Hullo! Time for another NERWAC update after two weeks, whoopsie…I've had quite the busy time these past weeks and next week won't be any different- but luckily, I got this chapter finally written for you! Secrets are about to come out, that's all I am going to say…Now, I won't keep you any longer and let you scroll down to the actual story! I hope you enjoy; let me know with a little review. Take care and I'll see you soon :)

Early morning, Sunday 22nd of August 1929

"So, you are feeling slightly better now?"

"Slightly, yes. A night's rest did me good.", answered the Princess as Mabel spread a shawl around her shoulders and left the room quietly.

Elsie had been right when she said a night's rest had done her good; she was indeed well rested. But despite feeling awake, her body seemed to be rather drained from energy, and she could hardly put anything in her mouth as she would feel sick at the very thought of eating anything at all. But other than that, yes, she was feeling rather good in fact.

"Well, that's wonderful to hear.", Mary smiles."You had us all quite worried."

"I do apologize for that."

"Heavens, you have nothing to apologize for.", King George said.

"Maybe not, but I feel awful for ruining the ball- I should have sat down the minute I felt nauseous-"

"You musn't worry about that.", insisted her sister-in-law from her seat by the window."As a matter of fact, a dozen of letters with the guests' best regards have been addressed to you, and there was quite a lot of flowers brought to the back gates early in the morning yesterday."

"To me?", Elsie couldn't help but ask.

"To you."

"Well, I-"

They fell into a silence; only the ticking of the clock on the mantel filling the room and the slight rain outside echoing as it hit the windows.

"Where's the Prince?", asked George, having noted the absence of the other man.

"I've sent him to get something to eat and to have a bath."

"He's been very devoted to you these past days. I doubt he'd ever left your bedside for more than five minutes, and even that when it was absolutely necessary.", Mary stated happily."He even refused we let one of the servants sit with you while he freshens up a bit."

"Yes. My husband is very good to me. I often wonder what I've done to deserve him."

The King and Queen shared a look at this, and at the same time, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in.", answered Elsie from the bed, straightening her back.

The door was pushed open, revealing the broad form of the man in question; her husband.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything?"

"Of course not, come in, love.", his wife smiled brightly upon seeing him; something which didn't go unnoticed by the King and Queen.

Charles closed the door as he stepped through, nodding politely at the couple sitting by the window before he made his way to his wife's bedside.

"Are you feeling better?", he whispered, leaning to kiss her lips soundly.

"Much better."

"You can't possibly know how happy it makes me to hear you say that."

"Well, I'm glad.", she mumbled, caressing his hand with her fingers as he sat down on the chair that was pulled next to the bed.

"Shall I ask Wilson to bring you a tray?", the Queen asked from the Princess as she and her husband prepared to take their leave.

"Thank you, but no. I'm not sure if I'm up to eating a single bite at the moment."

"Very well then, we'll leave you to get better."

With one last smile at the couple by the bed, the King and Queen left the room.

"Are you still nauseous?", Charles wondered when the door was shut, leaving him alone with his wife.

"A bit, but don't worry. I'll be right as rain in a few days, I'm sure."

"Of course, I worry, Elsie.", he whispered.

She smiled at him at his words, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

"You know, I should thank you."

"Whatever for?", Charles asked in confusion.

"The Queen- that is, Mary; she said you haven't left my side since-", she stopped for a moment, thinking of her next words."-well, what happened."

"Well, I could hardly wait downstairs to hear that something's happened to you. I wanted to stay here, with you, in case-"

He didn't need to voice his thoughts because she knew…Of course she knew.

"I know. But thank you."

"You needn't ask, I would do it again. And I have no doubts that you'd do the same for me."

"Well, let's hope there won't be need for that very soon.", she teased, smiling brightly at him.

He laughed; for the first time in the almost two days. It did them both good.

"Yes, let's hope so.", Charles beamed at her, lowering himself to capture her lips for a gentle kiss.

… - flashback; after the ball, the Grantham House-…

Cora Crawley entered their bedroom at the London house, opening the knot of her dressing gown and discharging it onto a lonely chair in the corner of the room.

"I thought you'd be asleep by now.", she said quietly, not wanting to disturb her husband.

"I was waiting for you.", Robert told her, putting aside his book, and watching her walk to their bed."Did the others come up already?"

"Mary and Tom wanted to talk for a bit more, but Edith and Bertie came up with me.", his wife answered, sitting on the edge of the bed."And you know Rosamund wanted an early night-"

"It's been a terribly eventful day."

She heard his sigh before she could see it.

"I know. And a sad day too."

"Yes.", he mumbled absentmindedly.

Cora turned to pull down the covers, slipping under the blankets and leaning her back against the headboard of their bed. She felt his arm pull her closer to him and so she rested her head in the crook of his neck, her arm hugging his middle.

"What do you think they are thinking?", she whispered after a few minutes of quiet between them.

"Hmm?"

"The Carsons- I suppose I can still call them that…What do you think they are thinking now?"

"I wouldn't know."

"It's horrible to think something like this can happen.", Cora said quietly, her husband pulling her even closer against his side."A perfect evening turning into a nightmare in the blink of an eye."

She was suddenly holding back tears as the memories of him laying in a puddle of blood on the dining room floor came flooding back, something which didn't go unnoticed by her husband.

"I know what he must have felt in that moment."

Fear and the uncertainty of the minutes to come. It was a terrible feeling, Cora knew.

"I'm sure everything will be alright. I know everything is alright with us, isn't it?", Robert reassured.

He felt her nod against his chest and a small smile appeared on his lips as he leaned to place a gentle kiss on her hair.

"I admire him."

Her hum of a question prompted him to continue.

"Carson, I mean, he didn't hesitate for a moment to whisk her away somewhere safer, not thinking twice if he was doing the right thing. I don't think I'd have such courage."

"But the fear in his eyes spoke of a different story.", Cora stated."And the way he stared down at you holding his unconscious wife in your arms before Mary's hand on his arm brought him back to present."

"Hmm.", he agreed."It's weird to think that-…No, nevermind."

He stopped, not really knowing how to continue.

"What?"

He swallowed before finally finding the right words;

"I mean- Of course I knew they cared for each other when they married, but…It's only when you are afraid of losing the one you love that you show how much you love them for others to see."

"I know…"

A silence fell upon them; both silently praying for the couple up at the palace. Soon, Robert whispered in the quiet of the night;

"I suppose she's going to be alright?"

"I don't know, Robert."

Life was uncertain, they both knew that; maybe better than most people did.

… (end of flashback) …

"Are you quite sure you feel up to it, your highness?", worried Mabel as she watched the older woman sit on the edge of her bed.

"Quite. And I'm going mad if I stay in this bed.", came the timid reply from the Princess.

"It is only that you were in a very bad condition just yesterday morning, you should really stay in bed, your highness.", the maid tried again.

"I am not going on a trip around the palace; a bath will do me good. And after I've had my bath, I shall lay down in this bed for the rest of the day."

Mabel knew she wasn't in a position to argue and decided it best if she helped the Princess into the bathroom for her bath. It would, after all, be her fault if something were to happen to her.

She stepped closer, taking a hold of Elsie's arm as she stood up from the bed.

And truth be told, Elsie was indeed grateful for the younger woman's help... Standing up, she could feel the room spinning around her and a wave of nauseousness making her wish she hadn't stood up at all…Mabel had to support almost all her weight in her gentle arms, whilst her own hand came to cover her forehead as she tried her best to still the room from spinning.

"Should you-"

"I'll be alright-", Elsie stated quickly."- just help me to the bathroom."

Luckily, they managed to get her undressed from her sweaty nightgown and into the bathtub without more problems. Mabel then filled the bathtub with warm water and some lavender soap.

"Is the temperature alright, your highness?"

"Perfect.", Elsie sighed blissfully, letting the hot water soothe her aching body.

"Shall I find you a new nightgown to wear while you have your bath?"

"Thank you, that would be wonderful, Mabel."

She'd spent the last two days in bed and the small fever that had risen last night, she presumed, had made her all sweaty, so a bath was all that she could crave for in the moment. Also, a chance to make myself look a bit more respectable wouldn't be at all bad, she thought to herself as she slid lower in the tub, letting the water wet her shoulders and neck; gently caressing her skin.

"I could ask for a tray to be brought for you, after your bath, your highness, would that be alright?", Mabel broke the comfortable silence in the room, her voice quiet as she didn't want to disturb her.

"Well, I suppose it is teatime soon- I might be able to swallow a bit of toast and drink some tea at least."

"Very good, your highness.", Mabel nodded, exiting the room briefly to fetch a fresh nightgown and to ring for a maid to bring the Princess her tea and toast.

That was one of the first moments in the past 48 hours that Elsie had been left to her own device- someone had always sat with her, whether it be her husband or Mabel or her lady-in-waiting. And being left alone got her thoughts running…She never truly got the opportunity to actually process what had happened. She remembered she'd been talking to the Crawleys when she suddenly felt nauseous and the next thing she knew was that everything had gone black. When she opened her eyes again, she found herself lying in their bed with Charles holding her hand.

Everything had gone splendidly that evening; but what had happened then? The memory of her husband explaining to her that she had fainted because of something that she was given. Given, she asked herself, what exactly did he mean by that? Was she drugged? But who would do such a thing!

She guessed not everyone were happy of her change in status, but to try- to try to hurt her…She felt herself gasp; did someone try to intently hurt her- no, to k- she couldn't bring herself to even think of the word…Elsie felt her heart start racing in her chest at the very thought. She buried her face in her hands, warm water dripping from her fingers and across her face. Her attempt at muffling the sound of her sobs was in vain as tears started to flow freely down her cheeks…

She was so- oh, she didn't know. She supposed it would hurt anyone who realized they were so unwanted by some that- it hurt her…She cursed whoever had done it, whoever hated her so- for God's sake, she'd done nothing wrong! Things were not supposed to go this way. Not like this…

"Your highness?"

The voice belonged to a very alarmed Mabel Rutt, who had come rushing to the bathroom when she heard her sobs…The maid had feared something had happened to her, only to find the older woman crying. And she didn't have to think twice why the Princess now had a face strained with tears. Truth has a painful way of showing itself, she thought sadly.

And for a moment, she stood there, just watching, hesitating whether she should say something.

I want harm to come in their way, but I do not wish them to be dead.

The words forced their way into her head, her eyebrows wrinkled together as she let her thoughts wander.

She shook her head. No, it couldn't be- but then again…

The small bottle in the housekeeper's hand-

"It was something put into her drink", the doctor had said-

The shattered glass of champagne on the ballroom floor-

And realization dawned, and a hand rose to cover her open mouth in shock. The traitor was right amongst them all this time…

With a gulp she pushed away her thoughts, ones which most probably would come to be someone's ruin, as she strode to the tub, kneeling down beside it and extending her hand for Elsie to take…She wasn't even sure why, but was glad when the other woman eventually took it.

"Let's get you out of that bathtub, your highness, shall we?", she quietly whispered."It will all be alright in the end."

Elsie's imperceptible nod was the only permission the maid got to help her back to bed, for she was so very worn out to form any words.

…

"You've had a bath.", Charles noted as he kissed her lovingly on the lips; she tasted like lavender and a bit of lemon.

"Mhm.", Elsie hummed with a faint smile.

"I hope you didn't make the way all by yourself-"

"Don't worry. Mabel was with me.", she whispered.

"Good- I would want anything to happen to you.", Charles smiled, fiddling with the golden band on his wife's finger.

He lifted his gaze to intently study her face. There was something different about her now, something that hadn't been there this very morning. Somehow, she looked sadder and more distant now than he had seen her in ages- in a way. It hurt him to see her like that.

"Are you alright?", he heard himself ask her.

"Mhm.", came her absentminded answer.

He simply nodded, didn't want to push her too much in case she didn't want to talk about whatever was on her mind.

"Could you-", she trailed off.

"Yes?"

"Only I've rather a headache- would you mind terribly if I'd ask you to fetch me a powder?"

"Of course not. I'll ring-"

He noticed she had intended to say something but had closed her mouth and remained quiet instead.

"What is it?", he asked gently.

"I just-."

"What?"

"It's just that…I'd rather be alone for a few moments…I know I've no right to wish that after all you've done-"

"Oh, Elsie you have every right. And for heavens' sake, I don't mind. I'll go fetch that powder for you and give you some time alone, alright? Anything you want.", he flashed her a smile before giving her hand one last squeeze as he stood up.

"Thank you, Charlie. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Truth be told, he didn't want to leave her alone right now, knowing something was amiss. But he would do as she wanted him to…After all, it was her wish. It did reassure him, thought, when she had asked for a kiss before he left their bedroom; letting him know she wasn't angry with him.

Charles entered the hallway, closing their bedroom door with a quiet thud after him. He'd go find Mabel and ask her to get his wife her powder...He didn't wish to go down to the servants' quarters if it wasn't necessary.

Soon enough he found her exiting one of the bedrooms in the gallery; one that belonged to Elsie's lady-in-waiting. And for the look on her face, Charles felt reluctant to approach her, but thought better of it.

"Mabel, I was just looking for you.", he announced his presence to the woman who seemed to be away with the fairies and then stumbled on. "I'm sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if you could get me a powder- that is, Els- the Princess, has a bit of a sore head…"

He looked on, expecting a reply from her but none came. She just kept her eyes fixated on the wall on the opposite side of the gallery.

Charles proceeded to clear his throat to get her attention; she turned her head at him in a hurry as his voice brought her back to present. She then made it to curtsy before him;

"Your highness."

"Penny for your thoughts?", he smiled.

She remained silent for a moment until replying with a;

"You could say so, your highness."

"Hmm.", he hummed.

"Can I help you with anything?", she asked kindly.

"Oh? Oh, yes. I was wondering if you could get my wife a powder- she seems to have rather a sore head."

"Of course. I'll get that for her right away, your highness. Was there anything else?"

"Not right now, no.", Charles said as he let out a sigh."Carry on, Mabel."

She nodded politely, watching him turn to walk away, presumably back to their bedroom. A voice in the back of her head urged her to speak up now, before it was too late. But she didn't wish to cause anyone harm…But in the end, it wasn't her decision, was it?

"Your highness?", the words left her mouth before she could even try to stop them.

Charles slowly turned around, surprised to hear her voice. He saw her take a shuddering breath before she continued;

"There is something I think you'd ought to know."

He stared at her for a moment.

"Oh?"

"Although, I'm not sure if my information is true whatsoever. I don't wish to cause anyone harm."

"If it's important, shouldn't you be telling this to the King or the Queen, and not me?", Charles wondered aloud.

"Well, you see, your highness, I believe it concerns you and your wife-", Mabel told him."-more than the King and Queen."

"What?"

He had no clue where this conversation was going, but he didn't like the sound of it. Upon her silence after her last words, Charles lifted his eyebrows, as if trying to prompt her to continue. And yet, she didn't seem to have anything else to say and remained quiet.

"Well, I'm all ears.", he stated with a shrug."What's it about?"

Mabel hesitated, taking a look around the hallway and making sure they were alone before continuing;

"It's about the ball-"

The words caught his attention.

"- last Friday, your highness."

He didn't understand; did she know something? He could feel his heart start beating slightly quicker under his shirt and a lump formed in his throat…To ease his growing worries, he reasoned he could only get an answer to his question by asking;

"Does it have something to do with my wife's current condition? If not, then I have no wish to hear more of it."

And the look on the maid's face told him all he needed to know. It had everything to do with his wife's current condition.