Harry was woken up by a gentle touch on his face. He looked up into Draco's eyes and smiled sleepily before sitting up quickly. "Did you get him?" he asked almost breathlessly.

"Of course. Did you doubt me?" Draco asked with a grin.

Harry sighed in relief. "So many things could have gone wrong."

"Shh, don't worry so much," Draco murmured, leaning forward to kiss Harry.

Harry pushed him away. "What are you doing?" he asked heatedly.

"I was hoping for a victory kiss," Draco said, looking at Harry as if he were crazy.

Harry climbed out of the bed and ran into the front room, Draco on his heels. "Stop! I know you're not Prince Draco," he said, beginning to panic. "How did you get away?"

Draco's face twisted into a malicious smirk. "Finally! In the three years we've been married, you are showing the first sign of intelligence! Bravo, Harry!" Theo taunted loudly. "Did you really think they could capture me? Admittedly, they almost did. They most certainly got my whore. I didn't even get to get off."

"How did you get away?" Harry asked, keeping the table between them.

"I heard a skirmish in the hall. I climbed out the window just as they came in. Luckily, I keep a makeshift ladder in my window for just such occasions. I was hiding when I overheard them worrying about you all alone in a hovel in the village. I gave you everything, Harry," Theo growled. "I gave you food, clothes, a home. What more did you possibly want that you had to run off and rescue that spoilt child?"

"I wanted love!" Harry yelled. "Did you really think I would be happy living that way? Being forced into your bed and brutalized every chance you got? I hated you," Harry said, loathing in his voice.

"You are my husband," Theo growled. "Not his. You don't get to run into his arms and his bed after three years in mine."

"We're not married," Harry said angrily. "You were pretending to be someone else. That makes the marriage void. I'm not going back with you. Even if you drag me back there, I will kill myself before I live like that again."

"No, you won't," Theo snarled. "You're going to stay with me and bear me an heir. I did everything, all of this! For you!"

Harry looked at him in disgust. "You're delusional. You didn't do any of this for me. You did it for you. You have never cared about me. I don't know why you insisted on summoning me."

"Because I love you!" Theo yelled. "I saw that marriage contract in the king's office and found my chance to have you! I fell in love with you during that week you stayed here," Theo said desperately. "Yet you never even looked at me. All you saw was him! Like he's so special," Theo spat. "So, I killed the king and took that spoilt prince's place. I intended on trying to court you until I saw that contract. So, I waited until it was time and summoned you."

"You don't love me," Harry said shakily. "You don't do that to someone you love."

"That was your punishment," Theo said angrily. "For choosing him over me. All you cared about was his title."

Harry shook his head. "I cared nothing for his title. I only wanted to be loved. It's why I wanted to meet him before I agreed to the marriage. I was already a prince. I didn't need to marry a king. I never cared about leading a kingdom."

"Then why didn't you see me?" Theo said urgently.

Harry shook his head. "Because my father wanted me to marry Prince Draco and he had to be my first priority. I enjoyed his company. I could see myself falling in love with him. He was sweet, kind, and treated me with respect. You never have."

Theo was about to answer when they heard yelling outside. He snarled. "Get in the bedroom. I'll take care of this. After I'm done, be prepared to work on that heir you promised me."

Harry ran into the bedroom and shut the door. He locked it, hoping it would hold long enough. He checked the window and found that he could get out if he needed to. He stayed by the window in case he needed to get out quickly. He heard the door bust open to the outer room, his heart pounding as he heard Blaise yelling and the sound of wood smashing and a sword clanging against metal. He almost threw up as he heard a sickening sound that he hoped never to hear again. He heard someone at the door and was about to climb out when he heard Blaise's voice.

"Harry? It's me. We've got him. Are you okay?" Blaise asked hurriedly, sounding anxious.

Harry sighed in relief. "I'm fine," he said shakily. "Hold on."

Harry unlocked the door to see Blaise, Draco and a few guards. Theo was tied up, bleeding profusely from several spots. Harry threw himself into Draco's arms, trembling. Draco was too shocked to move for a few moments before holding Harry tightly against his chest.

"You're okay. I'm here. He's never going to hurt you again," Draco murmured, petting Harry's hair.

"Get your hands off my husband!" Theo yelled. "He's mine! He's been warming my bed for the past three years!"

Blaise punched Theo in the face to shut him up. "Sorry, Theo, but Harry wants nothing to do with you. Get him out of here."

Harry's face was buried in Draco's chest. His voice was muffled when he spoke. "Is he gone?"

"Yes," Draco murmured. "You never have to see him again."

Harry slowly lifted his head and looked around, letting out a shaky breath when he saw just Blaise looking at him in concern.

"Did he do anything to you?" Blaise asked cautiously.

Harry shook his head, his arms tightening around Draco when he started to let him go. "No. He was just saying crazy things."

"Like what?" Draco asked.

"That he loved me. That he did all this for me," Harry said, shuddering at the memory. "He said that his treatment of me was my punishment for choosing you over him."

Draco's arms tightened around Harry. "He's never going to touch you again. He'll be dead by this time tomorrow."

Blaise cleared his throat. "We've rounded up those who were loyal to Theo. His Polyjuice should wear off by the morning. You can make the announcement about what happened after it does. The coronation should be tomorrow after the announcement. Even though Harry was never technically the King Consort, everyone will still consider him as such. Even if you two aren't married yet. I'm going to go make sure that Theo is locked up tight and personally watch him all night. Arrangements are already being made for his execution."

"Thank you, Blaise," Draco said. "You've been a good friend."

Blaise grinned. "We grew up together, Your Highness. What kind of friend would I be to not notice that something was off? You should be safe to come back to the castle whenever you're ready. I'll see you in the morning." Blaise ran his fingers through Harry's hair a few times. "You're free, Harry. Get some sleep tonight. You deserve it."

Draco narrowed his eyes at Blaise when Blaise leaned down to press a kiss to Harry's head. Blaise just grinned and walked out. Draco rubbed Harry's back. "I'm sorry that he got away the first time," Draco murmured.

"It's not your fault," Harry said, burrowing deeper into Draco's arms. "I didn't know it wasn't you at first. He was being so nice."

"How did you know then?" Draco asked curiously.

"He tried to kiss me. You promised that you wouldn't kiss me first," Harry murmured. "I knew you wouldn't break that promise. I tried to get to the door, but I didn't have time. I had to just get to the other side of the table where he couldn't get to me. That's when he started spouting off about loving me and why I couldn't be happy with him and the things he gave me."

"Come on," Draco said, sighing. "Let's get you into bed. You must be exhausted."

Harry reluctantly pulled away from Draco, but he grabbed Draco's hand. He needed the comfort. He let Draco walk him to the castle where he took Harry to his room. Harry didn't want to let go. "Are you sleeping in the king's room?" he asked, looking up at Draco.

Draco shook his head. "I don't want to sleep there. Before I can sleep there, I need it to have a new bed and to be completely redecorated. It makes me sick to my stomach to think of what happened in there. I'll just stay in my old room until it's all done."

Harry bit his lip. "I know we're not married, and I'm not ready for anything, but do you think you would be willing to sleep with me? You don't have to," he rushed to say. "I just don't want to be alone. I can go stay in my mother's room with her if you would prefer."

Draco gave a soft smile. "I would love to. I just need to take care of something first."

"Can you take me to my mum, then? I would rather stay with her until you're done."

Draco looked down at Harry who looked vulnerable, almost like a child. "Of course."

Draco took Harry to Queen Lily's room. Harry knocked on the door.

"Mum? It's me. Can you open the door?" Harry asked.

The door flew open and Lily's arms were around Harry almost before he finished talking. "Oh, darling! I was so worried. Blaise told me that everything was okay, but I needed to see you to believe it."

Harry smiled. "I'm fine, Mum. Do you mind if I stay with you while Prince Draco takes care of something? I don't want to be alone."

"Of course you can," Lily said. "Come in. Prince Draco? You can just come in when you get back. No need to stand on ceremony. I think that, tonight of all nights, manners can go out the window."

Draco nodded. "Of course, Your Majesty. I'll be back as soon as I can."

Draco met Harry's eyes and smiled softly at him before heading off. He made his way to the dungeon and was directed to Blaise. He stopped next to Blaise in front of the cell. He cocked his head to the side.

"You know, it's odd to see yourself right in front of you," Draco mused.

"I imagine so, Your Highness," Blaise said, amused. "Will we celebrate tomorrow?"

Draco nodded. "Yes. I think we all need it. Can you give us a few moments?"

Blaise nodded and walked off. "I'll be around the corner when you're done. Just call for me."

Draco waited until they were alone to speak to Theo. "So…you really thought you could get away with taking my place?"

Theo glared at him. "You don't deserve to wear the crown," he spat. "Nor to marry Harry. He's too good for you."

"No argument here," Draco agreed. "He's too good for anyone. You know, originally, I was just going to lock you up for the rest of your pitiful days."

Theo looked at him suspiciously. "What changed your mind?"

"I chose death the moment I found out what you did to Harry," Draco said, low and angry. "If you hadn't abused him, you would have lived. I could have overlooked taking him to bed if you had treated him with the respect he deserves. If you had shown him the love you claim you have for him."

"I do love him," Theo snarled. "More than you ever will. I killed a king for him," he hissed. "I knew he didn't see me because I was a lowly guard. I knew he would want me if I were to be king. It was the marriage contract that angered me. He agreed to marry you when he was supposed to be mine."

"That doesn't make any sense," Draco said, laughing. "How could he have wanted you when you were wearing my face?"

"It may be your face, but the actions are my own. Love doesn't see with the eyes, you spoiled, pompous, arrogant piece of shite," Theo said, his voice filled with hatred.

Draco nodded. "You have a point. However, your actions only made him hate you. You're right that love doesn't actually use the eyes to see. It's why Harry still wanted me to hold him after everything you did to him while you wore my face. He knows I would never do that. Perhaps you could have fooled him when you found him in that home. However, you always want more than you should have. Harry knew it wasn't me the moment you tried to kiss him. What you didn't know was that I made a promise to Harry. I promised that I would never initiate contact between us. He agreed that he would initiate contact when he was ready, and I was allowed to initiate contact if it was something he had already done. We haven't kissed since we found our way back to each other. You trying to kiss him when we haven't done that only showed him that you weren't me."

"I just wanted to know what it felt like to kiss him," Theo said. "He never kissed me. It was the only thing I didn't push for when we were together."

"So, you do have a conscious after all," Draco drawled.

Theo shrugged. "A slight one."

"Doesn't really matter. You'll be dead by this time tomorrow."

"As long as I can look at Harry when I die, I don't care," Theo muttered.

"Blaise? I'm ready," Draco called.

Theo grabbed the bars of the cell. "Did he ever love me?" he asked quickly.

"Not that I'm aware of," Draco said. "He said that you were cold and cruel from the moment he stepped into the castle. I doubt he did."

Blaise stepped up. "Good night, Your Highness."

"Good night, Blaise," Draco murmured.

Draco walked quickly back to the queen's room. He let himself in and barely walked two steps before his arms were full of Harry again. He smiled and closed his eyes as he held Harry tightly.

"Are you done?" Harry asked.

"Yes. Let's get you to bed," Draco murmured. "Thank you for keeping him company, Your Majesty."

Lily smiled. "So formal. Even if you two aren't quite ready to get married yet, we will be related one day. You may call me 'Lily'."

Draco smiled. "Then, I insist that you call me 'Draco'."

Lily nodded. "Good night, my darlings."

They both nodded before leaving her room and heading to Harry's room. Draco nervously closed the door behind them. He didn't know why he was so nervous. It wasn't as if they were going to do anything. Draco frowned as he realized that he had nothing to sleep in. It normally wasn't an issue as he liked to sleep nude, but he couldn't do that with Harry.

"Do you have anything I can wear to bed? I would prefer not to wear anything that he wore," Draco said.

Harry blinked. "Well, I honestly don't have much to wear to bed. Theo usually only let me wear a robe to cover up with. Unless I had public appearances, I wasn't allowed to wear anything."

Draco bit back his anger at Theo. "I suppose I can just wear this to bed."

Harry bit his lip and flushed as he looked away. "You don't have to wear anything if you don't want to. I don't want you to be uncomfortable."

Draco blinked. "I don't want you to be uncomfortable, either. I don't want to do anything that you're not ready for."

"I thought everything would be extremely difficult," Harry said slowly. "But seeing Theo tonight…it made me realize that I don't have to be scared of you. I already know that you won't do anything that I don't want you to. My reaction to him trying to kiss me told me that. I just knew you wouldn't do that, and I knew it wasn't you. It's why I chose you instead of Blaise when I came out of that bedroom. I trust you."

Draco smiled slowly. "Does this mean that I don't have to be so careful?"

"Maybe not so careful, but still be careful a little. I still have a lot to work through," Harry murmured.

Draco gently pulled Harry closer to hold him. "I'll be careful. I'm still not going to initiate any first contact until you do it first."

Harry sighed happily. "You're perfect," he mumbled.

Draco laughed softly. "I'm far from perfect."

"You're perfect for me," Harry mumbled. "Let's get in bed, though. I'm really tired."

They pulled away from each other and looked at the other nervously. They silently walked to the sides of the bed and turned away from each other to undress before slipping under the blanket. They lay there next to each other, staring at the ceiling in awkward silence.

Draco cleared his throat. "Good night, Your Majesty."

Harry slowly turned on his side to face Draco. "I'm not King Consort. There's no need to call me that."

Draco turned on his side to face Harry. "Like Blaise said, everyone will still consider you to be King Consort."

"It feels weird for you to call me that," Harry admitted.

"Then what shall I call you?" Draco asked, slowly reaching out to push Harry's hair behind his ear.

"Just Harry."

"Okay…Harry," Draco murmured. "You need to return the favor, though."

"Okay…Draco," Harry said softly.

Draco was about to turn onto his back when Harry slowly leaned forward. Draco held his breath as Harry's lips softly pressed against his. Draco moaned softly as he reached up to cup Harry's cheek. Harry shyly opened his mouth and Draco couldn't resist exploring Harry's mouth. His tongue made almost lazy swipes inside Harry's mouth as he felt truly happy for the first time since Harry left the castle after their week together. He groaned loudly when he felt Harry's bare body wiggle over to press against his. He felt his body reacting and slowly broke the kiss. They both panted slightly as they looked into each other's eyes in amazement. They had both secretly wondered if they had imagined their connection, but this kiss proved that they hadn't.

"As much as I enjoy kissing you, we should stop. I don't want this to go too far," Draco murmured, rubbing his thumb over Harry's cheek. "You're definitely not ready for that, and I want us to be married when we finally do it."

Harry smiled and turned his head to kiss Draco's hand. "I can definitely tell the difference between you two."

Draco smiled and leaned over to kiss Harry briefly. "Good night, Harry."

"Good night, Draco," Harry murmured, snuggling into Draco's side.

Draco felt content for the first time in ages. He couldn't wait until Harry was ready to be betrothed again.