When you tell the world you're mine

Chapter 43: Valentine's day

Carol, as Harry anticipated, closed herself in ever since the day she met the Queen. She would respond to his messages with short words, she always found a way to hang up quickly on his calls and she didn't invite him to her flat anymore, nor did she go to the Cottage.

Harry felt frustrated so many times when these things happened. Much of the time he had to hold in his thoughts in order to avoid a fight. He constantly reminded himself that Carol had relationship trauma and his royal title didn't actually help him to woo her. The fact that she now lived in London made the weight of his social standing heavier, more noticeable and present in their lives.

When back to his normal activities, Harry couldn't leave without his protection officers anymore. He had events to attend and protocols to follow. When they met, once ever since the day at St James', it was for coffee in the afternoon hoping that no paparazzi would find them. He tried in every way possible to keep her hidden from the media. 

They were in a frenzy trying to find out who was the woman in the pictures and it was just a matter of time until people found out or worse: someone telling the media. They could think of at least three people who would do something like that. If she still lived in Brazil, things would be easier as no one would assume she was Brazilian, therefore granting her more time undercover. But here in England, he dreaded the day she would wake up to a dozen photographers outside her flat yelling all sorts of things. In the meantime, he did everything he could to take down the pictures without actually telling the papers he wanted them out.

He was at her flat on her first day of work. He really wanted to do that. He woke up early, dressed in one of his best suits and asked Gerard to cook her favourite breakfast dish. He was wearing his bunny tie on purpose and arrived at her place with time to spare so they could eat together.

Bill was with him and, to follow protocol, he had to do a quick sweep of her flat before leaving its premises to wait for his boss outside her door. Carol wasn't expecting him that early, but smiled surprised and relieved to have a familiar face on that special day. She was already dressed and waiting for the right time so she could leave for her first day at London BBC Headquarters.

"Good morning", she said. Faking an excitement that didn't match facial expression.

"Morning. See that British punctuality is already one of your strong traits." he said putting the bags on the table and coming to her. As usual, he kissed her temple and cheeks. 

"I barely slept last night. Woke up too early, got ready and sat down to wait for the right time to leave so I won't get there three hours earlier like a loser."

"Glad to know you haven't had breakfast yet. I asked Gerard to make your favourites."

"Harry! You shouldn't have bothered him like this. I don't want him busy on my account. I would do just fine with some crackers on the way." she said while watching him setting the table and wondering how come he was so used to her flat in so little time.

"Don't be absurd, Carol. No one eats crackers on the way on the first day of work." He pulled a chair for her to sit down and waited to turn around and sit across from her.

"Thank you." she said after taking a sip of the orange juice.

"You don't have to thank me." he said, serving himself with pancakes and scrambled eggs. He was always hungrier in the mornings.

"I'm so nervous." she said, moving her food with the fork.

"I'd be surprised if you weren't." he held her hand, drawing small circles with his thumb to calm her down. "You'll do fine. Don't worry."

"What if I don't?" she replied just above a whisper, with teary eyes. 

"Darling, please don't start your what ifs... this is seriously not healthy. You will do fine. Your boss wouldn't have sent you to the other side of the Atlantic if he didn't believe in you or if you didn't have what it takes to work on this position. Everything's going to be fine. Trust me." he said and kissed her knuckles.