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Chapter Text

1835 October - Ramsgate, England

“Dear sister,” Theodore began as they both got off the carriage. He offered his hand to his younger sister who thanked him. “Is this really the place you want to visit for your birthday?”

“Of course!” His younger sister grinned cheerfully. “Look around! It’s gorgeous.”

Gorgeous would be an overstatement. 

Ramsgate didn’t have much attraction that would cause people to flock to the area. And sure it was designated as a ‘Royal Harbour’ by His late Majesty, King George IV. This place would hardly make it into Theodore’s top 10 places to visit. It probably wouldn’t even break into the top 100 places. There isn’t really anything that would make Theodore come here unless he was to attend a party or visit someone. Plus there also wasn’t anything to keep Theodore entertained but for the sake of his younger sister, he agreed to accompany her here. 

But she hadn’t quite told him what they were planning to do. 

Just that they would “walk around town for a bit”. 

“Forgive me, Maud, but I will have to question your taste.”

She waved her hand dismissively before grabbing Theodore’s arms. They made their way through town, with no destination in mind. 

“So, what did you want to do?” 

“Hmm,” Maud hummed, her green eyes darting from one place to the other. “Just somewhere.”

“Dear sister, I am starting to suspect that you have some kind of hidden agenda in Ramsgate.”

Maud laughed, “how dare I have hidden agenda when our dear Duke has taken the time to accompany me?”

Theodore’s cheeks grew warm, still not used to his title. “You tease me, sister.”

“I would never!”

Theodore was about to say something when he heard a loud gasp. They both stopped walking and made a motion to turn their heads around. 

“Oh my!” A voice exclaimed in joy. 

They saw a very familiar face. Theodore offered the older woman, The Duchess of Kent and Strathearn, Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, a soft smile before tipping his top hat in a small greeting. He could recognize everyone in their group except for the smallest girl who shyly hid behind Feodora, the Duchess’ eldest daughter from her first marriage.

“Your Grace!” Maud greeted cheerfully.

A bit too cheerfully in Theodore’s opinion but he wasn’t about to say that out loud. Not when they had an audience in front of them. 

“Lady Maud, what brings you and the Duke here to Ramsgate?” The Duchess asked, smiling at the pair of siblings.

“Brother brought me here for an early birthday present,” Maud beamed, squeezing Theodore’s arm. 

Though Theodore could hardly call this his gift to his younger sister. It was more like Maud had been very adamant about going to Ramsgate as an early birthday present and he didn’t really know why out of all the places, she decided to come here. But now that they ‘coincidentally’ ran into a familiar face, Theodore’s almost sure that Maud planned this. 

This was probably what she wanted. 

The pieces were starting to fall into place. 

“Now, isn’t that really sweet of you, Duke?” The Duchess praised lightly, “Hopefully Drina, here, will be able to do something like that for me when she becomes the queen.”

Theodore’s throat tickled as Maud’s hands on his arm tighten. 

This was it. 

The smaller girl must be the mysterious Princess Alexandrina Victoria of Kent and Strathearn. 

He’s never actually seen her before, had only heard little stories from a friend of a friend about her existence and now that she’s actually standing in front of him, he’s positive that she’s not actually some kind of fake fairytale. He turned his attention back to her, quietly noting her light-brown hair and bright blue eyes. The princess’ skin had a reddish tinge to it as if she had just recently recovered from something. 

“My Duchess,” Theodore began, the dimples in his cheeks deepening, “you ought to be careful. We are in public, and if anyone heard you, they might think you are planning–as the French would call it– a coup d'état .”

The Duchess giggled, “Sir John agrees with me, don’t you?”

The older man, Theodore noted with neutrality, was and had been The Duchess’ companion for as long as he could remember. And would probably agree on anything the Duchess said, probably because he wanted to stay on The Duchess’ good side. Although Theodore suspected that Conroy probably had The Duchess’ entire loyalty. Theodore’s eyes darted over when he heard a small scoff and turned to see the Princess of Kent and Strathearn scoffing lightly at the scene before her. 

He had a lingering feeling that the princess might not like Conroy. 

Which fair enough, he could understand.

“Of course,” Conroy replied, cocking his head to the side. His entire body movement oozing of confidence. “It does not seem like His Majesty will be bringing a legitimate heir to the throne. Alexandrina might just be an heir presumptive but she will sit on the throne.”

Theodore and Maud didn’t miss the confidence in the older man’s tone. Maud was quick to divert the conversation while Theodore looked over to see the princess. He had heard that she was the same age as his little sister. Barely sixteen years old yet she seemed small in contrast to his little sister. 

The princess was still much smaller than he had anticipated. She was much smaller than Maud who was about 5 feet 3. He wondered if she would be able to handle the position of being a queen. Theodore offered a sweet smile when her eyes drifted towards him. 

His chest bubbling with a silent laughter when she immediately looked away. 

Her cheeks burning even redder. The colour was starting to spread towards her ears. 

Maud cleared her throat, forcing Theodore to look away. He saw his little sister eye him discretely and Theodore caught it. She wanted to end the conversation and as usual, he was being the scape goat for his younger sister. 

Not that he minded. 

“My Duchess,” Theodore managed to slip in before The Duchess started a new topic. “Surely, you wouldn’t keep me waiting and not introduce me to the young ladies behind you, would you?”

Theodore can see the tight line gazing Conroy’s lips, almost like he didn’t quite like Theodore’s suggestion. The Duchess didn’t seem to mind as she turned and began to introduce them. “This is Feodore, as you might have already known, you have met her once, remember?”

“Of course,” Theodore replied. 

He had meet the older woman back in one of the parties held by the dowager Queen. He had been quite confused when the Duchess only brought her two other children and not the last one. Still, he didn’t particularly take too much interest into it. His sister, on the other hand, seem to take great interest in the mysterious princess of Kent and Strathearn. 

Theodore took Feodore’s hand and pressed his lips against her gloved knuckles, gazing up to meet her eyes. “A pleasure to see you again, my Lady.”

Feodore returned his greeting with a gentle smile, her cheeks colouring. "Likewise, Your Grace."

Maud followed up with a soft greeting before The Duchess continued down the line. “And of course, my precious Drina.”

“Drina?” Theodore repeated. 

He let the name roll on his tongue, smiling even more when the princess met his eyes. The dimples in his cheeks deepening when the princess shyly averted her eyes again. 

“Alexandrina,” The Duchess completed, gazing at her daughter. “My beloved Drina.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Your Royal Highness,” Theodore smiled, watching in curiosity as the princess met his eyes again but only for a couple of seconds before turning her head. 

A shy one, she must be. 

“I have not met the princess before,” Maud butted in, she turned to one of the servants who quickly read the situation and passed her a letter. “I must extend my birthday party invitations, Your Grace. Surely you will all come to my party, won’t you? It would be a real shame if someone suddenly got sick.”

Theodore disguised one of his chuckles as a cough. His younger sister really didn’t hold back on her words. They had extended their invitations to the Duchess’ entire family multiple times and of course, they accepted and attended each and every single time without a fail with the exception one person who was consistently missing. Always having fallen sick on the day the event was happening. 

He can see the surprise that slipped on their faces for a second before The Duchess gave a vague answer. 

Maud seem quite satisfied with her answer. 

Theodore’s not sure why but he suspected that The Duchess would have to agree eventually since it would be hard to reject their invitations–Maud’s invitation to be frank. 

After all, Maud was at the center of high society. 

Not to brag or anything. 

“Then, we will be expecting everyone,” Maud said warmly, smiling from ear to ear as she grabbed onto Theodore’s arm. “Now if you’ll excuse Lord Brother and I, we must hurry to the church.”

Theodore nodded, tipping his top hat again. He only managed to meet the princess’ eyes once more before she offered him a thin tight-lined smile and they passed each other. Once they were sure they were out of earshot. 

Theodore began to speak. “You’re a wild one, dear sister.”

“Whatever do you mean?” 

“Boldly asking The Duchess in the middle of the streets,” Theodore said, “was this the reason why you wanted to come here?”

She grinned, “Maybe? Maybe not. But that was the Princess–our soon to be queen.”

“Keep it down, sister, I would not want to see you be dragged off for treason,” Theodore reminded the younger woman. 

“Oh, you’re such a sticker. But what did you think?”

“Of the Princess?” 

Maud nodded. “She’s cute, isn’t she? Small if I’m being honest.”

Theodore nodded. “She’s very small. It’s unfortunate that I didn’t get to chat with her.” 

“Did you find her pretty?”

“All ladies are beautiful.”

“You know that’s not what I asked,” Maud pointed out as they rounded the corner and spotted the church. “Did you find her attractive?”

Theodore hummed. “I’m not sure what you are expecting from me, dear sister, but yes, I do think that she looks pretty.”

“Say no more.”

“Dear God, please help me with whatever my sister is planning.”

Maud just laughed while Theodore could only laugh nervously. He can never predict what his younger sister was going to do. 

(And perhaps, if he knew, then maybe he would have prayed a little harder.)

Chapter Text

December 1835 - London, England

Theodore spotted his friend William Cavendish, the Earl of Burlington, and also the heir to the title of Duke of Devonshire sitting near the corner. A drink of whiskey in his hand, talking with another man before he met Theodore’s eyes. His slightly older friend gave a small nod to his confidant before walking directly towards him, greeting him with a mischievous grin on his face. Theodore had only managed to take off his outer coat before his friend ushered him to an empty table. 

“William,” Theodore greeted. 

“Your Grace. Theodore.” William replied back, smiling. "Theo."

“How’s Blanche?” 

“She’s surviving, just given birth to a little girl–her name’s Louisa,” William explained. 

“Glad to hear that she delivered safely and that’s a beautiful name for a beautiful little girl,” Theodore complimented. 

“So,” William drawls out as soon as he dropped into the seat next to Theodore, who raised an eyebrow at him. “I’ve been hearing some things.”

"That does come with age."

William rolled his eyes. "Don't feign innocence."

“Alright, what things have you been hearing about?” Theodore replied. “Do tell me.”

Theodore was really hoping that he would just have a normal and relatively nice day despite the cold temperature rolling into London. But clearly, his dearest friend, seemed to have a different idea. William leaned in closer, though Theodore knew there wasn’t probably anyone that would care to overhear them. Plus if William heard about it then chances were, everyone knew about this rumour. 

“You met the,” William’s voice dipped low as if he was about to spill some kind of secret. “– hermit princess.”

Of course, it would be about the mysterious Princess. 

It seemed that word travelled fast but to be frank, Theodore had been secluded ever since his trip to Ramsgate almost five weeks ago. He had been drowning in dealing with a bunch of paperworks that have been backlogged due to his negligence. It also didn’t help that Christmas was around the corner which means attending more events than he could count. Now he actually had an obligation to write letters of gratitude, attend parties, show his face to maintain good connections with his fellow peers. After Christmas also means his younger sister’s birthday would soon follow.

In other words, he’s been quite busy and Theodore was also hoping that by then, if rumours was spreading (like he had predicted) then it would die down by now. 

But alas, Theodore should have known better. His friends have always been a different breed. 

Theodore chuckled. “How’d you find out already?”

“My sister,” a third voice joined and Theodore looked up to see John Spencer-Churchill, the Earl of Sunderland standing behind him with a bright grin and redden cheeks. Evident of the harshness of this year’s winter. 

“Of course, I should have known. Lady Louisa and my sister are quite close,” Theodore muttered to no one in particular. Then he smiled, leaning back against his seat as he eyed his friends.  “Well I suppose Maud might have intended for the news to spread. But for your information, yes, I have met the princess–though I could hardly call her a hermit .”

John raised a brow, clearly intrigued by Theodore’s words. “Oh?” 

“If she hasn’t made her debut nor has she been seen around, I’d say she rather fits the title. Princess Hermit of Kent,” William said, chortling to himself. “Bet she looks like one too. Or maybe she’s pale–like a ghastly ghost since you know, she hasn’t been sighted outside.”

“She’s not a circus animal, Wills,” Theodore pointed out, shaking his head. 

“What?” John rolled his eyes. “Met her once and now you’re dropping your friend just for a chance to get her in your bed?” 

“Oh Lord, you gentlemen are too much,” Theodore nodded his gratitude to the server, taking a glass for himself and one for John. 

“Well?” William probed. 

“ Well what?”

John finished. “How was she?” 

“Hard to say,” Theodore answered vaguely and it was true. They didn’t really talk much. He’d only heard her small comments but he hardly counted that as a conversation. “We didn’t get to talk much.”

John frowned. 

Honestly, Theodore would probably have reacted the same. This was after all, the mysterious princess that was currently being hailed as the presumptive heir to the throne. With the way things were going, there was a high possibility that the young princess would end up being the queen. There were bets being thrown everywhere (and Theodore had quietly added his own). Having a woman on the throne would be a change. 

He’s not sure if it’s a good change or not. 

Many of his peers have commented that women…were too much of an emotional creature to run a country. Theodore would have agreed if he hadn’t been proven wrong time and time again. Theodore have been blown by how strong minded and mischievous and cunning his own younger sister was. And if the princess was at least a fraction of what Maud was then she would fit to rule. 

“Okay fine, you didn’t get to talk to her. But how was she? Look-wise?” William asked excitedly. 

“You’re married, William,” Theodore reminded the older man. 

The older man waved his hand dismissively. “Men are allowed to have lovers, you know. Don’t be such a sticker in the mud, Theo. Men are sexual creatures, we’ll get sick if we hold it in. Beside, my wife will probably like it. She’s sick of constantly being pregnant.”

John laughed. “Imagine having a queen as your side mistress?!”

"A man can dream." William grinned, winking at his friend while Theodore chuckled. The older man turning his head towards Theodore with the same cheeky smile on his face. “Anyways, answer the question!”

“All ladies are beautiful,” Theodore replied.

“Quite being such a casanova! Did she, you know, have–” John made a round gesture around his chest.

The corner of Theodore’s mouth twitched, his mind drifted back to the small princess. He hadn’t really gotten a good look at her figure. She was wearing a modest dress with a coat that covered her small body so really, he wouldn’t have been able to see anything even if he was looking. Beside, he had been too intrigued by her cute little face and doll like features to even notice her figure. Theodore shook his head, growing a little heated under the collar before he smacked John on the arm, snorting a little. 

“Stop that,” Theodore said. “She’s His Majesty’s relative. The heir presumptive and frankly, maybe our future queen. Don’t try to sexualize her.”

William rolled his eyes. “Before anything else, she’s still a woman. Us, gentlemen, can appreciate a beautiful creature when we see one.”

“You haven’t even seen what she looks like,” Theodore commented lightly. 

“Besides,” John replied cheekily, nudging Theodore’s arm. “Maybe she’ll become our future wife.”

“If only I didn’t get married so early on,” William sighed, downing his drink in one shot. 

“Regret it?” Theodore teased. 

William sighed again. “Hardly. Blanche is the love of my life but, it would not hurt to imagine being the spouse of the monarch. Think about it–being called King ? It’s every boy’s dream.” 

Theodore laughed, shaking his head. “It would be nice to be called King. But do you really think they would call the queen’s husband King?” 

“Why not?” John asked. “It’s unprecedented. Just like Queen consorts, I imagine the husband will be called King consort–just simply King.” 

“Well, well, well,” a fourth voice joined. “If it isn’t my favourite group of gentlemen all gathered together?”

Theodore looked up to see his old friend, Henry Fitzalan-Howard, the Earl of Arundel and heir to the title of Duke of Norfolk. Henry had also been his good old friend during their short time together in the army. 

“Henry!” 

“Boys,” Henry greeted, “Theodore. Glad to see you’re still alive.”

“Barely,” Theodore answered honestly. “How’s that courtship going with Lady Lyons?” 

“He’s courting?” John perked up. 

“Yes, Augusta Lyons,” Henry replied. “The younger daughter of Edmund Lyons, the 1st Baron Lyons.”

“Her?” William repeated. “Isn’t she fourteen years old? Well, I suppose that’s prime age range for giving birth. My father always said the younger they are, the more times they can get pregnant.”

“So, how was it? Your parents approved?” Theodore piped in, taking a roll and lighting it up before he passed it to John who eagerly lit his own. 

“They said yes to the courting. Hardly passable,” Henry explained. “She’s a sweet girl, I suppose.”

“Is the wedding set yet?” Theodore asked, inhaling the smoke before releasing it. His head grew fuzzy but he could feel his muscles relax. His eyes growing heavy with need. 

“I’d have to propose first. But a wedding, if all things goes well, will be set for some time around the next two or three years.”

“That calls for a celebration,” John stated, grinning bright and big. 

“You always want to celebrate everything,” William grumbled. 

“You don’t want to come?” 

“I didn’t say that.”

Theodore ignored their banter, preferring to find another glass of whiskey. 

“Then everyone’s coming?” 

A chorus of cheers answered. John turned, his eyes glinting as he raised his glass to Theodore. “You as well, Your Grace?”

Theodore raised his glass, nodding before he sipped it. The mix of smoke and alcohol drawing a sweet pleasant feeling. 

*

*

*

“You’re late,” Maud called out causing Theodore to tense. 

He’s only given his outer coat to his butler, Liam, who immediately tucked it between his hands as Theodore continued to undress himself. He looked at his younger sister, still dressed in her night wear. If he had more energy, he would have scolded her for coming out of her room dressed like that but he’s had a long night. 

“You scared me,” Theodore said, blinking the sleep away from his eyes. 

“You smell,” Maud pointed out, wrinkling her nose at the strong scent of perfume that was clinging to Theodore. “How was your meeting with the boys?”

“Nothing new. Although, they were rather excited about the prospect of meeting the princess. I don’t believe you had any hidden plans behind that, do you?”

“Whatever do you mean, dear brother?” Her smile grew. 

Theodore narrowed his green eyes. “You did that deliberately.”

It wasn’t a question. It was a statement. 

“How dare I?” Maud sighed in pretense. “A lady? Gossiping? That’s not very lady-like.”

Theodore smiled, shaking his head. “You’re too much, Maud. Now, the Duchess will be so listless. She won’t be able to find a way out of this.”

“Exactly. That’s the whole point.”

“Have you heard back from her yet?”

“Not yet,” Maud sighed, her blonde hair casading down pass her shoulders. “But I don’t believe they have any reason to reject my invitation. At least I don’t think they have a probable cause.”

Theodore nodded, cocking his head. “Shouldn’t you be asleep by now?”

“I was about to until I came across a letter,” Maud shuffled through her night gown. She grabbed a piece of paper. “We received a letter from Her Majesty.”

“The Queen?”

She nodded, and passed him the letter. Theodore took out the letter, and began to read under the harshness of the candle light. “The Queen is asking us to visit.”

“Whatever for?” Theodore asked, all too confused. 

Maud shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe she wants an invitation to the party?”

“She’s asking to meet us well past the party date,” Theodore pointed out. 

“interesting," Maud mumbled under her breathe. 

"You don't think this has anything to do with our encounter with the princess, do you?" 

Maud shrugged her shoulders. “Come, walk me back to my room. Then you can return back to your room.”

Theodore nodded, offering his arm to his sister who graciously took it and began their journey back to his sister’s room. The silent would have usually killed any other person but this was comfortable for both of them. Something that they have grown accustomed to. By the time they were rounding the corner to Maud’s room, she finally broke the silence. 

“You’re always so sweet, Theo,” Maud began, slowing her steps. “Isn’t it time for you to settle down?”

“Hardly,” Theodore pointed out. “It won’t be until you settle down first, dear sister. I would worry less.”

“Trying to get rid of me first, I see.”

“Think of it as a brother’s worries for his younger sister. What would father think if I got married first without thinking of little Maud? A woman’s time is precious.”

She chuckled. “Alright, I shall think of it like that.”

“I do not wish to arrange a marriage without love,” Theodore stated as he opened the door to her room. “I wish for my younger sister to marry for love. So do whatever you want and I shall support you to the best of my abilities.”

“I know,” Maud replied, a soft gaze in her eyes. “Thank you, Theodore.”

Theodore smiled and let his sister shut the door behind her before he trudged towards his room. His room was once used by his late father that had passed away last year. Before that, it had been used by his grandfather. Then his great grandfather. And more. But now, it was his room, his duty as the next Duke to reside in the master bedroom. He was pleased to find his bulter, Liam, already waiting to help him change into his sleeping wear. The coldness of the room causing him to slightly shiver. 

“How was your trip to the club, Your Grace?”

“It was alright, Liam. Nothing new happened,” Theodore replied, letting the butler unbutton his shirt. “Although, we did visit the red district for a bit.”

“Is that so? Did Your Grace find a woman to your liking for the evening?” 

“I did,” Theodore answered. “Did anything happen while I was away?” 

Liam shook his head, dropping down to his knees to remove Theodore’s shoes. 

“Did you know Henry is courting someone?” 

“Henry Fitzalan-Howard, the Earl of Arundel?” 

Theodore nodded. 

“I did hear some rumours. But it hasn't been confirmed yet.”

“Well it looks like it might be for sure,” Theodore slipped into his nightgown, sitting down on his bed. 

“Will Your Grace be getting married any time soon?” Liam asked as he stepped back with all of Theodore’s clothes in his hands. 

“Probably not. I would like to see Maud get married first before I even think about my prospect."

Liam gave a small nod. "Is there any suitors in mind?"

"There is. I would like the suitor to be a gentleman. Of good standing. Honourable." Theodore listed before he stopped. "Best of all, Maud needs to be the one to pick him."

"What happens if the chosen suitor is not any of that?" 

Theodore chuckled. "That's not something negotiable, I fear. That shall be all, Liam.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” Liam stepped back, moving to blow the candles off before he closed the door behind him. 

Theodore laid silently in his bed. It’s not such a bad idea to start looking. After all, he’s already twenty years old and it was about time that he got married. His relatives would probably be worried if he doesn’t start having children–to continue to lineage. 

He sighed. 

Closing his eyes and slowly drifted to sleep.