Howdy howdy! Time for another NERWAC update. I'm a bit late, but it's here nonetheless…I hope you enjoy, please let me know what you think with a little review. And don't mind the possible typos, those happen to everyone! Now, I'll let you get to reading. Stay safe! :)

Thursday, 19th of August 1929, Buckingham Palace

It was now the 19th of August and the coronation ball for the just found, lost princess of Scotland was getting closer day by day. The palace was very lively with the many preparations and the servants busy with decorating the many halls, ballrooms and drawing rooms.

And much to Charles and Elsie's enjoyment, the king and queen were quite occupied with the preparations themselves and the Carsons could spend the few days before the ball by themselves. Of course, they attended a few of the said preparations and had various fittings and meetings, but otherwise their schedule was empty. To quote queen Mary; "You deserve a few days to yourself before the ball. I hope you make good use of it."

And they did take their time to enjoy the other's company with every fibre of their being. It was either cuddling in bed in the afternoon, sitting by the fire and holding hands or just drinking some tea in their sitting room. Nonetheless, the couple enjoyed themselves immensely. And now, during their peaceful Thursday afternoon, the couple was enjoying their lousy day to the fullest...

They had their fingers entwined on Charles bare stomach, their legs tangled under the blanket. The brightly shining sun shone through the open window, the songs of a quiet bird rang in the room.

"This is nice.", Elsie heard her husband mumble quietly, kissing the side of her head in doing so.

"Mhm."

"I wish we could stay here forever."

She couldn't help the brilliant smile on her lips as he pulled her immensely much closer to his chest.

When he had proposed, never did she imagine a day like this; making love in the sun, just the two of them, listening to the birds sing outside. It was all so terribly wonderful, and if she was honest, she would want to stay the forever too.

"You smell so lovely.", he whispered.

"Thank you. It's the luxury of having a bubble bath every night before bed.", she answered with a smile.

"It's a pity we can't have baths together anymore."

"Oh, I'm sure Mabel won't mind.", Elsie joked, erupting a laugh from his lips.

"I'm afraid I would."

"Fair enough.", she kissed his nose."We should really get up. It's almost time for tea and they'll send a search party in case we're late."

"Do we really have to?"

"Well, Mr. Carson, I don't know how you'd be able to live another day, knowing the king walked in on us doing- whatever it is that you're doing to me right now."

She rolled to lay on her stomach, to be able to see his face a bit better.

"That may be true, but who knows if we don't give it a go."

His lips were soon all over her face, her collarbone, her neck…-And Elsie felt her breath hitch in the throat, a blush quickly covering her cheeks.

"You naughty, ol' booby. Stop kissing me and let me get up. We have to tidy up the bed-"

"Oh let it wait and let me savour you, Mrs. Carson."

Of course, she couldn't say no. But despite his hot kisses against her skin, she made it to ask;

"Are you nervous?"

He knew what she meant, and they both knew it.

"A bit."

"Me to-", she was interrupted with his lips against hers.

It was seven whole minutes later when she finally pulled back, hearing the clock chime in their sitting room just behind the wall.

"We need to get up, Charlie.", she said firmly."As much as I enjoy your caresses, we need to get dressed."

"I suppose you're right."

She leaned in to give his lips a quick peck. She was sad too, to be leaving their bed and joining the king and queen downstairs, but they really couldn't stay there for the remainder of the day.

"But I promise, tomorrow night we'll continue this, alright?"

"Then I'll hold you on that."

"I would expect nothing less.", Elsie grinned, giving his shoulder a gently pat and climbed out of bed to slip on her dressing gown."C'mon then, Mr. Carson. The king awaits!"

And she was proved right when they got downstairs, now properly dressed. The king and queen had just sat down for tea in the library and were already waiting for them, as the Carsons had said they would be joining them.

"Tea?", came the voice of Mr. Wilson from the other side of the room.

"Thank you, that would be lovely."

"Have you had a pleasant afternoon?", came a question from the king.

"We have. We've been trying to build up our strength and courage for tomorrow."

The Carsons shared a knowing look at this, but no one else seemed to notice. It would stay between them and that would certainly be for the best.

"Well, that's lovely."

"But we have no doubts whether tomorrow will go according to plan.", queen Mary reassured, calmly sipping her tea.

"Of course.", Elsie said, taking a freshly poured cup of tea from the butler.

Tomorrow would be perfect, Elsie knew that. If only the terrible nagging feeling at the back of her head would leave her alone, she could feel slightly more excited. Things would go well- if only because they had to.

A slow nod from the king was sign enough for the butler to leave them alone. He took his leave quietly, casting one last look at the new royals, who were now sipping their tea on one of the couches in the library. A disgusted frown formed on his stoic face as he pulled the door closed after him.

"Mr. Wilson?"

It was Mrs. Webb, as nosey as ever. But she was his only counterpart in this hard life, which only a few got to escape. And two of those lucky people were currently sitting in the library. It was unfair, that they got to leave, just because luck was on their side. He hated it…He hated them.

"There is something about that face, Mr. Wilson."

"And what is that, Mrs. Webb, do tell?"

"I can see you're plotting something."

"Would it be a problem to you if I were?", asked Mr. Wilson coldly.

"I don't think so. But whatever it is that you are plotting against them, tell me about it. I want to show them two can play that game.", the housekeeper said.

"You still haven't gotten over that terrible humiliation at Downton Abbey?"

"Have you then, Mr. Wilson?"

They both knew the answer to that.