The ride hurt Edward more than they'd anticipated. With every hobble or bump the carriage rode over, Edward hissed and moaned. Alfred tried as much as he could to alleviate the pain.

"How do you think the place will look like?" he asked, hoping to distract Edward enough from his wounds.

"Ah," Edward grunted as the wheels hit another bump. "I think it will be wonderful." He gritted his teeth, ignoring the hurt as much as he could, hoping to reassure Alfred that he was okay. "A small house, far away from other people, maybe close by a lake."

"Mmh," Alfred hummed. "Then we have to go fishing there someday. Enjoy a nice view and fresh fish." A smile crept onto his lips.

Edward slapped him on the shoulder. "I know I'm nice to look at, but that fish will be even more amazing."

"I'm sure it will be."

The carriage slowed down and came to a stop after riding over one last bump. A deep sigh escaped Edward's lips. Now the ride was over his body finally relaxed a bit. His shoulders lost their tension and he rested his head back.

Alfred's brows came together and created deep creases on his forehead. "You can't go all the way to Scotland like this."

"But I will."

"I keep wondering whether you're a lunatic or not."

"I just love you."

Once both realised what Edward had said, a thick silence came over them. It was strange, after all this time, being together, making a plan to have a life together it still hadn't been said. Until now.

When Alfred retrieved how his tongue worked the words left his lips as quick as he could pronounce them. "I love you too."

Their bodies got closer, fingers tangled together, arms embraced, and they kissed. Loving, and just as passionate as the first time.

A knock sounded on the wooden carriage and with one last, quick kiss they got some space between them.

Alfred was closest to the door and opened it. In the moon and starlight, he saw two faces, those of Wilhelmina and the Queen. The open, happy smiles—with a bit of worry in them—directed at the two men, were happily returned.

"We're here to say goodbye."

Four smiles faltered. How could such a happy moment also be sad?

Alfred and Edward got out of the carriage and moved away with Victoria while Wilhelmina sent the driver back home.

"The next driver will be here in a few minutes." The following silence was again broken by Victoria: "I'm going to miss you."

It was spoken so softly and out of character that a reaction only came after it became awkward. "We will too."

"Don't." Wilhelmina joined the conversation. "Be happy. You should be."

"I think we will manage that." And the look Edward directed to Alfred said more than a thousand words.

Hooves clattered on the gravel. The horse pulling the carriage whinnied before coming to a stop.

"We should say goodbye."

They all nodded, but no moves were made and no words were spoken. They just stood there, in silence, none of them knowing what to say.

Then Alfred took the word. "Thank you," he said to Victoria. "You've done more for us than anyone else has ever done. Or ever will." He turned to Wilhelmina. "You too. I don't think I'd be here if it wasn't for you." Alfred pulled her into a hug, his final goodbye.

He moved back to let Edward say his own goodbyes. And before they knew it, they were in the carriage. Waving at the two women, for what would probably be the last time.

Edward and Alfred sat in silence for a long time, only speaking again when the sun had risen high in the sky and they needed to stop to let Edward rest.

When the sun set, they had finally reached the promised home in Scotland—their happy ending.