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hrhduchessoflancaster · 6 years

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Chapter Seventy-One: Step by Step

Nothing concerning Colin or his family’s involvement in the attack nor the danger surrounding Elle’s life had been publicly disclosed. All government intelligence agencies were working on the case, considering its high profile magnitude. Meanwhile, Elle and Harry, along with the other senior members of the Royal Family had been given reports on the ongoing investigations of Colin, his parents and the Freedom Movement.

“ So far, what we’ve gathered, Your Royal Highnesses, is that Mr. Mackintosh’s family had been killed due to its connection with the Freedom Movement. We haven’t found solid evidence of this fact but we believe their bodies we’re dropped at the sea. It’s the terrorists modus operandi in this cases.”, said DI Braxton.

“ I see…”, said Harry, seriously. Elle, who sat beside him, held onto his hand and gave it a squeeze. “ And… what about Mr. Mackintosh?”, he asked the detective.

“ We’re currently investigating the extension of his involvement but we can’t disclose any further information, I’m afraid.”, said DI Braxton.

“We understand.”, said Elle.

“ Well, I don’t.”, said Harry, slightly irritated. “ I’m an officer in Her Majesty’s service. I’ve been through two tours. I’ve seen terrorists face to face. I don’t see why this information, which concerns my own family, must be kept from us!”, said Harry.

“ With all due respect, sir, it’s precisely due to the nature of this attacks that we can’t say anything else. I’m sorry, sir, but we can’t compromise the investigation or your safety for that matter.”, said DI Braxton, firmly. Elle ran her hand on Harry’s arm, calming him down. He was frustrated, she knew that because she felt the same. But Harry, being the soldier he was, felt a deeper obligation to see this matter through and she could tell it was bothering him not being 100% involved in it.

“ We’re very thankful for all that you’re doing, detective.”, said Elle. Harry sighed and nodded his head in appreciation, then leaving the room without another word. Embarrassed, Elle escorted the woman to the door.

“ Please excuse my husband. He gets frustrated at times.”, said Elle.

“ Don’t need to apologise, ma’am. To be honest, all of us are. We’ve hit some dead ends with the Freedom Movement for a couple of months now. Well, ever since your attack to be honest. But this… this new action from them is our first big new lead. “, said DI Braxton.

“ I promise you we’re doing all that we can to bring Mr. Mackintosh in and end the Freedom Movement for good.”, continued the detective. Elle nodded her head and sighed.

“ We deeply appreciate all your hard work, detective. Please, pass on our thanks to the rest of your team.”, said Elle, escorting the woman to the main door.

“ I will. Good day to you ma’am.”, said DI Braxton exiting the apartment. Sighing as she closed the door, Elle began wandering through the house in search for her husband. Finally, she was able to find him on the baby’s nursery.

“ Hey you…”, she said stepping into the room. Harry had his back to her, looking out of the window. The nursery was still bare, since they didn’t have the time to begin decorating it. She carefully walked over to him and hugged his middle, laying her head on his back. Elle ran her hand up his chest, just above his heart, feeling the strong heartbeat she was so familiar with.

“ I’m sorry.”, he said in a whisper. Sighing, Harry turned to face his wife, taking her hands into his.

“ I’m so sorry for the outburst. You know it’s not like me to lash out like this. I’m just…”, said Harry.

“ Frustrated. Feeling helpless and powerless. I get it.”, said Elle and she saw him nodding his head. Placing her hand on his cheek, she sighed and ran her hand on his hair.

“ I know you hate feeling like this and I do as well but behaving like that won’t help solving the problem. We have to adjust, improve where we can, and carry on. That’s what we Brits do best, right?”, said Elle and Harry chuckled, nodding his head.

“ Good. I’ve talked to John yesterday about the female RPO I’d requested back in June and he said they’ve approved a candidate. I’m going to see her later today.”, said Elle.

“ That’s good. I’ll feel better knowing you have an extra pair of eyes and hands protecting you and our child.”, said Harry, placing his hands on her bump. Smiling softly, Elle put her hands over his. “ I can’t wait for him or her to be here. “, she whispered.

“ Me too.”, said Harry, running his finger on her belly.

“ What do you reckon it will be?”, she asked him, looking up into his eyes.

“ I don’t know. The last children who born into this family were girls so…”, said Harry.

“ I don’t know what we’re having, but it’s a ninety percent chance he or she will be a ginger. I can almost see it: my red hair, your blue eyes. A few freckles here and there.”, said Elle daydreaming.

“ I love when you talk about our child, did you know that?”, said Harry smiling at her.

************

Later that day, Elle sat down in her office with John as they discussed her potential RPO. The woman in question was to meet them in just half an hour.

“ Sergeant Ingrid Chamber of Her Majesty’s Navy. Ingrid had served in numerous UK based and abroad operations and was highly regarded by her superiors. Very accomplished, intelligent and resourceful.”, sais John.

“ Good, but what about her personality?”, Elle asked. “ Is she nice? Friendly?”, she continued.

“ Well, ma’am, to the extent of my knowledge, she’s friendly and amicable, specially when dealing with other females. I’ve personally selected her and I trust she’ll be a great asset to your household.”, said John, truthfully.

“ Very well, then. I’ll just want to have a little chat to get a feeling of who I’ll be dealing with but if you’re certain John, then she’s a go for me.”, said Elle.

“ Thank you, ma’am.”, he replied. “ If that is all, I’ll return to my post.”, he continued. Bowing his head, John left the room and Elle sighed. She’d now have two RPO’s constantly by her side, up to four if needed be, when she was out with Harry. Not that she was complaining about having a woman or extra security on her team, but she missed the freedom she used to have before.

“ Well, what’s done is done. “, she said to herself. “ Better be protected than feel sorry later.”, said Elle, caressing her bump.

Deciding on doing some work before her meeting, she dug into her book. Her research about the Plantagenet Queens was complete and, all she had to do now, was putting everything together with her arguments to explain her thesis. Lost in time, she typed away and soon, Lisa was knocking on her door.

“ Excuse me, Your Royal Highness, but Sergeant Chambers is here for you.”, said Lisa.

“ Please, send her in, Lisa. Thank you.”, said Elle, closing her computer. Soon, a tall, dark haired and brown skinned woman came in, dressed in black formal office trousers, white shirt and black jacket. She curtsied as she stopped by the door and Elle walked towards her to meet her. As she did, they shook hands and smiled to one another.

“ Hello Sergeant Chambers. I’m very pleased to meet you.”, said Elle.

“ An honour to meet you, Your Royal Highness.”, said Ingrid.

“ Please, take a seat.”, said Elle and they sat opposite to each other in her desk.

“ So Sergeant Chambers, may I call you Ingrid?”, she asked and the woman nodded her head.

“ Yes, of course, ma’am.”, said Ingrid.

“ Ingrid then. You’ve been highly recommended to me by our chief of security and I was very pleased to know I’d have a woman guarding me. But I’d also like us to be, if not friends, at least amiable to one another.”, said Elle.

“ I personally like to establish a companionship between myself and all those I work with. Would that be acceptable to you?”, asked Elle to the woman before her.

“ Yes, yes of course, ma’am. I’d be delighted.”, replied Ingrid with a small smile.

“ Perfect! Then we’re settled. Lisa will give you all the details and you start tomorrow. But before you go, I’d like to introduce you to the rest of the team.”, said Elle. Reaching for the phone she had on her desk, she called in her secretary. “ Lisa, would you call Alfred for me, please? Thank you.”, she said.

“ While we wait, would you like something to drink? Tea? Coffee? Water?”, Elle asked.

“ Water will be fine, ma’am.”, said Ingrid. Elle then poured in two glasses of water.

“ I’m dying for some Earl Grey but I can’t have it. It’s not good for the baby.”, said Elle smiling as she sipped into her water.

“ Oh yes! Congratulations ma’am. It’s exciting news.”, said Ingrid smiling genuinely.

“ Thank you. We’re all very happy.”, said Elle. A moment later, Alfred entered the room followed by Ingrid.

“ Is everything alright, Your Royal Highness?”, asked Alfred, concerned.

“ Perfectly fine, Alfred. I just wanted to introduce you to someone. Ingrid, this Alfred my other royal protection officer. Alfred, this is Ingrid is your new partner.”, said Elle. The sergeants looked at each other and shook hands.

“ I’m sure you’ll make a wonderful team together.”, said Elle.

************

Although Lisa and Ronald insisted on rescheduling, Elle put her foot down on keeping her first official visit as a Royal Duchess as it was planned.

“ We cannot let them dictated out lives!”, she had told them. “ I won’t be bullied! No, we’ll keep my schedule as planned.”

“ Yes, ma’am.”, they replied.

So, on the Thursday evening, Elle prepared herself to attend her first solo engagement as Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Sussex and confer her patronage to Historic Royal Palaces. Harry lazily watched from the bed as she changed into a full-length, long-sleeved petroleum blue dress. The tule from the skirt fell softly over her baby bump and a soft, while almost sheer lace covered her arms. “ You look absolutely breath-taking, my wife.”, said Harry. Elle could see his smile from the reflection on the mirror in front of her and smiled back. He was dressed in black tracksuit trousers and a simple cotton white t-shirt.

“ There. Now I’m ready to go.”, said Elle, as she finished putting her earrings. Turning to face her husband, she walked towards him and smiled, reaching him. She placed a hand on his shoulder and grinned.

“ How do I look??, she asking him. Standing up from the bed, Harry took a step forward and placed his hands on her hips.

“ Perfect. Incredible. Fantastic in all account.”, said Harry, while he leaned over to kiss her lips.

“ Thank you, my love.”, she replied smiling while he took her left hand into his right and placing a kiss on it.

“ Shall we? I really must get going.”, she said. Downstairs, Lisa, Alfred and Ingrid waited them. There was no need for further security detail that night and so, Leo and John remained at Kensington.

“ Good evening, Your Royal Highnesses.”, said the trio in unison.

“ Goos evening, Alfred, Ingrid. How are you settling in?”, asked Elle.

“ Splendidly, ma’am.”, replied Ingrid smiling.

“ That’s wonderful to hear.”, Elle replied. “ Darling, this is Sergeant Ingrid Chambers, my new RPO.”, she continued as Harry walked to her side.

“ A pleasure to meet you, Ingrid.”, said Harry, shaking the woman’s hand.

“ An honour, sir.”, replied Ingrid.

“ Well, my darling, I better be off or I’ll be late.”, said Elle, passing the woman as she walked towards the door. Harry accompanied her to the car, opening the door for her.

“ That’s it. I’m a little anxious, I must confess.”, said Elle smiling nervously.

“ Don’t be. Everything will be fine. You’ll see.”, said Harry, caressing her cheek.

“ Wish me luck?”, she asked.

“ You don’t need any luck, Elle. You’ll do splendidly. Like always.”, replied Harry, kissing her once again.

“ I’ll see you later. I love you.”, said Elle, entering the car.

“ I love you both.”, said Harry smiling at his wife. Closing the door, he watched as the car departed the courtyard of their apartment in Kensington and soon disappeared in the horizon. Please God, let everything be alright tonight., thought Harry.

************

Hampton Court Palace was, by far, her favorite of all the Historic Royal Palaces places. And although she loved working at the Tower she adored coming there when she needed. Doctor Lucy Worsley, was still the chief curator of the organization was going to meet her there. Melissa and Trevor, to whom she had spoken previously, had been excited to tell her that they would be there as well, and Elle couldn’t wait to see them.

As the car began to drive through the gravel path that lead to the majestic, red Tudor brick entrance of the palace, Elle felt butterflies in her stomach and her blood pumping faster in her veins. This was her first solo engagement. She could see, as the car got closer and closer to the gate, the mass of paparazzi and people that had decided to venture the cold night air to see and greet her.

Breathing in deeply, Elle mentally prepared herself for the storm she was about to breach. As the car came to a halt, Lisa, Alfred and Ingrid exited the vehicle and soon, the door was opened for her. With all the grace she could muster, she stood up, letting her gown flow to the ground, her baby bump visible for all to see. Elle smiled and waved at the people, who cheered her on and was flanked by her RPO’s an followed by Lisa, to the gates where Dr. Worsley waited for her. Walking the small distant, she was soon face to face to her previous boss, who kindly smiled at her before lowering herself into a curtsey.

“ Your Royal Highness, welcome to Hampton Court Palace.”, said Dr. Worsley, as she shook Elle’s hand. “ Although I believe this is a familiar site to you, is it not?”, joked the older woman with a glint of mischief in her eyes. Elle chuckled and nodded her head.

“ Indeed it is, Dr. Worsley. And I must say, it’s wonderful to be back here.”, said Elle smiling genuinely.

“ Shall we go inside? There are many a people who are dying to see you.”, said Dr. Worsley. Nodding her head still smiling, Elle followed the older woman into the majestic building, with Alfred and Ingrid trailing behind her.

As soon as she entered the room, she was once again showered with flashes from the cameras and shook series of hands, making small talk and idle conversation with whom she met. Many of them, were familiar faces she’d seen before, but never had the opportunity to talk to. That was, until she spotted the familiar duo she was so excited to see.

“ Elle!”, exclaimed Trevor, forgetting all decorum and ceremony. Grinning, she walked towards her former intern and mentee, noticing a man a few steps behind him.

“ Oh Trevor, it’s so good to see you! I’ve missed you!”, said Elle, as she hugged her dear friend, brushing aside the fact that she was braking a few rules of engagement as she did so. “ Both of you.”, she continued, as she turned her head to face Melissa, who smiled at her. She saw that her former boss was accompanied by her husband, François. Elle had talked but she hadn’t seen them since her wedding and she felt sad and slightly guilty for taking so long to do so.

Melissa and her husband were more formal with her and shook her hand, placing kisses on her cheeks after they had properly bowed and curtsied. Nevertheless, their smiles and body language was warm and receptive, as Elle knew they’d be, considering the occasion.

“ How have you been?”, she asked them.

“ We’ve been well.”, said Trevor. “ A little lost without you but we manage.”, he replied smirking. Elle chuckled and shook her head.

“ It’s so good to see you again. You’re positively glowing, Elle.”, said Melissa in hushed tones. Grinning from ear to ear, Elle ran her hand over her baby bump, lovingly.

“ Thank you. I’m very happy. And Harry is simply over the moon! ”, she said.

“ I can imagine! You’ll be wonderful parents, I’m sure.”, said Melissa.

“ How are Blair and Jeremy? Oh they must be so big! It’s been ages since I saw them.”, said Elle.

“ They’re both well. Blair is starting Junior School soon and Jeremy has been very good in his Nursery so far.”, replied Melissa.

“ Oh my goodness… I feel old. I remember holding Jeremy when he was just a toddler. We must schedule something at either mine or yours.”, said Elle.

“ We’d be delighted.”, replied François smiling. Looking over to Trevor, who nodded vehemently his head while smiling, Elle looked once again to the man who stood awkwardly behind him.

“ And who’s this?”, she asked, curiosity taking the best of her. Trevor's eyes lit up and she pulled the taler man along.

“ This is Luc, my boyfriend.”, said Trevor beaming. Elle looked slightly shocked for a second or so then smiled to the couple.

“ How come I’m the last one to know this? I was your mentor, Trevor?”, said Elle, faking indignation. Trevor chuckled and smiled at his boyfriend.

“ It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Luc.”, said Elle turning to the the taller man beside her former mentee. They shook hands and she saw that he was visibly more relaxed from that point on.

“ Now later, you are going to tell me everything about this relationship that I was purposely kept off, Mr. Randall.”, said Elle vehemently. The younger man smiled and nodded his head. A few feet ahead of her, she noticed Lisa gesturing for her to come over.

“ Well, if you excuse me, I must mingle. You know, patroness role and all that. See you soon.”, said Elle sighing. She then made her way towards Lisa, who presented her to a number of patrons she had not yet met and before she knew it, Elle was called on by Dr. Worsley to give her speech.

“ Thank you, Dr. Worsley. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. It’s my deepest honour and great pleasure to be with you here tonight. Historic Royal Palaces has been a part of my life since my infancy. It all began when I was just eight years old and my parents took me on a visit to the Tower of London. Upon the end of my visit, I had a very strong conviction, even at such a young age, that I would uncover and study places such as that. Less than twenty years later, I began my work as a curator and researcher at the very same place, under the incredible Dr. Melissa Richards.”, said Elle smiling, spotting Melissa in the crowd.

“ Now, Historic Royal Palaces also curates, preserves and protects my home. Kensington Palace, or at least part of it, are open for public visitation and I’m very happy to say that I share my daily life with such important artefacts and memorabilia. As a historian, it’s my duty to tell and protect all historical evidence of our lives on Earth. As a patron, I’m honored to be able to continue this work, that so many of you here do every day, by shining a light to the amazing and important job Historic Royal Palaces has been doing for more than twenty-five years. Thank you.”, finished Elle, to the sound of applauses. She then unveiled a plaque, at the Great Hall of the palace. Elle smiled and posed for a few pictures with the chief curators, staff members, directors, other patrons and fellow historians.

By the time she and her team made it back to Kensington, Elle was dying to take her heels off, take a long bath and sleep. As she entered the cottage, she found Harry snoozing on the sofa with Sir Lancelot curled up on his side. Smiling at the sight, Elle took out her phone and snapped a picture of them, before placing a gentle kiss on her husbands cheek.

Harry stirred in his sleep and blinked a few time before opening his eyes. “ Hey…”, he said in a sleepy voice. “ Did you just got in?”, he asked and she nodded her head. Smiling, Elle ran her fingers through his hair and sighed.

“ So, how was it?”, Harry asked, pulling her to sit beside him in the sofa.

“ It was great… I saw everyone I used to work with. Trevor and Melissa were there too. They send you their love. Oh!!! And Trevor has a new boyfriend, which I didn’t know about.”, said Elle and Harry chuckled.

“ I didn’t choke on my speech, nor did I trip or fall. So I’d say it was a win.”, she continued smiling.

“ I knew it would be. I’m very proud of you, Elle.”, said Harry, kissing her head lovingly.

“ Thank you, my love.”, she replied yawning. “Oh, I’m just so tired of staring in these shoes…”, complained Elle.

“ Come, let’s get to bed, then.”, said Harry, standing up and offering her his hand.

“ I don’t think I can stand.”, she replied, moaning. Harry smirked at her.

“ Well, if that’s the case, then…”, and in one motion, Harry swiftly picked her up in his arms while Elle chuckled and carried her up the stairs into their bedroom.

“ My my… never ceasing to surprise me, are you Major?”, said Elle smirking.

“ Never. And I’ll keep surprising you until we are old and grey.”, he replied, pecking her lips.

#FATES INTERTWINED #royalfanficcollection #royalfanficcentral #phff #prince harry fanfic #prince harry fanfiction #prince harry

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wonderlandleighleigh · 7 years

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Early October, Gotham City

Early October. Sunday morning.

It happens a few times a year, mostly in the summer and fall. He’ll send Clark out to patrol in his place and go to bed early so he can wake up in the morning, ready to go.

“You’ve taken in a baseball team,” Barry once commented, years ago. “I don’t know why you don’t take advantage of that.”

So he started to.

He doesn’t bother showering. He pulls on a pair of faded blue jeans and a t-shirt, and the black hoodie Damian had given him as a birthday gift that year.

“This is for days off, Father,” his son had ordered. “Do not take this undercover.”

Sometimes Bruce listens to his children.

Sometimes.

Amongst the dozens of pairs of shoes in his closet, amidst the soft leather and suede, are a pair of old cleats. He grabs them and pulls them on,

“Good morning, Master Bruce,” Alfred says as he steps into the room. “Up already, I see.”

Bruce grins. “It’s baseball day.”

Alfred chuckles. “Quite, sir. I have the car loaded up, and Damian and Duke are ready to leave.”

When he gets downstairs, he finds the boys standing by the door, wolfing down breakfast sandwiches and thermoses full of coffee or tea, and Alfred hands him one of his own.

“Ready?”

“I will crush them all this year,” Damian answers.

“You don’t even know whose team you’ll be on yet,” Duke points out as they head out the door to the car.

“Irelivent.”

Bruce chuckles softly as they pile into the car and head to a small, quiet neighborhood in the city.

It’s starting to warm up a little, and when they reach the baseball field, it’s to find half of their players hanging out on the rusted bleachers, chatting and drinking coffee.

Bruce helps Alfred and the boys grab the equipment from the trunk and when he gets to the group, Dick smiles.

“Beautiful day for a baseball game.”

“You say that every year,” Jason complains, but Bruce knows he’s not actually too annoyed.

If he were annoyed, he wouldn’t actually be here.

Kate smirks, adjusting the red ballcap she’s wearing so it’s backwards. “You ready to get your ass kicked, Bruce?” she asks.

“No, actually,” Bruce replies, grinning. “But I hope you are.”

The kids around them all hoot and “oooo” and nudge each other.

“We’re not even all here yet,” Barbara points out. “You can’t start shittalking until everybody is here.”

Bruce chuckles and sips his coffee. Everyone talks and laughs and little by little, the rest of the group shows up. Tim and Cassandra and Stephanie, Helena and Jean-Paul.

“So who are our ringers this year?” Tim asks.

While there are enough of them for one baseball team, there aren’t enough for two. Last year’s additions were Conner Kent, Big Barda, Roy Harper and John Stewart.

“Can we have Barda again?” Jason asks. “She crushed the blue team last year. It was amazing.”

Bruce grimaces. Barda broke a couple of bats, hit a grand slam and ensured his team lost last year.

“She had kind of an unfair advantage,” Dick points out.

“You had Superboy!” Jason cries.

“Big. Barda.”

“She was mad, too, Steph points out. “Like super mad.”

Two cars and a motorcycle pull up, and Bruce squints to take a look. Both team captains get to choose a ringer, and so do both unofficial assistant captains (Dick and Barbara).

Dinah Lance hops off the motorcycle. Barbara’s pick, no doubt.

Zatanna Zatarra steps out of one of the cars. She’s Bruce’s ringer, and he grins and waves a little.

The other car produces Renee Montoya, looking like she might actually be a pro ball player with her own expensive pair of cleats and dusty jeans.

“Your girlfriend?” Bruce asks Kate.

“You brought in your almost-ex,” Kate snaps. “Don’t even try it.”

“That’s only because Mama Selina doesn’t play sportsball,” Jason teases.

“She is not our mother,” Damian snaps.

“Where’s the other ringer?” Duke asks, ignoring the bickering next to him.

Dick sighs heavily, and Barbara looks amused, but also sympathetic.

“You didn’t.”

“He was all mad last year cause I asked Roy and not him!” Dick cries. “I had to!”

“Him who?” Cass asks, tilting her head.

A blur of red produces Wally West.

“Me!”

Jason groans. “Augh. You.”

“What’s wrong with Wally?” Tim asks.

“He’s annooooyyiiiiiiing!” Jason complains.

“You mean like you, Todd?” Damian asks. “You should look in a mirror on occasion.”

Bruce clears his throat and gets to his feet, standing in front of the group. “Now that we’re all here, Kate and I can pick teams.”

“Excuse you.”

He turns around, and Selina steps up, looking flawless in a pair of black skinny jeans and a cute, dark purple baseball t-shirt.

Bruce leans in for a kiss, but is avoided.

“If you think you’re getting a good morning kiss after nearly starting without me here, you’re insane.”

Bruce can’t help grinning. He loves a good challenge. “Alright. Now that we are all here.” He nods to Kate, who hops down to stand next to him.

“You’re going down, Cousin Bruce,” Kate says, poking him in the chest.

“In your dreams, Cousin Kate,” Bruce responds, nudging her good-naturedly.

Selina pulls a coin from her purse, and Bruce raises an eyebrow. It’s a double-sided coin, with one side scratched on.

She shrugs delicately. “What? If Harvey is going to leave his toy lying around when I come to dinner, he deserves to have it stolen.”

“Just flip the coin, please,” Kate grouses.

Selina flips it into the air.

“Scratchy side!” Kate cries, as the coin comes down, and when it lands in Selina’s palm, she lifts it to show them the pristine side of the coin.

Kate groans. “Damn!”

Bruce grins. “Jean-Paul.”

“Are you kidding me?!” Dick cries. “Everything frickin year!”

“At this point, he’s just doing it because it’s funny,” Tim says. “Calm down.”

“Or maybe I’m just a better ballplayer than you are, Dick,” Jean-Paul grins.

Duck grumbles. “I’ll show you a better ballplayer, you-”

“Steph!” Kate calls.

“Aw, yeah,” Steph laughs as she hops over to stand with Kate.

“Duke,” Bruce calls out, and Dick’s mouth opens wide again.

“What the-”

“Cassandra,” Kate yells out.

“Jason,” Bruce says, and Jason laughs before joining Bruce and Duke and Jean-Paul.

Barbara laughs and nudges Dick. “C’mon, Shortpants, they’re just pulling your leg.”

Dick grumbles again.

“Tim!” Kate yells.

Tim grins and stretches as he stands, wandering down to join Steph and Cass. “Hey guys. Nice day for some baseball.”

Steph glowers at him. “I swear to god, Timmers, if you spend all your at bats fishing, I’m going to-”

“Dick,” Bruce grins.

“No,” Dick snaps. “I don’t wanna play on your team anymore. You picked Jean-Paul and Jason before me.”

“Somebody’s scaly panties are in a twist,” Jason mutters loud enough for everyone to hear.

Bruce shakes his head and grins just a little. “Okay. Barbara.”

“She’s not playing for you either, in solidarity,” Dick snaps.

Barbara snorts. “Eff that. Jason and I are an unbeatable Pitcher/Catcher combo.”

“Is that dirty?” Steph asks as Barbara high-fives Jason. “I feel like that might be dirty.”

Cassandra frowns deeply. “Is it?”

“Huh.”

“C’mon over, Dick, let me put you out of your misery,” Kate smiles.

Dick trudges over, still pouting slightly.

“Damian, come on,” Bruce says, and Damian steps over.

“I was wondering when you would get around to me, Father.”

Bruce pats his shoulder as Kate calls for Helena to head over.

Helena steps down and grins at them. “Ladies. Tim.”

“Yes, you’re very funny,” Dick drawls out. “Har har har.”

“Harper,” Bruce calls.

“WINNER!” Harper cries. “What’s up, boss, you ready to kick some butt?”

Kate smirks. “Luke, let’s go.”

“Finally,” Luke huffs. “You guys know I’m a genius, right?”

Tim wrinkles his nose, but says nothing.

Steph smirks. “That’s Timmy for ‘I’m also a genius, and I’m judging you, because you are a horrifically terrible baseball player.’”

“Hey!”

“Alright, everyone,” Alfred calls. “We’re now onto the ringers. Your choices are Renee Montoya, Dinah Lance, Zatanna Zatara and Wally West. Since Master Bruce won the general coin toss, Miss Kate, you can go first.”

Kate points at Renee, and then crooks her finger.

Renee smirks and walks over. “Hi, babe.”

Kate kisses her cheek. “Hi. Thanks for coming.”

“And miss a chance to watch Billionaire Bruce Wayne whiff? Never.”

Bruce nods a little. “Zatanna?”

Zatanna grins and walks over. “Hey.”

“Morning.”

“This should be fun, right?” Zatanna grins.

“West, come on over,” Kate grins. “Us gingers gotta stick together.”

“I resent that,” Barbara pouts slightly.

“I do, too, but I can’t remember why,” Jason adds.

“Dinah, you’re with us,” Bruce nods.

Dinah smirks and steps over. “This is gonna be hilarious. I’m gonna kick the crap out of all of them.”

“Alright, children,” Selina says, getting to her feet. “The teams as they stand right now are as follows: On the blue team, we have Bruce, Jean-Paul, Duke, Barbara, Jason, Harper, Damian, Zatanna and Dinah. On the red team, Kate, Stephanie, Cassandra, Tim, Dick, Helena, Luke, Renee and Wally.”

“Since Master Bruce won the coin toss, they’re first up at bat,” Alfred tells them. “You’ll have ten minutes to chat about your line-ups and starting positions. Spit-spot.”

They get to work, making the most of their ten minutes, and then it’s game-on.

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hrhduchessoflancaster · 6 years

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Chapter Seventy: Now they Know

A/n: Thank you so much for reading! Lots of love! xx Bea _________________________________________________________

Harry had barely gotten hold of her when she collapsed in his arms. “ Help!”, he shouted. William, Catherine, Alfred, John and Leo came to his assistance at once. They helped him put Elle on a loveseat in the living room, where Harry, his brother and sister-in-law stayed with her.

“ Please, love. Wake up. Can you hear me?”, he asked, desperately. After a few seconds she moaned and slowly, opened her eyes. The trio sighed in relief. “ I’ll get her some water.”, said Kate.

“ I’ll call the medic on call to check on her.”, said William, leaving the room.

Still a little unsteady on her feet, Elle sat up with her husband’s help and sighed deeply. Harry held onto her, his face still full of concern. “ I fainted, right?”, asked Elle, blinking tiredly.

“ Yes. And scared the hell out of me.”, said Harry seriously. She smiled faintly and nodded her head.

“ Sorry. I’ll try not to do it again.”, said Elle cheekily, making Harry sigh and shake his head. Kate then returned with a glass of water, which Elle gratefully took and drank it all in a few gulps. A few minutes later, the doctor arrived and checked her vitals.

“ Her blood pressure is good, a little high but good. From what His Royal Highness had told me, I believe you’ve had a panic attack, Your Royal Highness.”, said the doctor.

“ I thought as much. I’ve had one of these before.”, replied Elle.

“ Well, just try to remain calm and drink plenty of water. It tends to help.”, said the doctor.

“ I will. Thank you.”, said Elle.

“ Yes, thank you very much, doctor.”, said Harry, shaking the woman’s hand. William accompanied her to the door and they were left, once again, by themselves.

“ See? That’s what I was trying to avoid!”, said Harry. “ She gets stressed out and look what happens!”

“ You couldn’t have known this would happen, Harry!”, said William. Frustrated, Harry ran his hand on his hair and grunted.

“ Darling, I deserved to know. I’m involved in this as much as you, if not more.”, said Elle.

“ Regardless of the amount of stress it can cause me, I need to know. So no more secrets, okay?”, said Elle to him. Harry sighed and sat beside her.

“ I don’t like it. But you’re right.”, he replied and she smiled.

“ I know I’m right. I’m always right.”, she said and they chuckled. Harry leaned in and kissed her temple, pulling her into his arms, as she circled his waist. Discretely, William and late left the room, giving the couple some privacy.

“ Speaking of secrets, we’ll have to tell everyone soon.”, said Elle, nested in his chest, a hand resting on her stomach.

“ I know. But first, tomorrow we’ll have to talk to Georgiana. See if everything is alright, okay?”, said Harry and Elle nodded her head. Slowly, her breathing calmed and she drifted into sleep as he caressed her hair.

************

“ Everything is perfectly fine with both you and the baby. The baby now can open and close its hands and is the size of a lime.”, said Georgiana, completing the sonogram on Elle.

“ So small…”, said Harry, looking at his child on the monitor.

“ Just be careful with the amount of stress you take in, alright?”, she advised the expectant mother.

“ Of course. I’ll try.”, Elle replied.

“ Good. Well, next Thursday you’ll pass your 12th week of pregnancy, so you can star telling people. I imagine an official announcement is coming soon?”, asked Georgiana and the couple nodded their heads.

“ It is. But we still have to tell our family.”, said Elle smiling. Her baby bump had taken form now, and an apparent tummy was beginning to set on her lower abdomen. Her trousers and jeans didn't quite fit anymore and she had began wearing more loose fit clothes. She was surprised the rumors about her pregnancy hadn’t start yet.

“ Thank you again, Georgiana.”, said Elle, shaking the doctor’s hand.

“ My pleasure. If you feel anything out of the ordinary or if you have any questions, feel free to call, text or email me.”, said the doctor.

As they left the clinic, Elle sighed in relief, knowing her baby was fine. She ran her left hand on her bump absentmindedly. This whole ordeal with the Freedom Movement, Colin’s possible evolvement with them, the threat they imposed on her and her family… it was all too much. But she’d keep calm. She’d do everything and more to keep her child safe and out of danger.

“ Darling? Elle?”, said Harry, taking he out of her reverie.

“ Yes? Sorry, I was lost in my own world for a second.”, she replied smiling.

“ We’re home.”, said Harry pointing to the familiar entrance of Kensington Palace. “ Are you alright? I’ve been calling your name for a while.”, he continued.

“ Yes… perfectly fine. Just thinking.”, she replied with a smile.

“ About…?”, he asked her as they stepped out of the car and thanked Alfred and Leo.

“ Everything. Us, the baby, our apartment, the changes, Colin…”, she replied, saying the last part almost in a whisper. Harry sighed and pulled her inside their cottage, pressing her against him.

“ Please stop worrying about these things, my love. I don’t want to see you stressed out. Please? Do it for me?”, he asked her, begging with his eyes. Elle smiled faintly and nodded her head.

“ How about some of my famous spaghetti bolognese and a movie? You chose.”, Harry suggested.

“ Hmmm… I really like this idea, Major.”, she replied giving him a peck on the lips. He smiled and walked towards their small kitchen area. “ But don’t complain when I put Titanic on…”, she continued, hearing Harry groaning from the kitchen.

She went to their bedroom to change into some more comfortable clothes. As she took off her loose blouse, Elle stopped in front of the mirror and looked at herself. She turned sideways and for the first time, visibly noticed the bump on her lower stomach. She’d been feeling it, but could never properly see it, since she’s always been so slim. Now, there it was. The beginning of a round shape that she knew, or better yet hoped, it would take full form in the coming weeks.

The clothes she had taken out of the closet were long forgotten as she stayed there, paralyzed in front of the full-length mirror, admiring the shape of her body and how much it had changed, right before her eyes. Her baby was growing inside of her. He or she was striving, living and moving. Soon, she’d feel those movements herself. A noise from behind her pulled her back into reality.

“ I’m sorry but I couldn’t resist.”, said Harry putting his mobile away. “ I had to take a picture of you like this.”, he continued, now moving towards her. Encircling her waist, putting his hands above hers and the baby bump, Harry looked at his own reflection in the mirror and smiled.

“ I could watch you like this for hours…”, he said, caressing her hand. “ I love you so much, you know? You and out little child. I know I sometimes come off as too harsh and too protective, but I can’t help it. You’re my family. Both of you. And I can’t let something happen to you. I know you’re strong, and independent, and fearless and incredible. But that doesn’t mean it makes me any less scared.”, he confessed, and Elle felt a tear hit her bare skin.

“ Harry…”, she said, turning to face him. “ Hey… where did this come from?”

“ I’m scared, Elle. I’m scared of they coming for you, for our child. I’m scared of not being able to do something about it. I’m scared I won’t be able to protect you.”, Harry said, head bowed down. Elle pulled his chin up, and looked directly into his eyes.

“ Oh my darling… my brave man, my dear husband. Your love, kindness and support is more than enough to protect and guard us.”, she said, pulling him towards her, and kissing his lips. When they pulled away from each other, they smiled and sighed, treasuring that moment when there was only the three of them and nothing else in the world.

************

That afternoon, Elle and Kate went shopping together for baby things. They went to various department stores and bought baby grows and little trinkets to give to the family, in order to announce Elle’s pregnancy.

“ When are you telling you parents, Charles and Camilla?”, Kate asked her as they left the store.

“ On Sunday. I’ll have passed the 12 weeks mark so it will be safer to tell everyone then. And, Harry and I thought about having some tea with the whole family. ”, she said.

“ Great! Let me know if you need anything. By the way, how have you been doing?”, asked Kate, a little concerned.

“ I’m well. The baby is well. I’m just concerned. There so much going on that it’s a bit overwhelming.”, said Elle and Kate nodded her head, understandingly.

“ I know. It can be. Specially during the first pregnancy. But it gets better… you’ll see.”, said Kate smiling. “ And if you need anything, I’m just a few meters away.”. They drove back to Kensington Palace with their hands full of shopping bags.

When Elle arrived at the cottage, she found Harry fussing about the house with Sir Lancelot trailing behind him.

“ Darling? What’s going on?”, she asked. Harry stopped on his tracks and grinned.

“ Our apartment is finished! We can finally move!”, he exclaimed and Sir Lancelot barked loudly.

“ We can? It is?”, Elle asked happily. “ I can’t believe it! And the timing is perfect!”, she said.

“ When can we start moving out things?”, she asked him, excitedly.

“ Tomorrow. I’ve just spoken to the renovation and moving team and they’ve given us the ok to move in. The more basic furnitures have already been installed and the rest will come tomorrow. Then we can move our clothes and so on.”, said Harry, still grinning.

“ I can’t believe it! And we’ll finally be able to start properly planning the nursery.”, said Elle.

“ We will. And I already have a few ideas…”, said Harry smiling, picking her up in his arms. They laughed and smiled. Another milestone was about to be set for the McClaire-Windsor family.

************

On the next morning, Elle, Harry, Sir Lancelot and a bunch of workers helped setting all the furniture, appliances, supplies and clothing items into the newly refurbished apartment 1. The Cambridges, now their next door neighbors had promptly volunteered to help, with Elle and Kate managing all the details and Harry and William doing the most arduous work, though their wives insisted they could do it as well.

“ I could’ve gotten those boxes myself, you know?”, said Elle to Harry as he entered the room designed to be their library, carrying a box full of book.

“ I won’t have you lifting any heavy objects in your condition, my love.”, said Harry to Elle for the nth time. Once again, he heard his wife sigh as he walked away.

“ He can be so frustrating!”, said Elle to Kate as they continued to organize the books in the library.

“ Who?”, asked Kate as she handed Elle another book. The young duchess humphed once again as she put the book of the shelf. “ My husband!”, she replied. Catherine giggled and sighed, shaking her head.

“ Welcome to the world of marriage, my dear. Those Wales’ boys can be very frustrating when they want to. But it’s usually harmless and with the best of intentions…”, said Kate.

“ I know…”, said Elle. “ I’ve known them almost my whole life and still… it can be infuriating at times.”, she continued as she organized her entire collection of Harry Potter books into the middle shelf.

“ I’m afraid he’ll only get worse once you’re further in your pregnancy. William didn’t even let me help with the washing or do the dishes!”, said Kate chuckling. Shaking her head, Elle chuckled along with her sister-in-law. Stepping down from the ladder, she smiled at her and Kate’s work. Her library was complete with all the books she had at her previous home and the cottage. The remaining books would be kept in her office for consultation and she hoped, in the future, to extend her library, filling it with not only her favorites books, but also, her children’s.

The apartment was completed in late afternoon, leaving a tired Elle and Harry lazily sitting in their sofa. “ We did it.”, said Elle sighing. Sir Lancelot was fast asleep on their feet in the plush carpet. Harry groaned and nodded his head. “ The only thing left to do is the nursery.”, continued Elle. Harry turned his face to her and smiled, tiredly.

“ I was thinking African savanna would be a nice theme…”, he said to her.

“ Hm… I like it… but don’t you think it’s a bit scary for a baby?”, said Elle.

“ Not the animals are all cute and fluffy.”, said Harry smirking.

“ Alright. Savanna themed it is.”, Elle said, leaning in on his shoulder. She closed her eyes for a few second them bolted upright and exclaimed:

“ Ahhhhh!”

“ What is is? Darling, what's wrong?”, said Harry in a rush, putting his hands on her shoulders.

“ Nothing is wrong. I just remembered something I was almost forgetting!”, she said and Harry sighed beside her, slouching on the sofa back again. “ What?”, she said looking at him.

“ Please… don’t EVER do that again. You almost gave me a bloody heart attack!”, he said, putting his hand above his fast-beating heart.

“ Oh really! What a drama king you are!”, said Elle, rolling her eyes.

“ What was the thing you’ve remembered?”, he asked her, sighing.

“ Oh yes! Now that we’ve officially moved in, it’s the perfect timing to tell everyone about the baby. We can throw a afternoon tea, since there won’t be any alcoholic drinks involved in it and I won't need to find an excuse for not drinking anything. So, tea with our families with the pretext of a house warming when, in fact, we’ll be also, and most importantly, be telling everyone about the baby.”, said Elle.

“ It’s brilliant is it not?”, she asked him and Harry nodded his head grinning.

“ I thought so too.”, she replied smiling.

“ And how do you propose we break the news to everyone?”, he asked her. “ Any ideas, oh my genius wife?”

“ As a matter of fact, I do. And oh… you'll love it!”, she replied, making him chuckle at her enthusiasm.

************

As Elle had planned, on Sunday, October the 8th, they invited her parents, Ed, Valerie - who as much of a sister to her than anyone else - Charles and Camilla, the Cambridges, Elizabeth and Philip. They were all very happy to see the couple’s new home, which reflected perfectly a mix of their personalities and tastes.

“ I love watch you did with the old study. It’s marvelous.”, said Charles to the couple.

“ Thank you Pa. It’s was Elle’s idea. She insisted we needed a place to relax and read, without the restrictions of a study.”, said Harry and he saw his wife smiling beside him. After the Sussex’s gave everyone a tour of their new home, they all sat together in the living room, for some tea and cakes. Elle had specially asked Margaret to give her the recipe for St. James’ cake, her favourite. Along with it, there was carrot cake and chocolate cake; a selection of teas such as Earl Grey, Prince of Wales and Mint. Elle sadly smiled as she breathed in the scent of Earl Grey in the air. Now that she was pregnant, she had to avoid all things containing caffeine, and that included her favourite bland of tea.

“ Please take a seat everyone. I’ll be mother. Just give me your preferences of tea and I shall give them to you.”, said Elle smiling. The group announced what kind of tea they were having and she gladly poured them in each porcelain cup.

Sitting beside her husband, Elle smiled mischievously at him, watching as their family sipped calmly their teas and ate their cakes. Drinking her own cup of mint tea, she joined into idle conversation with Camilla when suddenly she heard her father sighed loudly.

“ Is everything alright, papa?”, she asked him, faking surprise. Rupert looked from his cup to his daughter and smiled.

“ Is this true? Tell me your not joking!”, he said to her, misty eyed. Everyone looked confused to the senior Duke. Elle smiled and nodded her head, gripping Harry’s hand beside her. She saw her father carefully put the cup on the table and walk towards her. She rose to her feet and felt him hugging her tightly.

“ Oh my darling girl!”, said Rupert, visibly emotional. As he hugged her more sounds of surprise and excitement were heard in the room. Her mother had given a resounding cheer, Camilla and Charles oohed, Valerie squealed in excitement, William and Kate chuckled, Elizabeth and Philip laughed wholeheartedly. All of them came forth and hugged the couple, expressing their joy for them.

“ So, yeah, I’m pregnant! Ta-da!”, said Elle and the room laughed.

“ Oh how wonderful! Another grandchild!”, said Charles smiling. “ Congratulations my dear!”, said Charles hugging her.

“ Congratulation, my son.”, he said hugging Harry tightly.

“ Oh my goodness! I’m going to be a grandma!”, said Victoria excitedly. She, as well, happily hugged her daughter and son-in-law.

“ Nicely done you two.”, said Ed. “ I can wait to get my niece or nephew!”, he continued and the couple chuckled.

“ I can’t believe you didn’t tell me!”, said Valerie. “ But I’m so happy for you. For both of you. I can’t wait to meet the little one.”. William and Kate, who already knew, grinned and nevertheless, hugged the couple.

“ Now the true adventure begins, little brother.”, joked William. “ I’m so glad for you. I know how much Harry’s wanted a family of his own and I’m sure you too, Elle. I’m here for anything you need.”, said Kate. Elizabeth and Philip also greeted the couple with kissed on the cheek and hugs.

“ I’m thrilled for this news. Oh such happy news among this turbulent times.”, said Elizabeth.

“ Yes, yes. Many congratulations to you both. It’s always nice to see the family growing.”, said Philip.

“ How far along are you, dear?”, asked the Queen.

“ I’ve just passed my 12th week mark.”, said Elle and the group nodded their heads.

“ So far so good, darling?”, asked her mother.

“ I’ve felt a little sick but nothing extreme. Mostly, mood swings. But that’s over now or so Georgiana tells me.”, said Elle and Harry sighed beside her.

“ Well, make sure to ear properly, darling. You have another one to be concerned about now.”, said her father smiling.

“ Our first grandchild, Rupert. I can’t believe it.”, said Victoria in awe.

“ Do you know the baby’s sex yet?”, asked Valerie. Shaking their heads, Harry and Elle said:

“ We don’t. And we decided not to. It’s best to be a surprise.”, said Harry smiling, rubbing his hand on Elle’s bump, making the group smiled at the gesture.

“ When will you announce it?”, asked Camilla.

“ We thought about next week. That will give us time to tell our closest friends and the staff beforehand.”, said Elle and the others agreed.

“ Have you considered the nursery or names yet?”, asked Kate.

“ Harry wants a Savanna themed nursery and I agreed. We’ll star looking into it soon.”, said Elle and William rolled his eyes. “ Typical Harry.”, he said.

“ And who are you to say anything? If I remember correctly, you wanted to do the same until Kate decide on the Paddington Bear theme.”, said Harry smirking.

“ Because Paddington was definitely much better.”, said Kate smiling smugly. The room was then filled with laughter and joy as they continued to discuss the baby and the overall expansion and changes in the Sussex family.

************

On the following week, Daniel, Lisa and Ronald were told the good news, which was celebrated through the office on apartment 8 with much joy. Soon, the entire staff of Kensington Palace knew and a shower of congratulations filled Harry and Elle everyone they went. Finally, on the 12th of October, Kensington Palace prepared to drop the bomb on Twitter. Harry and Elle sat together with their secretaries as the staff readied themselves to post the big news.

“ We’re ready, sir.”, said a staff member to Ronald, who then turned to face the Sussex couple.

“ Whenever you wish, Your Royal Highnesses.”, he said to them.

“ Go ahead then, Ronald.”, said Harry smiling. Hand in hand, Harry and Elle accompanied the moment on the internet and television, as news of their first child were beginning to be shown around the channels.

“ It’s out in the world now.”, said Elle smiling to her husband.

**********

Meanwhile, in the Scotland Yard headquarters, DI Braxton, officer from the Yard and agents from both MI5 and MI6 continued their search for Colin Mackintosh. His family, as they had investigated, had indeed been murdered and had been connected to the Freedom Movement through a Scottish far-right party.

“As it seems, ma’am, Colin Mackintosh had been coerced into join the movement, without knowing its extent.”, said and MI5 agent.

“ Nevertheless, he is connected to them and has, as far as we know, aided this terrorist into our country. We need to find him ASAP.”, said DI Braxton.

“ We won’t rest until he’s found ma’am.”, said another agent.

“ We also need to inform His Royal Highness protective officers. I’m afraid The Duchess of Sussex is his point of connection with the monarchy. And therefore, the most vital and vulnerable of them all at this moment.”, said the detective.

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