The Crown (Prince Harry fanfic #5)

Chapter Forty-Nine

August 2026

After spending the last two months in South Africa, some South Pacific Asian nations, Australia and New Zealand, traveling and doing duties, today was the last day under the sun. Coming in the "winter" months of Australia and New Zealand, it wasn't supposed to be as hot. That meant nothing to Lucy. It was summer in the northern hemisphere, with winter in the southern hemisphere, but did the heat ever stop? During this time, the couple with their two young children had gone to many small cities and big attractions along the way.

The smell of the ocean lingered in the air as Lucy looked across the dark waves. She loved the ocean, and she wished to stay here longer. For all the places she wanted to visit, Australia had never been on the list. Now, that she had gone here, she was happy to be here, even if a few things could've killed her along the way.

The ending banquet had already been held for the night, without the boys there. Nanny had taken them, which they continued to sleep. Getting back on London time was going to be hard for the boys.

The red silk clung to Lucy's skin as she watched the world in front of her. It only took five more feet until she would've sank into the sand. Fifty feet until she reached the ocean. A breeze made a chill in the air. Her hair stood on end.

Harry put his coat jacket around Lucy, and she pulled it tighter. Snaking his arms around her, he placed his head on her shoulder. They watched the waves together. His eyes liked the waves too, how they sounded and looked. Harry kissed Lucy on the neck, holding her closely.

"Is this your thought of a good time?" she asked through his kisses.

His only answer was more kisses. He stayed on her neck, feeling her burn under his touch. Her eyes trained forward, into the distance. His fingers clinched and release the fabric she wore. His fingertips trailed along her scars, enjoying every moment of her.

"We haven't been in the ocean," Lucy said.

He paused. "I thought you were scared that sharks might attack you."

"Still a fear of mine," she stated, "but we wouldn't go too far in."

"You want to go swimming?" Harry released her.

Lucy took off running toward the water. Her shoes were shed long ago, getting rid of the heels as soon as she could. Sand picked up around her. It sprayed everything. Sand stuck to her skin and to her dress. With every heavy step, she sank into the sand a little more. Her feet hit the water. It was cold, but it wasn't as cold as Lake Superior in North America, all those years ago. It was just fine. When she hit the water, she stopped. The water lapped against her feet. Above her, the moon shined brightly. Peace was brought to her.

It was over in a second as feet crashed on the sand behind her. Feet splashed into the water. It went everywhere. It soaked everything. Harry took Lucy by the hands and spun her around. His chuckled filled the air. He had time to kick off his shoes too but his tailored pants managed to get wet. His jacket was left at the villa. Her feet dragged through the water, as the two of them sank down.

Lucy managed to free herself from Harry's grip and run away from him. After a few seconds, he followed. At least he gave her a head start. She wasn't sure where she was supposed to be running, but she found the water again. Harry chased after her. She felt him in the water before she felt his body press against her. She laughed into his shoulder. Harry spun Lucy around again in the water.

"Are you pregnant?" he asked.

"No," she answered, confused.

Harry fell to the ground and took Lucy with him. The sand was wet, and they were covered in ocean water soon enough. Waves lapped against their bodies. Her dress was completely ruined, but she hadn't liked it enough to wear it again. Harry always had enough suits to wear. Both of them breathed heavily, on wet sand, with their bodies on top of each other. They watched the stars above them. The breeze came through again.

"I hope we didn't wake anyone up," Harry said, with a smile.

"That one is on you," she responded. "You were the one laughing loudly." Lucy rolled over and rested more on Harry. She smiled at him. Her fingers ran through his bright orange hair, even in the dim light, as she took in his bright blue eyes. "Hello."

"You're beautiful."

She scoffed. "I guess it is the morning."

"You're beautiful all the time."

"Laying it on thick?"

"Like my skull." He sighed and stared at the stars. "We need to spend more time outside. Everything is so stuffy inside, where we spend most of the time. I want the boys to take time outside. I want them to play outside more, which I know is a difficult task because of where we live and what our duties are. But I think we should go camping."

Lucy wasn't overjoyed with that idea. "You can take them camping when they're a little older."

"You don't want to come?"

Lucy scoffed again. "Do you remember when we went camping?" she asked. "That wasn't a good time for anyone."

"I didn't know you were going to get your period. There was blood everywhere. I blame you for not bringing something plug it."

After all these years, Harry was still a male and didn't understand. Lucy paused for a moment and moved on, "It came early, and we were in bear infested woods. We had to get out of there, or I wasn't going to be the only one bleeding."

Harry laughed, shaking underneath her. "Luce, I think we should have another kid."

Lucy groaned slightly. "At a time like this, you ruin it with that."

"Oh, come on. I know you want a girl. I want a girl. Let's try for a girl."

"With our luck, we would get another boy, and they're batshit crazy. Freddie is crazy; he never sleeps. And when they get older, God help us all. There will be enough girls when they come knocking at our door for those two."

Harry laughed. "I'm hoping you'll change your mind."

"I probably will," she sighed. "You might just get one last baby out of me, but that's it. One is all you get. One more."

Arching an eyebrow, Harry gave her a mysterious look. "You want to try tonight?"

"No. Give it some time." She looked up at the stars. "But if you did want to practice tonight, I wouldn't be against it."

Harry didn't need any further hints as he hopped up and pulled Lucy up too. They ran back to their villa. Harry bounced on the bed before removing his wet and sandy clothes. He got naked as fast as he could. Lucy glanced back at the ocean, taking it all in. She turned her face to the sky, and it immediately turned red.

"Hello, Tony," she said slowly.

Tony, her personal bodyguard, watched from above. "Ma'am," he bowed his head.

How much did you hear? was what she wanted to ask him. Lucy gave a slight wave before ducking her head inside. She remembered to lock the doors, as Harry took his time with Lucy.