Chapter Text
“I’ve got a headache, love, I’m gonna head back inside,” Henry says quietly, kissing Alex’s cheek before he stands up.
Alex frowns slightly. “I can get you some medicine if you want-”
“No, love, I’m okay.” Henry forces a small smile. “You stay out here with the girls. Don’t worry about me.”
June waits until Henry is gone before she speaks up. “What was that all about? Is Henry okay?”
“I almost told him I love him earlier,” Alex says honestly. “He kind of freaked out and cut me off. He’s been really distant ever since.”
“Oh shit,” Nora breathes. “Alex. Are you okay?”
Alex laughs flatly. “Not really. He acted like me saying that was going to be the worst thing I’ve ever told him.”
“He’s just scared.” June reaches out and rubs Alex’s back. “Give him some time, he’ll warm up to the idea. That man is so far gone for you.”
Alex can’t shake the dread as he crawls into bed with Henry that night.
The next morning, June finds him sitting on the swing on the back porch, his knees pulled to his chest, tears streaming down his cheeks.
“Alex?”
“He’s gone,” he says quietly.
June frowns. “What? Who’s gone?”
“Henry.” Alex wipes his cheeks. “I woke up and he was gone. All his stuff is gone. He left me.”
“Oh, Alex,” June whispers, sitting down next to him. “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.” She pulls him closer. “We’ll help you get your mind off it all, okay? We’ll send Nora to town to get some tequila, and we’ll stay here an extra few days. We’ve got you.”
-
Two days. It’s been two days since Henry left Alex in the middle of the night. No phone calls, no texts, no communication. He’s sure Alex is done with him. He’s in New York now, staying at Pez’s place to help with the shelter, and he’s ignoring every question Bea asks him about the situation.
There’s a light knock on Henry’s door. “Sir? I have some news,” Shaan calls out.
“Come in, Shaan,” Henry replies, setting his book down. “Is everything alright? What’s going on?”
“There’s been a storm,” he says softly, “in Austin. Miss Bankston called because she couldn’t get ahold of Alex, and she wasn’t aware we had already left.”
Henry swallows thickly. “What kind of storm?”
“A large tornado.” Shaan hands the tablet over to Henry, a news report on the screen. “Seems to have ripped through parts of Austin. Cell towers are down, nobody has heard from anybody that was at the lake house.”
Instantly, Henry tries calling Alex. It goes straight to voicemail, so he tries June. Then Nora. “We-we have to fly back, now,” he stammers, scrambling out of bed. “Schedule the plane. We have to leave as soon as possible, Shaan-”
“Sir, we can’t fly into Austin. All surrounding airports are shut down. The city sustained significant damage-”
“Then find the closest airport we can fly into and have a car waiting for us,” Henry snaps. “When did this storm happen?”
“The tornado just dissipated about half an hour ago, these are the first reports coming out,” Shaan replies. “I’ll get the first flight out that we can. I believe Madam President and Miss Bankston are also trying to find a way into Austin.”
Thirty minutes later, Henry is on a private plane heading for Texas. The closest they can land is in San Marcos, and Shaan works on setting up a private car to be waiting for them.
“With traffic, it could potentially take up to two hours to make the drive into Austin,” he says softly. “Some roads are completely closed. We’ll try to get to the lake house as soon as possible, but…”
Henry looks up from his phone. “But what, Shaan?”
“It seems that area was hit the hardest,” Shaan murmurs. “There may not be a lake house left. Miss Bankston assured me that Alex knows how to handle storms and tornadoes, she believes he’s okay.”
“Shaan. I need to be in Austin now. I need to find Alex.”
“We can’t fly any faster, sir. The car will be waiting for us the second we land. We will be notified if anybody hears from the three of them. I’ll be checking for updates in the news as well.”
Henry leans his head against the window next to him. His mind doesn’t stop racing. He thinks back over the last few days, his last day at the lakehouse.
“Hen, I want to talk to you,” Alex murmurs, leading Henry out to the benches by the firepit.
“Is something wrong?” Henry frowns. His palms begin sweating. “Are you okay?”
“No- yes-” Alex exhales slowly. “No, nothing is wrong, and yes I’m okay. Just something has been on my mind.” He sits down and pats the spot next to him. “Sit.”
Henry sits down next to Alex. “I know you said nothing is wrong, but I’m getting pretty nervous, love.”
“You make me so unbelievably happy, Henry. I have never felt this way about anybody before in my life.”
Henry slowly pulls his hand away. Alex doesn’t even notice. He just keeps talking.
“I never in a million years thought we’d be here, doing this,” Alex smiles softly. “You are so wonderful, Henry, and I can’t even believe what all we’ve done together. I guess…” He chews on his bottom lip. “I guess what I’m trying to say, Henry, is that I l-”
“I think I heard June calling out for us,” Henry blurts out as he stands up.
Alex’s smile fades off his face. “I didn’t hear her-”
“I did, I definitely did, I heard someone,” Henry says quickly. “I’m gonna go check to make sure everything is okay.”
He doesn’t look back as he practically runs back to the lake house.
Henry hates himself for that evening. He keeps running over that conversation in his head while they travel across the country. If that’s the last time he ever speaks to Alex, he’ll never forgive himself. He needs to be able to make this better. He has to tell Alex-”
“Sir? We’re landing,” Shaan speaks up.
Henry looks up finally. The flight had passed faster than Henry expected. He climbs off the plane with Shaan and climbs directly into the car. “How long of a drive now?”
“GPS shows one hour and twenty-five minutes with traffic,” Shaan answers. “There is no guarantee that we’ll actually be able to get to the lake house. More reports are coming out with damage.”
“And still no updates from Alex? Or the girls?” Henry breathes.
“None yet. Madam President did say she’s looking into local resources to try and get updates.”
The drive takes almost two hours. The closer they get to the lake house, the worse the traffic gets. The roads are covered in debris, full of cars trying to evacuate the area. Up ahead, there’s a roadblock with police. Shaan goes to speak to them once the car is parked safely on the side of the road. He’s only gone for a few minutes before climbing back into the car.
“Sir, this is as far as we can go,” Shaan says quietly. “The roads are fully blocked from here. We are unable to get any closer to the property.”
Henry swallows thickly. “Okay, uh. M-maybe if I walk? It’s only a few miles, I can make it-” He stops when he sees the look on Shaan’s face. “Shaan. What’s wrong?”
“Miss Bankston texted me. The President had some friends fly a drone over the area.”
“Shaan, just say it-”
“The lake house is gone, Henry. There’s nothing left but debris.”
“Wh-what? No, no, that can’t be true,” Henry whispers. “The house has to be there. If the house is completely destroyed, then… what happened to Alex?”
Shaan sighs quietly. “Still no word. There are shelters being set up around Austin. I’m waiting to receive a list of those and we can start with the closest one and check them all. Miss Bankston and the President should be arriving soon, we can have them start with the other side of town and we can work together. We’re going to figure this out, Henry, but I need you to breathe.”
“I-” Henry realizes just how bad he’s shaking at that point. He tries his breathing exercises as he leans back in his seat. “And we’re sure the house is completely gone?”
Shaan nods slowly. “It’s completely gone, and there were no signs of people in the area. Some rescue crews may have already been to that area while we were on our way here.”
“So now we check shelters,” Henry whispers. “We’ll find them.’
Shaan doesn’t say a word.
It takes them thirty minutes to get to the first shelter. They don’t have luck- the volunteer they find seems a bit shell shocked that the Prince is standing in front of her, but she tells him that the White House Trio has not been seen at their location. She gives Shaan her cell phone number and tells him to call for updates whenever he needs. Henry thanks her before they walk back to their car. He lets his mind wander as they drive to the next location.
“I can’t believe you’re actually here,” Alex breathes, pulling Henry close as they stumble through the hotel room door.
“I figured you could use the support,” Henry whispers. He tugs Alex’s tie off and tosses it to the side. “I know you were upset about Raf-”
“Don’t wanna talk about him. Just wanna keep kissing you.”
Henry laughs quietly. “Okay, okay.”
They shed their clothes on the way to the room and fall into bed together. Two rounds later, Henry has Alex curled up in his arms. Most of the tension has left Alex’s shoulders.
“We never defined what we are,” he says quietly. “I mean- I know you said we had to stay casual, for public reasons or whatever, but… I feel like things are different now.”
“Things are definitely different,” Henry agrees. “We’re exclusive. I’m not sure if putting a name on it is the safest option right now, but it feels right. Boyfriends.”
“Boyfriends.” The smile on Alex’s face is blinding.
The DNC feels like years ago now. He remembers that day perfectly. He clings to that happiness, that hope, as they approach the next shelter. This one isn’t as busy. It only takes five minutes for Henry to realize Alex isn’t there either.
Bea calls him as they start the journey to the next location.
“Oh, Henry, love,” she breathes. “It’s all over the news that you’re in Austin again. What’re you doing? Is it safe to be there?”
“I don’t care if it’s safe,” Henry mutters. “Alex was at the lake house. I left him there, and now the lake house is completely gone-”
“What do you mean the lake house is gone?”
“It’s gone. The tornado destroyed it. Nobody has heard from Alex, June, or Nora, and nobody knows where they are.” He exhales slowly. “Shaan and I are driving around looking for them at shelters.”
Bea hums sadly. “And nobody can get ahold of them?”
“Most of the cell towers are down, I barely have service as it is,” Henry murmurs. “Plus, if the house was truly destroyed, his phone may have been, too. I’ll keep you updated as much as I can, but I want to keep my line open.”
“Of course, love. Be safe.”
They strike out at the next three shelters. Henry finds himself growing irritated at just how big Austin really is. The sun has long since gone down.
“I’ve booked us a hotel for the evening, and the next few nights to be safe,” Shaan tells him quietly. “You need to get some rest, sir.”
“I’m not stopping,” Henry says firmly. “I’ll drive myself if I have to- I need to find him. I’m not going back to a hotel tonight.”
“Sir-”
“You won’t change my mind,” Henry interrupts. “I’m not stopping until I find him, Shaan. I can’t stop until I find him.”
Shaan is quiet for a few minutes. “If I notice that you’re shutting down, we will be going back to the hotel. No arguments.”
“Fine, but I won’t shut down. I’m not giving up and you know I won’t.”
As the night goes on, it gets harder to find shelters. Most of the city doesn’t have electricity, and the traffic getting around is terrible. After two more failed attempts to find Alex, Shaan officially overrides Henry and forces him back to the hotel. Henry’s exhausted, he knows this, but he can’t stop worrying long enough to relax. He knows he has to keep looking, he has to. He waits an hour and hopes Shaan has fallen asleep. He doesn’t even bother changing clothes- a pair of old joggers, and a jumper of Alex’s that he had stolen months ago and never given back. He’s sure his gran will be fuming at his clothing choice once photos reach the internet.
Henry makes sure his phone is in his pocket, along with his wallet, and he quietly makes his way out of the hotel. Truthfully, he has no idea where he’s going, what he’s doing, or where he’s even at. He has the list of shelters Shaan had sent him. It takes a few minutes to figure out where he’s going- then he starts walking. There’s debris everywhere. He sees other people walking around, families who have potentially lost everything, crying with each other. He comes across a family who seems lost and helps them to the nearest shelter. He even carries the youngest child part of the way.
“Thank you,” the mom smiles softly once her children are in a bed for the night. “What’s a Prince doing in Austin anyway?”
Henry forces a small smile. “Someone I care about very much was here during the storm, and now we’re just trying to find them.”
“Well, I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
“Me, too.”
It’s two am and Henry is pulling himself out of a mud puddle. He can feel mud drying on his cheek. He’s absolutely exhausted after walking for hours. He has no idea where he’s at. Every shelter he comes across is still alive and buzzing with activity. A volunteer nurse tries to convince him to lay down and get some rest, but he insists he has to keep going. At five am, he finds himself stumbling into another puddle. He can feel himself breaking down.
“I think you need to rest, you don’t look so good,” a volunteer frowns, leading Henry over to a chair. “Let someone check you out.”
“I-I wasn’t in the storm, I flew in after,” Henry mumbles. “I’m looking for Alex. I just need to find Alex, please.”
He leaves that shelter immediately and sets off down the road once again.
-
The sun’s been up for an hour. Henry is cold, and wet, and exhausted, but he refuses to give up. He’s nearing the end of the list of shelters that he can safely walk to. He genuinely feels like his body is about to collapse when yet another volunteer confirms that she hasn’t seen Alex. He’s about to give in and call Shaan when someone taps his shoulder.
“Excuse me, I couldn’t help but overhear- you’re looking for Alex Claremont-Diaz?”
“Y-yeah, I am,” Henry murmurs. He can feel that his hair is a mess, and he’s probably barely recognizable at this point. “Have you seen him?”
“I saw him and his sister June arrive with Nora Holleran about ten minutes ago, they’re over by the check in station-”
Henry takes off running before the man has even finished his sentence. It takes him a few minutes to maneuver through the crowd, but then- he sees Alex. A broken sob leaves his lips as he cries out, “Alex!”
When Alex looks up, shock is written all over his features. “Henry?”
“Alex!” Henry cries again. He runs up to Alex and tackles him into a hug, sobbing against his shoulder. He looks up after a minute and cups Alex’s muddy cheeks. He does a quick checkover for injuries- Alex has a few bruises on his arms, and a cut across his forehead, but otherwise seems okay. He presses their lips together eagerly and hears a few gasps from around them. “Alex, sweetheart, I’ve been so fucking worried about you, I’m so sorry-”
“Hen, I’m okay, it’s okay,” Alex whispers, holding Henry close. “I’m safe. What about you? Are you hurt?”
“No, no, I’ve just- I’ve been walking all night, trying to find you,” he admits. “I fell in a few mud puddles, and tripped over some tree branches, but I’m fine. I just needed to find you. I’m sure I look rough.”
“You definitely don’t look like a Prince,” Alex teases gently. It’s like saying the word pulls Alex back to reality. He tries to take a step back from Henry. “There’s cameras, Hen.”
“Fuck the cameras. Fuck the palace. Fuck it all.” Henry tilts his head down to press his lips against Alex’s gently this time. “I was so stupid before,” he murmurs. “I’m so sorry, Alex. I should’ve been here with you.”
“Then we both would’ve been trapped in this,” Alex points out. “Hey, I know we’re like having a moment here or whatever, but is your phone working? I need to call my mom. June has a broken ankle, which is why it took us so long to get to a shelter, and I should probably let her know.”
“It was earlier, you can try.” Henry hands the phone to him. “And, um. Have her tell Zahra to let Shaan know I’m okay.”
Alex’s eyebrow raises. “Does Shaan not know where you are?”
“I left at eleven last night and haven’t been back since.”
“My god, Henry,” Alex breathes. “You really walked all night looking for me?”
“Of course I did. I needed to make sure that you were safe.”
“I– we’ll discuss how dumb that was later, once we’re both back in a warm hotel.” Alex stays curled into Henry’s side while he calls his mom. “Hey, ma, it’s me- yes, Henry is with me. We’re at the shelter on Marigold.” A pause. “Yeah, that’s the right area. June is being checked out by the medics- she’s okay, ma, we’re pretty sure she broke her ankle.” He glances up at Henry. “Yes, he knows that leaving in the middle of the night was very stupid. June is going to the ER, and I think some volunteers are gonna take us there, too, so we’ll meet you there. Love you, too, ma. See you soon.”
“I’m going to assume Shaan is not happy with me,” Henry murmurs, slipping his phone back into his pocket.
“Not at all,” Alex chuckles. “They’re all meeting us at the hospital. C’mon, baby, let’s go.”
They meet up with Nora and June near the first aid tent. Nora smacks Henry’s shoulder when she finds out that he’s been out all night. June weakly glares at him under the influence of pain meds.
“You are not built for that kind of hike,” she mumbles. “You could’ve died, dumbass.”
“I know, but I didn’t,” Henry smiles softly.
Once they’re at the hospital and Alex is given a clean bill of health, along with stitches across his forehead, he sits down next to Henry in the waiting room.
“How are you not absolutely exhausted?” Henry murmurs, resting his head on Alex’s shoulder. “I haven’t slept in over twenty-four hours. I can barely keep my eyes open.”
“We didn’t walk all night,” Alex chuckles. “When we got out of the basement and realized the house was completely destroyed, we just started walking. June tripped over some debris and that’s when she hurt herself. Nora and I helped her as much as we could, but it was a struggle. We couldn’t finish the walk with June, but thankfully we came across a group of people making trips to shelters with their trucks. It took hours for everybody to get taken. There were only two people driving, and there were definitely more people in the back of those trucks than was legal. They gave us food and water. We slept while we waited.”
“I’m glad the three of you got some sleep.” Henry yawns quietly, rubbing his eyes. His head is throbbing. He doesn’t remember the last time he ate or drank anything. He stands when Ellen arrives with Zahara and Shaan. The room starts spinning around him.
“Hen? Henry, are you okay?” Alex frowns, reaching out to steady Henry by his waist.
Henry blinks slowly. “I-” Everything goes black. Alex is the only thing that stops Henry from falling to the floor.
-
When Henry comes to, he’s in a hospital bed with Alex by his side, holding his hand. The lights are bright. His other arm has an IV sticking out of it.
“Hey there,” Alex smiles softly. “You were out for about an hour.”
“What the hell happened?” Henry whispers, rubbing his eyes. “I feel like shit.”
“The doctors said you were dehydrated, and your blood sugar was low, too. Did you not eat or drink anything the entire time you were looking for me?”
Henry shakes his head. “I ate before we flew here from New York, but… that was it. I was too busy, too worried about you.”
“Hen, you’ve gotta take care of yourself,” Alex says quietly. “The doctor said you were probably running on adrenaline while you searched, so when we got here and everybody was safe, the adrenaline dropped and your body gave out. They want you to stay for a couple hours to rehydrate your body, and they’ll bring you some food.”
“How’s June?” Henry murmurs. “Her ankle?”
“They put her under anesthesia to reset the bones, so she’ll be here for a few hours- possibly overnight.” Alex laces their fingers together. “So. We should probably talk about what happened with us.”
“I was an idiot, that’s what happened.” Henry sighs softly. “I love you, Alex. I love you so much that it hurts, and I thought I couldn’t give you what you needed. I got scared when you almost said it to me, so I ran. I ran away, and you went through this terrible disaster, and now I’m the one in a hospital bed, even though you’re the one-”
“Hen, breathe.” Alex cups Henry’s cheek gently. “I know none of this is easy for you, and I should’ve been more aware of how that confession would’ve felt for you. But fuck, Henry, I love you, too. I love you more than I’ve ever loved anybody in my life. I know this won’t be easy for either of us, but I’m willing to try if you are.”
“I’m going to try my hardest. Although, the secret’s already out,” Henry reminds him. “I kissed you at the shelter. Someone probably got pictures of it. I think the news was even there. The media is going to be a shit show. But… you’re worth it, Alex. You’re worth it all.”
“And you’re worth it, too,” Alex whispers. He runs his fingers through Henry’s hair. They’re both quiet for a few minutes.
“Alex. I fell in a mud puddle.”
Alex smirks a little. “I know you did, Hen.”
“There’s mud in my hair.”
“There is. I can feel it. It’s kind of gross.”
“Shut up,” Henry glares at him.
Henry is discharged after two more hours of being monitored. They visit June before they climb into a car with Shaan and Nora. Ellen and Zahra stay with June at the hospital. Henry has four missed calls from Philip, two from his mum, and eight unread messages from Bea. He decides to ignore them and pretend he doesn’t have service. Alex joins him in the shower. They take their time washing the mud off each other, being careful of Alex’s stitches and the bruises on his body.
“You must’ve been so scared,” Henry whispers once they’re curled up in bed. “I can’t even imagine.”
“It was pretty terrifying,” Alex admits. “It wasn’t even raining. We were keeping an eye on the weather, but… when the sirens went off, we still panicked. We went into the basement. We could hear the house being ripped apart, and all I could think about is how much I regretted not telling you that I loved you all the times I thought it. In the middle of the storm, all I could think about was you.”
“The bruises? The cut?” Henry breathes. “How did those happen?”
“When the house was leveled, the roof of the basement collapsed on us.” Alex shudders gently at the memory. “I was already covering June and Nora, but I moved into the path of the debris because I didn’t want them to get hurt.”
“I was so fucking scared, Alex, I can’t even imagine how you must’ve felt. I couldn’t get ahold of you, and I just-” Henry sniffles, “-I was so worried. I love you, Alex, and I’m so sorry that I left the way that I did.”
Alex cups Henry’s cheek gently. “You came back when I needed you. I’m not going to just pretend like that wasn’t one of the worst mornings of my life, or that I wasn’t completely heartbroken, but you’re here. I love you, too, Henry, and that’s not going to change. We’ll work through this, but no more running away, Henry.”
“I-”
Henry’s phone rings. He ignores it, but it rings again. And again.
“Hen, I don’t think Bea is going to give up.”
“I don’t think so either,” Henry mumbles on the fifth ring. “Hello?”
“You son of a bitch, Henry, I find out from the media that you’re in the hospital and you don’t even answer your damn phone?” Bea snaps. Henry can imagine her nostrils flaring.
“I’m already out, Bea, I’m okay,” he promises. “I just- I collapsed because I went all day and night without drinking water or eating anything.”
“Oh, you just collapsed, huh? That’s not a good thing!” Bea groans through the phone. “How is everybody else? Is all okay? You didn’t keep me updated.”
“June broke her ankle and has to stay in the hospital overnight, but everybody else is okay,” Henry murmurs. “Alex and I are back at the hotel now.”
“Hey Bea,” Alex calls out.
“Oh Christ, did I interrupt something?”
“No.” Henry rolls his eyes. “I’ve just wanted to ignore everybody’s calls. Pip and mum have been trying to call me.”
“Mum is worried about you,” Bea murmurs, her voice significantly quieter than before. “Pip is… well, he’s on a rampage. There’s a video of you running up to Alex and kissing him, Hen. It looks like you weren’t even thinking about the consequences, but the two of you look so fucking in love in that video, it’s undeniable. I just think you should be prepared for a conference call with him and gran. It’s not going to be pretty, but I’m proud of you, Henry. Both of you. And I’m so incredibly happy for you both.”
“Thanks, Bea,” Henry whispers. “I know our coming out probably should’ve been a bit more… planned, but I just couldn’t help it.”
“I know, Hen. You two get some rest, okay? I’ll try to fend off Pip as much as I can.”
“We will. Love you, Bea.”
“Love you, H.”
Henry tosses his phone back onto the nightstand. “I’m sorry if my actions cause issues for you-”
“Shut up,” Alex murmurs fondly. “I love you, Hen, I want to be out with you. It seems like this was the only way for it to happen.”
“I’m going to make this up to you,” Henry whispers. “I’m going to be the best damn boyfriend you’ve ever had.”
“Well, you’ll be the only boyfriend I’ve ever had,” Alex teases gently.
“I’m trying to be romantic here, Alex.” Henry can’t help but smile. “I won’t run anymore, Alex. Communication can be hard for me, but I’ll do whatever it takes to make this up to you.”
“I’ll never be upset with you for telling me how you feel, even if you’re upset,” Alex promises. “You just have to talk to me, Hen. We’ll be okay. If this tornado taught me anything, it’s that life is short and we never know what’s going to happen. It has never been more clear to me that you are the love of my life.”
Henry rests his hand on Alex’s cheek. “I can easily say the same, my love. You are the absolute love of my life, and that is very clear to me.”
They fly back to DC the next day once June has been discharged. The media is waiting for them when they land- the First Children being involved in a terrible tragedy is something they want to be a part of, along with the unexpected coming out of the Prince of England. They can hear the shouts all around them.
Ellen calls them into the conference room less than an hour after they land. Henry tenses up when he sees the screen- Philip is there, along with their mother and the Queen. Bea is off to the side.
“What’s going on?” Henry asks slowly.
“Her Majesty has requested a meeting regarding the situation that happened in Austin,” Ellen says softly. She stands in front of Henry and cups his cheek. “They ambushed me, sugar, I’m so sorry,” she whispers.
Henry clears his throat as he sits down. “I’m not sure what there is to discuss. I kissed Alex, and the news saw it.”
“We need to discuss your absolutely horrid actions, Henry,” Philip seethes. If looks could kill, Henry would be six feet under. “What on earth were you thinking?”
“Our staff has already written a statement explaining that it was a misunderstood moment of passion, caused by delirium and dehydration,” Mary says simply. “It will be followed up by a statement regarding your hospital stay to treat said delirium and dehydration.”
“With all due respect, your Majesty, I don’t think anybody will believe that kiss was anything less than romantic,” Ellen frowns. “It’s very clear on their faces how much they love each other. Even then, how do we explain the fact that Henry searched all day and night for Alex?”
Mary sighs like this conversation is boring her. “He was worried about his dear friend, that’s all it was. Henry will come back here, and the two of them will not be seen in public together again until all of this dies down.”
“Mum, that is not realistic,” Catherine frowns. “They love each other. You can’t keep them apart, just like you couldn’t keep me and Arthur apart.”
“I can, and I will, Catherine. It seems that these two have already been messing around behind my back for a while now, although everybody else seemed to know. Madam President was particularly unphased.”
“Regardless of if I knew in advance, the only potential issue we ran into was Henry being royalty,” Ellen points out, “not that he’s a man. I will never judge my kids on their sexuality.”
Mary narrows her eyes. “Either way, I do not appreciate being left out of the conversation. I could’ve potentially stopped this before it started-”
“Mum, you couldn’t have stopped anything,” Catherine scoffs. “Henry loves Alex. None of us could’ve stopped them from being together.”
“Do not speak to me that way, Catherine-”
“I’ll abdicate,” Henry blurts out. Everybody turns to him with wide eyes. “If you try to keep me from Alex, I will abdicate. I almost lost him once, I won’t lose him again.”
“Henry,” Mary warns, “don’t be ridiculous. You are not going to abdicate for… him.” She barely gets the word out.
Henry can feel Alex tense up next to him. “Hen,” he whispers. “You don’t have to do this for me.”
“I do, though.” Henry turns to face Alex, cupping his cheeks. “I love you. I’m going to love you for the rest of my life, and if abdicating is what it takes to keep you in my life, then I will abdicate.”
Catherine looks a bit smug as she speaks up again. “It looks like you have a choice to make, mum. It wouldn’t exactly look good on the Crown if Henry abdicates right after coming out. Wouldn’t want the country finding out just how homophobic you are.”
“Well, it seems I have no choice.” Mary’s face is calm, but the tremor in her hand gives her away. “The statements will not be released. We will allow the two of you to be public,” she forces out.
“Thank you for your generosity, your Majesty,” Ellen says dryly. “My son and I greatly appreciate this decision.”
Mary and Philip leave without another word. Bea pops up in the camera. “Henry! You did it!”
“I’m so proud of you for standing up to her, love,” Catherine smiles softly. “We’ll have to catch up later, okay? You should go celebrate.”
“Thank you for your support in this, too, your Royal Highness,” Ellen murmurs. “We’ve really enjoyed having Henry be a part of our family, so we’re glad to keep him around.”
“Please, call me Catherine,” she smiles. “I’m so thankful Henry has had all of you for support. We’ll talk soon as well, yes?”
“Of course. I’ll get your number from Henry.”
The call disconnects, and the tension in the room finally dissipates.
“You do realize that our moms being friends is going to be dangerous, right?” Alex mumbles.
Henry laughs quietly. “At this point, I don’t even care. I love you. And I get to keep loving you, publicly, for everybody to see.”
“I love you, too, Hen,” Alex smiles softly, kissing his cheek. “C’mon. Let’s go celebrate.”
PrinceHenryUK: I’m sure most of you have seen the video by now. Yes, Alex and I are together and have been since the beginning of this year. We have done our best to keep our relationship private for several reasons, but after the tragedy that occurred in Austin over the weekend, I was overcome with emotion upon finding him safe. I love him very much, and I’m thankful I can finally show the world just how much.
Alex and I have been donating to various charities across Austin that are helping with the aftermath of the tornado. There are links in my story for those who are interested in helping.
theagcd: love you baby 🩵
PrincessBeatriceUK: Proud of you, Hen! 🩷
pezlikethesweets: about damn time!