Arranged: A Future Decided

A New Crown Prince

The end of October and the beginning of November had been quite a few weeks. News outlets worldwide were speculating about what Denmark would choose to do, with plenty looking to the U.K. and Prince Charles' years of waiting in the wings. The Palace communications department had been bombarded with requests for interviews and comment, to which this was their statement:

The palace is still in mourning over the loss of many close family members who will be greatly missed every day. The palace is working closely with parliament and the Council of State to determine the best course of action regarding succession. 

Finally, on November 17th, Parliament introduced the bill to alter the line of succession. It didn't shock anyone, but it was a monumental decision. The bill stated that in the interest of providing stability and allowing time for preparing, the line of succession would be altered, and Prince Nikolai will take his father's place as Crown Prince of Denmark. 

Nikolai felt so strange as he stood in the mirror, staring at himself wearing a suit. Parliament was voting on, and going to pass, the 2018 Succession Bill; then Nikolai would be Crown Prince. He looked at the speech on the table next to him, sighing as he began to read it once more. He was a ball of anxiety, that was for sure. But, he recognized his duty to his family and his country; and would do what was right. 

A faint knock came at the dressing room door, Eva coming in a minute later. She was also dressed up, wearing a simple red and white lace dress, with a red hat to compliment the look. 

"The car's almost ready," She said softly, looking over her husband, "You look very nice, and I'm sure you'll do wonderfully."

"I hope so. I've never had to give a speech before, well, not one like this," He said softly, wrapping his arm around her before kissing her head gently. 

"You will do amazing," Eva said with a smile, kissing him lovingly before feeling his hand go to hip and squeezing, "After my love, then we will have plenty of time to work on making a baby."

Nikolai sighed, kissing her again deeply before pulling back, smiling at her lovingly, "You know. I am actually looking forward to having children now. We love each other so much; it isn't fair to keep all that love for ourselves. We must disperse it."

Eva laughed at his statement, kissing his cheek as they left the room, "Well, I know you will be very attentive during the pregnancy and will be an amazing father." 

She was nervous, though. Carrying a future heir was a heavy burden to carry, and then raising them to be the regent of Denmark, it felt so intimidating to her. She was just glad that she had Nikolai by her side, as well as his mother. That was another thing; her mother would never meet her grandchildren or be with Eva through a delivery. None of it. Eva took a deep, shaky breath as they settled into the car. 

'What's wrong?" Nikolai asked softly, turning his head to look at Eva, concern written all over his face. 

Eva looked over at him, shaking her head, "Nothing. Why don't you read me the speech one more time?" 

Nikolai sighed, choosing not to pry. He began to read the speech to her once more, preparing himself to give it to Parliament and really the whole world in a way. It was only a few minutes' drive before they arrived at Christianborg Palace, the car parking before the door was open for them. Eva held Nikolai's hand, squeezing it. She felt like they were being thrown to the wolves in a way. She followed the man leading them to their seats where the Queen was already waiting for them. 

"Hello, you two," She said with a smile, getting up and hugging them, "I hope you aren't too nervous Nikolai, has he been practicing?"

"Yes, he has. He sounds very diplomatic," Eva chuckled, taking her seat next to Nikolai.