Glory in Our Defiance • Zarry

16. - Charge

May 1485, Binham

This happiness is fragile. Harry knows it, Zayn knows it, even the brothers know it. Their wedding was a joyful event but what's bound to be followed by isn't in the slightest. There must be sentries out looking for them, groups of soldiers sent by each Harry's and Zayn's mother to find her son and bring him back. They were extremely careful while travelling, did everything they could to conceal their status and identity. But they could never be too sure about what their mothers were planning.

They stayed just two nights in the Abbey, sleeping in a small bed in one of the rooms meant for travellers seeking asylum. Their wedding night wasn't very exciting after they got back from the beach due to the size of the bed, which was tiny but they managed. Harry finally convinced Zayn to let him fuck him too, which he grumbled about how it was his wedding gift to Harry even though he clearly enjoyed it.

The last morning of their stay is spent making love in the tiny bed and properly packing everything. They must make sure that none of their emblems are visible on their clothing or the horses' armour. Then there's the last breakfast with the brothers. They all fret with packing enough for them on the road, on matter how many times they tell the brothers they're going to be travelling for just half a day and not a week. If they don't get thrown into the Tower, they will have a proper dinner in the evening.

There is still that kindling fear, that worry that even though the first part of their plan worked, the rest of it won't. Harry doesn't know Melisende that well, what if she cares more about power and the throne than her son? There is nothing stopping her from throwing them both into the Tower, killing Harry and then holding Zayn at knifepoint for the rest of his reign. Too many things could go wrong.

The Regent is also an unknown factor. Even though Zayn said he wanted to end the war back when King James died, he is still loyal to Melisende and has not rebelled against her all these years. What if he refuses to give Zayn the throne once he sees that he and Harry are married? After all, he is the late King's brother and if the King didn't have a son, the throne would've been his. And if Zayn dies, it will actually be his by birthright. He could kill them both, even without Melisende.

With all this in account, there is still no option left for them. They can't let their country fall into chaos and war again because if they run away, that will happen. Even if they wanted to do it, they would not be able to because they didn't take nearly enough gold to secure them a safe passage to the continent and hide there. But all this isn't just for their love. They are also doing this for England, to bring peace to their people once again and help England prosper. Standing against Melisende and Juliana is a necessity at this point, not just a want.

They are still so young but it is their responsibility. No one cares that they are just kids, trying to fix a kingdom. If this works out, there will be countless of expectations thrusted upon them. Push back any rebellions against their reign, make sure they have the support of the majority of the nobility, pander to the interests of the richest and most powerful Lords and Ladies. Then they will have to gain some foreign allies, not make any enemies that could threaten them with war and above all, provide an heir. Without an heir, their marriage has no point for the country and the future. The peace is hanging by a thread if they don't provide an heir that will carry on their legacy and ensure the peace.

Harry's sure there will be an immense amount of pressure put on him to provide the heir. It terrifies him. Until a few weeks ago, he thought he would never have to bear children and now it is expected of him, he has to, unless he wants another civil war on his hands and his head off his body, displayed on a spike. But no matter what Melisende or his own mother might tell him, he is not having a child right now. He will not be a King Consort, he will be a King. To be seen as one in the eyes of the people, he cannot afford to have a child just months after their coronation. It would undermine everything he and Zayn want to achieve as rulers.