Chapter 8

"We need to start using protection, I could get pregnant you know." I said as Arthur collapsed next to me in bed. Our...activities had become more frequent and we were being careless about everything. Arthur now spends more nights at my house than at the Palace, which also means he's seriously breaking security protocols. Anything could happen to him here. His place should be ready in a couple of days so he can finally have his space back.

"You know, the idea of a pregnant you isn't looking so bad in my head." He said laughing as he pulled me to his bare chest.

"It is to me. We need to get ready so we don't get there late." We have a meeting with some prospective investors for the foundation and we had to start getting ready to avoid being late.

"No...I just want to stay in bed with you. Naked and under these sheets with you." 

"Arthur, stop whining and get up. I'm going to take a shower, do you care to join me?" I asked as I got up with the sheets wrapped around my body.

"The day I say no to that question, I'm going to need you to kill me." He got out of bed and literally carried me into the bathroom. We started off with the pure will to shower but let's just say, we lost track of the real reason why we were there. 

"Babe, what do you think I should wear?" I called out as I searched my wardrobe for a good outfit. He had been dressed for over an hour but I was still walking around in my underwear. I felt his strong arms around me as he placed kisses down my neck. "Arthur stop. We'll just end up back in bed and we need to go."

"Pick anything, you look good in everything you wear." I looked at what he was wearing and I had a good idea on the outfit to try. When I did try the outfit, it was perfect. 

"You look amazing babe. Although, it's freezing out there, maybe you should get a jacket or something."

"Yeah." I went to the closet and got a long black trench coat and we were good to go. We stepped out of the apartment, careful to avoid the press. We actually did a good job because we only met the press when we got to the foundation HQ. We answered some questions and headed into the building. On our way to the elevator, we were stopped by one of the workers.

"Good morning your highnesses."

"Good morning. It's Laurie right?" Arthur said. I was already worried about being late and this delay wasn't it for me.

"Yes Sir."

"What can we do for you Laurie?" 

"It's been over two months since the foundation was started, and we've been trying to get the necessary feedback to ensure that maximum impact is being made. We took a poll and realised that most people believe that we would make more impact if we held a communicative class for the victims every once in a while."

"That's a good idea. Victoria and I will think about it and we'll see what we can do about making that happen."

"Thank you Laurie." We smiled and entered the elevator. The investors were waiting patiently for us when we got there.

"Let's get to business gents. Before we got here, you were shown a presentation on the agendas of the foundation. Now, I'm sure you know that Princess Victoria and I are very busy as I'm sure that you all also are. How much are you willing to throw in to help with the funding of the organization?" 

"Let me start by saying that I'm sure that this foundation will go a long way in curbing the effects of bullying on the young ones all around the world. But, how sure are we that this isn't just another project that the both of you will end up passing to another person and stay as name CEOs?" That's a good question. 

"This cause is dear to my heart and Arthur's heart. We've seen first-hand what it does to a person's mental and physical state when it's ignored. I don't like making promises that I can't keep but I can make this one. This foundation isn't changing power hands, it started with us, it's staying with us. There is nothing that could possibly make us abandon this foundation, absolutely nothing. I give you my word Mr. Craig, trust me." My words were sweet, coercive yet honest.

"Ok. Well, my team and I are willing to fully invest into this foundation. We'll expect all the necessary paperwork to reach us in due time. Thank you." We shook hands and everyone left except Arthur, Mr. Craig and I. 

"Your team is waiting for you outside Bradley, why the wait?" Arthur asked impatiently. Bradley and Arthur are acquaintances who go way back. They're not friends but they coexist. 

"I'd like to have a word with the Princess...alone please." Arthur looked between us. I had no idea what Bradley had to say to me but Arthur wasn't willing to leave.

"No. You can't have a word with her, please leave."

"Why can't I? I thought you were just friends?"

"Arthur it's fine. It'll only take a minute." I put my hand on his and he calmed down. He got up, looked at Bradley intensely and walked away. "Now, aside from making my business partner angry, what else do you want?"

"Victoria..."

"Princess Victoria."

"Princess Victoria, I don't know much about you but I do know this, you're stunning."

"So I hear. Is that all?" He laughed like a sick pervert. Where does Arthur even meet these people?!

"I see Arthur has gotten to work on you. Just like all the others." What is he talking about?

"What are you talking about?" 

"My friend Arthur does this every time there's a new girl in town. He works his magic and soon enough, he's in her bed or she's in his. Continuous bouts of fornication until he's done with her. He always gets done with them. You can't tie a man like him down for long, you think he's with you only? If you think I'm lying to you, ask him about Jasmine. You're beautiful and smart Victoria, don't be a pawn in his dirty game." I didn't let any emotions show on my face. I simply got up, smiled and started walking towards the door but then I turned. 

"It's Princess Victoria to you." I left him there and went straight to the office that I shared with Arthur.

"What was that about?" Arthur was leaning against his table, looking through a file.

"Who's Jasmine?" He dropped the file on his table and got up.

"What?"

"You heard me Arthur, who is Jasmine?" 

"Someone from my past. She didn't mean anything to me then and she still doesn't. Where's this coming from?"

"Where do you see this relationship going? Because I can't be giving my body and my time to something that isn't..." He walked to me and put his finger over my mouth.

"Don't say that. If I could marry you right now, I would. Babe, I'm not who I was when I was with Jasmine. I've grown and I've changed, let me show you that. I love you, I'm with you and nothing can ruin this for us."

"Ok. I have an idea. Come with me." The press is always standing outside the building and I figured that it would be a good place for my plan. We stopped right before we crossed the doors.

"What plan is this exactly?"

"I may not say it often but I love you, so much. Let's let everyone know just how much love we have between each other."

"Are you sure? Cause once we walk through those doors, there's no turning back."

"If I keep getting the feeling that I can back out at any time, I might and I don't want to. Let me do this." He smiled and put his hand on my lower back. He led me out and we were hijacked by a billion questions. We weren't there to answer any question, we just wanted to make our relationship known to the world and our message was definitely received. We got into the car and just...took our time to breathe. We just did that, we are now press official. 

"Now, it's my turn to surprise you. Driver, take us to the Palace. And notify my parents that they'll be having a special guest tonight at dinner."

"Yes Sir."

"Why are we going to the Palace?" I had a hunch but he needed to confirm it.

"To meet my grandparents of course. Don't worry, they don't bite." Yeah, I hope so. All through the drive, we talked about everything and anything. My family, his family, exes and all. We arrived at the Palace and headed to the tea room to meet with his grandparents. 

"Your Majesty." I said as I gave a curtsy to the Queen. "Your highness." I said as I greeted his grandfather. 

"Princess Victoria, we are honoured to have you in our home." The Queen offered me a seat and I took it.

"I'm honoured to be here."

"Granny, Pa, meet Victoria Schelswig of Denmark, my girlfriend." They didn't seem surprised. I looked for the smallest reaction but I didn't get anything. 

"Victoria, so you're the reason why my grandson suddenly developed an allergy to the Palace. It's good to finally meet you." His grandfather said. Charles, Duke of Edinburgh. He's a good man. Calm, warm, old.

"Granny?" The Queen was lost in thought. Queen Margaret, the reigning monarch for 52 years. Yep, she became Queen when she was only 15!

"She's beautiful." Was all she said. I released a sigh of relief and finally started breathing. 

"Thank you ma'am."

"You know, Arthur has been a bit wild but he has never brought anyone to meet us. You're special." Her old voice reminded me of that of my grandmother's. 

"She is." Arthur added. All through the conversation, all I got were compliments. But they were so lovely and warm. They even told me to call them "Gran and Pa." I could not believe it. I have literally been with Arthur for 3 months! Things are moving too fast. Now, I had to go home and change and be back for dinner with his parents. I had an hour! I can definitely make this work. My hair and make-up took 20 minutes. It took me 25 minutes to get dressed and 15 minutes to get back to the palace for dinner with his family. I looked good. Really good.

"Wow, you look..amazing. They'll love you." Arthur said as he walked me into the house. His parents were seated at the dining table, waiting for me. We did the whole greeting and then we went straight to dinner. Every now and then, a question or two would come up but it was all good.

"So Victoria, I'm not going to lie, but I'm a huge fan of your fashion." His mother said. This was actually surprising. I try my best with my fashion but it's really nothing special.

"Wow, that means a lot coming from you. I'm flattered."

"Arthur has good taste, just like me. I'm happy to have you here Victoria, really happy." His father added. Everyone was just amazing and just when I thought the night couldn't get any better, Arthur added one more surprise. We were walking around the Palace grounds when he literally got down on one knee.

"I know that this may be too soon, but I have loved how my life has been over the last few months. I don't want to spend one more day without knowing that I'll come home to you. So please, marry me because I can't live without you." I was in shock. But I don't think I have or will ever love someone the way I love Arthur. And maybe doing this so soon will be a stupid choice but I'll take my chances.

"I'm scared, and I can't guarantee that I know what I'm doing, but I know this; I love you so much it hurts. Every moment without you kills me and I don't want that. So maybe we are rushing things and maybe we might end up a hot mess, but I'm willing to take the gamble."