The next morning, Ginny decided to consume her breakfast in the garden. she loved to watch the birds cool down by the fountains, and how the alluring fragrance of flowers nearby forced her senses to awaken.
Queen Ginevra sat in deep thought pushing her eggs around in her plate. They looked rather dull, and her life was also dull like the scrambled eggs on her plate. Her lady's maids were stood in waiting.
"Luna ?" Ginevra called one of them.
"Yes, your Highness?" the sweet girl answered.
"Do you think there's more to life then these walls?" Ginevra asked staring into the blue skies.
"Your highness I do not know what are outside these walls since I was born in them and never had the privilege to go outside. I am sorry that I cannot answer your question, your highness." Luna replied.
Ginevra took a deep sigh. The only person who could answer her question was a person she loathed the most.
"I have thousands of subjects that bow beneath my feet. Yet, I would trade everything to live like any other woman. Why is that, Luna?" Ginevra asked contemplating her deepest thoughts.
"My Queen, I cannot answer. You are above all things, but beneath one king. If the King shall hear these words. He would be quite upset, your Highness." Luna answered bowing her head to show her respect.
Queen Ginevra stood up and paced around a bit. She was only 17-years-old, but she had poise and gracefulness that no other Queen could ever surpass. Thus, is why her beauty has enchanted everyone who has encountered her. It's no wonder why Harry has her guarded so carefully.
"Above all thing, but beneath one King. Quite amusing that phrase. How can I be above all things if I do not have say in what I do?" Ginevra questioned.
She sat back down again, and saw owls flying over her head delivering the Kings duties for the day, some of the owls were gathering on the walkway. She supposed they were hungry and decided to give them some of her eggs.
Ginevra picked up the fork and flung her eggs on the ground. The owls pecked at it, and
Ginevra got another fling. Only this time, the eggs went flying into Harry's face when he turned the corner into the garden.
Her lady's maids were snickering slightly to themselves.
"Your timing is impeccable, your Majesty." Ginevra laughed as Harry tried to rid himself of the eggs.
"Misbehaving again, aren't we?" Harry asked eyeing her.
"I was just feeding the owls until you came along and ruined all the fun." Ginevra retorted.
"We're going to have fun." Harry announced.
"Fun? With you? Impossible. What is it that you want me to do now?" Ginevra asked.
"It's time to practice the waltz for the grand ball." Harry replied grasping her hand. Ginevra pulled it back.
"I don't want to" Ginevra Refused.
"Why not?" Harry asked with a tired sigh.
"I'm tired" Ginevra announced.
"My head is starting to feel a little dazed" Ginevra added.
"Let's go, My Love" Harry ordered taking her hand once again knowing she was only making excuses.
"NO!" Ginevra exclaimed and then smiled.
Harry looked at her like she was out of her mind refusing his order with the least bit of fear that he installed in everyone around him except her. It's amazing how his little wife isn't afraid of anything.
"I'll practice your little waltz, but you must take me into town with you today" Ginevra ordered.
"All right" Harry agreed pulling her along with him.
"That's it? You're not going to lecture on why a girl must not go into town?" Ginevra asked surprised.
"Why should I? You'll be by my side at all times. I don't see anything wrong with that, My Love" Harry answered.
He walked at a faster pace then he would usually walk just so he could drag her along with him knowing she would not be able to keep up.
"I can walk by myself, you know? You don't have to pull me around like a little child" Ginevra said trailing behind him.
"I'm afraid you might slip out of my grasp and fall" Harry said sarcastically looking back at her.
"When will I ever become a Queen in your eyes?" Ginevra asked seriously.
"When I get the pleasure of bedding you" Harry answered with a grin on his face.
"Over my dead body will I let that happen" Ginevra protested with a disgusted voice.
"Oh, it will happen, and it wont be over your dead body either" Harry assured her.
They were finally in the ballroom, and Harry gracefully swung her around to place his hand on her waist. They were so close they could hear each others heart beat.
"Fallow my lead" Harry said holding her closer to him.
"Do I have a choice?" Ginevra asked in a mocking tone putting some distance between them.
"Chin up, hold you frame…" Harry advised in a low voice.
"Music!" Harry ordered.
The Grand Ball's purpose is to welcome Ginevra Into "Womanhood" as it will to other young girls of privileged elites. As tradition, the King and Queen hosting the ball will dance to a traditional waltz. This year is especially unique because the Queen will be stepping into "Womanhood" as well, and Ginevra is the most important subject at the ball. Thus, is why Harry is determined to make it go as smoothly as possible, and as beautiful as possible.
To Harry's surprise, she held her frame well and followed his lead as instructed. The more Harry looked at her, the more transfixed he became. Those perfectly pink lips beckoned him to kiss her never ending. Oh, how he wished he could plant his lips on her most luscious mouth, and encircled her curvaceous waist into his loving arms. But this was as close as he could get to her. The waltz ended abruptly distracting his thoughts. "How did I do?" Ginevra asked with a beaming smile.
"Worse than I thought" Harry lied.
"Must you always put me down?" Ginevra asked.
"That was splendid, My Love" Harry answered her original question truthfully.
"May we go to town now?" Ginevra asked.
"Yes, the horses are waiting?" Harry replied escorting her into the courtyard where the royal guards stood in waiting and ready for departure.
Ginny rode her horse sidesaddle as any young lady was expected to.
"Move out" Harry ordered.
Guards rode in the back, in front, and on the side of her. Sometimes Harry's protective ways bothered her, but she knew he was only trying to keep her safe.
They made a stop at Lord Dudley's villa were Lady Katherine recently had a child. Lady Katherine was the same age as Ginevra, but her intelligence was not up to par.
Harry extended a hand to her and helped her off her horse. He noticed her unpleasant expression and understood why.
When Ginevra was 15-years-old, she met Lord Dudley in her Kingdom and he made her uncomfortable by taking her hand and holding it, then he tried to kiss her. Harry was furious when he found out, but soon forgave him.
"How do you forgive a man that has violated your wife? I thought you swore no one could touch me except you" Ginevra stated.
"He our cousin, Ginevra. Should I cut off his head for you?" Harry asked.
"Yes, and you shouldn't have brought me here" Ginevra answered making her way to the door.
Harry sighed at her response and followed after her with hands behind his back.
"Your Majesty, welcome!" Lady Katherine exclaimed.
Ginevra gave a weak smile and put on her arrogant face. One that she rarely uses but she despises her cousins.
"Your Highness, welcome to our home" Lord Dudley greeted with a bow.
While Harry and Lord Dudley were busy conversing in the cigar room, Lady Katherine and Ginevra were enjoying tea in the sunroom.
"How is the child?" Ginevra asked.
"Oh, she's so fussy, Your Highness. I could hardly sleep at night" Lady Katherine answered.
"Could I please see her?" Ginevra asked.
"She's with the nursing mother, Your Highness. I'll go get her" Lady Katherine said. Ginevra nodded. How could anyone have children and not even nurse their own baby? That idea was absolutely ridiculous to Ginevra.
Lady Katherine came back with a wailing little girl in her arms. Ginevra noticed Lady Katherine looked uncomfortable holding her own baby and the little girl kept crying in her arms.
"Oh, she's so precious. Do you mind if I hold her for little while?" Ginevra asked. Lady Katherine transferred the bouncing baby girl into Ginevra's arms. Ginevra gently rocked the baby and she calmed down to a soft coo. Lady Katherine was amazed and envious at the same time.
"You must spend every minute with her" Ginevra said holding onto the girl's tiny hands. "No, I don't, the nursing mother stays with her most of the time while Dudley and I are out. Dudley wants a boy and he hardly looks at her" Lady Katherine stated sadly.
"Oh, Katherine, I'm sorry" Ginevra said.
"That's how things are, Your Highness. Boys are treasured over girls" Lady Katherine said.
"It' shouldn't have to be that way" Ginevra insisted.
"I hope it isn't that way for you. May you give birth to a prince soon, Your Highness" Lady Katherine said.
Ginny stood there in disbelief. Is it important to have a boy in order to gain honor and prestige? So important that a father won't even look at his little girl unless there is a boy? Harry came in from the cigar room and found Ginevra carrying Lord Dudley's little girl in her arms. He smiled at the scene because she was a natural at it. Ginevra saw Harry came in from the corner of her eyes and handed the baby back to her mother. The baby noticed the transition and started to cry again as Ginevra returned to Harry's side.
"Thank you for your company, Your Highness" Lord Dudley said as he walked them to the door.
The royal guard and horses were waiting outside as usual. Harry guided Ginevra's back as she descended from the steps of Lord Dudley villa. When they reached the bottom, Ginevra turned abruptly to Harry nearly bumping into him.
"What's wrong, My Love?" Harry asked brushing a stray curl away from her face.
"How important is it that I give birth to a prince?" Ginevra asked.
"Very important" Harry answered truthfully.
"How important is it to you?" Ginevra questioned curiously.
"Why are you asking these questions? Are you planning on conceiving any time soon?" Harry asked teasing her.
"no, but I would like to know before I do" Ginevra replied.
"Which means I have a chance of bedding you" Harry smiled.
"Harry, I'm serious. Could you please answer me? Ginevra asked.
"I'm going to be honest with you. It is very important that we have a son to ascend the throne, do you understand? Harry asked.
Ginny nodded.
"Let's not worry about that right now. How about we ride into the market?" Harry asked hoping to change her mood.
"really? You'll take me? Ginevra asked excited.
Harry nodded. He helped her up on her horse and proceeded into the marketplace. It wasn't as crowded as it would be in the afternoon. Harry decided that it was safe enough for Ginevra and him to stroll through the market on foot.
The evening air gave Ginevra the chills as she walked by Harry's side.
"You should've worn a thicker gown this morning" Harry said noticing her shiver.
"It was hot this morning" Ginevra stated.
Harry placed his hand on her waist and pulled her closer to him. The royal gruards walked silently behind them.
"Could they just move back a little bit?" Ginevra asked.
Ginevra, our safety is above all" Harry replied.
"I know, but just this once. What's the worse that could happen?" Ginevra asked. Harry motioned them to move back at a farther distance. Before Harry turned back, Ginevra tiptoed up to kiss his cheek.
"Thank you" Ginevra said as Harry turned back.
Harry had a flashback to when they were younger. He took away her doll when she was misbehaving and she sat crying by the pond. His mother ordered him to give it back to her, but he refuse saying that not until she learns to obey him. When he saw how sad it made Ginevra feel, he decided to bring it back to her. "Thank you" Ginevra had said and tiptoed up too kiss him.
She hasn't done that in six years and this kiss felt the same as it did six years ago.
"Harry? Ginevra called.
"Yes,?" Harry replied facing her.
"are you feeling well? I've called your name a couple of times" Ginevra questioned.
"Yes, I'm fine" Harry answered.
"Could I have an apple, please?" Ginevra asked pointing at a stand to the side of Harry. Harry nodded.
"Stay right here. I'll be right back" Harry said making his way to the apple stand. Ginevra saw some wild flowers on the opposite side of the market and decided to go pick them regardless of Harry's words. Ginevra knelt down to enjoy them and didn't notice a big commotion going on in the marketplace.
Harry looked up and noticed a thief running towards Ginevra's direction with a sack of gold. Immediately he knew she would be in harm's way if she stood up.
"Guard the Queen!" Harry shouted.
The guard ran as fast as they could to make their way to Ginevra. The thief, in haste to get away from the owner of the gold, ran so much quicker.
Ginevra stood up and saw a man running towards her, and tried to get out of the way. She wasn't moving fast enough so he pushed her and ran past. If that wasn't bad enough, the owner knocked her off balance as he rushed past her. Ginevra slipped and fell letting out a painful cry when her head hit the rock that knocked her unconscious.
Harry pushed his way through the crowed, and rushed over to Ginevra's side.
"Ginevra! No! Wake up, Ginny! Please, wake up!" Harry called cradling her head in his lap.