The Crown (Prince Harry fanfic #5)

Chapter Forty-Six

August 2025

The morning dew graced the grass of August, no mist in the air but fog clouded London. The sun began to rise from the east, just making the sky pink and orange. Harry and Lucy slept still, soaking as much of it in as one could. The past couple days had been long and endless. There wasn't much movement. The only reason why Harry came back to Kensington Palace was because it took ten minutes at the most to get to Buckingham Palace. There were sufficient amount of rooms in Buckingham Palace, but the young boys weren't used to being away for long periods of time. If there was any news, it would've soon gotten to them. Harry had a hard time settling down, even with Lucy being calm, but when his head hit the pillows, his eyes shut.

There was slight movement, but Harry jerked up. With a knock on the door, Harry threw off the covers and started changing. "Your highness," Siobhan called through the door. The news was already known.

"Go, Harry." Lucy kissed him on the cheek. "We'll meet you there."

Harry grabbed his coat and rushed out of the bedroom. The car waited outside, already started, as he slid into the backseat. The car was given a police escort as people and cars moved out of the way. The normal six minute drive only took four minutes. Harry rushed to get inside, knowing exactly where to go. As if the floor moved beneath him, he reached the room quickly. Camilla and William and Catherine, Charles' brothers and sister with their families on their ways too, waited beside Charles' bed.

"How is he?" Harry swallowed.

William spoke, "Doctor says this will be his last day."

Moving closer to his father, he bent down. "Lucy is bringing the kids by, as soon as they all wake up. They'll be here soon."

William's children had slept at Harry and Lucy's apartment last night. Harry almost stayed last night, but he wanted to be with Lucy. This was hard for her too, but you never would've known by how Lucy acted. Since she was used to death, she was as calm as ever. Lucy and Charles were close, and she somehow accepted it. Mostly because she already had a discussion with him; she understood. Harry wished to sometimes be like her, but he knew she had that superpower because of her past, even with the most recent death in this year.

Harry wrapped his hand around his father's. He held tightly onto it. He promised to never let go, when he knew it was lie. Charles had been the rock, throughout Harry's life, a calming voice in this never ending mess with scandals and paparazzi. There was always something wrong, but Charles was there to make it better.

It took almost an hour before Lucy came with her own children and then William's. Everyone was dressed and they had ate. The children were quiet. Everyone sat in Charles' room, as he laid there unconscious. Freddie claimed his mother's lap, with his head against her shoulder. More room could've been made for Henry, but he chose another path. Henry climbed up onto his father's lap, as if to somehow decrease his sadness.

By the time that night hit, Charles was gone. Slowly news oozed out across the world, how King Charles III of England at the age of 77. His family surrounded him and they mourned his loss. It wasn't a complete shock as the King had been in declining death for the past few months after a heart attack.

Harry returned back to Kensington Palace with his wife and boys. The boys, even after basically not moving all day, still fell asleep as soon as Lucy kissed them good night. Harry watched from the door way. Once it was just them, the apartment was too quiet. They went into their bedroom together.

Lucy stripped from her nice clothes and placed on her soft pajamas. Harry still wore his nicer clothes. He sat on the bed. Lucy walked over and sat at his feet. Her eyes peered up at him. Slowly, her gentle and soft hands held his. She waited patiently. Harry wasn't sure what she expected, but there wasn't any judgement in her face. It took a moment of peace before Harry realized what was happening. He came to the floor with her as tears rolled down his face. His face fell onto her chest. Sobs filled the room. He broke down, holding dearly onto his wife.

Harry climbed into bed, still shaking slightly, but no one could blame him. His father had just died. Lucy didn't immediately joined him. She first went to Freddie's room and grabbed him. She brought him to the big bed. Freddie curled up next to his father. Lucy went and got Henry, before she got into bed. Henry laid on her chest as Harry watched his young sons and wife. He had them forever. It was hard, but Harry fell asleep.

A few days passed, and the tightness in his chest only decreased slightly. Lucy was beside him at every point, ready to help. Harry wanted her help, but it wasn't like Lucy would've left him alone. She knew how to deal with loss, and even though she preferred to be alone, it wasn't healthy. She wouldn't let Harry be alone. Over the past ten years, it felt like Harry had lost a lot of family members. Even if it was a small amount, it felt like too many for him.

Dressing in an uniform, Harry watched himself in the mirror. He looked dashing. Lucy waited behind him, in a black dress with a black hat. This was the only time she wore a ridiculous hat, as she called the ghastly things. It was the only time she didn't fight it, but it would've been the last time. There was a little lace to cover some of her gaze. Harry would've walked behind Charles' coffin, with his brother, his nephew and uncles. Lucy would've stayed with the boys, since Freddie couldn't handle that much. Lucy smoothed down his uniform; her eyes never left his. She gave a shy smile, which Harry returned. It hurt to smile, but it was best to remember people happily.

The route of the carriage and coffin took was long but necessary. Mourners lined the roads of London. Other people watched to catch a glimpse of the almost King, William, as he passed along with his brother, uncles and future King, his son George. By the time they reached Westminster Abbey, people swallowed up each other to get a good view.

Inside the church, it was hot, too steamy with the mugginess outside. All was quiet as eulogies were given for the King. Harry gave his own about his father, along with an anecdote about the first time he learned to ride a bike. Laughs came from the audience.

Afterward, the coffin was taken away for burial, which the family saw. It was, however, the last time, Harry saw his father.