Bet We Could Make Some MORE (History Huh?)

15: How Wonderful Life Is (Henry)

Henry had tried really hard to just focus on Alex throughout the ceremony with varying levels of success. For moments he was able to be lost in Alex's eyes, and at others he was very aware of all the eyes and cameras on him. He focused on breathing, on Pez's words and what he had to say next; his whole life had been training for things like this and, on that foundation, he made it through.

Henry still felt panicky as they made their way to the reception tent. They just had the first dance left and then the broadcast would be over. Most of the cameras would be shut off, with a few remaining to record the wedding video just for themselves to keep. He could do this.

Alex and Henry had had a few minutes to themselves back in the main building while everyone else settled into the reception tent. Alex looked so happy, it almost made all of this worth it. Alex had cried, a lot. Henry had held it back as much as he could, it was just ingrained in him since childhood to not show emotions in public, and some of that strict old teaching was coming in handy today.

While they were alone, Alex had told Henry he looked beautiful, that he loved the suit. He was worried it wasn't as fancy as Alex's, but Henry had purposely chosen something that wasn't flashy at all because he didn't want to be like a royal. Alex, as he came into his own style and sexuality, enjoyed being a little flashy, and Henry had to admit it suited him. The bright gold embroidery was intricately done, and made his skin seem to glow.

After talking for a few minutes they just hold each other on the couch until it is time. Henry can hear the Pez announcing their first appearance as husbands before they push back the curtains to enter. The cheers are nearly deafening.

Then Pez continues, "And now for their first dance, we have Elton John here to sing a little tune!" Henry's eyes nearly pop out of his head as he watches Elton John - the Elton John - come out onto the stage and grab the microphone.

Henry is glued to the floor, but then the music starts and Alex pulls at him towards the dance floor. Henry falls into the steps he had memorized, trying to focus on not fucking up, and on making sure he still looks happy and in love while doing it.

"🎵And you can tell everybody... this is your song, It may be quite simple, but now that it's done... I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't mind that I put down in words...🎶" His voice live is like melted butter. Henry looks to Alex and remembers the first time they danced to this: alone in the dark, playing from a phone speaker. He isn't sure which time was better. "How wonderful life is while you're in the world..."

Life is wonderful and yet difficult at the same time. This wedding is not the care-free, pure-joy, intimate day that Henry had looked forward to for nearly a year before Alex had to change the plan. It is still beautiful, and wonderful, but layered with the panic, fear and anxiety Henry had felt everyday of his life as a prince: a life he thought he was leaving behind. 

Alex trips, but Henry is holding onto him tightly, and they continue on. He hopes only a few people caught it. That is a pretty perfect metaphor for their life right now: nearly falling flat on their faces but pretending everything was fine.

The song ends and they bow as the cheers rise up once more. And then Pez is announcing the end of the broadcast. "If everyone at home could send well wishes to my two best friends as they start their lives as a married couple, I know they would appreciate it! Thank you for sharing in this happy day with us!" 

And with a final wave to the cameras, the broadcast ends. Henry takes a deep breath in through his nose and out through his mouth, giving Alex's hand a little squeeze. Alex does not return it.

They take a few steps over to the side where their family is waiting for them. All smiles. Then before Bea even releases Henry from a tight hug, Pez is back on the mic and then the next song is starting. Alex steps back out onto the dance floor with his mother for the first mother/son dance. 

Henry watches as Alex pulls the former President around the dance floor. Alex dips her and the crowd goes wild. He seems happy, and his mother is giggling.

"Henry." He startles as he realizes his grandmother is standing to his left. It's strange to see the queen here, surrounded by mostly young celebrities, many of whom are queer and dressed wildly (although, thankfully, have still abided by the color scheme to only wear red or blue so that that entire party with its white decorations is the color of their two countries' flags). His grandmother is wearing a simple royal blue two-piece suit with a matching hat. She looks as stoic as always, as if she is a painting brought to life and not a real, living, breathing person. 

She looks back towards the dance floor, towards Henry's husband, and says quietly, "You chose well, Henry. I am happy for you." And when she looks back towards him, Henry could swear he saw a slight smile at the corners of her mouth. Her blue eyes that match Henry's own seem to have a spark of life Henry had never noticed in them before.

What she had said was about the gentlest, kindest thing she had ever said to Henry in his entire life. It takes him a moment to process and form the response, "Thank you, grandmother."