Arguments with Charles had been plentiful over the years of their marriage, one managed to annoy the other weekly, sometimes even daily, however usually for Harriet, all the anger felt towards her husband could be swept away with one glance into his eyes, or one sweet kiss. Like her children, he was almost impossible to stay mad at; however severe arguments, one with such malice and stubbornness, such as the one after Lizzieâs death were extremely rare for the King and Queen, if not none existent. They were united in everything until death do them part, yet even then Harriet was certain they would find each other once again, for there was no Harriet Rayleigh without Charles or vice versa, even a fool could have told you that and so when reconciliation had not come after a few days, not only had the kingdom began to worry, but also Harriet herself. The days had dragged into weeks and weeks into a month, it had been the longest time they had spent apart, asides from when Charles had been away at war during his campaign, they had been so close to one another in those days after Lizzieâs death and yet so far away at the same time.
Hearing Charles once again call her Hattie, brought an insatiable warmth to rise within her, names as such had always been terms of endearment for the couple, and to go without them was almost worse than the physical absent, for pleasure could be felt without love, but with it was even more euphoric. Harriet could have never of imagined laying with Charles had she not loved him, the thought was an intolerable one for her and she pitied those who did have loveless marriages for she knew they were plenty. It would seem that would no longer play heavily on her mind, Charles was here, right now, in her arms, holding her protectively and Harriet had never felt more at home. "Your stubborn shoes would be hard to fill...I believe only you have the ability to do so." Charles spoke tenderly as he pressed his lips against her forehead. Harrietâs smile turned into a quick smirk at Charlesâ eagerness to follow her to bed, it had almost been reminiscent of their wedding night. He had been incredibly eager that night also, so youthful and energetic, it was almost difficult to recall their younger selves at times, so much had come to pass in the time In between that it was almost foolish to look back. Still, Harriet liked to reminisce from time to time and looking at Charles now, it was clear he was thinking about the same event and that only deepened her smirk. She would be lying if she said she didnât feel some gratification in having a husband whom still craved her.
Charles helped her to her feet, taking his place beside her as they walked back towards her rooms. The briskness in his strides caused a ripple of laughter to fall from the Queenâs lips upon numerous occasions, had she not been pregnant Harriet could have been certain that Charles wouldnât have shown such constraints, hell, she wouldnât have been surprised if she found herself pushed up against one of the walls, that had not been uncommon in their marriage either.
Once they had reached the room, Harriet had climbed into bed whilst Charles briskly shed of his clothing, before climbing in beside her. It wasnât long before she found herself nestled snugly in his arms; it was almost like they had never been parted. "I love you..." Charles whispered, his hot breath prickling the skin beneath her ear, causing Harriet to bite her lip in anticipation and excitement. "I promise you that I will never, never leave your side again, my love. Once our son is born, we will not have to worry as much."
Perhaps not long ago, his words about a son would have caused Harriet to flinch, even worry, but now they had been through so much and survive, albeit barely, but they had survived none the less and she had faith that god would not forsake them this time, no, he wouldnât be that cruel. âEven when Iâm grey and old?â Harriet laughed lightly as she brought her hand up to rest it gently across his cheek. âbut neither will I, we will have a son and then another and another and then a daughter. I always said I wanted a large family.â Harriet giggled once again, pressing her lips against Charles as her hand travelled across his bare chest, âwe will have the largest, most powerful family in this entire land.â She spoke proudly with a happy smile on her face; perhaps largest was slightly exaggerated; however most powerful, was not, her unborn son would be a King one day, her daughterâs princesses and maybe even Queenâs of different lands. The Rayleighâs had conquered once and not even a Lancaster could take that away from them