CHAPTER 6 BEFORE THE NEW START

Henry and Alex sat at their cozy hotel room after their having a busy day, the soft glow of candlelight casting a warm ambiance over their staying hotel. The aroma of their favorite meal filled the air, but tonight, Henry seemed distant, his fork idly pushing food around his plate.

"Henry, is everything okay?" Alex asked, concern etched on his face.

Henry sighed, setting his fork down. "Alex, I’ve been thinking... I want to take a break from everything and everyone."

Alex's brow furrowed. "What’s wrong, Why?"

Henry reached across the table, taking Alex’s hand in his. "I just want to be with you, to enjoy our moments together before we take this big step in our lives, and I want us to be in the best place emotionally and mentally."

Alex nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. "I get it, Henry. You want us to have some time to ourselves, away from all the stress and expectations."

"Exactly," Henry said, a small smile forming. "I was thinking... maybe we could go somewhere relaxing, far away from our daily lives. How about another honeymoon in the Maldives?"

Alex's face lit up with excitement. "That sounds perfect! Just you and me, surrounded by the ocean and tranquility. It’s exactly what we need."

Henry squeezed Alex’s hand, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "Let’s make it happen."

Prince Henry and Alex Claremont-Diaz had finally agreed to take a break from everything and everyone. Before they were ready to start the male pregnancy program with Doctor Zach and get busier than ever, they decided to spend a week in the Maldives. It wasn't their first time here the Maldives had become their favorite escape over the years.

The sun was setting over the crystal-clear waters, casting a golden glow on the white sandy beach. Henry and Alex walked hand in hand, their feet sinking into the warm sand.

Henry holding Alex's hand "I can't believe we're actually here again."

Alex change the Holding hands to Embrace each other. "I know, right? We deserve this break. Just you, me, and the ocean."

They found a secluded spot and sat down, watching the waves gently lap at the shore. The sound of the ocean was soothing, a perfect backdrop for their thoughts.

Henry asked softly. "Are you nervous about the program?"

Alex immediately turned his face towards Henry. "A little. But I know we can handle it. We've been through so much already."

Henry smiled "You're right. And we'll have each other every step of the way."

Alex leaned in, resting his head on Henry's shoulder. They sat in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying the moment.

Alex playing his watch. "What do you think our future will look like?"

Henry kissed Alex's head "I see us with a beautiful family with our baby, living our best lives. We'll face challenges, but we'll overcome them together."

Alex kiss Henry's palms "I love that vision. And I love you."

Henry said back. "I love you too, Alex. More than anything."

They shared a tender kiss, the promise of their future shining brightly in their hearts. The week in the Maldives was just the beginning of their journey, a time to recharge and reconnect before diving into the next chapter of their lives.

On the second day of their vacation, Prince Henry and Alex found themselves floating in the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives. The sun was high, casting a golden glow over the ocean, and the gentle waves lapped against their snorkels as they explored the vibrant underwater world.

As they swam side by side, Henry pointed excitedly at a school of colorful parrotfish darting through the coral reefs. "Look at those, Alex! They're incredible!"

Alex nodded, his eyes wide with wonder. "I know, right? The colors are so vivid. It's like swimming in a painting."

They continued to explore, encountering a variety of marine life. A graceful manta ray glided past them, its wings moving effortlessly through the water. Henry reached out, his fingers brushing the water as if trying to touch the majestic creature.

As they swam further, they came across a hidden cove teeming with life. Brightly colored clownfish peeked out from their anemone homes, and a curious octopus changed colors as it moved across the rocks.

Alex reached out and squeezed Henry's hand. "I'm just happy to share this with you. It's moments like these that make everything worthwhile."

They spent hours exploring the underwater paradise, their laughter and exclamations of joy echoing through the water. As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the ocean, they reluctantly made their way back to the shore.

Every day of their Maldives vacation was filled with new adventures for Prince Henry and Alex. They explored vibrant coral reefs, swam with sea turtles, and even encountered playful dolphins. Each evening, they would return to their beachside villa, their hearts full of joy and wonder.

On their last day, they decided to have a special seafood dinner by the ocean. The table was set on the deck, illuminated by soft lanterns and the glow of the setting sun. The sound of the waves provided a soothing backdrop as they enjoyed their meal.

"This has been the best like always," Henry said, savoring a bite of grilled lobster.

After dinner, they took a leisurely walk around the deck, the cool evening breeze ruffling their hair. Alex pulled out his phone and grinned. "Let's take a selfie to remember this moment. And post it again in our Instagram"

They posed together, their faces close, and Alex snapped the photo. As he looked at the picture, Henry took a deep breath, his heart pounding with anticipation.

"Alex, there's something I want to tell you," Henry began, his voice trembling slightly.

Alex turned to him, curiosity and concern in his eyes. "What is it, Henry?"

Henry took Alex's hands in his, his gaze steady and sincere. "I want to be the one who gets pregnant. I want to carry our child."

Alex's eyes widened in surprise, and then he frowned slightly. "Henry, are you sure? I mean, it's a huge decision and we agree to wait Doctor Zach to tell us who. Have you thought about all that?"

Henry nodded, though his voice wavered. "I have, Alex. I know, but I feel it's the right choice for us."

Alex sighed, running a hand through his hair. "But what about your duties, your responsibilities? Being pregnant isn't easy, and with your royal obligations, it could be even more challenging."

Henry squeezed Alex's hands, his eyes pleading. "I understand the challenges, but I believe we can manage. We have support, and I want to experience this. I want to be the one to bring our child into the world."

Alex looked away, deep in thought. "I just worry about you, Henry. I don't want you to go through unnecessary hardships with the royal policy, maybe i really want to Pregnant as well."

Henry's expression softened. "I appreciate your concern, Alex. But this is something I truly want 100%."

Alex turned back to Henry, his eyes filled with love and determination. "If that what you really want it. I just needed to make sure you've thought it through, then we'll face it together."

Henry smiled, tears of relief and happiness welling up in his eyes. "Thank you, Alex. I love you so much."

Alex pulled Henry into a tight embrace. "I love you too, Henry. We'll make this dream come true together."

As Henry and Alex stood on the deck, wrapped in their heartfelt embrace, Henry suddenly grinned mischievously. "You know what, Alex? I think we need one more thing before we leave."

Alex raised an eyebrow, curious. "Oh? And what might that be?"

Without warning, Henry playfully pushed Alex towards the edge of the deck. Alex let out a surprised laugh as he stumbled, then fell into the warm, inviting ocean. Henry quickly followed, diving in with a splash.

They surfaced, laughing and splashing each other under the beautiful moonlight. The water was calm and warm, reflecting the shimmering stars above. It felt like they were swimming in a sea of diamonds.

Alex swam closer to Henry, his eyes sparkling with affection. "You always know how to surprise me, Henry."

Henry smiled, his heart full. "I just wanted to make our life always like this no matter what happens we always be together."

Alex wrapped his arms around Henry, pulling him close. "Always, and Thank you, Henry. For everything. For being willing to carry our child, for sharing this incredible journey with me. I promise I'll never leave you alone. I'll always be by your side, no matter what comes next."

Henry's eyes filled with tears of joy. "I know, Alex that is why we getting married. And I also promise the same. We'll face everything together."

They floated there, holding each other, the moonlight casting a magical glow over the ocean. It was a perfect ending to their Maldives adventure, and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

As they swam back to the shore, hand in hand, they paused for a moment, gazing into each other's eyes. Then, under the shimmering moonlight, they shared a tender, heartfelt kiss, sealing their promises and love for each other.

It was a kiss that spoke of their past, their present, and the beautiful future they were about to create together.

- To Be Continued -