A/N: I am sick yet again (got covid for the first time) and so my very busy week is now... very empty because I am quarantining. Hopefully I can use it to write!
And of course, thank you megonagall410 for beta-reading.
Ginny woke up slightly disoriented as she woke up in her Princess room. It was a nice and cosy room, but it was not what she was used to. It was still early but for once she did not immediately need to get out of bed. She got out of bed slowly and got dressed.
She went down for breakfast to find most of her brothers were already at the table.
"Morning, Billy," Ginny said gleefully, sitting down beside him.
"Morning Ginny-Winny," Bill replied. He smiled brightly.
"Did you sleep well?" she asked, reaching for the bread.
Bill gave a non-committal shrug. "The beds are very soft."
Ginny smiled. "I know! I thought I was going to fall right through!"
"Haven't you been sleeping in them for months?" he asked.
She shook her head. "My Knight bed is good but is not quite that soft."
"So that room is next to the King's then?" Bill asked curiously.
"Adjoining actually. If an assassin tries to kill him at night, I am supposed to stop it ... let's just hope no one tries to do that while I'm sinking into the softest mattress on earth." She shook her head.
Bill chuckled. "Let's hope not." He stayed silent for a moment, looking at her. "Adjoining rooms? No wonder he wants to marry you."
Ginny gasped. "I don't like what you're implying! I am pretty sure he was won over entirely by my wit and charm."
"The word 'charm' can be used broadly if it pleases you," Bill answered smugly.
Ginny shoved him. "It's not like that."
"Okay, okay." Bill grinned at her.
"Morning," Harry greeted.
Ginny whipped her head around and her eyes landed on him. "Good morning."
He sat down beside her.
"Bill wants to know why you want to marry me," Ginny told him with a playful glance.
Harry looked up and eyed Bill. "I think he knows precisely why."
Ginny turned to her brother and frowned. "You were just trying to get on my nerves then?"
Bill smiled innocently at her. "It's so easy."
They looked up as their brothers were being rather rowdy at the other side of the table.
"Are they always this lively?" Harry asked as he watched them.
"Pretty much. Sorry." Ginny offered an apologetic smile.
Harry smiled softly and shook his head. "No, I quite like it. I bet it's hard to be bored around them."
"There is always someone up to something, that's true," Ginny admitted. "Myself included."
"It's just been me and whatever boring guest at this table for too long, this is a nice change of pace," Harry said.
"You must have some childhood friend or something?" she wondered out loud.
"There's Hermione," he spoke. "But she wasn't one to joke around while eating."
"Why not?"
"Her parents used to own land in Ignotia. They wanted to give her the best education, so she studied with me. She was very ambitious. Always outperformed me in nearly every subject. Can you imagine being a thirteen-year-old King and still not being the best in your class?"
Ginny grimaced. "So, she's smart then?"
"Quite. Would scold me if I didn't study on time..." He shook his head with a smile. "Pretty sure she kept me as a friend so she got full use of the library."
"And where is she now? I don't think I've seen her?"
He nodded. "She has been travelling, with my money of course. Under the guise of ... diplomacy and knowledge expansion or something. I hope she can make it to the wedding, I have no idea where she's at now."
"I'd love to meet her." She shook her head. "Can't believe I am a Knight that doesn't talk and still manage to make more friends than you."
Harry scoffed. "Please."
She looked at Bill again and noticed him watching their family quietly. She leaned towards him. "It's nice, isn't it, all of us idiots together?"
Bill offered her a soft smile. "Yeah. Thanks to you it is possible."
"Frankly, it was Harry's idea."
Ginny put her armour on after breakfast and then spent most of the morning training in the woods. She wanted to be in proper shape for the battle and she knew much of her time would be taken up by other activities soon, so she wanted to use her free time well.
When it was almost lunchtime, she went to Harry's office. He looked up as she entered. She took her helmet off and smiled at him. He returned the smile and stood up, coming around his desk.
"I thought you were with your family," he noted.
She shrugged. "I needed to get some training in."
He pulled her close. "You need to get cleaned up."
"I smell, do I?" she asked, blowing a strand of hair out of her face.
He chuckled and shook his head. He leaned down and sniffed her neck. "You smell like wood, flowers and ... home." He stood back up and meets her eyes.
She bit the inside of her cheeks, resisting to smile. "You're a terrible flirt. And I mean awful."
His eyes lit up. "You have to clean up because we have a very official date. It's even written into my agenda."
"Do we?" she asked.
He nodded. "Yes, we have to make the whole courting and engagement in under a week believable. Rumour has it I am proposing to you today."
"And who started that rumour?" she asked curiously.
"Unclear," he replied. "Was it the kitchen staff or your brothers?" He shrugged. "It's a total mystery."
"Also a rumour that got back to your ears... most unusual."
He grinned and kissed her. "Just change into a dress, that's all I am asking."
"I can do that." She nodded.
She stepped out of her room in her dress, holding onto her cloak. She spotted Ron.
"Ronald."
"Ginevra." He looked at her. "Going outside?" he said, eyeing her cloak.
She looked down at it and back up at him. "Yes. Apparently, I've got a date."
Ron smiled. "What are the chances of ending up here and ... just falling in love with the King."
Her eyebrows raised curiously.
"Yes, I can tell how in love you are with him."
Ginny smiled softly. "I don't know how ... Sometimes you just meet someone and you ... feel like you've found a missing piece of your soul, I guess? I can't explain it, but I think he will make me happy."
"Good. I am glad to hear," Ron said.
"Are you settling in alright? I know you were all whisked away from your lives," Ginny said.
He nodded. "Quite okay. It's nice knowing we weren't kidnapped to be killed." He shook his head. "Us two were just kids when we left... it'll be strange to go back."
"Only Bill was really an adult when we left... I am sure it is much harder for him to be away from there. We need to reinstate our family, it is important."
"We'll kick some Ogyon ass. Never liked them." He pulled up his lip to show his disgust.
"Yes, we will." She looked around. "... Why were you hanging around here?"
Ron grinned. "Oh. Fred and George are exploring. I am just the lookout."
"Right." She snorted. "Tell them there are no secret corridors. Well, except for the two on the ground floor. But not like in the Harpian castle anyway. I did my own exploration here... for security reasons."
"I will let them know," Ron said.
"I have to go. Don't let them use you as bait or something!" she said as she walked off.
"Noted!" Ron yelled back. "I have learned from when I was younger."
"Somehow I don't believe that!"
Harry was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. She smiled at him and he smiled back at her as she stepped down.
She curtsied. "King Henry."
He took her hand and kissed it. "Princess."
She pulled on her cloak; he was already wearing his. He held out his arm and she took it, allowing him to guide them outside.
She looked around. "No guards?"
"I have guards posted around the grounds to keep an eye but none following us so they can't hear what we're saying," he explained.
She smiled. "If there was an actual threat that would be absolutely useless."
"But you're with me," he said. "So I think it's fine."
She frowned. "Who says I am armed?" She glanced down at herself, no visible blade in sight.
He raised his eyebrows. "I know for a fact you are armed." He looked her up and down. "I don't believe much would fit up here, so I am guessing... dagger strapped to your leg."
She grinned. "You know me so well."
"Where do you want to go?" he asked her.
"Let's go by the stables first, then go and see the cats and then a long walk along the garden, where you may ask me an important question, if you've got the nerve." She couldn't help smiling.
"So you really want to stage it then?" he asked as he walked towards the stables.
She glanced at him. "I suppose? Don't you think it's fun to play a little?"
"I am not used to that," he said. "The playing around, in public."
"It's fun, I promise."
They walked into the stables and were happy to find Hagrid there.
"Well, look at you two, out and about." He halted moving the hay to look at them.
"It's good, isn't it?" Harry agreed.
"Quite so." He nodded. "Should I address you as Princess now, or go straight to Queen?"
"Neither," Ginny said. "Ginny will do. Ginevra only when the occasion calls for it."
"Oh you royals with your seven hundred names," Hagrid said with a shake of his head.
"Sir Gwyn is also acceptable," she added.
"Can't believe I am marrying a Sir," Harry commented.
She smiled. "I have more titles than you. Knight, Princess of Harpia and soon... Queen. You are just King, how boring."
Hagrid laughed. "She got you there."
"Unbelievable." He looked at her and back at Hagrid. "I'll leave you to work. We must continue our date."
"He's supposed to ask me a question," Ginny announced.
"It's supposed to be a secret," Harry told her in a hushed voice.
Hagrid looked between them. "Yes, the whole castle is whispering about it. You are testing my ability to keep a secret, I can tell you that." He shook his head.
"It will be out soon, don't worry," Harry assured him, before pulling Ginny along.
They stopped by their horses. "How are my two babies?" Ginny asked as she petted both of them.
"I see, they're yours now?"
She nodded. "Absolutely." She scratched Red's chin. "I was honestly worried I would have to leave her here at some point if I had to go. I am so glad we both get to stay."
Harry smiled warmly at her. "I know. It makes me so happy I get to keep both of you here."
She looked around at him and observed Harry for a minute. "Red grew on you too, did she?"
"She is a lot like you," he said. He offered both of their horses a carrot. "And you make an excellent pair." He petted both of them for a little while before turning to Ginny.
Ginny took his arm again as they continued out of the other end of the stables. "You should see us in battle, Red is amazing," Ginny told him.
"I am sure she is."
A loud meow caused them to pause. Ginny looked down to find Ce, begging for attention.
"I am sorry, sweetheart, I didn't bring any treats today." She bent down and picked him up.
He purred loudly while he butted his head against her shoulder as she walked to the rest of the cats. Harry scratched behind Ce's ear.
She put Ce back down carefully, worried she might hurt his stiff joints if she dropped him from too high. "Is he getting a carriage again in the next parade?"
Harry laughed. "There's a good chance. Hagrid takes care of those. You know what's great about the parade though?"
Ginny shook her head.
"I'll have a Queen by my side next time," he told her.
She smiled softly. "You're just loving every part of this, aren't you?"
"I didn't think I would. I was dreading getting married." He looked at her, his gaze soft. "But I want to share all those things with you."
Ginny squeezed his arm. "I can't wait to be married to you."
"Let's continue our walk then. Who knows, maybe I'll propose." They walked across the garden together.
She chuckled. "Should we kiss after?"
Harry's eyebrows raised. "Like out here?" he asked.
"Yeah." She nodded. She pushed against him playfully. "Come on, give the staff something to gossip about. I am sure it'll amuse them."
Harry seemed to consider it for a moment. "I mean I guess if we keep it tame, it wouldn't be too bad. But you know then you have to marry me."
"I am fine with that," Ginny replied with a smile.
Harry looked around. The castle was to their right, they had halted right in the middle of the path leading back to the castle stairs. On their left, the lane leading to the extensive grounds behind the castle, housing deer, more cats and a whole array of wild animals. More importantly, it hid their secret spot from view.
He came to stand in front of her and took both of her hands in his. Even though he had proposed twenty times before, it was still thrilling. The sparkle in his eyes was so apparent now, knowing her answer already. He smiled eagerly. "Princess Ginevra Molly Cedrella Prewette of Harpia, Knight Sir Gwyn, will you marry me?"
She beamed at him and nodded. "Yes, it would be my pleasure."
Harry put one hand on her waist and leaned into her. He kissed her softly. She put a hand on his waist and squeezed softly, making him squirm.
He leaned away. "You're unbelievable." He smiled.
Ginny glanced sideways. Any guard she could see was looking at them. One seemed to be smiling behind his hand, but she couldn't see who it was. She looked back at him and locked eyes. "King Henry James Fleamont Evan of Ignotia, will you marry me?" she asked.
He looked a bit surprised but then he smiled so widely the sides of his eyes wrinkled. "Yes. It would be my honour."
She giggled. "Oh, it is thrilling to ask," she replied.
He kissed her cheek. "I know. I got addicted to it."
"I guess you can ask me other fun questions in the future," Ginny suggested.
They continued their walk, figuring they had given the watching staff —both hidden and visible— enough of a show.
"What kind of questions do you want me to ask you?" he asked her softly.
She pondered on it for a second. "About children, horses, cats... dinner."
He smiled. "I'll consider that."
"How many children do you want?" she asked. "I understand we need at least one or two but..."
"I can see how much fun you have with your brothers, even if you haven't spent as much time with them as you should have. Then seven is also a lot," he responded.
She chuckled and shot him an amused glance. "I am sure there is a middle ground we can find."
He nodded and stopped again. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "All in due time. We'll start with one, see how we do with that." He smiled softly as their eyes met.
"Careful, twins run in my family," she said.
"Right. Wait, if the first one is twins, how do you know who to put on the throne?"
"I don't know. I guess you'll just have to catch the first one that drops out and tag them to be King or Queen." She chuckled at the thought.
"Let's... assume that won't be the case," Harry said as he looked towards the castle. "I swear half the castle is watching us right now."
"I think it's nice how they care about you... They all want you to be happy, they're rooting for you. It shows what type of King you are," she said.
He smiled softly. "A lot of them have been working here for quite some time. I am just a kid to them."
"No, that's not it." She shook her head. "With the masquerade ball, everyone could see how taken you were with Lady Luna."
"Really?" He sounded surprised.
"They so wanted Lady Luna to show up again, they genuinely wanted that for you. I think most of them know that's me."
"I suppose that's alright," Harry replied. "It feels weird to be able to talk with you publicly."
"It feels weird to talk with anyone in public," Ginny replied.
Harry's eyebrows raised. "Sometimes I forget... I hope you're adjusting okay."
She smiled brightly at him. "My brothers are here, you are here, I have never been better."
"You know our story about love at first sight... I think it may be true for me. It's just that I only saw your face after I had known you for a month," he said with a grin.
She let out a laugh and met his eyes. "I think that's very romantic."
"Do you really?"
"Looking at someone for the first time and going 'that is the one for me'? I think so. Sometimes you just feel it deep down," she told him.
"Did you?" he asked carefully as they turned to the path to the right.
"Love at first sight? I don't know, I think I was too focused on other things to even consider it. My previous employers weren't exactly dating material. Once I found out the real you, it happened quite quickly."
"Irresistible, am I?" he teased.
She paused and locked eyes with him. "Actually, to me you are indeed irresistible." She didn't look away until he blushed.
"You make my heart skip a beat when you do that," he admitted, breathing out.
She continued walking, leaving him behind. "I was just telling the truth." She turned around and halted, waiting for him.
He walked up to her. "Let's go find a quieter spot," he whispered. He glanced up. "I am pretty sure it's about to rain," he made up on the spot.
"I am pretty sure you were showing me around the castle after your proposal," she replied.
He smiled widely and they took off, back inside. They ignored the staff, casually lingering around, pretending to be busy where they passed while glancing up. Harry pulled her into one of the hidden corridors.
She leaned against the wall. "Come here, my handsome King. I want to kiss the living daylights out of you."
Harry wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close, his lips connecting eagerly with hers.
She put her hand into his hair, softly pulling on the strands. "I love you."
"You have to stop that," he said, their noses pressed against each other.
She kissed him softly. "Why?"
"I am about to move the wedding up three weeks because I just want to be with you," he replied.
She moved away ever so slightly to meet his eyes. She smiled softly and shook her head.
"What?"
"Remember how I said I didn't want romance, but freedom?" Her hand brushed against his cheek. "I want the romance too. This kind of romance, with you."
"That's it, we're getting married tomorrow," he said, kissing her again.
"We can't," she objected light-heartedly. "But I'd marry you any day."
"I love you." He kissed her again.
She sunk into him, her hands disappearing under his cloak to hold him. "We can't stay here too long."
He nodded but didn't move away from her. He was about to lean in again when the tapestry on the other side folded open. They jumped apart.
"Oh."
Ginny looked up to see her twin brothers entering the hidden corridor. "Oh, it's just you two."
George crossed his arms. "We taught you how to detect hidden corridors and you use it for kissing? I am very disappointed."
Fred nodded. "Terribly disappointed."
She moved further away from Harry. "You only found this one because I told Ron about it."
Harry looked at her. "Smart," he muttered.
She turned to him, cheeks red. "How was I supposed to guess we'd end up here?"
"Yeah, weren't you supposed to be proposed to?" Fred said, eyeing Harry carefully.
Ginny sighed. "Yes, I was. He's showing me around the castle."
"Is that what we're calling it now?" George let out.
Harry cleared his throat. "We should all get out of this corridor."
"And, found any other hidden parts of the castle I had somehow missed?" Ginny asked as they exited the corridor together.
They both shot glances at Harry but when he didn't seem upset, George continued. "No, we didn't. But you know exploring is half the fun."
Ginny nodded with a smile.
"We'll be off. Congrats on getting proposed to once again. Maybe the King can show you around the castle some more," Fred teased before they took off.
"I am going to have to hear that one for a while." Ginny grimaced. She met eyes with Harry.
He smiled. "I am afraid so."
"They taught me how to explore the castle. Harpia has a lot of hidden corridors. They already knew of course, but they would let me explore and cheer when I found one," she recalled fondly.
"They're turning the castle upside down currently, right?" Harry asked.
"Oh yeah, totally."
Harry nodded. "As long as they're having fun..."
"I assure you they are." She turned to him. "We will continue that," she said with a nod to the corridor. "Tonight."
Harry nodded. "Good."
They walked down the corridor and passed Peter's office. The door was open, and Ginny caught Harry's eye. He sighed but led her inside.
"Peter. I would like to introduce you to my fiancée, Princess Ginny," he said, pointing at her.
Peter shot up off his chair and walked to her. She was able to meet his eyes for the first time. They flitted nervously.
He bowed deeply. "It is such a pleasure to meet you."
She smiled. "Nice to meet you too, Peter."
He smiled eagerly at her, standing straighter than she had seen him do in Gwyn's presence.
"Have you been working here for a long time?" she asked carefully.
"Yes, I have. Even before our dear King Henry was born. I was always close with King James, you see. I consider it an honour to continue to serve the family," he spoke with much flair and feigned pride.
It made Ginny's stomach churn.
"Of course. Of course. Forgive me for prying," she said. "I am just learning so much. It must have been terrible for you, personally, when the King and Queen were killed." She could sense Harry still beside her.
Peter put a hand on his heart and nodded, taking a moment to collect himself. "It was terrible... and to see young Henry orphaned... it was one of the worst weeks of my life."
She nodded in understanding. "I can imagine. Were you very involved in the attack?"
"Can't say I was..." He shook his head. "When I arrived, it was already too late. I ran to them and one of the assassins swung at me. That's how I lost my finger."
Ginny wanted to jump on his words like a cat leaping at its prey. She tried to word her reply carefully because she was so certain he was lying. "They swung at you? That must have been so scary."
"Indeed. I tried to run to the King and Queen's aid, but the assassins tried to stop me. They sliced clean through my finger."
She shook her head. "I can't even imagine. King Henry is so lucky to have you as his advisor."
He shrugged and smiled meekly. "I do my best."
Ginny looked at Harry, trying to indicate she heard what she wanted to hear. He nodded subtly.
"We must be off, Peter. We will talk to you soon, but I am so glad you got to meet each other."
Peter bid them goodbye.
As soon as they were out of sight of Peter, Ginny dragged him back to the corridor. Harry's eyebrows shot up.
"Not to kiss, you fool," she clarified.
"Fool. Charming," he commented. He looked at her more seriously. "What were you getting at?"
"I am sorry I brought up your parents, I just wanted to know..."
He nodded. "I understand, you are just trying to protect me."
Ginny took his face between her hands. "I am always trying to protect you, as your Knight or as your wife, I will always have your back."
He smiled warmly. "Okay. Why did you ask?"
"I have seen many people lose a finger or two when fighting. A sword doesn't magically stop after one finger, especially not if it's done with enough force to slice the finger clean off," she argued.
Harry seemed to pale a little. "Are you saying that's not what happened?"
She shook her head carefully. She lifted her arm to show. "If you bar an attack like this, it would have hit the other side of his hand." She dropped her arm again. "Even then, cutting the finger off like that, there is no way the other finger would be uninjured, it is just not possible."
Harry ran a hand through his hair and shook his head in disbelief.
"I always assumed he was tortured, perhaps? It's very easy to cut off a finger like that," she said.
He looked at her. "If he was tortured, why would he lie?"
"He wouldn't." She sighed. "It doesn't mean he is sending assassins to you, but something is fishy, Harry. You have to admit that," she spoke softly, scared they'd be overheard.
He nodded, a deep frown forming between his brows. "Now what?"
"It's still not confirmed, let's tread carefully and we'll see," she told him.
He looked pained as he breathed out. "If it's true, if it has been him all this time..."
She took his hand and squeezed it reassuringly. "I know."
Ginny put on her sleepshirt and walked into Harry's room without bothering to knock. He smiled as he spotted her.
"Sleeping in your room here tonight?" he asked.
She nodded. She knew she needed to spend most time as a Princess right now but she missed all the stolen moments they got when she was sleeping here. Harry walked up to her and she put her arms around his neck. Harry kissed her softly, his hands sliding across her waist, resting on her hips to pull her closer.
"How is it that we are not married yet and you already seem to have the whole castle wrapped around your finger?" he asked in amusement as he leaned away a moment to breathe.
She shrugged. "I have no clue. I haven't spoken to most people," she said with a smile.
"You're too powerful but you got me wrapped around your finger too so..."
"That's your own fault," she said with a chuckle. "You should have kept your distance," she whispered.
"Never." He emphasised his words by pulling her close again.
"Let's have a nightly drank while we can," she said, pulling him to the couch.
"While we still can? Are you planning to cancel those when we are married?" he asked with concern as he poured them their drinks.
"No." She took the goblet from him. "It won't be the same, won't it?"
"That's true, I guess." He sat down beside her. "Then I don't have to say goodbye to you at night."
Ginny took a sip from her wine and then put her goblet down on the table. She took Harry's too and put it down beside hers. Harry looked at her curiously.
She put her leg over him and sat down in his lap. He smiled as his hands came up to hold her.
"I know how much you liked this the other day," she commented.
He reached up, his eyes fond and softly moved her hair out of her face. Then his hand came to her chin and guided her to his lips. She kissed him eagerly, remembering where they left off in the corridor. His hands found her waist again. Her fingers touched the fabric and she found herself wondering how it would feel if he wasn't wearing his shirt. The way she would be able to press her palm against his hot skin, how she could slide her hand across his skin until it gave him goosebumps. She kissed him deeper, the only touch they allowed each other unlimited. She sat up on her knees, eliminating any space between them and Harry responded by wrapping his arms tighter around her as one of his hands disappeared into her hair. She hummed against his lips happily, her arms wrapping around his shoulders, chests pushed against each other.
Harry's fingers pressed against the skin of her thigh. It's delicious, it set her skin on fire. She breathed out sharply against his lips, resisting begging for more. But then his hand was already sliding up further. She swallowed hard. Unwillingly she leaned away from him slowly. She opened her eyes again.
"Harry."
His hand halted, his eyes opening reluctantly to meet hers.
"If you put your hand any higher, I won't have the willpower to stop you and you will regret it later," she told him, hating she had to be the one to put a stop to it.
Harry nodded silently, his jaw clenching. His hand lifted and carefully rested on her waist instead. She sighed and sat back down. At least until Harry let out a pained moan.
She looked down and adjusted her position, leaving just a little more space between them. "Sorry."
He shook his head. "It's fine." He chuckled and met her eyes. "At least you're being the responsible one."
"I try," she replied with an amused smile. She reached back to their goblets and handed one to him. She took a few sips of wine. "So, you're telling the council tomorrow?"
Harry nodded. "I am supposed to announce to them I am getting married before the official announcement."
"Can I be there? As Gwyn I mean," she said.
Harry studied her face for a minute as he thought about it. "Sure, I guess."
She tightened the last strap of her armour. She peaked her head into Harry's room to find he was still in bed, though he was awake. He smiled sleepily at her. She walked around the bed to his side and sat on the edge.
"You're really toeing the line to what's acceptable," he pointed out with a smile.
"Considering I am in full armour, I think we are quite okay," she replied. She ran her fingers through his hair. "Morning."
He sighed happily and looked at her. "Morning." He pushed up on his elbows.
Ginny leaned down and kissed him softly. "Well, I am off."
"Do you have a schedule I am unaware of?" he asked her.
"Some kind of Queenly schedule perhaps," she replied. She gave in and clarified. "I want to know what the staff is thinking and Lucretia will talk if I just sit and have breakfast. Since I have been eating with you, I am out of the gossip loop, right now when there's so much gossip."
Harry shook his head. "Okay. Just try to get changed between the council and dinner."
"Of course," she said. "I know they'll want to talk to me." She stood up. "See you around."
He laid back down and watched as she walked to the door. "Bye, Gwinny."
"Oh, Gwyn! Good to see you! Seems like the King is having you run all kinds of errands, I haven't seen you much," Lucretia said.
Ginny waved at her and nodded. She put her cape on as Lucretia put a pan on and cracked some eggs. It would be her breakfast.
"Did he tell you, is it for that... Princess?" Lucretia said, glancing back at her.
Ginny nodded, smiling under her cloak.
"Have you met her?" Lucretia asked.
Ginny wondered what to reply, because evidently they had never been spotted in the same room. She nodded.
"Do you like her? Is she nice?"
She nodded again, this was going well.
Lucretia took the pan and arranged the food. She put the plate with eggs, sausage, and bread in front of Ginny. "If you ask me," Lucretia whispered loudly. "She must be Lady Luna."
Ginny carefully took up her fork.
"He was so enamoured by her, I bet they stayed in contact and now that her real identity has been revealed... they can get married. And they will, won't they? Everyone saw them yesterday in the garden... and what a lovely couple they make," Lucretia rambled on.
Ginny stared down at her plate, suddenly overwhelmed. The warm welcome she experienced, the affinity they had for the King had now been extended to her. They were rooting for her too and it moved her unexpectedly.
"If there is any woman right for the King, I think it may be her. And she is from Harpia so she lost her parents too. Maybe they understand what it's like ... I wondered where she's been all this time."
With much effort Ginny remained on her chair, resisting the urge to take off her cloak and wrap Lucretia in a very warm hug. She bit into her egg, taking a few deep breaths.
"Walto, Gwyn's here!" Lucretia said as he walked in with a big bag of flour that he put up on the shelf.
"Hi, Gwyn! Lucretia worries about you." He shook his head warily. "As if you can't take care of yourself, if anyone can."
She touched a hand to her heart when Lucretia looked around. In turn, Lucretia shot a smug look at Walto.
"I was just telling Gwyn what we think about the Princess and how we think they'll get married," Lucretia said.
"Lucretia. Why don't you just ask Gwyn," he said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "He works more closely with the King than any of us." Walto wiped his hands and turned to her fully. "Has the King told you? Are they getting married?"
With her hidden smile, she nodded to confirm their suspicions.
Lucretia gasped excitedly. "I knew it. Oh! And there will be a wedding. We are going to prepare such a feast, it's going to be amazing!"
Walto chuckled in amusement. "Lucretia has been designing that wedding cake since King Henry turned 18. It's going to be the greatest thing ever seen."
Lucretia waved him away. "Hush. You don't know if they would want it. I just think weddings are nice."
When she was done with her breakfast, she hurried back upstairs. She walked straight to her Knight room and closed her door, barely containing her tears as she pulled her helmet off.
"Gwyn?" Harry's voice came.
He stepped towards the door and met eyes with her. He looked worried as he caught her expression.
"Did something happen?"
She rapidly shook her head as she walked to him, knowing her voice would break if she talked.
Harry wrapped his arms around her and carefully patted her back. She buried her face into his chest. She took a few big heaving breaths.
"Gin...?"
"They're all so nice!" she said against his vest. Her hands balled into fists.
"I know?" he replied warily.
She lifted her head to look at him, a few tears escaping. "They are so friendly and they genuinely like you even though they work for you and... and they like me, Princess me already and they're so fucking happy for you." Her head fell against him again. "They're so excited about the prospect of a wedding."
"Isn't that what you wanted to hear?" he tried carefully.
"You don't understand. It's not just that they approve, they are rooting for us. They are so lovely... Also if Lucretia shows you a design for the wedding cake you have to like it, she has been working on it for years." She sniffed as she lifted her head again, wiping her tears.
"Oh." He smiled softly. "They're that excited, aren't they?"
She nodded. "I am not used to that kind of unconditional kindness." She shook her head, her breath steadying again. "I wasn't ready for that."
"You'll get used to it," he said softly as he pulled her close again.
"I am sorry, I know I'm keeping you," she spoke, releasing him.
"What's a few minutes? I wanted to make sure you were fine first," he said.
"I am," she assured him. She put on a smile.
Harry kissed her softly. "Okay." He let her go. "I will see you during council then?"
She nodded. "Yes, I'll be there."
She stepped into the room early. Harry smiled at her as she came in.
"I get around the castle so much faster as Knight," Ginny commented.
Harry frowned. "How so?"
"No one pays me any mind, so I get places quicker," she clarified.
"I wonder what that's like?" Harry thought out loud.
She chuckled. "You should try it sometime."
The door opened and she closed her visor and took her usual spot at the side of the room.
"How are you?" Kingsley asked Harry when he greeted him.
"Good, good," Harry spoke. "How about you?"
"Doing splendidly." Kingsley looked a bit more seriously. "So, do we have an announcement today?"
"Good news travels fast, does it?" Harry asked without giving a real answer.
Kingsley smiled widely. "Was it supposed to be a secret?"
"No. I will make an announcement during the council," he confirmed.
As Kingsley sat down, Harry shot a quick smile at Ginny.
When everyone had arrived, Harry stood up.
"As you are all aware, there will be a ball on Sunday. I have organised this ball to announce that I am engaged to Princess Ginevra of Harpia."
"Congratulations, King Henry," Kingsley said.
A few more people muttered their congratulations.
Antonin carefully raised his hand. "To my knowledge, the Princess was betrothed to Prince Draco," he spoke, looking up as if he had revealed a great secret.
The whole table turned to him in shock.
"That arrangement was put in place to keep the peace in Harpia by her parents, who are no longer alive. They didn't keep up their side of the deal, so I don't see why the Princess should," Harry said firmly.
"That may very well be," Antonin said, folding his hands on the table. "But they may still wish to keep to it all the same."
"If he doesn't show up before our wedding starts, we are in the clear. If he shows up earlier, we will deal with him then. Perhaps he doesn't want to marry her," Harry argued.
"Walking into this castle is signing a death wish," Kingsley said. "Why would he try that?"
Alecto sat up straighter. "Maybe they expect the King to do the honourable thing and duel him, man to man?"
Harry nodded. "It has to be considered. Either way, we are not allowing Draco to come in between."
"I don't expect it to be a major issue, if the Princess doesn't want to marry him..." Kingsley said.
"Any other thoughts on this?" Harry asked.
They shook their heads.
"Another important point..."
The council looked up curiously.
"As an old ally of Harpia, I find it my duty to help them reclaim their throne," he said.
One of the older grey-haired council members that barely spoke up, now opened his mouth. "You mean go to war?"
"I am willing to ask them nicely first but yes, I believe it will result in a battle. We have allies, I think we stand a good chance," he told them.
"What if you die?" another one asked. "You're the last of your house."
"If I die, it won't be up to me to decide, it will be up to you who to put on the throne. I don't have any closely related Royal family as far as I'm aware. If my wife survives, perhaps you can put her on the throne? I don't know, frankly. But people are trying to kill me all the time, I may just as well die on my way to bed tonight. I think my chances of dying won't be that much higher."
"Can't you wait until you have an heir?" Antonin suggested.
"You know, Antonin, I am not really in favour of putting children on the throne," he said firmly, his jaw clenching.
Kingsley cleared his throat. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
As the room cleared, Ginny walked to the door and closed it. She turned to him as she opened her visor.
"That was interesting for sure," she commented.
"I expected there to be mixed reactions," Harry told her.
"How does Antonin know about Draco? That wasn't exactly public knowledge," Ginny wondered as she walked to him.
He shook his head. "I don't know that either, and he seemed to think I didn't know yet."
"If our side didn't tell him, their side did."
Harry frowned. "I suppose so, but why?"
"They thought I was dead until a few days ago. If they've already heard... We can expect Draco to become a problem, then," she said, putting her arms around his waist.
He nodded. "Yes, I am afraid so."
"We'll deal with him when he shows up," she said, touching her hand to the hilt of her sword. She locked eyes with Harry. "Did you mean that, about putting me on the throne?"
He shrugged. "You'd do well as a ruling Queen and it's not like we have other options anyway. It would be up to the council but ... may as well suggest something that's not going to ruin this country."
"You have an incredible amount of faith in me," she told him.
"Of course I do, I love you," he said. "Wouldn't you want to?"
She thought about it for a moment. "I never considered it, but I'd do it. You make it look easy."
Harry snorted. "No clue how you got that idea."
"I guess you have already far too many years of practice considering your age," she spoke with a soft smile.
"That's true," he replied. "Don't think I was handling it this well ten years ago."