Chapter Text
Victoria was thrilled and happy seeing her husband in his element. Christmastime had come, and Albert was gleefully trotting around the Great Hall at the Palace, singing a German Christmas carol “O Tannenbaum”, and moving the dining furniture to accommodate his glorious Christmas trees.
Mr. Penge, the royal butler, was not as impressed as his Queen. “I will choose the trees, Herr Penge, as tradition demands, they must be put up on Christmas Eve!” Albert ordered, still gleeful as ever.
“Victoria, do you know where the tradition of the trees comes from? Martin Luther is walking through the forest at night. He looks up, he sees the wintry stars sparkling through the branches, he thinks ‘Ah! I will take a tree. I will place the tree inside my house, upon it I will place candles. That way, my children may look upon this tree and imagine the stars above Bethlehem on the night of the Nativity!’ This year, Victoria, our children will do the same.” Albert’s speech, while certainly met with disapproval from Penge, absolutely swept the Queen off her feet.
“I hope they know how lucky they are,” she said, flirtatiously walking towards him “to have such a devoted father.”
* * *
Alfred had finished dressing himself, and was beginning to help Edward with his dressing. It had been several weeks since he had moved in permanently to Edward’s house, now, effectively their shared home. They even shared Edward’s bedroom, although most of Alfred’s things were stored in the adjoining blue room, to keep up appearances.
Of course, they had to have a cover story. They had planned and executed it with the utmost caution. It went like this: Alfred decided the Palace was a bit too stuffy and public for his tastes, and decided to move out. However, he would remain in his post. The Queen, knowing the real reason, gave her approval. Since Edward’s house was so close by, and, being so close professionally with him, now, it would be prudent, in case of an emergency, to live in the same house. Their personal public status as ‘friends’, especially Alfred as the ‘friend’ who helped Edward with his ‘heartbreak’ over his broken engagement, and with his physical impairment, was actually helpful.
“I hear the Prince is planning something big this Christmas.” Alfred said, helping his love button his waistcoat. “He’s very fond of the holiday in general. Apparently, they celebrate it much more…extravagantly in Germany than they do here.” He tied Edward’s cravat, and got his burgundy frock coat from the wardrobe.
“So I hear. Alfred, ever since we’ve started living together, that coat has seen years worth of wear in only a few weeks.” Edward replied, unable to resist commenting about his coat.
“I know, but as your ‘dresser’, I think” Alfred leaned in close, pulling the coat over Edward’s lame arm, “that it does wonders to your complexion.” Alfred gave his love a quick kiss, making Edward smile, before tying his sling.
His lame arm had atrophied slightly, as Edward had predicted, but neither man could care less. After all, that arm had given Edward a job close to Alfred, and subsequently, the perfect excuse to live together.
“Come on, Alfred, we’re going to be late if we don’t head out, especially if we want to walk to the Palace today.” With smiles on their faces, they headed downstairs, and, accepting their overcoats and hats from Stevens the butler, went merrily on their way.
As the two men arrived at the Palace, they were greeted jovially by the Prince. “Lord Alfred, Sir Edward! So glad you have arrived finally! You can help with the Christmas preparations.” Both men smiled at his mood.
“Of course sir.” Alfred answered, unable to hide the amusement in his voice.
“Something amuses you? Not that I’m not glad you’re in a good mood!” the Prince noticed.
“It’s…wonderful to see you so excited, sir.” Edward responded, just as amused as Alfred.
The Prince lowered his voice. “I know you must be very discreet, but I would like you to know, the first Christmas together is the most romantic.” He, of course, being the Queen’s husband, was one of Alfred and Edward’s six allies; wonderful people who knew of their true relationship, and who covertly supported the new couple. The Prince winked at them both while no one was looking.
“Oh, Sir Edward! These came in with the morning post, Christmas gifts from various sovereigns.” the Prince remembered, handing Edward a stack of envelopes.
* * *
Alfred and Edward were sitting in the Queen’s chamber, just next to her office, having tea with her and Miss Coke.
“…And from the Tsar of all the Russias, six crates of Imperial sturgeon. From King Louis Philippe of the French, a set of watercolors from your visit to the Chateau d’Eu. From the King and Queen of the Two Sicilies a pipe of Madeira. And from a Sir Peter Colville, a set of beeswax candles ‘for His Royal Highness’s trees’.” Edward read the contents of each envelope. He sat across from the Queen at the small round table, Alfred to his right, Miss Coke to his left.
Alfred sipped his tea, and shot one of his tender looks at him, to which Edward reciprocated gladly. “How thoughtful of Sir Peter!” the Queen quipped. “Thank you Sir Edward.”
“Who is this Sir Peter Colville if I may ask?” Miss Coke chimed in.
“The Captain of the 11th Hussars, Miss Coke. We served in the army together, when Your Majesty first acceded the throne. His mother is Baroness Willoughby de Eresby.” Alfred answered. “I think you’d like him, Miss Coke. You very often remind me of him, well, as much as a lady can remind one of a gentleman.”
The four of them chuckled slightly. “He must bring the candles posthaste. The Prince is most looking forward to adorning the Great Hall with his trees.” the Queen said.
“I’ll inform him at once, ma’am.” Alfred said.