Chapter Text
Just as Albert had taken his leave, a footmen arrived with a letter, she already awaited. In the time since their engagement was announced she and William were constantly exchanging letters. She missed him terribly, but the letters made up for a lot.
When she read it, she felt uneasy for the shortest of moments. William told her, that his brother and sister would very much like to meet her. He assured her, that there was no rush to it and that especially with all the wedding preparations she should take as much time as she needed, before she wanted to meet them.
Of course, his siblings wanted to meet her. She knew that William had a very close relationship with his siblings and that they had always been at his side, especially in some darker moments.
She got nervous.
She wanted to meet them as well. William always spoke of them with warmth. But she was afraid as well. What if they didn’t approve of her. She wasn’t afraid that William would leave her, of that she was certain, but she knew first hand, how unpleasant it could be if one’s family had objections against a marriage. She didn’t want for William to go through that as well.
But there was no way around it anyway. Sooner or later, she would have to meet them. Better to do it know than living in ignorance. She would be her best self. She would be calm and dignified and make a good impression.
A week later the wedding day was set. After many discussions with Sir Robert and a bit of persuasion with the archbishop of canterbury they could all agree that the wedding would take place in three weeks. Victoria wished it could be sooner, but after Sir Robert had initially suggested an engagement period of a year, she was content with three weeks. She just wanted William to be able to be with her at all times.
Today however she would face another challenge. At dinner she would meet William’s sister Emily and his brother Frederik and of course she would finally see him again, while being more or less watched.
She chose a dark blue dress and got her hair pinned up as always. She abstained from wearing any kind of jewellery. She was the Queen, of that there was no doubt, but she didn’t want to give the impression of a queen this evening.
When they finally arrived, Victorias hands were damp, and her nerves were stretched to the breaking point. They were announced by a page and Victoria rose to greet them. As soon as she got sight of William, her nerves calmed. He bowed and kissed her hand before he introduced her to his siblings.
Emily was the first to greet her. “Good evening you’re Majesty.” She bowed to her, but Victoria, however inappropriate it may have been, took her hand. “Please. I’m just Victoria.”
It brought her a smile from Emily. “If that’s the case” Victoria was suddenly pulled into a very firm hug. “I’m so happy to meet you. William talked so much about you.”
“Emily” William interfered, and she could see some redness creeping up his neck.
“What?” Emily was visibly teasing him.
“Good evening. I’m Fredderick.” A hand was stretched out to her. “Good evening,” She greeted him. He was clearly more reserved towards her than Emily, but she could handle that. There were no clear signs of hostility, as she had experienced with her own family.
The rest of the evening went by in a blur. There was a lot of chatting and laughter. Emily was sharing some stories from their childhood and Victoria just enjoyed the whole evening. That was the kind of family she had always wished for herself. Laughter filling the rooms instead of strict silence. There was a certain lightness in contrast to oppressive expectations.
When they left later, William took her hand in hers after his siblings were already in the hallway.
“Are you alright?” he tugged her close to him and his scent made her feel at home at once.
“I really liked that.” She whispered, lying her had on his chest and just enjoyed the feeling of being with him.
“Are things still not any better with your family.” He stroked her back.
She shook her head. “Please don’t spoil this wonderful evening with talking about them.”
She laid her arms around him and hold on tight.
They were standing like that for a few minutes until Emily called after William from the hallway. He kissed the crown of her head “It won’t be long now.”
He took his leave as well and Victoria slept almost as well as when she had slept in William’s arms all those weeks ago.