A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes
Hello my loves and welcome to princerry! Prince H is here and he is a beaut, isn’t he? I’m not positive there will be more parts to him but we enjoy him thoroughly.
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Prince Harry was bored.
As cruel as it may sound to some, he was a man of particular taste, and none of these women who had come to the ball had suited it.
It was the same old thing over and over again. Talk of how good their embroidery was, how they’d make a good wife without explaining how, their skills in baking, their favorite trips… but nothing of substance. It was all rehearsed. Dull. Mothers of the women putting overly confident words into their heads and having them appear a bit too cocky. Harry was exhausted of the same old thing over and over again.
What he was looking for was a connection. A spark. As much as he knew his match had to be one to benefit the throne, he was hopeful to find a love match. A love like his mother and fathers who are still smitten to this very day. A lucky arranged marriage. He wanted to be unable to keep his hands off of his wife. To have a best friend in her as well as a lover. Stimulating conversation. None of that was happening here.
“Is that all, Father?” Harry said under his breath. The king sat proudly at his side while picking at the grapes provided for them. A ball was a dime a dozen but the gatherings these days were of more importance. Looking for a future queen was serious business.
“I am not sure. I’ve seen you met quite a few, danced with many. Were none of them appealing at all, truly?” He sighed. Of course, Harry’s slightly fickle nature was notable among his family. It shouldn’t be a surprise.
“I’ll be surprised if I can feel my toes tomorrow. No one properly taught half of these women to dance, which would be an easy fix if they could string enough words together to form sentences. I was falling asleep while on the floor.” He scoffed quietly, just loud enough for his father to hear. “Why is it that so many women of nobility are raised with not a thought but child rearing and sewing needles? Women are capable of much more.” It vexed him.
“Because, Harry. Not all men are like you. Unfortunately, a good deal of them prefer to have a pretty face, a quiet mouth and a good show for others.” The king sighed, taking a sip of wine. The list was crumpled in his hand slightly of the eligible ladies, all but one crossed off.
“Oh! There is one you have not met.” He said, showing Harry the list. “Lady Y/N. I do not believe I see her… but her family is lovely. I’m sure she is too.”
Harry let out a breathy laugh. “I surely doubt it. If you’ll excuse me, I need a walk to calm my nerves.”
-
The garden air was warm tonight. The gravel crunched under his feet as walked through, observing the flowers and trying to calm his displeasure. The gardens always eased his burdens. How could they not? They were the most beautiful in the world, and one of the largest.
It felt hopeless. How could he find a wife that fit his requirements when none of the women born to take that place could possibly be a good queen? He wasn’t only looking for a best friend and lover, but a good queen. Caring and kind. Soft in nature but unable to be pushed around. Tender but firm. Well read, articulate but aware of societies unfortunate rules. It shouldn’t be so difficult to find.
He sighed, leaning his head back to look at the stars as he walked. The beautiful stars, silver glittering the sky. They always reminded him that magic existed. It had to for those to be as enchanting as they were.
His stroll was sidetracked, though, but a gentle humming. Feminine. Soft, slightly muffled by the fountain but he could hear it. Who would be out here when a ball was happening inside?
He rerouted, listening closely and walking slow towards the seemingly siren sound. It was an unfamiliar song to him, but the tone of the woman’s voice has him wanting to know what the words were. Step by step, he got closer. Listening to the best thing he’s heard all night until he found her.
A full ball gown, sat at the edge of the fountain. A book in one hand, another tracing the surface of the water inside the fountain. Shoes kicked off on the ground and legs disappeared under the long gown. Hair down, skin glowing in moonlight. It was most improper, but Harry couldn’t find it in himself to be put off.
“What are you singing?” He asked, making her jump. The girl looked up at him, seeing the prince illuminated by the torches lit in the gardens and recognized him immediately. Harry could see the recognition on her face, but she did not stand. She did not bow.
How peculiar.
What was even more peculiar was how much he liked it. So used to bows and ‘your highness’ crooned all evening, a slight tilt of the head and curious eyes was a welcome reaction.
“It’s a song of my ladies maids used to sing me.” Her voice was quiet, but her words sure. Not a shake in them. Her book was placed on her lap and hand taken from the fountain. “It calms me when I’m feeling overwhelmed. She is not here to sing it to me, but I thought I’d try it for myself. It works.”
“Ah. I understand. Music can soothe the soul, just like the gardens can.” He approached slowly, taking in the mysterious beauty who sat pretty on the marble fountain. She had to be nobility, from that dress. From her speaking. But who? He had not seen her tonight.
He definitely would have noticed.
“Is that why you are out here?” The question came out a bit too curious. “It’s a bit too cold. You may catch a chill.” Harry approached, taking his jacket off and handing it out to her.
“It was quite warm when I left the ballroom. I did not think to grab my shawl but… I thank you. I will return this before we head inside.” She sighed, the soft material covering her shoulders. The color complimented her gown very well. “I should ask you the same. Why are you out here when there is an entire ball inside in your honor?”
The casual manner of speaking to the crowned prince was something some would be completely horrified with… but Harry felt the most human he had in months. Everyone so afraid of questioning him. Stepping on eggshells, wanting only his approval. It was so trivial and boring. He wanted true conversations. It was the most normal conversation he had had in forever.
“I suppose there is. May I sit?” He asked, not wanting to disturb her… but very much wanting to know who this mysterious woman was. At her nod, he placed himself probably a bit too close, but she did not move nor complain. “I fear I have grown weary of the search for a bride. Not that the women aren’t lovely… for someone else.” He smiled wryly. Y/N picked up on it and furrowed her brow.
“Would you elaborate?” Her fingers traced up and down on the spine of her book, needing to fiddle with something. The prince was so much more handsome up close. Regal and sharp and so very interesting… she did understand the ladies gossip much more now.
“Well…” it surprised Harry. Most would simply nod and give a look of understanding but… she would like to know. She asked. “There is no substance in the matches. Our society trains women that all men like brainless, nodding beauties. While I can appreciate someone’s beauty all day, it will fade.” Teeth tugged at his bottom lip, crossing his arms in his silk button up that had been hidden by the coat. “I have been raised seeing women as more so. My mother made sure I was aware of the capabilities of women and how they were just as smart, if not smarter than men.”
“I knew I liked her for a reason.” The girl giggled, leaning in a bit closer to him. “I have to say it surprises me deeply that that is the reason you have yet to choose your queen. In a pleasant way.” Her smile reached her eyes and Harry felt like he was hit in the stomach. Since when did a smile have the power to steal breath?
When he caught it, he cleared his throat and met her with an equally as dazzling smile. “Yes, you do. She is incredible. She taught me so many things.. and is also why I fear my standards are high. I’d like a woman who will teach my children the same thing. Respect, nobility, honor. All the while being affectionate.I think I was spoiled by my parents being a true love match, and wish the same for myself. ” He chuckled. It was a high list for someone of his status but it wasn’t necessarily out of the realm of possibility.
“That is noble.” Her eyes had softened, obviously enjoying what the prince had said. “To find a man who wants to love is a rare thing. At least, in this situation.” She gestured to the palace. “Love is something I’ve always wanted myself, but knew I should not get my hopes up for. It’s very difficult for me because I know my parents love me but will marry me off to the first suitor they deem powerful enough to give me a good life.” There was a pause, a swallow. “And a good life in their eyes is comfort, money and title. I do not fault them for it. It’s how we are all taught. But that does not mean it isn’t discouraging.” She ran her hands through the ends of her hair.
“I see.” Harry looked her over with interest. “And you are… Lady Y/N, I presume?” Her head snapped over to look at him, eyes widened. At her shock, Harry explained. “You are the only other lady of nobility I have not danced with tonight. My father sang praises of you and your family, but I figured you must have retired early.” God, he was glad she did. This was favorable to the ballroom.
“I apologize.” She whispered. “Yes, I am. But you may call me Y/N.” There was a curious tilt to her head. “It is what my friends call me, prince.” Using his title made him wince slightly, but burn in another. One he hasn’t felt before.
“Y/N… you may call me Harry, then.” He murmured, placing his hand out to hers. When placed in his own, he brought it to his face. Gloveless hands could be scandalous, but Harry enjoyed brushing his lips against her soft knuckles. Pressing his lips against the warm skin, he let it linger while they stared. It was a slow descent, her hand released and drawn back to her body.
“Harry…” she tested it out on her tongue, making the man swallow. His name sounded much richer on her tongue. He actually liked hearing it for once.
“Everyone has been walking on eggshells with me the entire night… well, since I’ve begun my search. You are the only one who has treated me as a human and not a marvel to gaze it.” Though he wouldn’t mind if she found him to be as beautiful as one. He certainly thought of her as art.
“Well… we are but humans, aren’t we?” She placed the book down next to her and shifted to face him fully. “You are of a high title. The highest, almost. It is natural for one to be nervous about getting on your good order bad side. But… I know you breathe and sleep and eat, same as I.” She shrugged, brushing hair away from her chest. It was so distracting.
Was everything about this woman going to blow him away? Her beauty, her mind, her understanding… his heart and mind were at a race at which could run the fastest.
“We are.” He retorted. “We are but humans, Y/N. I know it is a risk for you to be out here. Reading in the garden is not what your parents wanted but you did so anyway.” He smiled at the rebellious spirit. “Though… I am very happy you did. You have a backbone and that is admirable. Leaving a luxurious ball to read….” Eyes squinted at the cover. “A book on flowers?” His smile grew. “In a garden. A wild spirit. I like it a lot. It is rare to find people who are able to be so authentic to themselves. You did not care to meet me in there.”
Harry never imagined he would be happy that someone did not want to meet him before. There was a first time for everything, he supposed.
“You are not interested in the riches and gossip. Am I correct?” There was an eagerness to him. Wanting to know every morsel of information he could have on her. Hanging on to her words.
“You are.” A sheepish smile rose on her lips. “I am trained on how to be a lady. The silverware, the embroidery, the languages, the instruments. How to keep a home, how to be a hostess... But I never craved being at the top of the pyramid.” That was even more appealing to him. There was no hidden thirst for power. Nothing of the sort.
“I wish to be more than a housewife though. I am learning to care for a garden so I can make my own floral arrangements. Mother said it was a servants job but I see it as art. We buy the arrangements from the shops, have them delivered. Pay top dollar. Why would it be a shame to know how?” She questioned; rambling a bit.
And Harry was a moony eyed fool who would listen to her talk about the threads on her dress.
“Would you tell me more of yourself?” He continued to surprise her.
“I do apologize for not being proper and meeting you inside but… this is who I am.” She pointed to the book and the shoes. “I am capable of being a lady but I wish to be me. I like being bare foot in the grass. I like books and writing poetry. Trying to make food from other kingdoms, despite how much I am discouraged from being in the kitchen too long.” A sigh left her mouth. “I enjoy the sunshine and swimming. I’d like to travel and meet people who live there rather than just nobility. I enjoy songs and music and I sing quite often as I walk. It is a habit I do even without notice.” Her fingers fiddled with the ribbons on her dress.
“Again, it was not you who I did not wish to meet. It was what this stood for. I imagined us all fighting for your attention and knowing I am not like the women in that sense, I felt I had not a chance.” She admitted. Her face was shy now, embarrassed to have admitted that to him.
“That is quite alright.” He reassured. “I did not enjoy it either. Balls can be lovely when they aren’t focused on showing me off as prized meat for the women to fight over, only to repeat the same phrases to me as we dance.” That got a real laugh out of her; head thrown back and teeth showing. Carefree.
“Yes, yes! Saying how much they’d love to be your wife, how they can teach your children french or how their needlework has won rewards.” She was in a fit of giggles. “I’m very happy you see past all of that. Half of those girls don’t know what they are truly saying. Repeating what they were taught.” Her head shook.
“When it was announced you’d be looking for a wife, a queen… chaos ensued. The dress shops on back order of silks, etiquette classes full. I saw a grown woman have a full strophe at the jewelers when the blue sapphires were sold out. Someone said they were your favorites.” Her humor of it had Harry laughing as well. Harder than he had in a while.
“Mm… no. They are not.” He chuckled. His eyes fell to her neck, taking in the single red jeweled pendant. “I’m partial to rubies.”
Her laugher faded, looking down to the very thing strung around her throat. Harry was thinking about how many jewels he could hang from her. “Though…” his eyes met hers. Electric. “I do think that there isn’t a jewel that would do you justice. You are very beautiful, Y/N.”
His compliment flustered her, flattered her. Trying to hide her smile but being unable to, a squeak of a giggle left her throat, looking down to try and collect herself. Harry was having none of that, though.
He scooted closer, ever so gently curling his index finger under her chin. It was lifted, Harry’s eyes meeting hers yet again. “Please, don’t look away.” He murmured. “You’ve such beautiful eyes. One of the only people who dares to look me in my own. I enjoy you.” He let his finger give the side of her face a stroke before letting it fall.
His heart was in his throat. He felt it. The tingle crawling up his body, the damn spark he had been waiting for.
“Would you allow me to court you if I proposed it to your parents?” The words fell on top of them. “If you wish to, of course. I ask you first to give you choice.” That was something he knew she usually had very little of.
The girl froze for a moment, looking at his face for any sign of jest. Terrifyingly, she found none. A heat to his eyes, a hopeful but slightly nervous twitch of his lips. The prince was seriously asking her to court. To attempt it.
“I….” She swallowed, breathing heavier than she had anticipated. “I would enjoy that very much, yes. If my improper nature out here has not scared you away, of course.” All the things she had been scolded for had grabbed her a chance with the crowned prince? Her mother would be reeling.
Relief flooded him as she said yes. It wasn’t a one sided attraction, thank gods. She was just as flustered as he was, just as confused at the feelings but just as willing to go for it. The night had not been a total bust after all.
“I do believe that they’ve charmed me more than I can confess.” He stood, grabbing her shoes and kneeling on the floor. It was incredibly inappropriate. If anyone else had seen this, the prince knelt at a woman’s feet? There would be gossip for ages.
All it did for Y/N was raise her affections for him. Allowing him to slip the shoes on for her, letting his bare hands touch bare legs. So, so wrong. But neither of them could help, nor care.
He rose to full height and helped her up as a gentleman should, but he knew that this was just the beginning. Again, he rose the hand he held to his lips. Both hands cupping the hand, pressing a longer kiss to the knuckles. Followed by two more. The heat rising in the air between them steadily. There would be no worry of passion between them.
“Allow me to escort you on my arm. I’d like to speak to your parents and my own… set up arrangements to see you again. As soon as possible.”
