The Thrill Is Gone

“I know this is wildly inappropriate. You’re on break and I shouldn’t be bothering you, especially since you’re with your significant other. It’s him who should be taking up your time, not me. So I should hang up and respect that this is your time with him, but I just can’t do that. I need you right now, quite selfishly, actually. I need to pick your brain, and if at all possible, I would very much like to persuade you into flying out to Boston – only for a day, of course. On second thought, it’d be two. I’d need you to stay an extra day since the reconciliation process always tends to run longer than expected, but I give you my word that it won’t be longer than two days. That’d be even more inappropriate and terribly unprofessional on my part, but if we could somehow arrange for you to leave the country for at least a day, I would be very much in your debt, Paula. Truly, I would.”

“Hold on a moment, Ma’am.” Paulina spoke up, baffled by what she’d just heard. “I’m having difficultly processing what you’ve just said. Why do you need me to fly out? What is it that you want to pick my brain about?”

“A speech,” Professor Warren quickly replied. “I’ve been scheduled to go before the Congressional Joint Conference Committee. They want me to give my opinion on how they should go about reconciling the House version of Dodd-Frank with that of the Senates. And as you well know, I need help with putting my advice together, because I have all these ideas regarding what it is that I want to see come out of the reconciliation. And I need help with trimming and fine tuning. I need your eyes and ears, because I’m so engrossed with me that I desperately need an outside opinion that I can trust to help me.”

“I’m honored that you want me to be those eyes and ears, but I don’t think I’m qualified.” Paulina wasn’t feigning humility, she truly did mean it. “Personally speaking, I believe you should get in touch with Mr. Robert Kennedy. He could offer insight that would –”

“Robert echoes my own opinions.” Professor Warren stated. “He would encourage me to be even more idealistic and restrictive with my advice, and that would undoubtedly lead to it not being incorporated. After all, there are members on the Joint Conference Committee that are on the Wall Streets payroll, so I need to be firm, yet realistic about what the actual outcome can be. So I need you. You’re the one that tells me when I’m being too unrealistic. You’re my voice of reason. And I need you to assist me with this, because everyone else will simply encourage me to propose even more restrictive measures on Wall Street. Can you imagine what that’d be like? I’d go in there arguing that we need stricter government oversight on Wall Street to ensure that we don’t have another bank crisis, and my opinions would just be cast aside. So I need your perspective. You’ve been a great help throughout the year, and I know it’s asking a lot, but I need your help right now. Can you do that for me, please Paula?”

“I’d be honored to,” Paulina found herself saying. “It’d be an immense privilege to be able to assist you through this but I . . .” she hesitated. Could she really tell her that the reason she couldn’t go to America was because she’d been invited to stay at a castle? “. . . I’m meant to travel to Balmoral tomorrow.”

“Postpone it.” Professor Warren didn’t understand the importance of Balmoral. “I’m sure you can travel there later on in the week. The landmarks will still be there to take in. This is peak tourist season, after all.”

“Balmoral isn’t some tourist attraction. It’s Her Majesty’s summer residence and I’ve been invited to stay.” Paulina hoped that the Professor would understand the importance of such an invitation. “I’m sorry if I’m coming off as ungrateful, but I can’t postpone that. There’s no way I can tell the Queen that I’m gonna cut my time with her short. It’d be unpardonable. And it’s hard because I do want to fly out to Boston. I think it’d be an incredible opportunity to be able to be present at that committee hearing, but I can’t do that. I wish I could, but I can’t.” She closed her eyes trying to think of some way she could help out. She was quiet a few moments, her breathing the only thing Professor Warren could hear, and then quite suddenly, she lout out a triumphant cry. “I got it!” she exclaimed. “I know how I can help!”

“How?” inquired Professor Warren.

“Send me a copy of your speech and the points that you’re thinking of bring up at the committee. I can go over them and then e-mail you back. Wait. On second thought, don’t do that, I’ve got a better idea. We can SKYPE.”

“Yes!” exclaimed a relieved Professor Warren. “How soon can you get on? I’ve cleared out my day so I can focus on this, so if you can get on soon it’ll be perfect.”

“It would, but the thing is that I can’t get online right this moment. You called in the middle of dinner so I’ve got to get back to that, and I have to pack up so I can catch my flight to Scotland in the morning, but that shouldn’t take too long. It’s like a half past seven right now, so I should be able to get on SKYPE at around ten, which would be five o’clock your time. And I’m fully committed to working through the night if you’re fine with working through the evening.”

“I am.” Professor Warren reassured. “And just so you know, I will reimburse you for the hours you –”

“No.” Paulina cut her off. “I don’t want to be paid for this. I’m doing it because I want to. I only wish that I could do more, but given the circumstances, this is all I can contribute.”

“And I do appreciate it.” Professor Warren told her, “Especially since you already have commitments with Royalty. It can’t be easy to manage these two worlds you live in, but I thank you for making an effort to assist me.”

“You don’t have to thank me.” Paulina said, somewhat awkwardly. “I’m just glad I could be of help. And I’m honored that you think so highly of me and have such trust. With so many high ranking people in your acquaintance, it’s surprising to be the one you call.”

“Well, it shouldn’t be. I’ve told you before that what I value above all else is loyalty and integrity. You’ve exceeded my expectations in both categories, so this is only natural. Not to mention, Ted vouched for you and Ted’s always known how to pick ‘em. After all, he backed the President when everyone was endorsing other candidates in the primary process.” And Professor Warren meant that. Ted had been the person she trusted wholeheartedly, and when he vouched for Paulina’s intelligence and integrity, Professor Warren viewed Paulina as an extension of Ted. “Now go. I don’t want to cause any disagreement. I’ll speak to you later, Paula. And thanks again. Goodbye.”

When the line went dead, Paulina lowered the phone and then proceeded to stare at it with a dreamy sort of expression. She’d just been offered an opportunity to be flown out to Boston to assist Professor Warren with government legislation, and while she hadn’t accepted the offer, she was filled with a great sense of fulfillment. She wasn’t just an assistant that held briefcases and made food runs. Her mind was genuinely valued, her opinion appreciated and welcomed, and the fact that she was being asked to contribute by such an intelligent and accomplished individual, made Paulina feel like she was well on her way to making one of her dreams come true.

She stood alone for a little while longer, attempting to process the fact that the opinions she would give Professor Warren would be worked into her proposal to the joint conference committee. Her opinions were going to potentially impact important government legislation, and while it wouldn’t be her name that was put out there; she was just thrilled her thoughts would be delivered before congress.

In time, she was able to recoup and walked back into the dining room where Harry and her friends awaited her return. They stopped talking when she walked in, far too curious to find out what it was that had happened, but neither Olivia or Alfred wanted to be the one that pried. They waited until Harry did.

“Everything alright there, love?” he asked her.

“Yeah, of course, everything’s fine.” She assured as she sat down beside him. “Sorry about that. I hate it when people run out to answer the phone in the middle of dinner, but, uh, it couldn’t be helped. It was . . . just some work stuff.”

“But I thought you’re on break,” spoke Olivia. “Aren’t you meant to be on break from being an assistant?”

“Technically yes, but Professor Warren’s going before a committee tomorrow so she just wanted to pick my mind a bit,” explained Paulina.

“And she’s already done so?” Alfred asked. “Because you weren’t outside nearly long enough for her to have picked your mind much, at least, that’s what I think.”

“That’s because she was trying to persuade me into flying out to Boston to –”

“You’re not serious are you?” Harry blurted out. “Do you mean to fly out there?”

“Of course not,” she assured him. “There’s no way in hell that I’d fly out to Boston when we’ve been invited to Balmoral. No. I thanked her for thinking of me and then explained that I had prior engagements, but I did promise that I’d help her out tonight. So I won’t be getting any sleep.”

“Ya can’t do that to yourself,” Harry told her. “We’re meant to travel tomorrow and that’ll tire you. It always does.”

“I know,” she said, softly. “But it can’t be helped. This is important and if it means losing out on sleep, then so be it.”

“What did she need help with that’s so important?” inquired Alfred.

“Uh, well, she’s going to advise the joint committee on how to reconcile the House version of Dodd-Frank with that of the Senates. So she needs some help fine tuning her points and figuring out how restrictive her advice should be and what advice can actually be taken into consideration. Personally speaking, I think she should’ve called up a Kennedy to help her out with it, but she said they’ll only indulge her and she needs me to tell her not to do things, if that makes any sense.”

“I thought assistants were meant to be overly agreeable.” Olivia commented. “Isn’t what they’re meant for?”

“Mostly, yeah,” replied Paulina. “And that’s mostly what I do, but she also likes me to bring a fresh perspective on things. That’s why she always has me taking notes whenever I accompany her to meetings because she wants to discuss and really dig into it. So I guess when it comes to me with her, she wants me to be someone she can bounce ideas off and have an honest discussion with.” She picked up her fork. “But enough of this, let’s enjoy ourselves. This is our last night in Torquay. And I need to enjoy myself before Harry’s grandma tries to get me to ride.”

“She’s not going to try to get you to ride. She’s going to get you to ride.” Harry corrected, chuckling lightly. “She’s already picked the horse out and everything.”

“We’ll see about that, but I don’t think I’m gonna get much further than just mounting. Horses are just fucking scary, and ugh – no thank you!”

“I reckon you’ll be thinking differently once the weeks up.” Harry stated, very matter-of-factly. “Don’t you think so, Olivia?”

“I’d like to think she will, but if there’s one thing Paulin is, it’s stubborn.” Olivia replied. “And knowing her, even if she does enjoy herself on the horse, she’ll never admit it.”

“Then I’ll just have to be there to see for myself.” Harry said.

“Like hell you are.” Paulina blurted out.

“I am.” Harry repeated.

“Don’t you remember that your grandmother said that you weren’t going to be allowed to be near us because you might distract me?” Paulina reminded.

“Come off it. Ya know she didn’t mean that!”

“Oh, yes, she did.” Paulina proceeded to stab a piece of steak with her fork. “She said that I’m meant to have a most relaxing experience while she’s teaching me to ride, and that includes not having you around to distract me.”

“Well I reckon I’ll have to have some words with her. See if I can convince her to reconsider.”

“Hmm, I don’t think it likely you will.” Paulina smirked. “Not since I made her promise. And we both know that a Queen’s promise is as good as law.”

“You’re so annoying.” Harry scrunched his nose at her. “But no matter, I’ll just put my spies at work. I’m sure I’ll find out one way or another.”

“We’ll see about that, güerito.”

The rest of dinner went by smoothly. There were no further phone calls to interrupt, although there was a text message, but that one buzzed from Olivia’s phone, and she was far too busy to notice. Not like it was an important one. It was just her younger sister asking if she could borrow a sweater, and regardless of whether or not Olivia said yes, the sweater was still going to be borrowed.

After dinner, Paulina and Alfred did the washing up. She washed while he dried and set the dishes in their rightful places, and once they finished tidying up, they joined Olivia and Harry in the living room, where they sat watching a movie on HBO. It was in the living room where they spent the rest of their night. They sat there, conversing and drinking until nine o’clock. At which point Paulina announced that she wanted to get started on packing up for the flight in the morning. Harry followed her to the bedroom, and while she packed, he laid in bed, watching as she folded their freshly washed clothes and set them in their respective luggage.

“You know, we could’ve done that in the morning,” he said as he rolled onto his belly. “We could’ve just thrown everything in there.”

“Then we would’ve had to iron all the wrinkles out, and I’m not about to waste time ironing clothes when I could just put them away properly.”

“But that takes so much time,” he complained. “And anyways, someone else could’ve ironed it.”

“Oh shush,” she said, playfully. “It’s not like you’re even doing anything. I’m the one that’s folding and packing.”

“And doing so is keeping you from coming to bed.” He pouted. “Come on, just give it up and get over here. This is our last night before we’re forced into separate chambers. And with Gran around, we won’t be able to sneak into each other’s room.”

“Well I’m glad of that. My vag needs a break.”

“Come on there, love. I’m sure I haven’t you tired you out so bad.”

“I reckon you have.”

“Don’t ya have at least one more go left in ya?” he gazed up at her, expectantly.

“Even if I did, I can’t. Not tonight, at least. I’ve got to finish up here and then head down to the kitchen to get in touch with Professor Warren.”

“Ya were serious about that?”

“Of course I was.” She finished packing Harry’s luggage and zipped it up. “I promised that I’d help her, so that’s what I’m gonna do.”

“But does she really need any help? I reckon if she’s as brilliant as ya say, then she shouldn’t need any help.”

“Are you saying I’m not smart enough to help her?”

“No!” he could see her eyes flicker. He’d accidentally offended her pride. “That’s not it at all. She’s just an expert in her field, is all. And you’re an expert in other fields. What with the social justice and philosophy. That’s not to do with the economy and Wall Street; you’ve said yourself it’s not your forte. It’s hers, and I reckon – never mind, I don’t know what I reckon.” He smiled sheepishly. “It’s just that I want to be with you while I can.”

“And so do I,” she stopped packing and sat down beside him. “But I’ve got to do this, güerito. I have an opportunity to help impact government legislation which will help prevent a future recession and that’ll protect consumers, and I can’t help but think that this is gonna be one of the few times that I have a chance at this.”

“What do ya mean? You’ll have others.”

“Will I really?” she asked, softly. “We both know my future’s . . . well you know.”

He nodded in agreement. They hadn’t spoken of marriage, not directly, but he knew that that was something she thought of, and she certainly knew it was something he wanted.

“And I think . . . I feel that I should take advantage of this, while I can.” She continued. “Does it make sense?”

“I reckon it does.” He agreed. “You should have at it.” He paused. “So go on. I’ll finish up here and you can get started.”

“That’s okay, I’ll finish up. I’m nearly done.”

“I know how to fold clothes you know. I packed my own bag, mind you.” Harry said, feigning offense.

“Not even!” she laughed. “Whenever you pack your own bag, you just throw stuff inside. We both know Ana or Davie were the ones that packed.”

“How do you know their names? I haven’t introduced you to them.”

“I met them when I accidentally walked into the staff quarters.” Paulina explained. “But anyways, they’re the ones that packed.”

“That doesn’t mean I don’t know how.”

“Fine then,” she said. “Pack my clothes, but just so you know, if they get wrinkly, you’ll have to iron them.”

“S’alright by me,” he said, standing up.

“In one of the maid’s uniforms,” she added.

Harry shrugged. “Have you seen the uniforms they’ve got to wear at my Gran’s house? There’s nothing sexy about it.”

“There will be when you’re just wearing the hat and apron.” She smirked. “You still want to pack for me?”

“Here ya were, talking about how your bits need a break, and now you’re going on about me ironing in just an apron and hat. I reckon you’ll be getting us into trouble.”

“Does that mean you’re backing down?”

“That means I’m gonna blame you when my Gran pulls me in for a chat.” Harry smirked. “Now off with you. I need space to pack here.”

She chuckled and leant in to place a tender kiss on his lips.

“Thank you. And I’ll see you tomorrow morning, mi güerito. Goodnight.” She grabbed her laptop bag and slung it over her shoulder.

“Goodnight.” He mumbled. “And try not to get too late into bed. You need your rest.”

“I can sleep on the flight over. That’s three hours.”

“Come off it. We both know ya won’t be sleeping.”

“I won’t.” She admitted. “But if there’s one thing I’ve mastered in my last seven years at university, it’s how to survive on little to no sleep.”

“Well off with ya then,” he told her, shooing her away with his hand. “Go save democracy and all that. Give the Clintons a run for their money.”

“You and your honeyed words,” she said, smiling affectionately. “I am one lucky woman.”

In four quick steps, she crossed the room and placed her hands on his hips, pulling him in close so she could place one last kiss on his lips before she headed downstairs. Perhaps another person wouldn’t have reacted as strongly as she did to Harry’s words, but hearing him say that she was going to save democracy (even if only jokingly) had stirred something within her. It was the same sensation she experienced whenever she fantasized about having sex in the Oval Office – as President, of course, because if she was going to be fucking in the Oval Office, then she sure as hell was going to be Commander in Chief.

Those were the sorts of things that excited her, and she couldn’t stop herself from pouncing on Harry, not when he’d just referred to her as the savior of democracy. There was no greater title, even if it had been said teasingly, and she went at him, giving him a snog unlike he’d ever been given before. And that intensity, that sudden passionate display of affection, caught him off guard. He hadn’t thought his words would inspire such a response. He’d only been joking, but there she was, devouring him with her lips.

He lost himself in her. And he wanted more. He needed more. Her lips were intoxicating, but he needed to bury himself between her thighs, to make her squirm beneath him, and cry out his name. He wanted to have her on the bed, on the floor, in the shower, and bent over that writing desk. He wanted her even more than he’d wanted her that first night they’d had sex. With time, he hadn’t grown bored with her; he’d become more addicted. Her body was his ultimate drug, and as they kissed feverishly, his hands traveled to the hem of her shirt and made an attempt to take it off. But just as her stomach began to be exposed, she pulled away.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, breathlessly.

“Nothing,” she replied, struggling to compose herself. “It’s just . . . I . . . I’ve got to get going.”

“I reckon ya don’t. Not yet at least.” And he reached out for her. He grabbed hold of her pajama bottoms and pulled in her close. “You could stay here for a bit.”

“I can’t,” said Paulina. Though she was already contemplating how late she could be before it’d be considered rude. “The Professor’s waiting for me.”

“Let her wait.” He slipped his right hand under her shirt and began running it upwards, the fabric bunched up as he did so. “It’s not like she’s any right to be cross with you. You’re doing her a favor, you are. So it doesn’t matter if you’re a bit late. After all, what are ten or fifteen minutes? You’ll still be up all night with her. And I reckon you deserve a treat,” his hand slipped under her bra and began massaging her breast, “Before you go off and save democracy.”

She gazed at him with lust filled eyes, conflicted as to what to do. There was a part of her that wanted to shove him onto the bed and demand that he refer to her as Madam President while they went at it, but her more reasonable side ordered for her to march downstairs and get to work – but what to do?

“Henry . . .” she found herself saying after a prolonged silence, a silence in which Harry had employed himself by feverishly kissing her neck “. . . she needs my help.”

“That’s something we’ve in common then, because I need loads of help.” He shot her one of those maddening cheeky smirks of his, the sort that always made it perfectly clear that his mind was in the gutter.

“Already?” she blurted out. “How can you possibly have a hard on from just a kiss?” she questioned.

“That wasn’t just some kiss. That was a proposition to shag.” He said, very matter-of-factly.

“Not even!”

“Ya bloody pounced on me and starting grabbing at my bits!” he exclaimed. “Alright, well, not exactly grabbing at my bits, but grabbing at other – less important – bits.” He awaited a response, but when he received none, he went on, “And I reckon that since you’ve done this to me, it’s only right ya see to it.”

“And I reckon ya can see to it yourself, you gingery wanker.” She adjusted her bra. “Now off you go, sort yourself out.”

“Don’t want to though,” he muttered, petulantly. “Ya sure you can’t spare a few minutes?”

She didn’t even give him a verbal response, she simply raised her brow.

“Oh, alright, alright,” he sighed, dramatically. “I’ll bloody see to it myself, but before I do, I’ve a question.”

“I’m listening.”

“Well, I reckon I might sound daft asking this, but I was wondering what it was that got you snogging me the way you were. Because whatever it was, I mean to say or do it often in the future. At least, whenever you’re cross with me.”

At that, she burst into a fit of giggles.

“Oi!” he bellowed. “I’m not messing about!”

“I know you’re not.” She managed to say between laughs.

“Then quit bloody laughing! I’m not joking about with this. I’m keen to know what set you off, because I reckon it’ll please you just as much as it will be.”

“It would.” She agreed. “But you’re a smart man, you’ll figure it out. Just like you figured out my phone number and address before we started dating.”

“So I’ve got to bug MI6 again?” He joked.

“If that’s what it takes.” She grinned. “Now I’ve really got to go and you’ve really got to wank. So have at it.”

“You’re such an arse.” He grumbled as he began to walk towards the bathroom. “The next time you want to have a go, I’m gonna make you have at yourself.”

“And then you’ll be turned on and invite yourself in,” she said, very matter-of-factly. “Or have you forgotten the last time you threatened me with that?”

He was silent for a moment, and then he just bellowed, “That still doesn’t change the fact that you’re an arse!”

“I can live with that!” she said as she opened this door. “Now I’m going, and I mean it this time. Goodnight!”

She didn’t wait for him to reply. She simply made her way out the door, through the corridor, down the stairs, and into the breakfast nook area that was tucked off to the side of the kitchen. Once there, she set up her laptop, took out the notebooks she had stowed away in its carrying bag, and signed onto SKYPE so that her late night conference with Professor Warren could begin.
The two women spent the following six hours immersed in the world of the Dodd-Frank Act. They went over both bills, careful to fully process every single article so they could decide what should be kept from each one, and what should be added to ensure its approval from the House and Senate, as well as the President. It was long six hours, but oddly enough, Paulina wasn’t exhausted throughout them. Her body seemed to be utterly unaware of the fact that it ought to be sleeping, and for the first time in nearly a week, her nerves weren’t nagging her. They weren’t making her fuss about how her stay with the Queen was going to turn out. To be honest, Paulina didn’t even remember the Queen existed. She was too focused on the bill, and on assisting the Professor in reconciling both versions, as well as fine tuning her speech and points.

That was what her mind fixated on, and it was a welcomed vacation from her feelings of insecurity. She was tired of worrying about what her time at Balmoral would be like, whether she’d make an ass of herself and make the Queen hate her again, or whether she’d be able to manage being in the Queen’s presence for so long, because having tea and dinner with her was one thing, but actually living with her full time for an entire week, was completely different. So she welcomed those six hours without those feelings, she relished in them, but then that blessed vacation came to an end.

Shortly after four in the morning, she found herself slipping into bed beside Harry, hoping to have an hours nap before she got up to get ready for the day ahead, but try as she did, her body refused to cooperate. And so she lay there, wide awake, staring up at the damn ceiling. What she’d give to be able to fall asleep. All she needed was a solid hour of sleep. Hell, at that point, she’d even be happy with a thirty minute power nap, but reposition herself as she did, she couldn’t quite find one comfortable enough to fall asleep in. They were all failing her, and with each passing moment, she couldn’t help but become even more desperate. She was a fool for having spent the entire night awake with Professor Warren. She should’ve told her that she was busy and had no time for anything else, but she’d been so determined to do her part in American politics, that she’d forgotten about her nerves. And now that she was able to feel them, now that they were feeding into her insecurities, she scolded herself for having been such a damn fool. She should’ve just slept. She should’ve called it a night at ten, so that she could’ve gotten a healthy seven hours of sleep, but no, she’d been a fool. And now she was paying the price.

She remained in bed for as long as she could, but eventually, it became too much for her. She couldn’t just lay there, she was going mad. She had to get up. She had to get moving. Keep occupied, that was the trick. If she could keep herself occupied, her nerves wouldn’t get the best of her. As such, she slid out of bed, mindful not to wake her sleeping güerito, and when her feet were firmly planted on the ground, she proceeded to dress quickly, slipping on her discarded pajamas that had been discarded only a short while earlier.

Fully dressed and with her trainers on, she made her way outside, quietly venturing downstairs to the kitchen, where she fixed herself a cup of coffee. She’d intended to plant herself in front of the television and watch whatever was on, but then she looked out the window, the one that overlooked the backyard and cliffs, and decided that she’d much rather spend her time out back than indoors. And with that in mind, she trudged into the living room to grab the warm blanket that Alfred had draped over the couch, and after wrapping it around herself, she walked outside with her coffee in hand.

It was chilly out, colder than she’d anticipated, and she had half a mind to go inside to fetch a jacket, but the walk wasn’t one she wanted to undertake. Instead, she resolved to endure the cold. After all, it wasn’t anywhere near as bad as the winters in Massachusetts. Those were fucking freezing, what with the snow piling high and the occasional blizzard sticking. It was dreadful, but if Paulina could endure that, then she could certainly make do with a chilly ocean breeze. So she held onto the blanket a bit tighter, and began to stroll around the backyard, aided by the obliging moonlight. She moved slowly, in no rush, and was able to marvel at the beauty of the lush grounds. She was so taken in that she ended up wandering away from the backyard and into the bits of forest that was on Alfred’s property. Inside there, she lost herself, staring up in awe at the proud trees that appeared to reach up all the way to the heavens. She was in there until the sky began to lighten. The sun hadn’t ascended yet, but the heavens were preparing for it. The dark blues and rich purples were beginning to lighten, hints of orange and reds began to peak through, and she was suddenly struck with an overwhelming need to sit on the edge of the cliff and take in the beauty of the sunrise over the ocean.

And it was there, sitting on the edge of the cliff that Alistair found her at a quarter to five in the morning. He’d woken before the others to do a perimeter check, to make sure that the press hadn’t breached the perimeter during the night, and to phone ahead to the security at both airports to make sure everything was ready for the trip. He’d expected to go through everything with relative ease. He hadn’t expected to find Paulina sitting alone. His first thought was that there’d been a fit. She and Harry had had a row, and now she was crying outside. Had she been someone else, anyone else really, he would’ve simply walked away and pretended not be there, because that’s what a good security detail does; they remain unseen. But he couldn’t do that with her. He’d formed an attachment to her throughout the last two years. He didn’t have a sister, only four brothers, but had he had one, he would’ve liked for her to be like Paulina, and that was why he decided to approach her, when his training demanded that he stay away.

“Miss Balcázar,” he spoke softly, not wishing to startle her.

She didn’t hear him. Her gaze was fixed on the heavens, her ears on the sound of the crashing waves.

“Miss Balcázar,” he called a second time. “Are you alright?”

“Hmm?” she replied, turning to face him. “Alistair! What are you doing here? You should be sleeping.”

“Sleeping is not something I ought to be doing at the present, Miss.” Alistair replied. “It’s my duty to see the perimeter is safe, and that all is ready for you and His Royal Highness.”

“I’m sure everything’s ready. After all, it’s not like you to leave anything unattended to.”

“I thank you for the compliment, but be it as it may, it doesn’t hurt to check a second and a third time.”

“I guess not.” She smiled. “But I still think it’s a little too early for that.”

“Then surely, it is also too early for you to be awake. You ought to be resting.”

“Oh, I wish I could,” she replied, smiling slightly. “But sleep – well, it decided to be a massive diva tonight. I guess I wasn’t on the list, but it’s alright. I’ll be fine. Just got to get some more coffee in me, and I’ll be good. After all, it’s not the first all nighter I pull, and it certainly won’t be the last.”

“You mean to say that you’ve not slept at all?”

She nodded.

“Why?” he blurted out. “Forgive me. That was terribly impertinent of me.”

“Come off it, Alistair. We both know I prefer it when you speak to me like a normal person.”

“That’s not what I’m meant to do though.”

“It’s what I prefer.” She repeated. “Now go on, tell me that I was crazy for staying up all night. I’ll agree with you.”

“Then why do it?”

“Because I had to,” she replied. “Judging by the look on your face, I should explain myself. I was helping Professor Warren get a few things in order for a hearing that’ll be taking place later in America. She has to go before a joint committee, and since I’m her assistant, she wanted to get my opinion on things.”

“While I understand your affinity for politics, I do believe that you should’ve rest instead.”

“Alistair, you and I both know that when it comes to our employers, we’ll sacrifice sleep and sanity to help them.”

“Still,” he argued, “You should’ve rested.”

“I can rest during the flight. And like I said, it’s not the first time I’ve stayed up all night.”

“Be that as it may, you should’ve slept.”

“Oh, Alistair, you fuss over me too much.”

“I do not fuss.” He said, offended.

“You do.” She grinned. “And I happen to think its rad – exceedingly rad, actually. So since I think you’re so rad, you should sit with me awhile. Will you?” she patted the ground beside her. “I’m sure you can spare a few minutes for me. It’s not like the perimeters going anywhere.”

“A few minutes, I suppose.” He carefully took a seat beside her, allowing his legs to dangle off the side of the cliff. “It’s a quarter to five. So at five, I’ll take my leave.”

“Five?” her face contorted into one of dread. “How the hell is it nearly five? It’s not supposed to be so late. I thought it was . . . ah, fuck. I thought I had more time. I need more time.”

“What for?” he inquired, forgetting himself. “We’re not scheduled to depart until 6:30. I daresay that’s plenty of time.”

“It’s not.” She covered her face with her hands, grimacing. “I don’t even want to go anymore.”

“You don’t mean that, not really.” He’d only seen her like that once before, on the evening she went to Clarence House for the first time. “It’s only your nerves talking. And you mustn’t pay them any mind.”

“Can’t help it though,” she muttered.

“Of course you can.” Alistair firmly stated. “Now come on, get your hands off your face. They’re not doing you any favors.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Well you’re going to, so go on.”

Hesitantly, she lowered them.

“Do allow me to apologize for speaking to you in such a manner. It was terribly impertinent of me, but it had to be said, because I will not stand to see you done in by your nerves. You’re stronger than that.”

“Am I really?” she lifted her gaze to meet his. “I don’t think so. Not right now, at least. Ah. Fuck. I don’t know. Don’t listen to me, Alistair. I’m not making any sense. This is just me running at the mouth. And being an insecure little shit.”

“But there’s no reason for that.” He couldn’t stress it enough. “Honestly Miss Balcázar, how many times have we had conversations similar to this? It seems whenever you’re introduced to a new member of the royal family or a new aspect of it, you let your nerves get away with you. And there’s no need for it! None at all, I promise.”

“How can you be so sure?” her voice was barely above a whisper. “How can you be so confident of me when I’m not?”

“Because I see what you are, not what your nerves would lead you to believe.” He was smiling now. “You’re sensational, Miss Balcázar. And the Queen certainly believes so. She wouldn’t have invited you otherwise. That’s why I don’t understand the nerves. Her Majesty has invited you to be her particular guest at Balmoral. She has offered to gift you private riding lessons. She is exerting herself to show you the same kindness and warmth that she does her grandchildren. And you know what else?”

“What?” she asked.

“She’s never invited Miss Middleton to stay.”

“Bullshit!”

“Quite the contrary actually,” he said. “Miss Middleton has visited Balmoral as Prince Charles’ particular guest, but not as Her Majesty’s.”

“But she’s been with William for so long. That doesn’t make any sense.”

“It does to Her Majesty, and that is what matters.” He paused, allowing his words to sink in. “Do find confidence in that, because Her Majesty is under no obligation to invite you or any other person to her summer holiday. There are even times when she foregoes the company of her children and grandchildren, but she has desired yours. She has sought it. That is an honor above all honors. So have faith.”

She stared at him in silence, contemplating his words.

“Why are you so good to me?” she ended up saying.

“Pardon?” was his reply.

“You’re always looking out for me. Not just for my safety, but for me – emotionally and stuff,” she explained. “Why?”

“Because,” he replied, simply.

“That’s not an answer.”

“It’s the only one I’ll give.” And he smiled at her in that maddening way that her brothers always smiled whenever they refused to elaborate any further. “Now I do believe it’s time I return to my duties.”

“Does that mean its five then?”

“Nearly so,” he replied as he stood up.

“Well,” she sighed, “I guess it’s time I head in.”

She scooted backwards until her legs no longer dangled off the side. It was a necessary security measure for her. She wanted to have enough space so that if she were to accidentally fall over in either direction, she’d land on solid ground, and not be sent hurling over the edge of the cliff. So she took her time standing up; first scooting backwards, then turning onto her knees, and then finally making a go of standing with the help of Alistair. He had offered her his hand, and she’d gladly taken it.

“Thank you,” she said, warmly. “And thank you for looking out for me. I seriously don’t know where I’d be without you, Alistair.”

“Still fretting, certainly,” he joked, though his tone remained formal. “Though in truth there is no need to thank me. It is an honor to be of service.”

“Be that as it may, I still want to thank you. And even though you refuse to admit you’re my friend, I’ll always view you as one.” And with that said, she leant in for a hug, one that conveyed her appreciation for him as well as the high regard she held for him. “You’re fucking rad, Alistair.”

“High praise indeed,” was his unaffected reply, though in truth, he was a great deal more than pleased.

It was shortly thereafter that they parted. He saw to his duties, and she to hers. The first thing on her agenda was a shower. Well, half a shower. She was only washing her body since there was no time to dry and straighten her hair. That would’ve been far too much of a hassle, especially since she had to fix breakfast for everyone. So she tied her hair up in a tight bun and then scrubbed her body vigorously, removing the previous days scent. When she finished, she quickly changed into the blush rose dress and matching coat that she’d packed for the trip to Balmoral. It was an outfit that her aunt Josephina had made for her, and despite being a little tighter than when it had been completed, it still looked well.

Now that she was dressed, she hurried to do her makeup. She quickly put on a simple look that would’ve done well at mass or afternoon tea. After all, she wasn’t trying to look ready for a night on the town. She was just trying to look suitable for her arrival at Balmoral. When she finished with her makeup, she hurried onto her hair. Since she’d straightened it the previous day, it only took ten minutes to run the straightener through it, and once she’d finished with that, she pinned some of her hair back to give herself a more put together look.

Had she had more time, she would’ve done something more elaborate with her hair, but she was racing against the clock and had to settle for a simple style so that she’d be able to move onto the next task, which happened to be preparing breakfast. She was tempted to fix Harry and the security details a proper English breakfast, a hearty meal that would hold them over well into the afternoon, but she instead settled on bacon sandwiches. They were a favorite of Harry’s, and didn’t take that much time to make. So she got to work in the kitchen, and by the time Harry walked downstairs, she’d finished tidying up.

“Paulin!” he called to her as he wandered into the kitchen. “Where are ya? I’ve been looking around and – fucking hell, that bacon butty, I smell?”

“It is,” she replied, emerging from the pantry. “I figured they’d be good for the road. So I went ahead and made some for you.”

“Have you?” his face lit up. “Bloody hell, I expected to find ya knocked out. That’s why I was screaming about the way I was, I figured you’d fallen asleep down here, but there you are, looking fucking lovely and with a massive stack of bacon butty. You’re ace, you are.”

“Ace?” she repeated, smiling all the while. “I do love to hear my Snow White call me ace. It’s one of my favorite things to hear actually. So come on then, get over here and show your Prince Charming just how ace she really is. Only, don’t wrinkle my dress. I’ve got to keep this looking presentable.”

“If that’s the case, I don’t reckon I should touch you.” He stopped just a foot short of her. “Because these hands of mine will have ya getting all wrinkled, they will.”

“And we can’t have that.”

“You can’t have that.” He stressed. “Personally speaking, I don’t mind wrinkles.”

“Is that so?”

“Mhm,” he began to close the gap. “They add character. Show that one’s lived, and all that.”

“Does that mean wrinkles are going to make my dress look adventurous, instead of sloppy?” she asked, fighting back a laugh.

“Most definitely,” was his reply. “So it’s my sacred duty to help ya get wrinkled up a bit.”

She stepped back when Harry reached out for her. “Slow down there, güerito.”

“Why?” he pouted. “You’re not going to keep me from doing my sacred duty, are you?”

“As much as I want to help you with your sacred duty, I need to keep myself looking respectable for your Grandmother.”

“I doubt my Gran would be cross if ya did show up a bit wrinkled. We’re meant to take a three hour flight today. Your dress will get plenty wrinkled during that.”

“That is true . . .”

“So if you think about it, it really won’t matter how wrinkled I get it, because it won’t be anything at all compared to what the flight and drive will do.” And as he spoke, he reached out for her, taking her shapely hips into his possession. “And if for some reason, the wrinkles are incredibly offensive to you, we can always stop somewhere and have them ironed out. That wouldn’t take long, only a few minutes.” He waited for her to reply, but he only received an encouraging smile from her. “You know, you were hard at work all night and you fixed breakfast, and as your Snow White, I feel it’s my duty to show you just how ace you are.”

“Go on then,” she tried to be nonchalant about it, but she failed miserably. She was grinning. Her eyes twinkled with delight. “Show me.”

A smirk crept across his lips, and for a moment, he simply stood there, taking in her presence. Over the last few months, he’d gotten used to having her around. It had been like it was before, when she lived in Oxford and he could drive down to see her every weekend, and he loved having her around, and he had sort of taken for granted (as had she) their time together. But now that it was winding down, now that they were almost going to part, he wanted to truly take in the moment to the fullest. He needed to memorize the way she looked in the morning light, the way her eyes twinkled and cheeks blushed, because it would be nearly two months before they were together again.

“What’s wrong?” she found herself asking in a soft voice.

“Nothing,” he answered, reaching out to touch her face. “Everything’s brilliant.”

He slid his hand around to her nape, and then, quite gently, pulled her to him, until their lips met. The kiss started off surprisingly tender. It was much like a first kiss, when two people move in cautiously, seeing whether or not there’ll be that oh so coveted spark, but it quickly escalated into something more. They lost themselves in one another, desperate to have one last moment of intimacy before they were confined to different chambers in Balmoral.

The lovers were so caught up in their own little world, that they didn’t hear Olivia approaching, which was quite strange, considering that she’d knocked over the umbrella stand in the hallway. But somehow or another, they managed to go undisturbed by that. It wasn’t until Olivia began panicking that they realized she was there, but by then it was too late. They couldn’t separate themselves and tidy up to look like nothing had happened. No. They were caught in the heat of the moment. Her legs were wrapped tightly around his waist, his jacket was lying on the floor, and both their faces were flushed. Had Olivia had any experience in that sort of situation, she would’ve quietly exited and lingered in the hallway until it sounded like things were over, but that was the first time Olivia had ever walked in on anyone in that situation, and as such, she panicked.

“My God!” cried out Olivia. “I’m sorry. So terribly sorry! I’ll see myself out now. Just don’t mind me. Please don’t mind me.”

“Olivia!” bellowed Paulina, her face turning an even brighter shade of red. “Via!” she cried. “Wait! You don’t have to go anywhere, just – güerito, get off!” And she jumped off the counter and straightened out her dress so she could chase after her mortified friend. “Come now, Via,” she spoke as she followed her into the hallway. “There’s no need to freak out or apologize. You didn’t do anything wrong, and it’s no like we were doing anything too serious. It was just a little making out.”

“But you were . . .” Olivia trailed off, unable to find her words. “I’m sorry, Paulina. I was only looking to chat. I’d heard some noise coming from the kitchen and thought I might have a bit of time with you before ya left, since we’re not to see you for several months. Had I known you were there with Harry, I wouldn’t have gone in. I’m just so terribly sorry about ruining the moment. I know you two won’t be able to be together in Balmoral. The Queen’s very strict with sleeping arrangements. That is to say, I imagine her to strict about that sort of thing.”

“She is,” replied Paulina, knowing that Olivia would appreciate that bit of information. I’m gonna have my own room, but that doesn’t matter right now. I’m just sorry you walked in on us like that.”

“You don’t have to be sorry,” said Olivia, hurriedly.

“I do.” Paulina firmly stated. “This isn’t our house and we’re not the only people here. We should’ve been mindful of ourselves.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. This is as good as your house. Alfie’s said so as well.”

“True, but I seriously doubt Alfie wants my ass on his counters.” Paulina meant to sound serious, but it came out as a joke. “I’m pretty sure if he’d walked in, he would’ve me to no end, like he does Charlotte.”

At that, Olivia cracked a smile. “He would’ve.”

“Then I guess, in a way, it was very lucky of us that you walked in, and for that, I thank you. You saved me from a scolding.” Paulina grinned. “Now come on, let’s get back to the kitchen. And don’t feel nervous or awkward, Harry’s been caught in way more compromising positions. Not with me, mind you.”

“I imagine so, what with his history and all, but it’s still embarrassing.”

“Just forget about it,” advised Paulina, wrapping an arm around Olivia’s shoulder. “And just so you know, I’ll ask him not to tease you about it.”

“Thanks,” Olivia smiled gratefully. She wouldn’t have been able to stand any teasing. “So . . .” she began, wanting to change the subject “. . . have you finished your packing?”

“I have!” Paulina said, proudly. “Actually, Harry finished the packing.”

“He did not!” Olivia blurted out as she followed Paulina into the kitchen.

“I did indeed!” Harry chimed in from his place by the sink. “She got to work with the Professor, so I went ahead and did the packing. That way she wouldn’t have too much to do.”

“How thoughtful of you,” Olivia said softly.

“I’m always thoughtful, thank you very much.” Harry wore a self satisfied look.

“I wasn’t trying to say you’re not always thoughtful. I was only –”

“Don’t worry. I know ya didn’t mean anything by it.” Despite having been in Olivia’s company for years, Harry still hadn’t gotten used to how easy it was to work her up. “And also, I don’t want you fretting over you walking in here and all that, because I won’t tease you, even thought it’d be a laugh.”

Olivia’s cheeks brightened.

“Awe, I’m not even teasing ya and you’re blushing!” Harry laughed heartily. “You’re adorable, you are. Come on over here, have a seat and we’ll get you a bacon butty. That’ll settle you.”

“No thank you,” replied Olivia. “I’ve not come down to eat. I only meant to chat a bit and see ya off. That’s what Alfie and I were planning on doing. He’ll be down in a bit.”

“That’s terribly kind of you lot, but you shouldn’t have bothered yourselves. You could’ve slept in.”

“We could’ve,” said Alfred as he appeared at the doorway. “But it would’ve been unpardonably rude.”

“Rude?” Harry chuckled softly. “That’s not something I’d ever associate with you, Alfred. You’re as proper and well mannered as my Gran.”

“I doubt that very much.” Alfred held the Queen to the highest of standards, standards even he couldn’t meet. “But I thank you just the same. I’d be a fool not to allow my vanity to be flattered.”

“Well, I’m glad I could flatter your vanity. It’s the least I could do after you’ve invited us out this weekend. It was brilliant, it was. This cottage of yours is absolutely fantastic.” Harry complimented. “Don’t ya think so, love?”

“Of course I do,” replied Paulina. “In fact, I think I might become a squatter. I’m just gonna live in the guest house and wander about the grounds. And if you ever send the police to throw me out, I’ll fuck ‘em up.”

“As if I need the police to cast you out, I’ll simply play tapes of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies on loop. That’ll drive you out in no time.”

“You monster!” shrieked Paulina. “The desecration of classic literature is nothing to joke about.”

“Neither is squatting,” countered Alfred with a sly little smirk. “But not to worry, you can come here as often as you like. To the main house though, not the one for guests. That’s where my parents and Charlotte would stay if I ever invited them.”

“Do you mean they’ve never been?” Harry couldn’t believe it. He knew Alfred didn’t get on well with his family, but he didn’t know he’d never invited them over.

“There’s never been a need to have them over,” answered Alfred, nonchalantly. “Enough of that though, has everything been sorted for your journey? And have you called your mum and dad? Because you know how they are, if ya don’t call them, they’ll be calling me to make sure you’ve gone to your flight.”

“They only did that once,” said Paulina, embarrassedly.

“Still, I’d rather not be woken up by your mum apologizing for calling and then demanding to know if you’ve gone and then telling me that I have to visit one day.”

“That doesn’t sound like to bad a conversation.” Harry commented.

“It’s one I’d rather not have at two in the morning,” chuckled Alfred. “But are you set? Is there anything we can help with? I’ve noticed the luggage isn’t down yet. Could I give a hand?”

“Settle down there, mate.” Harry rushed to say. “You’ve just woken up, I’m not about to put you to bloody work.”

“It’s hardly work.” Alfred countered.

“It’s enough like work to make me not want to do it so early on,” joked Harry. “So have a seat. After all, it’s not like Paulin and I’ll bring ‘em down. That’s Alistair’s business.”

Not long after Harry said that, Alistair brought down the luggage. He made two trips. The first consisting of Harry’s things, the second of Paulina’s. Their luggage was then stowed in the vehicle that Sanjeev would be driving to the airport. He was to be in charge of ensuring that it arrived at Balmoral without any incidents. It wasn’t a particularly exciting duty, but considering the fact that as soon as he delivered the luggage to Balmoral, he would have a week off work, he was more than glad to do it.

Once the luggage had been stowed away, Alistair ventured into the kitchen to inform the young couple that it was time to depart. The farewell between Paulina and her friends wasn’t a particularly long one, but it was emotional. As usual, Alfred tried to make light of the situation, claiming that a few months was hardly any time at all, but he ended up having to look away so as not to be seen teary eyed, and as for Olivia – well, she wasn’t embarrassed by her emotions. She didn’t look away like Alfred did. She proudly let her tears fall where they wished, and hugged Paulina tightly, as if she wouldn’t see her for years instead of just a month and a half. Paulina for her part did the same. She cried a bit, not as much as when they parted after graduation, but still enough to make it so she’d have to fix her makeup on the drive over to the airport.

“I’ll see you soon,” promised Paulina, smiling despite the tears. “You’ll hardly notice I’ve left.”

“That’s a lie and you know it.” Olivia said. “But I forgive you. Now off you go, and remember to mind your manners. Not that you need reminding, only that – well, you know.”

She did know. She knew Olivia was just fussing over her because that’s what Olivia did. She was a mother hen whom wanted to ensure the well being of those she loved most. That was why she told Paulina to mind her manners. That was why she pulled Paulina into one last embrace and whispered that everything would be alright, that she’d be brilliant for Her Majesty.

It was a comfort to hear those words. They were spoken with such affection and certainty, that Paulina couldn’t help but believe she truly would do well in Balmoral. And it was with that newfound confidence, that she faced the flight and subsequent drive to the estate. She was poised the entire way, not once allowing her nerves to get the better of her. She would be brilliant. She would please the Queen. She was confident that she would, so fucking confident, but then . . . then they came into view of the castle. And she lost her cool.

It was one thing to drive up to Clarence House or to Highgrove or Buckingham Palace. They were sumptuous residences that had been designed to make one feel inferior, and they’d certainly made Paulina feel less than worthy on numerous occasions, but despite that, they hadn’t fulfilled the image that she had of royal homes. In her mind, royalty was meant to live in castles, not palaces or very expensive country houses. After all, that’s what the fairytales she’d read growing up said, that was where the Disney Princesses lived happily ever after. Castles made royalty real to her. Castles were better than palaces, though there are certainly those who would disagree with such a statement, but that was Paulina’s opinion of it. Castles were best. Castles made the monarch real. And when she came into view of the 154 year old castle, her heart nearly gave out.

Never in her wildest dream did she ever imagine she’d step foot in a castle. That wasn’t the sort of thing that she’d ever thought possible, but there she was, in a vehicle being driven by Royal Security Details, with a Prince at her side. It was then that it suddenly dawned on her just how far she’d come. She’d gone from being the girl he snuck around with on weekends to the young woman whom had been invited to stay with the Queen. And it was then that her future suddenly seemed sealed to her. This wasn’t an honor that was liberally applied, this was an honor that only a select few ever received, and as they drew closer to the Castle, she imagined what it would be like to return in a year or two, with an engagement ring, with a wedding band, with a pregnant belly, with children fidgeting about and fighting with each other.

Suddenly, her life was laid out in front of her.

And although it thrilled her, it also terrified her.

And Harry saw that. He saw the excitement laced with fear. He’d known her long enough to be able to pick up on the flicker of emotions that passed in her eyes, and he wanted to tell her that it’d be alright. That he was feeling the same way. He was eager to see what was to come for them. He wanted more than anything to start a life with her and live his at her side, but he was also nervous and scared. He hadn’t had a good example of domestic felicity. Sure, his grandparents had a thriving marriage, but his parents had ended in public humiliation. His father hadn’t set a good example of what it meant to be a husband. Sure, he was doing well with Camilla, but he’d been fucking awful with his mum. And he was afraid (and he knew this was a bit silly to admit) that somehow or another, he would ruin things like his dad had ruin things. He knew he didn’t want to have affairs or do anything of the sort, and he knew he didn’t want to fight with her like his parents used to fight, but he was afraid that somehow or another he would. He was afraid that he’d do what he’d seen done.

That was what kept him awake at night. That was what made him worry about their future. And he wanted to confide that he was just as scared as her. Perhaps not scared over the same sort of things, but still scared, but he didn’t. He wouldn’t have been able to properly put his thoughts into words if he’d dared venture into that sort of explanation, so instead he opted for something different.

He took her hand in his, held it tight, and when she turned to look at him, he said, “I’m here.”

And he didn’t have to say anything else. He didn’t have to say that he’d be there for their entire stay at Balmoral or that he’d be there for the rest of her life. She just sort of knew that that was what he meant. She just knew that no matter what life threw at them, he would be there. And she smiled brightly, in a way she hadn’t all day, and lifted their clasped hands to her lips, so that she could place a kiss atop his weather beaten hand.

She was better from then on. She was still scared, rightfully so, but the fear was a bit more manageable. It subsided enough for her to truly take in the wondrous castle that proudly towered over the land. Its turrets were enchanting, calling to mind the Disney Princess films she’d grown up on. The windows were a thing of beauty, and she immediately began imagining what it must be like to wander the corridors with so much natural light flooding in. The castle intimated and welcomed her. It was much like its owner, whom stood at the entrance, with her husband at her immediate right, and her staff lined up along the other side.

Her Majesty had toyed with the idea of having her Head Housekeeper and Butler, along with two footman, welcome Paulina to Balmoral. That would be an honorable reception, one that her children received whenever they were invited to stay. They were always welcomed by the Head Staff, shown to their rooms, and then led to the sitting room where Her Majesty and Prince Phillip would await them. That was the way the Queen had intended to treat the arrival, but then, on a whim, she changed her mind. She would give a proper reception, one worthy of a visiting Head of State. And so she gave the order to the staff that they were to be there to receive Miss Balcázar upon her arrival at Balmoral. She informed Phillip of it as well. He believed it to be a bit much, but made no argument. He simply stood beside his wife with an amused little expression on his face. He found it rather funny that his wife was taking such pains for the young woman whom had once been referred to as nothing more than an American tart that would be done away with. Oh, how things had changed. How the tart had transformed into a favorite.

“Does your grandmother always receive people like this?” Paulina found herself asking as they drove up to where the Queen awaited them. “Because she’s never done this when we go over to Buckingham . . . Is this like a, holiday home tradition?”

“No,” replied Harry, whom stared at his grandmother with curious eyes. She’d told him that they were to be welcomed by the Butler and Head Housekeeper, but there she was, standing with his grandmother, and with the entire staff on display. “I reckon she just wanted to impress you, is all.”

“Impress me?” she laughed. “She’s fucking invited me to a castle. There’s not much else a person has to do when they’ve invited someone over to their castle.”

“Apparently, my Gran thinks differently.” Harry grinned. “And I reckon if I had to choose between this and her rambling on about how you’re an American tart, I’d choose this. Wouldn’t you?”

“Well, yeah.”

“Then just go along with it.” He advised. “It’s a bit of fun, is all. We’ll step out, she’ll greet you, then she’ll step aside to let Grandfather say his hellos, then she’ll introduce you to the Head Housekeeper and Butler, and then we’ll be led inside to our chambers where we’ll settle in for awhile. Afterwards, we’ll go down to the sitting room, but only when she’s sent for us. We can’t go down before we’re sent for. Well, I reckon we can. I always do, at least, but you’ll want to take your time familiarizing yourself with your chamber and all that.” He paused, expecting her to say something or another, but there was no verbal response from her. Her brow simply furrowed further in confusion. “Come on there, love. It’s not as bad as ya think. It’s basically what we do at my dads, only a bit more done up.”

“What we do at your dad’s house is already done up.”

“Not even.” Harry gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Just trust me on this.”

“I do,” she assured. “But I just don’t –”

“You don’t what?”

“I don’t want to put her off,” she admitted, embarrassedly. “The last thing I want is to make her hate me again.”

He couldn’t help it. He laughed.

“Oi!” she exclaimed, snatching her hand away from him. “That’s not funny!”

“I know it’s not.” He said, attempting to contain himself. “But it’s not like I can bloody well help it when you’re rambling about like this. Honestly love, you’re daft if ya think you’ll be putting Gran off. If you’ve been invited to join her during her summer holiday, it’s because she’s accepted you. So quit worrying. There’s no need for it. Not when everything’s already been settled. She thinks what she thinks of you. In fact, she thinks better of you than she does me.”

“She does not . . .”

“She does.” Harry firmly stated. “And I’m not embarrassed by that. I’m glad she thinks so highly of you. It makes my life easier, it does. So please smile that big beautiful smile that I love so much, because we’ve just about arrived and it’s time to have at it.”

Shortly thereafter, the passenger door was opened by Gethin. Harry was the first to exit the vehicle. He stood tall for a moment, taking the opportunity to survey his surroundings and fix his jacket, and once he’d finished both tasks, he turned to help his nervous girlfriend. He offered her his hand, which she gladly took, and smiled reassuringly as she made her way outside. She tried to look confident, but not too confident because she didn’t want to seem overly pleased with her situation, but despite her best efforts, the Queen was able to tell that there were nerves fidgeting beneath the calm exterior.

Wanting to alleviate the young woman’s nerves, she smiled warmly. It wasn’t one of those business smiles that she so often wore out in the public, the sort she put on for Royal engagements and visits. It was a private smile, the sort only those closest to her were ever gifted, and when Paulina’s eyes landed on that wrinkly smile, she couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relieve. For the first time since she’d met the Queen, she didn’t feel like she was with the Queen. It was almost as if Her Majesty was just another Gran.

The Queen, though being formal in her address to Paulina, kept her warm smile firmly in place. She wanted to ensure that the young woman was comfortable. After all, she hadn’t invited her to intimidate her or to make her feel fortunate for the connections she had. She’d invited her because she wanted to make her feel welcomed, because now that William had secretly asked permission to propose to Kate, the Queen couldn’t help but think that Harry wasn’t far off from doing the same.

“I do trust the journey was to your liking,” spoke the Queen after the pleasantries had been uttered.

“It was indeed, Ma’am,” Paulina replied, “Though I must admit that I was particularly fond of the last stretch of our journey.”

“The drive through the country suited you?” the Queen further inquired.

“Very much so,” and Paulina smiled as she spoke. “Everything’s so lush and green, Scotland is a beauty.”

“I am pleased you see the appeal of it, for there are others whose eyes and hearts do not see the beauty of the land. I am grateful you are not one of them. Otherwise, your stay would have certainly been a trying one.” The Queen paused for a moment, and then continued on, “Well, I do believe it is time we enter. There is no point in standing about when you surely desire nothing more than to settle in.”

It was then that the Queen introduced Paulina to her Head Housekeeper, a woman by the name of Seonag Macaslan. Seonag took it upon herself to personally show Paulina to her chambers. She would be situated in the same wing as that of Her Majesty and that of the Princes. That’s not to say that the rooms were close to each other, they were far from being so, but it was a sign of favor that Paulina had been designated to chambers that were held only for family and not for guests. The staff spoke often about that fact, but Paulina was unaware that she was being distinguished. She was under the impression that guests often stayed in that chamber.

“Your luggage has already been brought up, Miss.” Seonag informed Paulina. “I have personally seen to your belongings being put away in the wardrobe, but if it has not been done to your liking, do inform me and I shall correct it at once.”

“That won’t be necessary,” assured Paulina. “I’m sure the clothes have received better treatment than they do from me.” That was a failed attempt to make light of the situation. “Which wardrobe are my belongings in?”

“This one,” Seonag answered as she walked over to it and opened the doors. “Everything has been hung, and your footwear has been placed on shelves to make them easily accessible. I took the liberty of placing your beauty products in the drawers in the bathroom. Might I show you the entrance to it?”

“Lead the way.”

“It is not far, only that if one is not acquainted with the chamber, it can be difficult to spot on ones own. Here it is,” and she grabbed at a golden knob. “In this vanity, I have placed your belongings. The make up has been placed in the drawers, your hair product in another, and the medicine that was in your bag, has been placed behind this mirror. Would you care for me to demonstrate how it is the shower works?”

“I’m certain I can figure that out for myself, thank you.” Paulina replied.

“Very well then, Miss, but if ever you require any assistance you must simply press the bell and someone shall be here directly,” spoke Seonag. “The one for the bathroom is located here, and in the bedroom, it is discreetly located to the right of the bed. There is also a phone located within the nightstand to the right of your bed. Would you care for me to show you how to use it to get in contact with the various staff members?”

“That would be much appreciated, but if there’s a print out of the extensions, I could flip through it myself.”

“It so happens that there is. It is also located in that drawer, but it would be a pleasure to demonstrate the proper use of the phone.”

“I thank you for the offer, but I’ll look through the print out. Right now, I’d like to have a chance to settle in.”

“Why yes, of course.” Seonag mentally scolded herself for having lingered about so long. She was acting like a young housemaid instead of the Head Housekeeper. “But if you need anything at all, Miss, do feel free to contact me.”

“I will. Thank you.”

The two women walked back into the bedroom area, and it was then that Seonag took her leave. Paulina, believing that she would not be bothered for a good while, kicked off her heels and began to walk barefoot around her chamber, she was keen to explore her room and find any secret passages that she could, because in her mind, no castle is complete without a hidden stairway for the monarch to run around in. It was a fanciful idea, she knew, but she couldn’t help it. All those movies and programs she watched led her to thinking so, and it was with that in mind, that she began to randomly touch spots in the wall that looked like they could be an entrance to a hidden area.

Paulina was nearly done checking two walls for hidden rooms when the door to her chamber was opened. She immediately thought it was Seonag, coming to check up on her, but when Paulina turned, she didn’t find the middle aged woman, she found the Queen.

“Your Majesty,” she blurted out, clearly at a loss as to what the Queen was doing there. “I . . . uh, I was just exploring the room. I –”

“There’s no need for an explanation, I assure you.” The Queen stepped further into the room. “Having spent a considerable portion of my life traveling, I well know that when one enters a new space, it is necessary to explore in order to settle in.” She paused. “I do trust Mrs. Macaslan did her duty by you.”

“She did, Ma’am.” Paulina suddenly realized she was barefoot in front of the Queen. “I was given a grand tour of the chamber. It’s brilliant.”

“It is rather brilliant. Isn’t it?” The Queen smiled. “I do adore this old castle. It has a character unlike any other, but that you shall see for yourself as time goes on.”

“It would be an honor to,” replied Paulina, slowly trying to get back to her shoes.

There was a brief silence, one in which the Queen stood surveying the room and Paulina continued to move towards her heels.

“Where are my manners? I have only realized that I have marched into your room, unannounced and uninvited.”

“No offense, Ma’am, but this is your castle. You can do as you like.”

“Propriety states otherwise.” The Queen smiled. “And since I prefer to be on the side of propriety, I shall ask if I might be given the honor of being in your chamber.”

“Of course,” replied Paulina. “But I don’t understand why it is you’d want to be here. Sorry! That probably sounded rude, but the thing is . . . never mind.”

“What is the thing?”

“Henry said you wouldn’t be up here. He said you’d see to your duties and then send for us.”

“And that is what I had planned to do,” was the Queen’s reply. “But then I remembered I had something to show you.”

“You do?” Paulina asked without thinking.

The Queen nodded. “I hope you do not mind, but I had a little something arranged for you.”

“Ma’am, you needn’t have bothered yourself.”

“It was a task I gladly took upon myself.” The Queen said. “And I do hope you will enjoy it.”

“Please don’t tell me that this is something to do with horse riding. I don’t mean to be rude, not when you’ve been so kind, but I couldn’t possibly do that today.”

“And I do not expect you to,” was the Queen’s reply. “We shall not make an attempt at riding until the day after tomorrow. Now rest easy, and do follow me.”

The Queen led her to a corner of the room that had not yet been explore, and in that corner, there was a wonderfully old armoire which boasted intricate designs. Paulina was curious as to what was hidden within, particularly since the Queen seemed so eager to have her see it, and when the Queen reached forward and opened the door, Paulina understood her excitement. Inside, there was a fully stocked closet with clothes and shoes just for her.

“Is this for me?” Paulina found herself whispering.

“Of course it is,” replied the Queen. “I felt that if you were to join on the hunts and the rides, that you need be properly outfitted for the endeavors. For example, that jacket there will see you through the hunt tomorrow afternoon. It blends well with the surroundings, will not permit a drop of water to soak you, and is quite warm. I myself own several of them. And those boots, just there, will be for our riding lessons.”

Paulina stared at the Queen in confusion, utterly at a loss as to what was going on.

“Is anything the matter, Miss Balcázar?” the elderly monarch inquired. “If anything is not to your liking, we can simply have it changed. It would be no trouble at all.”

“Why are you being so nice to me?” Paulina blurted out, completely ignoring what the Queen had just said. “You . . . you’ve gone from deeming me an American tart to inviting me into your home and now – now this.” She motioned to the armoire. “You’re giving me all these clothes and shoes, and don’t get me wrong, they’re great clothes, but I don’t understand what’s going on. And I know that I’m not supposed to. Harry said it was a lost cause trying to figure you out, but I can’t help it.”

“Of course not,” said the Queen, and she wasn’t offended by Paulina’s words. “You are a terribly clever girl. It would not be like you to silence your mind.”

“Right,” agreed Paulina. “So why are you being this nice to me? And I’m sorry if I’m coming off as rude or ungrateful. That’s the last thing I want to do, but I can’t help it. I just . . . I want to know.”

“You already know why, dear.” And that was the first time the Queen had ever referred to her so affectionately.

“Do I? Because I don’t think I do. In fact, I’m sure I don’t.”

“And I say you do.” And the Queen smiled slyly, with a look that conveyed more than any words ever could. “Now I do believe you ought to wear that thermal when you accompany the men on the hunt tomorrow. Ah. This as well,” and she took off her scarf and held it out for Paulina to take. “With this, I daresay no chill will discomfort you.”

“But that’s your scarf,” said Paulina, making no move to take it.

“It was my scarf.” The Queen corrected, placing it around Paulina’s neck with the gentleness of a grandmother. “Now it’s yours.”