Work Text:
Gondor Palace-Royal Gardens
"This is where you had your wedding. I never thought I'd be here in a million years, attending my ceremony." Waliyha observes the Pavillion like it's a museum.
"Who would've thought we would celebrate our commitment in the same space? The palace is a remarkable place to host a wedding." Zayn approaches his sister, carrying Gemma in one arm.
Waliyha had accepted Harry's proposal for her wedding to be conducted inside the Gondor Palace, where her brother's wedding was held more than a year ago. Their ceremonies were witnessed by both their families. Waliyha had no trouble accepting as Zayn thought.
Wedding Cake
Waliyha Wedding Dress
Zayn Attire
Gemma Attire
"I don't care if it's a palace or a canopy. I can't believe I get to exchange vows on the same ground you did. It's ethereal."
"You think so?"
"Yes. Why did you think I said yes to the King's offer?" Waliyha said. "I wanted the same blessing as you. I want a family builds on love and happiness. It's only right if I start my life in the same place you did."
"You're correct. This place blessed me that day. I would never imagine having such a beautiful family, but here I am."
"It's beyond magical, and I wish for nothing more. Except, my husband will not be married to three other people." Waliyha mocks.
"That decision belongs to you guys, of course. Whatever you feel is best for your relationship."
"Where are the Princes?"
"They must be socializing. It's custom for people to converse with the Royals."
"You mean negotiating benefits?" Waliyha teases.
"Don't be taunting. You're going to join the circle very soon." Zayn looks around the crowd, trying to spot the others.
He sees Louis, Liam, and Harry spread across the hall but fails to find Niall. Where did the Youngest Prince go? Niall was cleared by the physicians only a few days ago; he's not supposed to strain himself.
"Where do you think you're going?!!!" A man screams from across the room.
Zayn and everyone's attention was captured.
"Is that Prince Niall?" Waliyha observes.
The man who yelled was holding onto someone to stop them from leaving. The person he's retaining looks like Niall, but Zayn cannot see them clearly from a distance. The Honor Consort and Waliyha made their way over to the scene of the commotion.
Across the room, Niall finds himself in an unwanted situation.
"Unhand me!" Niall wants to get away from this drunk man, who seizes his arm.
"Who do you think you're talking to?! I am Count Abdul Whiteverse! And you're coming with me tonight, you whore!"
Niall was enjoying the reception and talking to random people when this wasted man showed up and demanded the Consort to sleep with him.
"And I am Prince Niall of Gondor. If you don't unhand me, I will summon the guards!" Niall feels himself getting angry. How dare this man order someone to bed him in public? Even if Niall wasn't the Prince. No one should be treated like this.
The Count laughs at Niall's words. "I am the cousin to the King. I can have anyone I want. Even his consorts! I don't care if you're a Prince. Besides, that's only a glorified title for a concubine. Do you really think you're someone important? Your family is above barbaric at best. I could even have the High Consorts as my toy and the King would let me have it, talking about a simple bitch like you. It's your honor to be serving the King as his whore. And today, I'll grant you another honor by fucking you in front of all these people. And no one can do anything about it-AAAHHH!"
'SMASH!!'
"Louis!" Niall saw Louis's fist collide with the guy's mouth. Louis was wearing a few rings tonight, so it definitely created damage to the bastard's face.
"You fucking bastard!" Louis got on top of the man and continued to land blow after blow on his face.
"Niall, are you alright? Did he hurt you? Get the medic!" Zayn passes Gemma to his sister and embraces Niall.
"No, I'm fine. The man didn't do anything yet." Niall shakes his head and retracts into Zayn.
"Louis, stop! Your hand is bleeding." Liam tries to soothe Louis. "Let me take care of him. Get up." He pulls Louis to his feet.
"I need to castrate this son of a bitch!" Louis was ready to pounce again.
"Stop! Niall needs you. I'll deal with this pile of crap." Liam assures. "Guards! Get in here and summon Luther!" He barks out orders.
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Liam sees the Count trying to get up from the floor, so he presses his shoe against Count Abdul's throat to keep him there. "If you want to be shit, the ground is where you belong." Liam presses his throat harder.
"Your Highness, how may I assist?" Luther and the guards arrived, waiting for Liam's order.
"Take this bastard outside and flog him one-hundred times!"
"Yes, Your Highness. Drag him outside," Luther orders.
"Halt!"
"Your Majesty,"
"King Harry!" The knights and guests kneel at the sight of the King.
"Harry," Liam removes his foot from the man's throat.
The guards forced Count Abdul to get up and kneel before the King and Consorts.
Harry held up his hand.
"H-Harry, help me-I-they're trying t-to kill me," the Count struggles to beg for help.
The King approaches his (second) cousin. "Unfortunately, I cannot save you from yourself. What happens today is the result of your ignorance and ludicrous behavior." Harry grabs the back of his head and slams it onto the cold hard floor. "This is for tainting my sister-in-law's wedding. Waliyha, do you mind if I take care of my family business here? We can relocate to the tower if you wish."
"Not at all, Your Majesty. It's an honor to witness justice being upheld," Waliyha replies.
"No need to take him outside. Flog him right here. In front of everyone. I want everyone to witness what will happen when you offend my family!"
"Y-your M-Majesty-I-I didn't-"
"Shut it!" Harry gives him another kick to the ribs. "I've heard reports about you. Committing adultery, sexually abusing your staff, and violating women and bearers' rights. Your family is very good at covering your crimes. There's never enough evidence of your wrongdoings, but now that you've overstepped in my court. This is my home, in case your filthy brain forgot. You dare come into my home and try to violate my husband?!?! If you have a death wish, who am I to not fulfill it for you? Luther! Execute his punishment immediately. If he's still alive, then throw him into the stocks. He's to be a stable slave for the rest of his life!"
"Right away, Your Majesty!" Luther prepares to execute the punishment himself.
As the First Knight of the King's Guard, Luther doesn't perform such tasks unless specifically demanded by the King.
"N-no-p-please, Y-Your Majesty! I-they-I-did not do it! Help-save me! You can't d-do this t-to me!!! I'm t-the K-king's cousin! LET ME GO! LET ME GO!!!!"
'WHACK!'
"AAHHH!!!"
Luther gave no warning before flogging the flailing man. He doesn't care for his begs for mercy. The First Knight is determined to have the Count well-disciplined for offenses he commits against the King and Princes.
"AAAAA! P-Plea-ase! AAAHHH!"
"If he falls unconscious, submerge his face underwater and continue," Harry adds.
"B-BASTARD-AAAAA!!! I W-WILL KILL Y-YOU AND YOUR W-WHORES! AAAHH! MPH!!!" Count Abdul does his best to sound threatening, but one of the guards kicks his face to shut him up.
"Make it two hundred," Harry doubled the sentence. "Flog him two-hundred times and have him muted forever." Harry walks over to Niall and picks him up bridal-style. "When you're done, report to me in the Medic Quarter."
"Yes, Your Majesty,"
Harry takes his Consorts and attendants away from the reception.
Healing Quarters
The healers make quick work to disinfect Prince Louis's hand and give Prince Niall a thorough examination. Harry stayed by his youngest husband's side the entire time, refusing to part with him.
"You really pounded that bastard, Louis." Liam is helping to bandage Louis's injured hand.
"I want to cut him up and feed him to the hogs." Louis fumes.
"What did the hogs ever do to you?" Zayn jests. "Besides, he's serving his punishment right now. Stripping him of his titles, taking away his wealth, and reducing him to a slave is a fate worst than death."
"Death is too easy for that guy," Liam agrees.
"What a son of a bitch? Is he really your cousin, Harry? Why have I never met him?" Louis asks.
"He's my second cousin. My father and his mother were first cousins. After his mother died, the Whiteverse family barely retained any royal duties. Their time at court became less and less. The last time I saw him was at my father's funeral. I always knew he was a troublesome person, but I never thought he would have the guts to pull such an act under my nose."
"He was drunk. Maybe he was triggered." Niall said from Harry's chest. Harry embraced Niall tightly since they entered the quarter.
"Liquor doesn't change a person's character. They reveal them. What happened today is by choice. It's no one's fault but his own," Liam states.
"Niall, are you certain you're alright?"
"Yes, Louis. I'm just tired. I want to go back to my room."
"I'll take you to your room, baby." Harry offers, and Niall nods. "Liam, if Luther comes to report, tell him to proceed according to my order. You're in charge of all proceedings. I don't want to see Abdul again."
"I understand," Liam confirms.
Harry carried Niall back to his suite and helped him prepare for bed. They King bathed, helped his husband into his night clothes, and tucked him in before climbing into bed with him.
"Niall, baby. You need to tell me if you feel any pain, alright?"
Niall lies on Harry's arm. "I'm alright, Harry. You worried too much."
"How could I not be worried when you were nearly assaulted by a bastard in public?"
"He couldn't have done anything to me. I know I was safe. I was just stunned by his audacity. Louis jumped in before I had the chance to retort. I would have him dragged out of the palace, but they took it a few steps further."
"Niall, he offended you in the most intolerant way. His bitterness came from his small-minded nature. Abdul and his bias towards women and bearers are the toxicity of this nation. I will never tolerate such a person. What happened to him today is deserving. I would've castrated him if it weren't for the little pity I harvest for his mother. The Whiteverse family is on the verge of losing everything, and I will ensure they remain that way during my reign."
"Harry, I am upset. I'm not upset for me, but for the others who have fallen victim to this man. I know I'm safe because I have you and others to protect me, but some people are not that lucky. Harry, would you do something for me?"
"What is it?"
"Put that awful man on trial. There's no doubt that many people have lost to that man. Please find the victims and have them provide their testaments. Place that man on as many trials as you have to and punish him for each and every crime he's ever done. If you want to provide security for your people, you need to hold criminals like him accountable for their actions."
"I promise you, Niall."
"I want it done in public. The processing, of course. The victims should be blessed with confidentiality."
"You don't need to worry about it. I've been on this case for years. As long as people are willing to testify, I will do everything to make him submit to the law." Harry reassures Niall.
"Also, I want to be there,"
"Niall, this matter might be a little intense-"
"I need to be there," Niall isn't letting up. "I'm one of the people, who he offended or tried to,"
"But you've never been in such a position. It's not going to be comfortable during a court processing. It's physically and mentally draining. I'm not certain it'll be a good choice for you to be involved."
"Harry, I know you and the others are protective of me, but I have to do this. If I don't take this step now, I'm afraid I won't have enough courage to do it later. Please, allow me to do this once. Please, Harry."
Harry pulls Niall closer so the younger man's face is tuck into his neck. Harry wants to merge his body with Niall so he can always be there to protect him, but he can't do that. Niall has his own opinions and decisions. He cannot stop his husband from pursuing something he wishes.
"I will be alright, Harry. You're going to be there with me."
"As you wish, baby," Harry reluctantly agrees.
Niall smiles against Harry's skin.
The next few days are a frenzy of court proceedings. Locating victims who are willing to testify, recording witness statements, and trial preparations. The number of victims is in the hundreds. In the beginning, many people were reluctant to face the court because they were frightened into silence by the Whiteverse family. The King had to issue a proclamation declaring the severed connection between the Styles and Whiteverse families. The Royal Family will no longer support the Whiteverse as long as King Harry is the ruling monarch.
After the declaration, loads of people came forward with their reports which triggered the court to launch multiple investigations. Count Abdul Whiteverse is so close to facing a death sentence.
Abdul Whiteverse was prosecuted for every crime he was accused of, and all the victims had a chance to prove their case before the King. Everyone this man ever wronged received their rightful trial, including Niall.
On the day of Niall's hearing, the Prince stood before the Royal Council and the King to prove his case.
"Prince Niall, may you tell us your side of the story," Paul, the Chancellor, questions the Prince. Niall is the King's Consort, so only a person of noble and aristocratic standing can interrogate him.
Count Abdul was dragged into court this morning in torn clothes, a strained face, and chained limbs. So far, he's declared guilty one hundred and seventy-three times. Harry plans to use the remaining assets of the Whiteverse family to compensate for people who suffered under this man's actions.
"On the night of Lady Waliyha Malik's wedding, Count Abdul approaches me and asks me to dance with him. At first, I politely declined him, but he stopped me again and told me he wasn't asking for my opinion. He demanded I dance with him and told me I had to accompany him to bed that night."
Harry pounded his fist on the armrest of his throne.
"Do you know if anyone witnessed your exchange with Count Abdul Whiteverse?"
"Yes," Niall nods. "Prince Louis, Prince Zayn, and Prince Liam are all my witnesses. Plus, many guests at the reception saw our struggle."
"That is true, Your Majesty. Many guests who attended Young Lady Malik's wedding has come forward with their statement." One of Harry's ministers informed.
Harry has appointed a new group of Royal Counsels and Ministers; none are extensions or acquaintances of the Whiteverses. These men truly work for the King. Therefore, Count Abdul can't try to buy his way out even if he can afford it. His family abandoned him at the last minute, so the Count is completely at the Royal Family's mercy.
"Your Majesty! I-"
"Count Abdul, please wait for your turn to speak, or we'll remove you from the hall," another council member advised.
"Prince Niall, did you inform the Count of your authority as his superior?" Paul asks.
"Yes, I did. But Count Abdul told me that he does not care who I am. Even if I am a Prince, he can still have me. Count Abdul threatened me with his relation to the King. He called me a mere concubine with a glorified title and announced that he could take anyone to bed, including the King's Consorts, and no one could do anything to him."
The entire hall glares at the man with hatred. It's one thing to be a son of a bitch, but insulting the King publicly and in front of many people is a different story.
"I think we've heard enough. The Prince can return to his place while the ministers cast their votes."
"But I haven't had the chance to defend myself! Your Majesty! It is unjust!!!" The guards had to restrain the man.
"I think you had plenty of chances, Count Abdul," Paul shuts him down. "One hundred and seventy-four of them. What could you have said to save your descending yet deserving fate? There are not enough words in the world to recompensate for your crimes."
Harry guides Niall back to his throne and helps him sit down. "You did great, baby," he kisses Niall's head.
"Your Majesties, we have come to a collective decision." A representative announced.
Harry turns to face them. "What is your final decision?"
"We collaboratively agree that this man is guilty of all the presented crimes and probably more. He deserves capital punishment. Except, we don't want to give him the according punishments."
Everyone paused for a moment, and Count Abdul's face lit up. Maybe he can be saved.
"On behalf of the Judicial Cabinet, we request Your Majesty to settle the death sentence." The minister concluded.
All the blood and bullcrap drained from Count Abdul's face, his knees buckled, and his arms went limp.
"I accept. Paul, please help me draft the official proclamation. From this day onward, Abdul Whiteverse will be stripped of any Regal titles. The Whiteverse is deprived of any relation to the Styles Family and must relinquish any assets or investments in their possession. Failure to obey orders will result in banishment."
Paul hands Harry the official document so the King may sign it.
"Take him away," Paul ordered the guards.
The former nobleman lost all the fight in him, which allowed the guards to remove him quite easily.
Ten Days Later
Consort Quarters-Niall Suites/Bedroom Chamber
"You guys don't need to visit me every day. I'm fine. Harry was being over-protective." Niall sits on his bed with Zayn while Liam and Louis play with Gemma and Edward.
Byron, Cathal, and Saphhire are sleeping in the other room. The babies are miles away in their dreamland; they could care less about what the adults are doing.
For the past few days, the Royal Family has been extremely attentive to Niall. They're worried about his mental well-being. Niall might look fine on the outside, but who knows how he feels on the inside. No doubt anyone in his shoes would be anxious or depressed. Niall is a strong person, but nature is vigorous. It's better to be on the safe side.
"We know you're alright. We just want to create a safe space for you. If you want to talk or discuss something, we're always ready to listen," Liam explains.
"I'm good, Liam."
"It's alright not to be fine, Niall," Louis says. "You did go through a traumatic event."
"So did you, Louis. You beat that guy into pulps. You were so ready to fight with no hesitation."
"Because he was threatening my family, and no one could get away with that," Louis exclaims.
"Maybe that's why I don't sense much weight from the situation because I feel protected by Harry and you guys. I'm already inside my safe circle, so I don't need to fear anything." Niall smiles lightly.
"For a moment, I thought Harry was going to have him beheaded on the spot," Zayn expresses.
"If he were to do so, I would've supported him with all my capabilities," Liam assures. "But Harry wouldn't do so. Not on Waliyha's big day."
"I owe Waliyha an apology for ruining her wedding," Niall says with guilt.
"It isn't your fault, Niall. The person who ruined my sister's wedding is dead."
"I could've handled it somewhere else," Niall regrets how the situation escalated. If he would summon the guards earlier, they could've salvaged Waliyha's reception. The girl didn't do anything to deserve such as disastrous event.
"Don't even go there, Niall. If it's anyone's fault, it's mine. I couldn't contain myself. All I had in mind was, I want to rip that son of a bitch to shreds. I let anger overcome me. I owe Waliyha and her husband an apology for ruining their important day," Louis expresses remorse.
"You guys don't owe my sister anything. Waliyha would rather have a wreck of a reception, knowing a predator was put away, than a perfect wedding with parasites hiding in the shadows," Zayn doesn't want them to feel guilty for something they can't control. "Besides, Waliyha and her husband are happily enjoying their honeymoon in Irithica, thanks to Louis."
Louis has organized a trip to Irithica as a gift for Waliyha and her husband. As a Prince of Irithica, Louis possesses many estates, including assets from his late mother's dowry. The High Consort lent one of his villas to Waliyha so she could enjoy her honeymoon lavishly.
"I thought it would make their honeymoon extra special to spend it somewhere they have never been before,"
"I think we could all use a vacation," Liam thinks it's time they take a proper vacation as a family.
"We could and we should," Zayn agrees. "What do you say, Tommo? Have any more spare villas?"
"That I do," Louis nods. "But who's going to propose this idea to Harry?"
"Leave that to me," Liam accepts the task. "It was my idea."
"Awesome! Let's start packing," Niall jumps up immediately. He could use some time away.