There was only one week until the royal wedding, and there a lot to do. From preparing the catering and flower arrangements, to testing wedding gowns and practicing vows and studies as a queen.
There was so much to do that you and Hal haven't had any alone time since your stroll to your bridge. He would be leaving for Monmouth's Castle two days before the special occasion, and so that didn't give enough chances to accompany him to...well...mingle. You wanted to get to know your fiancé a little bit more before you were bound at the alter.
You were about to get your wish when, while walking side by side with your handmaiden and dear friend, a hand appeared out of nowhere and touched your shoulder, causing both of you to yelp.
"It's me." Hal's voice whispered loudly from behind you.
"You startled me!" You whispered loudly back. You glanced over to your handmaiden, who smiled and nodded, and went on her merry way. "What are you doing here? I thought you were packing to return to Monmouth."
"Isn't that what servants are for?" Hal cleared his throat, and nodded over towards the courtyard. "Want to take a stroll?"
You sighed, and accepted his gesture, hooking your arm in his.
"You look beautiful this day." He complimented. Your cheeks blushed. This wasn't the first time he has called you beautiful, but this time was different. This time, he didn't sound like a loyal warrior paying respect to his mistress. This time, he sounded genuine.
"You are handsome this day, as well." It was your turn to clear your throat. You were genuine as well—Hal wore a simple vest with his family's crest on the front over a black long-sleeved shirt and black pants with boots. His dark bangs hovered just above his eyes.
"Are the preparations for the ceremony coming around smoothly?" he asked.
"Yes," you replied. "Everything will be ready on the date."
There was a moment of silence, and you suddenly sensed there was something bothering Hal. That's when your mind began to wonder what could it possibly be. Maybe it was the betrothed wedding, and he is skeptical afterall about the ceremony and he doesn't want to embarrass you. It could be that he was thinking about you, in general, and whether he actually likes you and the idea of you as his queen. Then, you decided to think this through and unselfishly...perhaps he is worried about himself and, as a young King, he knows he will be facing many trials, chaos, and the unknown future of his reign...and both you and him knew you would be sucked into it as his wife and queen...
"Is there something wrong?" He asked first surprisingly, his brows furrowed in concern.
"I was just pondering the same question about you, my King."
"Don't call me that." His tone changed. "I haven't deserved it yet."
"I'm afraid I don't understand, Hal." The two of you stopped and stood under the stone balcony, the shadowed area made it difficult to see his face.
"There may have been a coronation. The title may be permenantly attached to my name." Henry the V stared directly into your eyes, the single ray of sun shone in his pupils. His voice sounded angry. "But I'm no King of England."
"You will be." You blurted without thinking. "I believe anyone can do anything if they put effort forward. You are still young and may not have a lot of guidance...but you are clever and quick-minded. If anyone can lead England out of these troubling times...it's you...and..."
"And?" Hal's eyes narrowed, curious on why you paused. You inhaled and exhaled through your nose.
"...And I will be by your side every step of the way, Henry the V."
"Y/N?"
"I mean every word, Hal." You reached out your hands and grasped his, your chin lowered. "I do apologize. I have gone too far have not I?"
Hal's response...he used the hand you were not holding onto to lift your chin and planted his lips on yours...
When he released the kiss...you felt fulfilled...
The wedding suddenly could not come sooner. At that moment, you forgot all about your reluctance to be Queen of England....The only thought you had was you wanted to help Hal. To support him with all your might.
When the day Hal left for Monmouth Castle, he gave you one more peck on the cheek before boarding his carriage. "I will see you in two days, my lady."
"Two days indeed, my King."
You watched him leave until the carriage was completely out of your view.