"She has a viral infection," the doctor whispers, above me. Eyes still closed, I feel cold metal press to my heart. "I've given her an injection of Penicillin and some Acetaminophen, which should bring down the fever soon. With the fragility of her situation, I'm glad you called before it got any worse."
"Will the baby be fine?"
"Yes. I believe so. In any case, see your OB/GYN as soon as possible."
"Will she be fine? I mean, she's going to get better soon, right?" The worry in Henry's voice is apparent.
"Yes, Your Highness. She will be better soon. She needs a few days of rest and watchful care. If her fever spikes again, feel free to call me at any time."
I open my eyes, with difficulty, finding Henry's face in the blur. He's walking the doctor to the door, whispering low. I find each time I blink it's harder to remain conscious.
I open my eyes again when I feel Henry's fingers pushing my hair back from my forehead. He leans down, pressing his lips to my collarbone gently. I lift my heavy arms, resting my hands over his hair as he exhales, pressing his cheek against the spot his mouth kissed.
"Why didn't you tell me, damn it?" he whispers, angrily. "Why?"
"I should have," I breathe as he pulls back, looking down at me. I'm lucky he looks more worried than mad. "I... knew if I told you that everything would change... that as a Prince, you would have to marry me before I began to show. And a-after everything we've been through, I didn't want you to propose to me out of obligation."
He sighs, shaking his head slowly. He clasps my hand, kissing my fingers with force. "Mia, nothing I've done with you has been out of obligation. I would never propose to you out of obligation."
I stare at him, sniffling. He tilts his head before he stands up, walking to his coat. He reaches inside, pulling out a small velvet pouch.
"I've been carrying around my mother's ring since I showed up on your doorstep the day I left the wedding."
"Henry..."
"Don't worry, I'm not proposing," he whispers, chuckling softly, looking down at the pouch. "Mia, when I give this to you, it will be because it's the right time, the right place... and will have nothing to do with obligation. Alright?"
I nod, feeling myself becoming a blubbering mess. He puts the ring back into his coat and comes to me, clasping my face. I run my fingers through his hair, positive I look like I'm dying but he's still staring at me like I'm the sun anyway. He sighs, defeated and shakes his head.
"I'm too relieved to be cross with you right now," he admits begrudgingly.
I'm beginning to feel drowsy but I can't help but ask, "Are you happy?"
He grins, chuckling. "About the baby?"
I nod, tilting my face into his hand as he wipes my delirious, scalding tears.
"I'm... so happy," he replies softly.
"Despite the timing?"
He nods, smiling. "Despite the timing."
...
I press my face into Henry's chest, in the dark. "Where is your brother?"
I feel him inhale, his arms around me are a protective barrier from the cold of the room. "I told him that I needed time to think. That I needed to talk to you before I made any plans."
"He's giving you the chance to go back into England, Henry... I know you want that."
"We just moved here. I've... It may seem silly but I've imagined us here now... seeing the years ahead."
I nod. "It's not silly at all. I have thought about it too."
"England has proven to be a place of heartbreak for us... I can't risk hurting us further, I won't."
I look up, somehow able to see his eyes in the dark. "We can withstand anything now, Henry. We have a baby to think of."
"I know," he whispers. I hear the worry. I rub his chest, sighing.
"Henry, I will be behind you in whatever choice you make. Whether it's staying here or leaving... do what you think is right."
...
"It's only been three days," Henry complains as I push open the door, needing fresh air. I feel a spring in my step, so much better than I've felt in over a week. "The doctor said-"
"The doctor said I'd need a few days of rest... I need to feel fresh air. Please, Henry," I murmur, stepping onto the veranda, a shawl wrapped around my shoulders. I hear him close the doors behind him and I turn.
He holds up his hands. "I'm doing this begrudgingly, just so you know."
I grin when he takes my hand and we begin our path for the steps.
...
I stare at the sun setting over the vineyards, enjoying the hard feel of Henry beneath my cheek. Both of us on the bench swing on the veranda, my head is on his thigh, my body sprawled out over the wood.
My eyes begin to close drowsily, feeling Henry's fingers grazing softly through my hair, in a calm repetitive motion. After a day just being with him, walking and talking in this perfect place, I'm content.
I turn, looking up at him. He smiles down warmly at me. I sit up then and move towards him. His grin widens when I settle myself on him, resting my head on his shoulder, my hands clenched together against his chest. His arms around me squeeze slightly, his cheek pressed against my hair.
My eyes close, a smile lighting up my face.
"I love you," I whisper.
He hums, contentedly. "I love you, Mia."
...
Richard leans back, resting his napkin on his lap. What little remaining of dinner is on the table. "Well, I'm certainly glad you're feeling better, Mia. A viral infection... that can be dangerous."
I wonder briefly if he's upset my illness didn't take a turn for the worse. But I smile anyway, glancing over to Henry. "I was well taken care of."
Richard looks outside the window, nodding. It's his last night here. He's leaving for England tonight. I know he's waiting on Henry, to see what his decision is. I'm waiting too, unsure of what he'll choose.
"This place is truly beautiful. Mom and Dad were happy here."
"Yes."
"The story of the affair came out right after we were here... She left then, right?"
I stare down into my iced tea. Affair?
Henry inhales, leaning back. "Believe so. You were older than I was."
"Yeah, she must have. I think she passed right after that... It must be nice to surround yourself with such memories."
Henry doesn't answer, but tilts his head. "How's Nicole?"
"She's Nicole. Always moving. She's having the bedrooms in the palace remodeled at the moment... it takes up a good deal of her time."
"No doubt she's spending every last cent of the crown's money on it."
Richard smirks. "I had to cut her off, actually."
Henry shakes his head, smirking as well. It's strange how alike they look when they smile. Henry glances at me, momentarily and something in his expression changes. He looks back to his older brother, breathing in.
"We're going to stay in France, Richard... We're going to stay here."
My eyes widen in surprise, but I look down, trying to conceal my relief. I had been hoping... When I look back up, Richard is staring, silently. He looks just as stunned as I do.
Henry sits forward. "And I made this decision. Mia gave me the choice. So, if you were going to blame her..."
"I wasn't," Richard says, calmly. He stares at Henry. "I know there is much discord between us still. I don't deny it."
Henry looks at me, pressing his lips together. I know this is hard for him.
"I care for you, Richard. Despite everything... and I truly do care for England. But, my life is now here. I can feel it."
Richard nods. "I understand... I would like you to know that you are welcome back into England at any time... I would actually prefer it."
Henry nods, politely. "Thank you, Richard."
This is the first time I've ever been around them both when they haven't been about to tear each others throats out. Richard stands, glancing to me as Henry and I stand with him, uncomfortably.
"I have acted abominably to you, Miss Tyler and I am truly sorry for it."
I shake my head, holding up my hands. "Please, call me Mia, Your Majesty... and thank you."
"Richard," he states, with a nod. I blink back my surprise as we walk behind him towards the front door.
"Call at any time, Richard," Henry says as Richard shrugs on his coat. "About anything... I am still here for you."
Richard nods, somewhat sadly and turns, making his way down the steps towards the large van in the driveway surrounded by other cars and large men in suits. When the vehicles pull away, exiting the gate, I turn, rushing into Henry's body, embracing him tightly.
"Did I make the right decision?" he asks, breathless from my grip. I hear his smile. I pull back as his arm comes around me, lifting me to him. He grins up at me as I wrap my thighs around his hips, clasping his face.
"I hope you didn't do this only for me," I whisper, smiling as he turns, taking us inside. He shakes his head, pressing his lips to mine gently.
"I did it for our family."