writing-is-escapisim - Tumblr blog

[writing-is-escapisim]

[writing-is-escapisim]

[writing-is-escapisim]

At some point then I might just go "fine, I'll do it myself"

[writing-is-escapisim]

Friendly reminder that fan-made content (fanart, fanfic, fanvids, etc) are:

extremely time consuming. Remember someone actually took time out of their life to create that, time they could’ve used to, idk, sleep, for example

entertainment you’re consuming for free. I can’t stress this enough: you’re enjoying someone else’s craft for free. You paid exactly zero money to look at/read/watch it.

S H A R E D  with you, not made for you. This is the most important point: someone created that, put it online and you found it. No one forced you to consume that fanwork, you C H O S E  to do it. 

Whenever you feel like leaving a mean comment, anonymous hate or make a ~clever post about how ‘lol look at all of these overused tropes every fic writer crams into their fics’ remember you’re being a dick to someone who shared their work with you. You’re not being funny, you’re not being edgy, you’re not being brave for calling something out - you’re being a dick.

[writing-is-escapisim]

Writing Fanfiction Is:

Losing motivation when you have time

Getting motivation at ungodly hours of the day or when busy

Going back to your story trying to remember what the fuck you said

“Am I writing this character good or nah?”

“does the plot make sense?”

feeling guilty sometimes for absolutely no reason

waiting for comments on your fic from specific readers

writing something and thinking “oh yeah, thats definitely going to hurt them”

procrastinating on writing by writing other fics

having too many ideas and not enough time

never finishing your wips

debating whether to add the fucking dumbass joke in that scene or not

wondering if you should or shouldn’t add that angsty scene purely to fuck with the readers bc its not like its gonna kill them or anything

Hoping no one finds it while simultaneously hoping ppl read it

playing music for inspiration and zoning out

planning fics and never writing them

thinking its shit but ppl like it and suddenly ur imposter syndrome acts up LIKE A FUCKING BITCH

loving ur readers so so much

[writing-is-escapisim]

Focus on one project at a time? Finish a project before starting another? Blasphemy.

[writing-is-escapisim]

Thanks for giving me a chance ❤

[writing-is-escapisim]

posting your fic on AO3 like

[writing-is-escapisim]

[writing-is-escapisim]

REBLOG IF YOU ARE A WRITER ON TUMBLR

IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT KIND OF WRITER YOU ARE YOU CAN BE WRITING: POEMS, FANFICS, IDK NORMAL FICS, NOVELS, SHORT STORIES, IDK ANYTHING!! JUST REBLOG!!!

[writing-is-escapisim]

**Update**

Just to let you all know where I'm up to.

The Princess Lottery is still very much a work in progress (wip). Chapter 7 is half way done and I've got the titles for more chapter's. So it's far from over. I've recently started a new job, so I've not got as much free time as I had, nor the energy and time to write everyday.

I'm also planning on some more Henry Cavill fanfiction. Including one shots and two AUs

As far as Our Future, Our Family goes that's on hold at the moment but maybe I'll return to it one day..

Anyway, take of yourselves, stay safe and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the feedback and warm reception you've given my works..

[writing-is-escapisim]

Masterlist

Poe Dameron

Series 

Our Future, Our Family (Pregnancy/Baby’s Daddy) *On Hold* 

Henry Cavill 

Series  The Princess Lottery (Modern Royalty AU) **WIP** April Camp NaNoWriMo 2020

To live and love forever (Vampire AU) 

[writing-is-escapisim]

The Princess Lottery (6)

A/N - So this chapter is fluffier than the last, as the content of this makes it pretty clear haha. Also, I have no idea what sort of motorbike Henry has so I gave him a Ducatti 

Words: 748

Warnings: Sheer fluff, otherwise none haha. 

Taglist: @carietrekkie​ @cavilliciousness​ @michelle-1185​ @onlyhenrys​ @chocolategate​

Masterlist 

(1)

(2)

(3) 

(4)

(5)

(6) - You are here 

Following the royal masquerade fundraiser ball, Henry and I go public with our relationship.

It is kind of scary in a way knowing that the press now knows a) who I am and b) I am dating the fourth in line to the throne (though it is unlikely Henry will become King having three older brothers before him).

But I have Henry at my side, he loves me, I love him and that’s what counts.

Henry’s royal status, however, also doesn’t stop us going on dates like any other normal couple and spending time together all whilst our love for one another grows.

Then one day, Henry surprises me with the offer of a motorbike ride (He doesn’t ride his bike quite as often as he’d like, nor is it as often as he rides horses).

“What do you say, just me and you? We could ride out to Greenwich park” He suggests 

“I’d love to, also I would like to point out I have never ridden a motorbike in my life,” I tell him 

He grins

“All the more reason for you to hold onto me and for us to do it.” 

I roll my eyes at him and giggle.

After changing into some suitable attire, I meet Henry in the garage where the royal cars are parked, and in one corner is his Ducatti motorbike.

“Ready to go?” He asks 

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I say approaching the two-wheeled speed machine that is Henry’s motorbike.

He then places a helmet on my head, it fits snuggly and he puts helmet on before we climb on the bike, and after starting the engine we set off out onto the roads.

I hold onto Henry’s waist like my life depends on it, and despite the fact we’re keeping to the speed limits, it’s still an exhilarating experience.

We soon arrive at Greenwich park, where after parking up we head hand-in-hand to a secluded spot of the park.

My hand being considerably smaller than Henry’s but he finds it adorable that I’m a lot shorter than him. 

As we walk Henry seems to know where he’s taking us

“I take it you’ve been here before?” I mention 

“You could say that I come here a lot to walk Kal, go for a run or just get away from the palace for a bit.” He explains

The spot we walk to is a beautiful wooden gazebo overlooking a large lake with a fountain in the middle of it.

It’s quite the sight, made all the more lovely by the warm sunshine, blue sky, the sound of birds in the trees and the man I have to enjoy it with.

We enter the gazebo and come to a standstill in the middle of it, facing one another. 

“Now that you’re here my darling, you’re probably wondering why I’ve picked this spot” Henry begins 

“Not as such no, why?” 

“Emma there is something I want to ask you and I hope with all my heart that you’ll agree to it.” 

It’s at that moment, that I watch wide-eyed, mouth cupped in shock and surprise as Henry kneels down on one knee, and pulls out a glittering diamond engagement ring from his pocket. 

Oh

Em

Gee.

The moment all women dream and fantasise about, the moment a man asks for a woman’s hand in marriage is happening to me.

By Prince Henry of the house of Cavill no less.

“Emma, never could I have imagined the love I now feel for you, my love. I love you more than I can express in words, more than I can show you. So I ask you now, will you become my princess and my wife? Will you marry me?” 

I become so overwhelmed by the moment that I burst into tears

“Yes, yes, yes over and over again yes I will marry Henry.” I weep and nod. 

A mix of joy and relief fill Henry, as I accept his proposal. 

He slips the ring onto my finger and it fits like a glove. 

He then stands back up, picks me up and spins me around causing me to scream and laugh before placing me back down on my feet. 

His lips meet mine in a long, passionate and love-filled kiss to mark our engagement. 

“I love you so my handsome prince and husband to be,” I say as we break away from the kiss, settling into an embrace. 

[writing-is-escapisim]

The Princess Lottery (5)

A/N - Wrote this yesterday and managed to surpass my primary word count goal of 5,000 words. Pretty impressed with myself for that. Anyway this is very much the rainbow after the storm type chapter. I hope you’ll enjoy reading this and please leave feedback if you do <3 

Words: 1,513

Warnings: None unless you include sheer tooth rotting fluff. 

Taglist: @cavilliciousness​ @cavilliciousness​ @chocolategate​ @michelle-1185​ @onlyhenrys​

Masterlist

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5) - You are here. 

(6)

A few days after waking up in the hospital I am eventually discharged and allowed back to the palace.

Everyone is glad to see me alive, and in once piece though I now have a scar on my abdomen.

I don’t particularly like it but it’s covered by clothing ninety-nine percent of the time.

Now back at the palace, I take things easy, and with Henry’s help and support I make a full recovery.

It’s whilst I am spending time with him one day, that he brings up the subject of the upcoming annual ‘royal masquerade’ ball that’s being held by the king and queen to raise money for the charities they support.

“It sounds wonderful,” I tell Henry

“It’s one of the highlights of my parent's social calendar, there’s food, drinks, dancing and as you can imagine it raises thousands. Anyway, I was wondering if you’d do the honour of allowing me to escort you.” He asks.

I get a warm fuzzy feeling inside of me just thinking about it. Me, Henry, dancing at a royal ball.

The stuff of fairytales.

“I’d be delighted to accompany you Henry, so yes, of course, you can escort me.”

He grins.

“I look forward to it.”

The night of the royal ball soon arrives, and inevitably there is a lot of preparation is involved.

The housekeeping team decorate the ballroom, the gardeners decorate the garden and everyone pick out outfits

Myself included.

Eleanor and Lilly help me to get ready, so I will dazzle Henry.

Starting with bath, they thoroughly wash my hair with sweet-smelling shampoo and conditioner.

I then climb out and dry off before they dry my hair and makeup, styling my hair into a bun and adding just enough make up for it to be subtle yet noticeable.

My hair and make up now done, they then help me into my royal blue ballgown.

It’s floor-length, with an empire neckline and it’s stunning.

My silver and blue masquerade masks get added as a finishing touch.

Once I’m ready I stand in front to the mirror

“So, what do you think?” Lilly asks as I admire myself.

“I look incredible, thank you both so much” I thank them, hardly believing just how good I look.

“You’re very welcome, now go. Enjoy your night at the ball and spend time with Prince Henry” Eleanor encourages me. “But be sure to be back before midnight because that’s when the magic will wear off.”

She winks, I laugh at the Cinderella fairy-godmother reference and head off to find Henry.

It’s on my way to find him that I meet one of his older brothers, dressed in his tux and masquerade mask.

“Oh wow Emma, you look stunning. Henry is going to be awestruck when he sees you” He comments

“Thank you, you look fantastic too.” I return the compliment.

Soon after this, I reach the staircase leading to the ballroom, at the bottom of it stands Henry.

He’s wearing a black and navy velvet tuxedo, a black masquerade mask frames his blue eyes and if I’m honest, he looks more handsome than I have ever seen him.

I slowly and gracefully make my way down the staircase, being careful not to step or trip up over my dress along the way, and keeping my eyes on Henry.

Henry watches me in awestruck wonder and as I reach him he kisses my cheek

“My lady” He addresses I giggle, blushing madly

“My Prince.”

Pleasantries exchanged Henry offers me his arm

“Shall we?”

“We shall”

I walk with him into the ballroom which is illuminated by huge chandeliers and is already filled with people.

Waiters make their way between guests with trays of canopies and glasses of champagne and guests make conversation with each other.

Not long after arriving in the ballroom a fanfare sounds, signalling the arrival of Henry’s parents.

Everyone either bows and curtsies before the Queen speaks

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen esteemed members of the royal household and honourable guests. Tonight we gather together to raise valuable funds for the many charities my husband and I support and have done so for many years now. I hope that you will all donate whatever you can, and have a pleasurable evening. Now, if everyone is ready we shall begin.”

She notions to the orchestra who sit poised with their instruments, their conductor stands with his baton ready for the signal.

She nods and the orchestra begins to play. The king takes her hand in his and the two of them start to dance.

Others follow suit and as I stand there watching them mesmerised, Henry turns to me.

He bows, offering his hand to me.

“May I have this dance, Miss Emma?”

“You may your highness, though I must confess I don’t exactly know to dance.”

“It’s ok, just follow me and you’ll be fine,” Henry reassures me.

We join the other couples on the dance floor, and it doesn’t take much for me to get swept up in it.

The sweet music of the orchestra fills the air, and Henry’s arm around me makes me forget the drama of Vincent reappearing in my life.

Henry is without a doubt, the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

I amazingly managed to keep up with him, and the whole thing feels like my very own modern-day fairytale.

Soon afterwards the dance ends and Henry congratulates me on a successful first ‘royal ball dance’.

Inevitably I end up spending most of the night with Henry, dancing with him, socialising with people with him (meeting some for the first time).

I do also go alone with a bit, eating and drinking the various items on offer.

For my first ever royal ball is going as well as can be hoped, and I don’t want it to ever end.

What I don’t know, however, is it’s about to get even more memorable.

Later on that same night, I’m outside on the patio leading off the ballroom, drinking a glass of something alcoholic and fizzy, thinking about how my life has changed since arriving at the palace when I’m joined by Henry.

“Ah, there you are. Is it all getting a bit much in there?”

“No, no just thought I’d pop out for some fresh air that’s all.”

“You know, if you need a break from the ball there’s something I want to show you.” He tells me.

Why do I get the impression he’s got something special planned for us?

I head backside with him, handing my drink to a waiter with a tray of empty and half-finished drinks, and the two of us leave the ballroom behind.

We walk through the palace until we come to a door.

Henry opens it to reveal a bedroom, that’s been filled with rose petals and candles.

I stare at it, awestruck by the beauty of it.

“Is..is..this for me?” I gasp

“This is my room, just in case you were wondering and yes, this is all for you.” He explains closing the door.

Taking me by the hand, Henry sits us down at the end of the bed.

He cups my face in his large and warm hands, leaning his head against mine.

We close our eyes savouring the moment. There’s a comfortable silence between us and then Henry brings my face to meet his, gazing deeply into my eyes.

“I cannot hide it anymore Emma, I love you and always will. When Vincent stabbed you I was so scared to lose you. Never in a thousand years do I want to lose you. My heart is yours and you’d make me the happiest prince alive, if you were to court me, regardless of the whole Princess Lottery thing.” He admits

Oh my gosh.

Henry. Prince Henry is in love with me and has been this whole time. I know what I want and my heart wants the same thing.

“I love you too Henry. This whole crazy month has been one of the best ones of my life because of you and after some soul searching, I’ve realised I want you. I want to go through with the Princess Lottery. I want to be in your life. So yes, I will, as they say, court you.”

Henry’s face lights up like a Christmas tree with joy hearing this, though I know what’s coming next.

“Can I kiss you?’

Trust Henry as a chivalrous gentleman to ask my permission to kiss me.

I don’t say anything but nod and the next thing I know his lips are pressed against mine. They’re soft and warm and the kiss is everything it should be.

I melt into it, kissing him back as we have our ‘true loves kiss’ moment. Alone in his bedroom, surrounded by candles and petals on the night of a royal ball.

As we pull away we gaze at each other and realise that people must be wondering where we’ve gotten to.

Going back to the ball we dance one last time, kissing again as the clock strikes midnight.

[writing-is-escapisim]

The Princess Lottery (4)

A/N - Thank you once again for the feedback you guys are leaving on this. It’s good to know you’re liking it.

Words: 907

Warnings: Angst, description of injuries and some tooth rotting fluff. 

Taglist: @carietrekkie​ @cavilliciousness​ @michelle-1185​ @chocolategate​

Masterlist

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4) - You are here 

(5)

(6)

Something in me stirs,

My eyes flutter open.

Everything is blurry and white.

A few blinks reveals I am now in a hospital bed, in the background I can hear the soft beeps of a heart rate monitor and someone is holding my hand.

To one side of my bed there are get well soon cards, and to the other is my dashing Prince.

Henry is sitting in a chair beside my bed, his head leant against the bed as he sleeps, and his hand is in mine.

A gentle squeeze of my hand awakens him.

“Hey,” I say

At first, he wonders who or what has awoken and then he sees me.

His bemusement turns to relief to see me awake.

“Oh Emma, thank goodness you’re awake. How are you feeling?”

“Sore, like I’ve had the wind knocked right out of me,” I tell him

“You know you really scared me back there. I was so worried I’d lost you…I’ve been keeping watch over you ever since…” His voice trails off.

Poor Henry. He’s been through so much because of me.

“I’m sorry for scaring you like that” I apologise

“No, not it’s ok. There’s nothing you have to be sorry for.”

There’s a moments silence before I speak again

“Henry, if I may be so bold to ask. What happened to me?” I ask, having no memory of what happened to me between Vincent stabbing me and waking up in the hospital.

“Well, what do you remember to start off with?”

I proceed to tell him everything. Starting with my past with Vincent and leading onto how he stabbed me in the palace grounds.

“So you see, Vincent kind of has it in for me. I am the reason he ended up behind bars.” I finish.

It’s then I notice a look in Henry’s blue eyes I have not seen before, a look of fury and anger, but also of protectiveness and gentleness.

“No woman should ever have to endure such treatment, men like Vincent are the lowest of the low Emma. But know this, he will never hurt you ever again because I will do everything I can to protect you. You will always be safe with me. If Vincent wants you then he’ll have to go through me and every royal guard in the palace” Henry promises after hearing about my past with Vincent.

His words bring me comfort, but I know I have to thank him for what he’s done for me.

“Thank you, Henry. For saving and for standing by me. I’d probably dead by now if it wasn’t for you. I also don’t know how I’ll ever repay you for this.”

Henry smiles

“It’s what any decent human being would have done, but you’re welcome never the less.”

It’s then Henry’s turn to fill in what happened to me whilst I was unconscious.

“After you know, I stayed with you until the paramedics arrived. I couldn’t leave you. I couldn’t. I even came with you in the ambulance and I was forced to wait whilst they took you off to be tended to in the trauma unit. They also had to repair the damage done to you internally in an emergency op.” He began before continuing

“I was eventually allowed to see you again, and the sight of you hooked up to a heart rate monitor and a blood bag made my heartbreak. Because how deep the knife had gone in you’d quite a bit of blood.”

It’s as he finishes explaining things that the door opens and Henry’s press secretary shows up.

“Forgive the intrusion your highness, but the reporters outside are demanding a statement on miss Emma’s condition.”

Henry lets out a frustrated sigh, glancing at the press secretary. Meanwhile fear washes over me

“How the hell do they know I’m here?”

Henry turns to me

“If there’s one thing you should know about reporters when it comes to me and my family, is they’ll find any reason to write about us. Good or bad. In this case, once they caught wind of my presence here they were onto it like a pack of dogs. They don’t know who you are specifically. All they know is you’re a friend.”

“Your highness…” The press secretary reminds Henry.

“I’m coming. Robert, I’ll give them a brief statement, but no further questions will be allowed. Understood?” Henry answers him

“Of course.”

Henry then returns his attentions to me.

“I’ll be right back as soon as I’ve dealt with the press” He informs me standing up from the chair beside my bed.

But before he goes he takes my hands in his and kisses them in turn, causing me to blush.

I watch him leave, only to be joined soon afterwards by a nurse who has come to check up on me and my vitals.

“It’s nice to see you awake.” She tells me “You know, you’re one lucky woman and I don’t just mean to be alive. I also mean to have his royal highness in your life.”

She makes some notes on my vitals and looks at me again with a twinkle in her eyes

“He should be your boyfriend if he isn’t already.”

I grin and as I lay there in my hospital bed, it dawns on me.

I want Henry in my life, not just now but always. I want to go through with the Princess Lottery.

[writing-is-escapisim]

The Princess Lottery (3)

A/N - Sorry this has taken a bit longer than the other two chapters, wasn’t really in the wiritng mood on Friday, and then Saturday I sat myself down and made myself write this. Hope you all enjoy it and please do leave me feedback, it really means a lot to me. Also because of the content of this chapter, this one is much more adult than the last two. 

Words: 830

Warnings: Violence, Stabbing, Angst, Mention of Rape 

Taglist: @carietrekkie​ @viking-raider​ @onlyhenrys​ @cavilliciousness​ @michelle-1185​ @michelle-1185​ @chocolategate​

Masterlist 

1

2

3 (You are here) 

4

5

My time living at the palace soon goes from days into weeks, and so far everything is going pretty well.

But what would life be without drama or the universe calling

“Plot twist time!”

The drama in my developing modern-day fairytale with Henry comes in the form of Vincent.

Vincent is my ex-boyfriend, specifically, the ex-boyfriend that raped me abused me and ended up in prison for it.

I am casually flicking through the channels of the TV of my living quarters in the palace when I stumble across the news.

The news report that comes on makes my blood run cold. Vincent is to be released from prison, for ‘showing improvement’ in his behaviour.

No, no this cannot be happening. He made my life a living hell and I was lucky to get out of the relationship when I did.

I turn the TV off, hands sweaty and shaking.

“Are, are you alright Miss Emma?” Lilly asks seeing my frightened state.

“Yes, yes I’m fine” I manage to say “Though I’d like a tea.”

“Of course, right away miss.” She then disappears off to fetch me a tea.

I have to steady myself, to stop myself from fainting. I feel sick.

Eventually, I calm myself, but internally the war wages on. I lay in bed at night tossing and turning, the flashbacks to what Vincent did to me playing in my head, thoughts about him finding me, hurting me again, or worse still…Henry, his parents or one of Henry’s brothers.

I try to reassure myself that I am safe inside the palace walls and boundary, there are guards assigned to protect the royal family and those within the palace.

But I still worry.

One night after dinner I ask to be excused from dinner, hoping a walk in the palace grounds and some fresh air will help things.

The moon is bright, and the pathways are illuminated by lamps. I inhale and exhale.

Breathe in and out.

“I’m safe here,” I tell myself “No-one is going to hurt me. Not Vincent. No-one.”

Turns out I spoke too soon. Because the next thing I know, someone has jumped out of the bushes, grabbed me and pinned me up against a tree.

To my complete shock and horror, it’s Vincent.

“Hello love” He grins.

“Vince! How did you get in here? How did you even find me and what do you want with me?”

“All very good questions. Let’s just say I have my ways. You see I’ve had guys keeping tabs on you ever since you got me thrown behind bars and I have come to claim you back for my own, which I will stop at nothing to do…” His voice drips with ruthless ambition.

As he says this I try to wriggle from his grasp only to fail

“Let me go, Vincent! Please just leave me alone!” I plead with him.

Before I can say or do. Anything else he pulls out a knife from his pocket.

I look at the knife, it’s blade razor sharp and then at Vincent.

My heart is pounding inside me with raw fear and adrenaline. I have never been so scared.

That’s when my flight vs fight instinct kicks in, and naturally, I opt for the flight response and I let out a scream for help.

“Help! Someone help me! Help me, please! Henry! Anyone!!!!”

This enrages Vincent, who with a furious look on his face plunges the knife into me.

I scream louder, the searing pain of the knife now embedded into me.

Vincent twists the blade around, enjoying the pain he’s putting me through as if the time I suffered under his wrath and sick twisted manipulative persona.

“Serves you right for screaming you bitch.” Vincent tells me “This isn’t over you know. I will always find you, and one day, you will be mine again.”

With that, he pulls out the blade just as footsteps come charging down the path. I look to see Henry and two of the royal household guards.

Vincent pulls out the blade, throws it off into some shrubs nearby and makes a run for it.

“Emma!” Henry falls to his knees as he reaches me.

His attention then turns briefly to the guards.

“After that man! Don’t let him get away and someone call an ambulance!” He orders.

The guards sprint off after Vincent, and Henry’s attentions return to me.

“Hen..Henry” I manage, my breathing is becoming laboured, my head is becoming light.

Pulling off his jacket, Henry holds it to my stab wound, pulling me into his arms.

“Just stay with me ok? Everything is going to be alright? Do you hear me?”

I smile weakly up at him, his blue eyes swim with concern for me. I stroke his handsome face with one hand.

If I am to die right here and now, I might as well die in the arms of my new found handsome prince charming.

Then everything goes black….

[writing-is-escapisim]

The Princess Lottery (2)

A/N - Just want to say a MASSIVE thank you for all of your feedback/support for this. It means a lot to me, and I’m actually feeling pretty good about this thing. 

Words: 768 

Warnings: None 

Taglist: @onlyhenrys​ @carietrekkie​ @cavilliciousness​ @viking-raider​ @michelle-1185​ @chocolategate​

Masterlist

1

2 (You are here)

3

4

5

6

Following my consent to the thirty day trial period for ‘The Princess Lottery’, I move out of the flat I share with Carrie (she freaks on me when I tell her that I won The Princess Lottery - but swear her to secrecy) and into the palace. 

I also have to admire her love for me when she tells me to let her know if Henry does anything untoward because he does she’ll never let him get away with it. 

Now living at the palace I have my own living space, consisting of a large spacious bedroom, an en-suite bathroom (complete with a bath and a shower!), a walk-in wardrobe and even a sitting area. 

Not only that but I also get given my ladies maids - Eleanor and Lilly. Eleanor is older than Lilly, and like me Lilly is new to palace life, having only recently been taken on as part of the household staff. 

They help look after me and I am grateful for their female support.

Aside from being given my own living space and ladies maids, I also get to meet the rest of the royal family. Henry’s four brothers. 

They’re polite and welcoming and very charming. 

I am not, however, living in the palace to spend time with them. For my time with Henry begins in earnest with horse riding.

It’s after breakfast one day that I meet him outside my rooms. 

He’s dressed in a very well-fitting riding suit, the sort royalty and the well to do wear when going fox hunting or out for a ride in the country. 

With the help of my ladies maids I too am dressed to the tens to ride, and whilst it’s not what I’d normally wear, I know I have a lot to get used to. 

“Ready to go riding?” Henry asks with a wonderful smile

“As ready as I’ll ever be your highness,” I say trying to suppress the slight nervousness I feel. 

Not helped by the fact Prince Henry is so damn handsome. 

“You know you don’t have to call me that. Please call me Henry. I may be royalty but deep inside I’m still a regular guy” He tells me as we make our way down the stables. 

“Of course, Henry.” 

As we arrive at the stables we are greeted by barking, and black and white Japanese Akita comes running up to us, jumping up at Henry. His tail wagging and tongue sticking out. 

“Hello boy, how’s my favourite furry companion today?” 

The dog barks again as Henry fusses him, before introducing me

“Emma this is Kal, Kal this is Emma. Kal is my Akita, my ever faithful and loving furry best friend in the whole wide world. Don’t worry he won’t hurt you, he’s a big baby. Aren’t you boy” 

I stroke Kal who seems to like it. 

After meeting Kal, we move onto the primary reason for being at the stables - horse riding. 

Henry takes me into the courtyard of the stables, where there are two horses tacked up and waiting to be ridden. 

A stunning black mare and an equally lovely chestnut mare. 

I follow Henry over to the black mare, who stands calmly and patiently. 

“This Ebony Emma, she’s yours to ride as you wish.” He tells me.

“She’s, she’s gorgeous,” I say admiring her. “Though there is one thing, I’ve never ridden. Ever.” 

I expect Henry to sigh with frustration and annoyance but he doesn’t. Instead, he takes sympathy on me 

“It’s ok. As they say, there’s a first time for everything and all that. How about I give you a quick lesson, show you the ropes and that and then when you feel comfortable we’ll head out into the grounds. We don’t even have to be out for too long if you don’t want.” He offers

Henry is a real-life prince charming in more ways than one. 

I agree to go along with his suggestion, and with some help from Henry and a mounting block, I climb onto Ebony’s back. 

Henry mounts his horse, Geraldine and the two us make our way into the paddock. 

Henry goes through the basics with me, and a few laps of the paddock we head out into the palace grounds. 

As we walk along, we wave and say hello to people as we pass them. 

We also make conversation, beginning to get to know one another. I know this is the start of my journey, and the start of my time with Henry, but I am already begging to like him and not just because he’s attractive.