CHAPTER 5 RARE TREAT

After receiving permission from his Grandpa, King James III, to have a child through the Male Pregnancy program led by Dr. Zach, Prince Henry and Alex Clermont-Diaz began their preparations. They consulted with experts and made all necessary arrangements from day by day, week by weeks and more months to go. One afternoon, London time, they sat on the couch in their luxurious bedroom at Kensington Palace, ready for a FaceTime call with Dr. Zach to get an update on their progress.

Henry adjusted the camera on his laptop, ensuring both he and Alex were in view. "Ready?" he asked, glancing at Alex, who nodded with a smile.

The screen flickered, and Dr. Zach's face appeared. "Good afternoon, Your Highness. I have some updates on your progress."

"Good afternoon, Dr. Zach," Henry replied. "We're eager to hear how things are going."

Dr. Zach smiled warmly. "I'm pleased to inform you that everything is on track. We've completed all the necessary preparations except for two crucial decision."

Alex leaned forward, his expression serious. "Yes, we still need to decide on the egg donor and who will carry the baby."

Dr. Zach nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. It's a big decision. Have you considered any potential donors yet?"

Henry exchanged a glance with Alex. "We've reviewed several profiles, but we haven't made a final choice. We want to ensure the donor is someone who aligns with our values and health criteria."

Alex added, "And as for who will carry the baby, we're still discussing it. It's a significant commitment, and we want to make the best decision for both of us."

Dr. Zach reassured them, "Take your time with these decisions. It's important that you both feel comfortable and confident. Remember, I'm here to support you every step of the way."

Henry sighed, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thank you, Dr. Zach. Your support means a lot to us."

Alex nodded in agreement. "Yes, thank you. We'll keep you updated as we make our decisions."

"Of course," Dr. Zach replied. "Feel free to reach out anytime. Take care, both of you."

As the call ended, Henry turned to Alex. "We'll figure this out together, just like we always do."

Alex smiled, taking Henry's hand. "Absolutely. Together, we can handle anything."

After much consideration, Prince Henry and Alex decided that Nora, Alex's best friend, would be the perfect egg donor. However, Nora was unaware of their plans. Determined to approach her in person, Henry and Alex flew to the U.S again and arranged a dinner with her.

The three friends met at a cozy, upscale restaurant. As they settled into their seats, Nora looked at them curiously. "This is a rare treat," she said with a smile. "What's the occasion?"

Henry and Alex exchanged a glance before Alex took a deep breath. "Nora, there's something important we need to talk to you about."

Nora's smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of concern. "Is everything okay?"

Henry reached out and took Alex's hand for support. "Everything is fine, but we have a big favor to ask."

Alex continued, "You know how much Henry and I want to start a family. We've been going through the Male Pregnancy program, and we've made a lot of progress. But there's one crucial part we need help with."

Nora's eyes widened as she began to piece things together. "You need an egg donor," she said softly.

Henry nodded. "Yes, and we were hoping you might consider being that our egg donor. We know it's a huge ask, and we don't want to pressure you. We just thought you might be the perfect person to help us."

Nora sat back, processing the information. "Wow, I... I don't know what to say. This is a lot to take in."

Alex quickly added, "We understand. We don't need an answer right now. We just wanted to talk to you about it in person because it means so much to us."

Henry squeezed Alex's hand. "We hope you'll consider it, but we want you to know again that there's no pressure. Whatever you decide, we'll respect your decision."

Nora looked at both of them, her eyes filled with emotion. "I appreciate you coming all this way to ask me. Let me think about it, okay? This is a big decision, and I want to make sure I can give you the best answer."

Alex smiled warmly. "Of course, take all the time you need. We're just grateful you're even considering it."

As the evening went on, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, but the bond between the three friends felt stronger than ever. They knew that no matter what Nora decided, their friendship would remain unshaken.

After the dinner, Henry and Alex returned to their hotel room. The city lights twinkled outside their window as they settled into bed, the weight of their conversation with Nora still fresh in their minds.

Henry lay on his back, staring at the ceiling. "Do you think she'll say yes?" he asked quietly.

Alex turned to face him, propping his head up on his hand. "I hope so. But it's a huge decision for her. We have to be prepared for any answer."

Henry nodded, his expression thoughtful. "You're right. I just can't help but feel hopeful. She's been such a big part of our lives."

Alex smiled softly. "She has. And whatever she decides, we'll respect it. But while we wait for her answer, we should talk about the next big decision."

Henry turned to look at Alex, curiosity in his eyes. "You mean who will carry the baby?"

Alex nodded. "Yes. It's something we need to figure out. Have you thought about it?"

Henry sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I have. It's a big responsibility, and I want to make sure we're both comfortable with the decision."

Alex reached out and took Henry's hand. "I know. It's a lot to consider. But I think we should both be open to the possibility. We need to think about what's best for our family."

Alex smiled, feeling a sense of relief. " We'll go through this together, just like everything else."

Henry chuckled softly. "You know, I was imagining what it would be like if you were pregnant."

Alex raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh really? And what did you imagine?"

Henry grinned. "I pictured you with a cute baby bump, still managing to look incredibly handsome. You'd be so protective and caring, always making sure everything was perfect for our little one."

Alex laughed, a warm sound that filled the room. "I can see that. And I imagined you pregnant too. You'd be so attentive to every detail, making sure you were doing everything right. And you'd look adorable with a baby bump."

Henry blushed slightly. "Adorable, huh? I guess we both have our strengths."

Alex nodded. "Exactly. No matter who ends up carrying the baby, we'll make it work. We'll be great parents."

Henry leaned in and kissed Alex gently. "Together," he echoed. "No matter what."

As they settled back into bed, the uncertainty of the future felt a little less daunting. They knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them side by side, with love and determination guiding their way.

Alex and Henry sat side by side on the plush sofa in their room at Kensington Palace, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow through the large windows. The room was a blend of modern elegance and historical charm, a perfect reflection of their unique love story. Just then, the familiar chime of an incoming FaceTime call echoed through the room. Alex quickly accepted the call, and Nora's smiling face appeared on the screen.

"Hey, you two!" Nora greeted, her cheerful demeanor instantly putting them at ease. "How's life at the palace?"

"Hey, Nora!" Alex and Henry chorused, their faces lighting up. "We're good, just... a bit nervous, looking forward to your answer" Alex admitted.

Nora's smile softened. "I can imagine. So, I've been thinking a lot about what you asked me. And i also talk to your doctor, Zach"

Henry leaned forward, his heart pounding. "And?"

Nora took a deep breath, her eyes shining with emotion. "I would be honored to be your egg donor. I want to help you both achieve your dream of having a family."

Alex and Henry exchanged a look of pure joy and relief. "Thank you, Nora," Henry said, his voice thick with emotion. "You have no idea how much this means to us."

Nora laughed softly. "I think I have some idea. You two are going to be amazing parents. I can't wait to see the little ones running around"

Alex grinned. "Neither can we. Thank you, Nora. This is the best news we could have hoped for."

As they continued to chat, discussing the next steps and sharing their excitement, the room seemed to glow even brighter. It was the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, one filled with hope, love, and the promise of a family.

A week later, Prince Henry and Alex Claremont-Diaz returned to America to accompany Nora to collect her eggs. The clinic lobby was quiet, the soft hum of machinery and the occasional murmur of conversation the only sounds. Henry and Alex sat close together, their hands intertwined, both of them visibly nervous.

Henry glanced at Alex, his eyes filled with concern. "Do you think she's okay?" he asked softly.

Alex squeezed his hand reassuringly. "She'll be fine. Nora's strong. She's doing this because she wants to help us."

Just then, Nora emerged from the consultation room, a nurse by her side. She smiled at the sight of her friends, her eyes twinkling with warmth. "Hey, you two. Stop looking so worried. Everything's going smoothly."

Henry and Alex stood up, moving to her side. "Nora, we can't thank you enough for this," Henry said, his voice thick with emotion. "We're so indebted to you."

Nora waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, stop it. I'm happy to help. Besides, it's not every day I get to do something this important."

Alex grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "Is there anything we can do to repay you? Anything at all?"

Nora pretended to think for a moment, then laughed. "Well, you could always buy me something ridiculously expensive. But seriously, just seeing you two happy is more than enough."

Henry chuckled, the tension easing from his shoulders. "We'll keep that in mind. But really, if you ever need anything, just let us know."

Nora nodded, her smile genuine. "I will. Now, let's get this done so you two can start planning for the future."

As they walked back to the waiting area, Henry and Alex felt a renewed sense of hope and gratitude. They knew that with friends like Nora by their side, they could face anything that came their way.

- To Be Continued -