Piracy

49. Marrying Him

The days moved by swiftly, with Harry directing his loyal servants to remove any vestiges of King Ernesto's reign. Undoubtedly, there were still a few sympathizers for the evil impostor, but Harry's men dealt with them easily, sending them to spend the rest of their days in the dungeon with their beloved leader. However there was still so much for him to do to bring the kingdom back to order and to even send word to the outlying villages that King Ernesto had been vanquished.

One misty morning, Harry awakened me with a whisper. "Darling, I have a special plan for today."

I was surprised that he was still in bed with me rather than deep in discussion with those who are helping to restore the castle and the kingdom. It seemed he rarely slept, his heart was so invested in making his reign glorious again. 

"What's your plan, my love?" I whispered, kissing his luscious lips. "And does it involve nakedness on both of our parts?" 

My prince laughed sweetly. "Not just yet, but soon, I promise. Come, let's get dressed and embark on our adventure."

"Every single day since I met you, Captain Styles, has been an adventure," I laughed.

"Yes, but this adventure requires your haste. Please get up and please dress in this," he said, pulling a gorgeous dress from the wardrobe. "Hurry!" 

I shot out of bed to inspect the marvelous dress. "This is exquisite, Harry. Where did you get this?" 

"It's a secret, darling, now are you going to put it on yourself or am I going to have to dress you?" 

"Fine, fine," I giggled, taking the dress from his hands. He watched my every move, seemingly captivated by my every move. "Now where are we going?" I asked as he fastened the ties on my dress. 

"It's a surprise," he whispered, kissing the expanse of skin left uncovered. "But first, this," he said, handing me a beautiful barrette for my hair. I quickly gathered my long tresses and pinned them back, away from my face, allowing even more of my bare neck to show. 

"Now we're ready," he said, leading me by hand through the quiet castle. He practically ran to the stables, tugging me along behind him. He opened one of the gates and led out an enchanting chestnut-colored horse. "This is Mirabel, my horse." 

"Oh, Harry, she's lovely," I said, patting her nose. 

He mounted the horse effortlessly, and then his strong arms lifted me to sit across her back, secured in front of him. With a click and a light slap of the reigns, we took off through the fields and then through various parts of the jungle, eventually arriving in front of a tall, stately stone structure, covered in vines. He lifted me down to the damp ground and dismounted, tying Mirabel to a tree. 

Harry caught the look of wonder and curiosity in my face. "Marry me, my darling. We're at the monastery. Marry me right now, today." 

"Like this?" I asked. "Are you sure?" 

"We can't exactly hold a royal wedding when my mother thinks we've already wed. But perhaps we can have a celebration after the coronation." 

"That sounds lovely," I smiled, my heart bursting with happiness. 

Harry knocked at the door of the monastery and the giant, creaky door opened to reveal a very old, very frail looking monk. 

"Brother Samuel," Harry said in greeting. His smile grew wide as he bent down to hug the old man. 

"Oh, young Harry, look how you've grown," said the monk in a raspy voice. "Such a handsome young king."

"You're too kind, Brother Samuel," Harry chuckled. "I have a rather large favor to ask of you."