.

There's a protocol of what occurs when a royal such as a King or Queen dies. I'm sure the Palace has detailed plans in place for the King's funeral and the subsequent succession. In a few hours, the news outlets will announce the passing of my Father; Union Jack flags in the UK and around the world will be flown at half-mast, television stations will play the national anthem and hold a photo of my father on the screen, and to ensure the British throne is never vacant, I automatically become Queen. There is no schedule in place for my coronation but I'm sure the palace will handle the fine details of everything while I mourn the loss of my father. To everybody else, he is merely a King, but to me, he's my Father, the man who danced with me around the palace when I couldn't sleep, and the same man who taught me to properly dance for when I was old enough to dance with a prince.

Although the King made some dreadful decisions while he reigned and became someone that was constantly angry and bitter, before the chaotic events, my father was a genuine man. He didn't deserve to die the way he did, and he merits more respect at this moment than what he's getting. His members of parliament are more concerned about proclaiming who takes the throne than commemorating my father as a man who wasn't just a king— he was a husband and a father.

I slide my finger under the adhesive part of the envelope and tear it open, taking out the white paper and beginning to scan my the black ink while everyone stares at me, waiting for the news that we are already aware of— I'm Queen.

"Oh, no." I gasp, my heart ceasing as I continue to re-read certain lines to make sure I'm understanding what's scribed accurately.

The more I re-read each line, the more my stomach turns and my world proceeds to rotate.

"Anna, sweetheart, you don't need to worry about that now, it's just your Dads Will and all the stuff to say you're Queen." My mother discloses while I continue to read what's scribed in ink on the paper.

"I'm here for Henry, I need his signature," the man emphasises. "He's meant to be here, I saw him in the lobby."

"What?" Louis and Harry respond in unison, equally as confused.

We have greater issues to deal with than Henry being in the lobby. Quite literally, we have an issue of the fact I'm not the Queen.

I am meant to be Queen but legally, I am not.

"Henry is now king, where is he so he can sign?"

I am not sure who made the call to parliament about my Father. I had assumed this would be kept quiet until morning and someone would call the Priminster. Protocol on that end wasn't followed.

"Henry isn't King," I respond, my hands shaking with every moment that passes by. This is not how I imagined things would turn out— this is something I never saw coming.

As much as the Ace's would love for Henry to be king, my Dad has set up the testimony in a way that changes everything.

"It's meant to be Henry. That was the deal. The Ace's made a deal with your father that he changed the rulings, he insisted on the members of parliament to agree to the change."

"Anna, you don't need to deal with this," Harry tenderly places his jacket to drape over my shoulders, taking note of my chilled body.

I'm not quite sure if I'm cold or if this is just a reaction to the events that have occurred and are currently happening. Perhaps, I'm in shock. I'm really not sure anymore. The only thing I'm sure of is that I want this to be over with... I'll gladly take my father's place if it means I can have some peace.

I again shake my head. "No, this states right here that my husband or partner at the time takes the throne. It specifically states my partner of my choosing I am in a relationship with whether known by the public or not." I recite the words written on the paper.

It's the last few words that change what they thought was set in stone. The media may assume Henry and I are together but we aren't. My father was intelligent enough to leave this in my hands without the Ace's knowing. Victoria thought she had my father cornered and doing what she desired when it came to passing the crown, somehow, my dad managed to outsmart her.

"Exactly, Henry." The man continues, adamant that Henry is the one who has to sign these damn papers in my hands and take the throne. Just because the media has stated that Henry and I are together, it doesn't mean that it's true.

What happens behind closed doors is about to come to light.

The doors to the hallway open and Henry makes himself known, offering a small smile as he shuffles closer to us. I can only imagine his smug grin and presence is due to a misunderstanding that he's now the King.

I take a heavy breath, observing the tension between everyone grow prominently with every second that Henry stands in front of us. Harry glares towards Matthew and Matthew views towards me as if I have answers for what the fuck we should do. I don't have answers, I barely even have thoughts travelling through my head at this point.

"Oh, God, what has he done?" My mother gasps, her hand reaching her mouth in shock— little does she know that this isn't the shocking news.

"It's not Henry," Louis breathes out, "Thank fucking god," Louis seems relieved, finally realising what is happening and what the papers state.

"Harry," I glance up at him, "Harry, you're the King."