It was early into the afternoon when Albert awoke once more, Victoria was sat at her desk reviewing some documentation parliament had sent over for her immediate review. She was trying her best to focus on the policies laid out before her, but her thoughts kept drifting to her husband and the long overdue talk they would have to have. Sighing Victoria placed the documents back into the red box, locking it before standing from the desk and stretching her aching muscles. She looked towards the bedchamber and noticed Albert beginning to stir. She quietly walked over, sitting in the chair by his bedside and waited for him to fully come around.
Albert blinked at the canopy above his and Victoria's bed, he wiped the sleep from his eyes before slowly sitting up and leaning against the headboard. Glancing to his right he noticed Victoria sitting silently in the chair besides him. He had to admit the silence was unnerving and not what he was used to from his wife. Victoria had always been a fire, burning bright with her passion and determination to do the best for her country and her family. Seeing her watching him, silently, from his bedside made him uneasy.
"Victoria" croaked Albert, his voice weak from a dry throat.
Upon hearing her name Victoria moved to the pitcher on the bedside, pouring Albert a glass and handing it to him before saying "Albert, how do you feel?"
"Better for some rest, though a little ravenous I must admit"
Victoria smiled, kissing his forehead she walked to the door and summoned a servant. She requested two meals to be had in their personal chambers, ensuring to specify that Albert's must be a small portion as he was still unwell.
Returning to the bed Victoria began nervously tracing patterns on Albert's hands, she was silently debating how to raise the issues they had faced with her husband. He was still in a delicate phase of his recovery and she did not want to jeopardise it but all the same, she still felt like the needed to clear the air between them.
Noticing her discomfort Albert reached over to stroke her cheek before saying "Liebes what is wrong, I can always tell when something is bothering you".
"Albert, I am just worried my darling. You worked yourself to the point you collapsed from exhaustion and if I had not been with you at the time I worry how long you could have laid there before someone found you. That could have had serious repercussions for our family. I do not think you truly comprehend the effect your work ethic recently has had on our family. The children missed you terribly as have I. I know you wanted to do something magnificent and you did, but you are more than a Prince, you are my husband and the father of my children and we need you to be well."
"I am here Liebes and you were with me. I does not do well to dwell on what may have happened. I am sorry for not spending time with the children, I have missed them and you of course."
" I shall send for them later today, they left you some items to remind you of them. They were really worried for you."
Glancing to his side Albert noticed the comforter that normally laid on the end of Vicky's bed. Picking it up a piece of paper fell from underneath it. Albert saw a drawing of himself and Bertie at the Great Exhibition. Wiping away a tear from his eye Albert could not help but think of all he nearly threw away searching for some way to prove himself. He would never stop trying to make this up to his family and he was touched by the eldest children leaving him gifts.
"The children are so thoughtful; I am truly blessed to be their father. I should like to see them" Albert glanced to Victoria and smiled thinking of how much had changed since they first met. Victoria smiled back before settling next to Albert on the bed and giving him a hug.