This is a Victoria/Albert story. Itis set just after Victoria and Lord M parted in the hallway. There are 3 to 4 chapters planned if you enjoy it. There are some great period authors out there and I find it difficult at times to adjust my writing to that era, so forgive me in advance. The story is rated M for the wedding night chapter. Mature readers only, please.

As Victoria lay in the warm water, she closed her eyes and relived the moment she became a wife. A feeling of warmth rushed through her body as she recalled Albert's piercing blue eyes looking at her with a mixture of admiration, love and fear in that
beautiful, haunted face. How she had longed for that moment during the past 6 weeks. Now it had finally happened and she could not be more overjoyed.

"Would your Majesty like your hair up or down?" Victoria opened her eyes with the slightest hint of irritation as her thoughts were interrupted by Skerret's soft voice.

"I want it down, Skerret" Victoria had a flashback to the day in the woods, when her hat flew off and Albert had looked at her with eyes full of desire. That was the first time she had felt he had looked at her as a woman rather than a child needing to
be scolded.

As Skerret brushed Victoria's hair, Lehzen unwrapped a little box.

"Your Majesty, this is the latest scented soap to have arrived from Paris. I...forgive me...I thought it may be fitting for tonight..." Lehzen stuttered and blushed.

Victoria smiled and placed her small hand on top of her confidante's larger one "Thank you Lehzen, it smells divine."

Lehzen exhaled in relief and quietly lathered the soap in her hands, before gently massaging it into the Queen's shoulders.

Victoria closed her eyes again and slowly brushed her fingers along her left cheek. This was the spot where she had been kissed by "her Lord M" for the first and last time just a short while ago. With the tiniest hint of sadness, she was able to see clearly
now that William was not like the rooks of Brocket Hall that mated for life. This evening she had seen the longing in his eyes and the despair etched behind them. If she hadn't been madly in love with Albert, she would have considered dropping everything
there and then and eloping into the night with her Prime Minister. How often had she dreamed of his lips touching her? Yet when they finally did, the only thought in her mind had been the broody face of her husband and how she was missing him already.
Without looking back she had raced up the stairs into her chambers and into the scented water of her bath.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door and all three women jumped. Victoria tried to cover her modesty as much as possible. Could it be Albert already? All three women looked relieved to see that if was the Duchess of Kent.

"Drina, my darling, I hardly got a chance to speak with you today." The Duchess sat next to the bathtub.

Irritation flared-up in the Queen's face "Mama, what are you doing here? As you can see, I am busy."

Used to see that expression on her daughter's face, the Duchess was not fazed. She raised her hand and dismissed Lehzen and Skerret. "I need some time alone with the Queen." The servants retreated.

"What is it Mama, can't this wait until tomorrow?" Victoria looked angry.

The Duchess took hold of her daughter's hands "Drina, I feel like we never spoke of your duties as a wife. Before you consummate your marriage, I feel it is my duty to explain what is about to happen."

"Mama, really! There is no need for any explaining." Victoria countered, but not sounding as angry as before. Truth be told, she did have a general idea of what was about to happen, but she was also apprehensive and hearing her mother out might help.
Not that her mother had any plans of leaving before saying what was on her mind.

"Drina, you are the Queen. As of today you are also a wife. Your husband might be your subject, however within the confines of your bedroom, he will expect you to obey him, even if this means that you do not find it enjoyable."

Victoria's eyes opened slightly at her mother's remarks. The Duchess squeezed her hand.

"I used to close my eyes and think about my roses in the garden when I was with your father. Luckily it never lasted long and he would soon retreat into his chambers and I could get my well-deserved sleep.

Victoria blinked twice "Is that what I am supposed to do Mama? Close my eyes and think about flowers?"

The Duchess patted her hand "I wish it was that easy my dear child. As you lay with Albert tonight, you will feel pain. That is normal and it might continue for some weeks as your body adjusts. But fear not, my darling Drina, at some point the discomfort
will pass and you will be able to do your duty with your eyes closed. It will be over quickly and hopefully you will be with child soon and will not have to endure laying with your husband for some months."

Victoria looked at her mother with a horrified expression "Mama, I have just wed Albert. I am hoping that it will be some time until I am with child."

The Duchess stroked her daughter's cheek "The faster you produce an heir, the safer we all will be."

Victoria shuddered at the thought and covered her mouth as a yawn escaped. Her mother stroked her hair.

"You are tired, Drina. It has been a long day. I have done my best to shield you from everything, yet it does not seem that you appreciated it. I have only ever wanted what is best for you. Tonight I will not be able to protect you." She kissed her daughter's
forehead "Be brave my dear child." With those last words the Duchess exited the bathroom.

Victoria suddenly felt tired. Her earlier anticipation had turned into trepidation. Could it really be as bad as her mother said? So far she had felt her stomach flurry each time Albert had kissed her and her whole body had felt the need to get closer
and be absorbed by him. Now her mother made it sound like it was a terrible deed. Victoria let out a loud sigh as she lifted herself out of the water and into the towel Lehzen was holding out for her.

In the mean time, Albert was consumed in his own thoughts...

This is only my second fanfiction and I hope that you will enjoy. I was thinking of writing a story about Victoria and Lord M as I love them together. Yet, it felt like there was a lack of Victoria/Albert stories out there and I think that they are adorable as well and deserve a story. If you like it and would like a next chapter, I will dwell a bit into Albert's mind and what he is thinking about before his wedding night. Please review and let me know.