by Alex Tryst

Dedication & Author's Note: See Chapter 1.

Feedback: Drop me a line if you’d like at alextryst@e-scribblers.com.

Copyright © June, 2008 by Alex Tryst. All Rights Reserved.

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A few months after Lauren and the children moved onto the palace grounds, the country was mourning its beloved Queen Faith’s passing. Alexa proved inconsolable in private at the loss of her mother, even though publicly she remained strong. On the day of the funeral, Alexa, Thomas, and George sat in the first row of the Washington Cathedral to pay their respects to the late queen. Lauren and the girls sat on the row behind with Kelly and Morgan. As Lauren sat there behind her lover, she could tell that Alexa was struggling to maintain her composure. Having lost her own parents at an early age, Lauren knew the pain she was experiencing, but Lauren mourned for the fact that Alexa had to grieve stoically in public. Lauren also mourned the loss. Ever since that night when she and Queen Faith had discussed a potential marriage between Alexa and her, there was a strong civility that encompassed all their meetings, so much so that even Alexa noticed and mentioned it. However, now Queen Faith was gone, and her lover, the crowned princess, was queen of the most powerful country in the world.

When the service was complete, the procession began to take Queen Faith’s remains to their final resting place in the family cemetery. As was custom, the new sovereign followed on foot behind the procession. Thomas and George joined her on the journey through the crowded quiet street as the late queen’s coffin, draped in the American flag, slowly processed through the people on top of an open carriage. Lauren, Kelly, and all the children followed behind in a motorcade. The family had a private gathering at the cemetery, but Alexa was the last one ready to leave.

When she finally returned to the car, Matthew was waiting there for her. “Alexa, as you know, it is customary for the new sovereign to meet with the people today. Are you prepared to do so?”

She nodded. “Yes, I must.”

“No one has ever gone out there alone. This is an unusual circumstance, because you have no spouse to go with you. Thomas needs to remain at the palace. Anastasia is probably the best choice to accompany you.”

Lauren was about to protest the idea, but Alexa beat her to it. “She is too young to be exposed to this ritual. I can go alone.”

“It is too much to do alone, Lex. Maybe George instead?”

Alexa shook her head. “It is expected that I go to the people with my spouse. George is not an option, and since I have no spouse, I will go alone.” Matthew’s gaze drifted to Lauren, but he said nothing. Seeing it Alexa shook her head. “Absolutely not, Matthew. Do not even suggest such a notion. Lauren has made her sentiments known regarding such occasions. We must respect her position.”

“Lex, you really should not be alone,” Lauren said in sympathy at the prospect of her lover going alone to greet the people.

“There is no one to stand beside me, Lauren. This is my duty, and I must face it alone,” she snipped, turning to look out the window. Silence fell in the car as no one said anything else the rest of the ride. Arriving once again at the palace, Alexa did not say anything to the rest of her family but proceeded to walk toward the gate with her security, knowing what she had to do.

Lauren just looked on after her until Matthew’s voice attracted her attention. “It is not too late to go with her, Lauren.”

“She does not want me there with her.”

Matthew shook his head. Turning to George and Kelly, he requested that they take the princesses into the palace. Thomas retreated inside with them, leaving Lauren and Matthew alone. “She needs you, Lauren, whether she admits it or not. You are her companion, and you belong out there by her side. Do not make her do this alone. Her mother has just died. She is a strong woman, but she needs support right now.”

Lauren knew Matthew was right. She didn’t want Alexa to be alone out there. Nodding her head, she said, “Very well. I will go.”

Extending his arm to her, he said, “Allow me to escort you.”

Together they followed Alexa down the long drive and out the gate. She was already conversing with people who had congregated when Lauren stepped up next to her. Alexa turned her gaze to catch Lauren’s eyes. Even though no words were spoken, Lauren saw thankfulness reflected in Alexa’s gaze. As the new queen curved her arm around Lauren’s waist, Lauren felt the tenseness of Alexa’s body fade somewhat.

Focusing on the people in front of her, Lauren noticed they were genuinely interested in extending their condolences to her as a member of the family, which took her by surprise. Married to the queen or not, they all treated her as if she were a queen herself. It was in that moment she realized Queen Faith had been correct. She pondered it while she received greetings from the people standing alongside her lover.

Finally, when it was time to return to the palace, Alexa and Lauren walked through the gate hand in hand. Silence surrounded them as they strolled up the drive, but then Alexa whispered, “Thank you for coming out there with me. I truly appreciate it.”

“I am here for you, Alexa, always.”

“You do realize that now we must move into the palace. The time has come.”

“I understand.”

“Matthew will have the girls’ rooms prepared, and you will need to pick a room for us to have as our sleeping quarters.”

“Of course.”

“As much as I would appreciate your company at any functions I must attend as queen, since we are not married, you are under no obligation. However, Matthew will seek someone to be your Secretary of Affairs. Your schedule will be your own, but you will have help managing it should you need it.”

“That is unnecessary, Lex.”

“All the same you will have one, and next week my first official act as queen will be to repeal the royal marriage law, so our daughters will never have to follow the same path as me.”

Lauren nodded. “I think you are doing the right thing.”

“The law will affect me as well,” Alexa softly said. “I know you have made your thoughts on the matter clear, but the law will no longer interfere should you ever change your mind.” Lauren said nothing but nodded and held tighter to her lover as they proceeded inside the palace.

True to her word, Alexa’s first act was to change the law to protect her daughters’ hearts and futures. Even though she never said it, she wished that Lauren would change her mind regarding their relationship. Having Lauren in the palace with her and by her side at public functions made Alexa realize how possible it truly was to have Lauren as her queen, but she had vowed never to broach the subject again, leaving her in silent longing.

For Lauren’s part, she begrudgingly accompanied Alexa to events, at first out of sympathy for her lover having to carry on alone and then as a way to have more time with the woman she loved, who always seemed incredibly busy. However, one evening there was a ball at the palace for visiting dignitaries, the Princess of Wales and her wife, which made Lauren see her role in a different light. As the royals were introduced for the evening, the visiting family was announced first. Then George and Kelly went next as was custom. As Lauren and Alexa just waited on their turn, Lauren strained to watch the Princess of Wales and her wife process through the entrance hall. The blonde princess was a resplendent beauty in a green gown and her dark-haired wife equally as stunning in a dark suit.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Alexa’s voice at her ear. “My darling, what has you so preoccupied?” she questioned with a smile.

“Oh, I was just thinking.”

“About a certain dark-haired British princess?” she asked teasingly.

Lauren smiled but answered, “Now why would you think that? I have everything I need right here.” She squeezed Alexa’s arm tighter. “I was just noticing what a fine-looking pair they made.”

“As do we, my darling. Come. It is our turn.”

Matthew smiled at his friends before he turned to the hall and announced, “Her Majesty, Queen Alexa II and Her Majesty’s Consort, Miss Lauren Fulton.”

With the dignity and grace she had been trained to have, Alexa guided Lauren through the entrance hall and the sea of palace visitors. Everyone in attendance bowed as the women passed on their way to the head table where the Princesses of Wales were waiting. Lauren’s gaze was affixed firmly on them and how similar they seemed to her and Alexa. The women before them were the heirs-in-waiting in Britain and of similar age. Furthermore, they had four children as well, all of whom were close in age to their girls.

Alexa had told Lauren the story of the princesses, of how the heir had married someone of the people, but their marriage was one of the strongest of the British royal family. There were many similarities between the four of them, but it was obvious the Princesses of Wales were adored by their public, and the one who had married into the family looked as if she had always been there.

Lauren wondered if people thought the same thing about her. Instinctively she knew they did just by the way she was treated. Married or not, she was one of the royal family to anyone who came in contact with her, just as Queen Faith said would come to pass. Now that Alexa was queen, it was easier to see what life would be like as the queen’s wife, instead of just trying to conceptualize it as the princess’s lover. Granted, she felt overwhelmed at times, but she knew, as Queen Faith had predicted, this was her life now, and she would be better off embracing it. However, there was one thing making her hesitate from such a venture. If she were to become Alexa’s wife, she would become a queen herself, the first in the country’s history to come from the people. The thought terrified her.

That evening as Lauren conversed with guests, George asked her to dance. She was glad for the reprieve and allowed him to escort her to the dance floor. He smiled at her when they were alone. “You look beautiful this evening, Lauren.”

“Thank you, George.”

“Whether or not you are married to my sister, you are a queen in the hearts of many people, mine included. Seeing the Princesses of Wales just reminds me of the fact that there should be a marriage between the two of you. You would do the role justice. I do not understand why Alexa will not renew the overture now that the laws are different.”

“Because she promised me she would not after I refused her a second time. Your sister has asked me enough. She will not again.”

“But you do realize she still wants to?”

“Sometimes I think she does. Others, I do not.”

“Trust me. She does, but if she gave you her word, she will not go back on it.”

“She gave me her word.”

“Then there is only one solution. You must ask her.”

“Ask her? Are you suggesting that I ask the queen to marry me?”

“No. I am suggesting that you ask Lex. I can think of no one better than you.”

She shook her head. “I cannot. I am not meant to be a queen.”

He smiled at her. “You know, there was a time when I thought I would not make a very good king, but Lex thought otherwise. She thought I would do the job well, but she promised me to fulfill her true calling. Looking back on it, she was probably correct. Had it been me instead of her in the role, I think I would have done it well.”

“I agree. I think you would have.”

“As would you as her queen. The first time Lex proposed to you, she was trying to be something other than what she was. However, the second time, she was asking you to be something you truly were, but you were not ready. You do realize, though, that by denying her your hand, you are only delaying your own destiny? From the moment I first met you, I knew you were different. Kelly and I often discussed what a profound impact you have had on my sister. She was so in love that she was willing to give up the entire country to be with you. I think if she had to make the choice today, she would not hesitate to do so. You mean that much to her, Lauren. She sees something special in you that makes her believe you have it in you to be her queen, and I see it as well. It is the same thing our grandmother had in her that made our grandmother choose her. You are incredibly beautiful. I have always thought so, and you are intelligent and charming. You have fine external qualities that a queen needs, but it is so much more than that. Within you are incredible strength and grace. I know it could not have been easy all those years, keeping your relationship and the girls a secret, but you did it. Then when it all came into the public light, you held your head up and remained the strong independent woman you have always been. That is why Alexa loves you, and that is why you would make an ideal spouse for her.”

“You truly think so?” she questioned.

He nodded and smiled. “I would find great pleasure in having you for a sister-in-law. You make Lex complete. I just wish you two would finish what began years ago in that tiny bar in Florida.”

Lauren smiled and leaned to kiss George on the cheek. “Thanks for your vote of confidence.”

That evening when Alexa and Lauren retired, they cuddled in bed and spoke of the ball. “You seemed intrigued by the Princesses. I saw you dancing with them,” Alexa mentioned.

“I just see so many similarities between them and us.”

Alexa nodded. “So do I. They are the future of a truly modern Britain. For as progressive as that country can be, it took a long time until its royal family had to confront what we have accepted for generations. They did so with diplomacy, and now they have those two women about to take the mantle of power. Not only that, they have such a positive marriage and family. It is refreshing to see.”

Lauren nodded as she curled closer to Alexa. “You also have diplomacy. Our country is in good hands with you at the helm. After all that has happened, I can see that now. You literally were born to do this job.”

Alexa grinned. “True. Although there are times I still wish I could run away and be a fighter pilot,” she joked, kissing Lauren on the neck.

The redhead giggled. “You can always take me on a flight,” she teased. “And you will always be my fighter pilot, Flash. You just are my queen, too.”

“And you will always be my queen,” she whispered, meeting blue eyes in the dark. “No matter what, I will always love you.”

Cupping Alexa’s face, she answered, “And I you.”

The following day after the British royal family departed, Kelly had invited Lauren to lunch. Since it was just the two of them, they had an informal meal in one of the smaller dining areas. The conversation between them was easy as it always had been, but while they were eating Kelly said, “Lauren, George told me about the talk you two had last night while you were dancing. He is not the only person in the palace who believes you and Alexa should be married. You two were meant for each other.”

“I know that, but as I told him I have reservations about it, because I would become queen, and I am not sure I am the right person for that post.”

“Of course you are. Lex has brought the monarchy into a new era with her decision to have children with you. It is only the appropriate next step that her wife is of the people. It is the natural extension of that decision and her reversal of the royal marriage laws. The country wants this, Lauren. Congress wants this. Lex’s family wants it, and I am sure if your daughters had a say, they would want it, too. The question is, do you?”

“I do want to be married to Lex. I have always wanted that. I just do not believe I should be queen.”

“Why? Are you afraid? Does the thought overwhelm you?”

Lauren nodded. “I do not want to disappoint Lex. I have not lived my life in expectation of ever ruling a country. I do not even know all the protocol. And I could certainly forgo the interference with my personal life from holding such a position.”

“Your life has already been overtaken by your association with Lex. What you endure now will be the same if you were married. Your life will pretty much remain as it is. However, you will have what you have always wanted. You will finally have Lex in her entirety. I know in your heart that is what you have always wanted, Lauren. There is only one thing that stands in the way, and that is you.”

“I told George that Lex vowed not to renew a proposal to me.”

“Well, she will keep that vow if she made it. It is up to you then. It is the only way.”

“You truly do not believe my life would be worse for it?”

“No. I think it actually will bring you peace to have your dream come to fruition. I do not see any more inconvenience to you, only added happiness.”

With a nod, Lauren replied, “Maybe you are correct.”

“I know I am, as is George, Thomas, Congress, and the country. It is time, Lauren. Ask her to marry you. She will say yes.”

“How does one even ask a queen for her hand?”

Kelly shrugged and shook her head. “I am not sure, but Lex will be completely satisfied if you are just honest and sincere.”

“That is true. Well, I will think on this some more. I must be sure.”

“It is for the best. The sooner you accept that, the better off everyone will be.”

After lunch Lauren was headed back toward her quarters to check on the children when she passed Matthew in the hall. Smiling at him, she greeted him warmly. “Matthew, how are you today?”

“Wonderful. How are you, Lauren?”

“I am fine. Thank you.” She paused.

Sensing she had more to say, he inquired, “Is there something you needed?”

“Actually there was. Do you have a few minutes to speak to me?”

“Of course. I always have time for you. Let us go to your office.” When they arrived, both of them sat on the same side of the desk. “What can I do for you?”

“I must confess I am at a loss. George and Kelly have managed to convince me that it might be in the best interest of everyone that Lex and I marry.”

He smiled brightly. “That would be fantastic! I could not think of better news!”

She held up her hand. “Just a moment. There is a caveat. I have rejected Lex’s proposals twice, and she promised she would not renew the notion again, which means I will have to go to her. That is where I need your help.”

“It would be an honor to assist you with this. What can I do?”

“What do you think is the most appropriate way to approach this with her?”

“I think it should be special. Do not make it so spontaneous, or she might not believe in your sincerity. I think it would be helpful if you made your overture with a sign of your conviction.”

“What would you recommend?”

“The royal family has standard wedding rings that date back to the early existence of the monarchy. I think you should give her an engagement ring in the same style. I think she would be pleasantly surprised to be presented with such a gift.”

“Of course I am going to assume you know what the rings look like.”

“Obviously. How about this? I have to return to Lex. Let us schedule some time to view the photographs of rings used in the past. That should give you an idea of what you would like. We can have a jeweler create anything you desire.”

“All right. When do you have time?”

Matthew smiled at her. “For you, Lauren, I will make time. You have just allowed me to share in the best news this country has had in years. The key is to get me separated from Lex for enough time, but I can manage that. How about later this afternoon?”

“That sounds good.”

“Then it is a plan. I will meet you here in your office.” Both of them stood, and Matthew moved in to hug her. “You have no idea how happy you will make so many millions of people with this news, Lauren. However, there is one above all others who has waited so long, and that is Lex. This is what she has always wanted, and it is the right thing.”

“Thank you, Matthew.”

“I will return this afternoon.”

True to his word, Matthew came back to Lauren with photographs of rings of the past. Together he and Lauren pored over them, discussing what would best suit Alexa, but Lauren did not see anything she liked. “What if we did not use the royal rings?” she asked Matthew. “Do you think Lex would have a problem with that?”

He shrugged. “I think Lex will be so thrilled at the idea of marrying you that she would not care what kind of ring you put on her hand to do so.”

“In that case, I think I know what I want, but it is not in here.”

“Do you think you can draw it or describe it?” She nodded. “Well, then let us go that route. If Lex insists on royal rings, we can probably manage the Washington crest on the inside of the ring where no one can see it, but as I already said, I doubt she is going to care.”

Giving a nod, Lauren took paper from her desk and began to draw the ring she wanted for Alexa. It took several tries before she was satisfied with the look of it. Handing it to Matthew she asked, “Do you think I am going to need to explain that to the jeweler?”

“Possibly. Let me take it to him first and see what he thinks. It might take some time to get it just right for you, but we try to get it created as quickly as possible. I would not want you to get cold feet,” he teased lightly.

She laughed a little. “Do not worry. I already have cold feet, but this is the only way. You, Kelly, and George managed to convince me of that. Now I need to figure out how to ask her. Do you have any ideas on where we should be?”

“I do not think you have ever been there, but Lex’s favorite place is the country palace in Virginia. She has a great love for horseback riding in which she rarely indulges. That is a family hobby passed down from generations. Take a few days to be alone together. I can clear her schedule, so the two of you can have some time.”

“The children have never been without us.”

“Let them have a treat of staying with George and Kelly or Thomas while you are gone. I would even volunteer to watch them. They will be well cared for by anyone you choose to leave them with for a couple of days. You and Lex go away to the country palace for a weekend. It will give you a chance to relax and spend time alone together. You will both come back new women.”

Lauren nodded. “All right. I think we could manage that. More time and it will infringe on her duties too much.”

With a smile for her, Matthew said, “I must take my leave now. I will begin working on this right away to coordinate everything.”

“Thank you. You are a good friend to Lex and me, and I appreciate it.”

“Anything for you two.”

Continued in Chapter 16

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