[1.5] The Duchess of Kent and Strathearn | B. Bridgerton

Chapter 4

The Beginning of A Memorable Honeymoon

Kensington Palace, London

The next day, the room seemed dark, but there was light trying to peek through the curtains of the windows. The Duke and Duchess of Kent and Strathearn laid together in bed, as the morning arose.

Benedict was the first to wake. He stretched a bit as he yawned and rubbed his eyes, before his mind remembered yesterday's –specially last night's– events. He carefully moved his head down, to look at the woman he thought he'd never call 'his wife', but now that she was...it was all surreal, in the most beautiful way.

While his wife slept, he took a brief moment to look around his new bedroom with just his gaze. It was bigger than the Bridgerton House's drawing room. Their entire chambers occupied an entire floor. On the same floor, they had their bedroom, a drawing room, a dining room, the biggest closet anyone could ever see in their entire life, and their own gallery. Luckily, they had plenty of time to explore...later.

Then, he turned once again towards the woman sleeping next to him. He delicately brushed his fingers through her hair as he stared at her. It was messy, a bit tangled, but it didn't make her less beautiful.

A few minutes later, Charlotte moved and stretched a bit, as she slowly opened her eyes. She didn't recognize the room, at first, but then remembered these were her new chambers. Or as it is officially called, the Queen's Apartments.

Eventually, her eyes met her husband's, who was already staring at her, with the biggest of smiles.

"Good morning to you, my beautiful wife," he whispered and kissed her forehead, as a smile slowly graced her face.

"Good morning to you, dear husband," she whispered back with a soft chuckle. "How long have you been awake?"

"A while now," he said a normal voice this time. His morning voice sent shivers down her spine. It was a bit husky and irregular, but to Charlotte, it sounded so pleasant to the ear. "How'd you sleep?"

"I do not think I have been more exhausted in my life," she chuckled. "But I slept very well, Benny."

"I know. You fell asleep like a rock after hours of passion," he said seductively before kissing her. She giggled against his lips, and he leaned back a bit as she playfully hit his arm. "Too soon?"

"Oh, Benny," she lightly shook her head as she giggled.

"I hope you're with child," he leaned down and kissed her belly. His wife squirmed at the tickling sensation before he moved up and left a long kiss on her lips. "Our child."

"With our child already?" She giggled and asked once he leaned back a bit, and he hummed in response. "On our very first night? Is that even possible?"

"I don't know. All I know is, whenever that happens, I'm glad it's with you," he smirked as he drew small circles all over her belly with his fingertips, and looked up at her. "Would you like our child to be a boy or a girl?"

"Well... The kingdom needs a boy," she said with sincerity.

Benedict sighed and leaned back against the bed. Of course she had to put the kingdom's needs above her on. Charlotte knew this matter could be awkward to talk about, no matter how truthful it was... But she wasn't finished.