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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For the next week Alexa asked Lauren to visit her on base as a precaution, because pictures had been placed in the paper of the two of them together, and she didn’t want the woman to be overburdened with press at her home. The librarian was amiable to the situation and made dinner for both royals and their security on the nights she went up to the house, for which everyone was most appreciative.

One night after dinner had come to a close and Lauren and Alexa were by themselves, the heir invited her guest onto the rooftop deck to watch the planes. The women sat close together in the darkness in relative silence looking out over the airfield of planes for a long time before Alexa turned to Lauren. She smiled at her. “Have I mentioned how beautiful you look tonight?” she inquired, wrapping an arm around the woman’s bare shoulders.

Lauren had arrived in a pretty black linen summer dress with intricate white embroidery along the edge. She hadn’t bothered to wear stockings, opting instead for simple black sandals to complete the outfit. The older woman flushed lightly under the compliment. “Thank you, Flash.” She looked into the brunette’s eyes. The dark circles were almost completely gone. Only traces of greenish-gray remained under her bottom eyelids, and her nose was once again its normal size. “Your nose looks better.”

“It feels much better. In fact, there is something I have missed doing since my little injury,” she whispered into Lauren’s ear as the object of their discussion nuzzled red hair. The librarian gasped lightly as Alexa’s lips pressed against her neck. “I have missed kissing you as a way of thanking you for all your efforts on my behalf.”

Lauren could only moan in response at first as the gentle assault on her neck continued, but then she felt lips pressed against her own. Unable to control her own desires, she kissed back increasing the intensity between them. She had thought of this moment for days, and it had been driving her crazy not to be able to touch the woman she cared about so intimately. Feeling Lauren’s response, Alexa groaned and pulled the redhead closer with both arms until she was practically in her lap. Carrying on for several minutes, they only broke apart as they felt an airplane soar over them and come in for a landing. Blue eyes met brown in silence.

“Flash, we are in jeopardy of doing something dangerous,” Lauren whispered, caressing the heir’s face sweetly.

“And what might that be, darling Lauren?”

The endearment caught the librarian off guard for a moment. She hadn’t been expecting it, and for the moment it made her forget her reason for stopping their activities. Smiling at Alexa, she said, “I am in jeopardy of losing our bet.”

“It would not be the worst thing that has ever happened, would it?”

“Certainly not,” she answered softly as she curled herself into Alexa’s lap. Her hand trailed down Alexa’s face to her neck and then over her shoulder. Changing the subject she mentioned, “You are so beautiful, Flash. Has anyone ever told you that?”

Alexa felt herself blush. “Not in so many words. It means a lot coming from you. I have wanted to impress you since the moment I saw you.”

Lauren chuckled. “Oh really? Well, you did leave an impression on me at first. I am so glad it was wrong though and that we have gotten this second chance to know one another.”

“Me too. You are so interesting and intelligent, Lauren, on top of being beautiful. Not many women I know are both smart and pretty. Usually they have one of the other, but you... I could spend an eternity with you and never tire. I could spend hours just looking into your eyes and listening to you talk,” she confessed, her hand moving up to Lauren’s lips. Her fingers traced over her mouth. “I have never found anyone so intriguing as you, Lauren Fulton.”

“Nor I you, Flash,” the older woman answered. Lauren took Alexa’s right hand that was still lingering against her face and moved it to her left breast. Eyes met again, and she could see Alexa’s dilate at the sensation she had just been presented as the heir’s breath caught a little. Lauren knew by the look in Alexa’s eyes that the younger woman was eager for more intimate touching just like she was, so she decided to take the lead between them. “Flash, if I asked you to do something for me, would you?” The princess nodded, not even able to form words at the moment in eagerness to see what would follow. There was a slight pause as Lauren took a deep breath to bolster her fortitude. Meeting dark eyes again, she murmured, “Will you help me with the zipper of this dress?”

Completely caught off guard by the request, Alexa questioned, “Now?”

Lauren nodded. “Right now, Flash. Unzip me.”

Doing as she was asked, the princess slowly pulled down the zipper on the back of the redhead’s dress. Then she watched in fascination as Lauren leisurely pulled the material off both her shoulders, allowing it to fall to her waist. Alexa felt her breath leave her at the sight. She was used to women presenting themselves to her in such a fashion, but it was the first time the vision of a woman overwhelmed her. She couldn’t move, and she just sat there eyes glued to the half-bare body before her. Struggling to meet blue eyes, she murmured, “Lauren, you are stunningly beautiful.”

The librarian giggled a little. “You make me feel more beautiful than I have ever felt in my life, Flash.”

“May I touch you?”

“Not yet. There is still something yet to do,” she answered quietly, reaching for Alexa’s shirt. Methodically she worked open the buttons and pulled the material from the heir’s pants.

Alexa had never had a woman undress her before, and the feeling of Lauren’s hands made her tremble slightly. She had to take a deep breath to regain some of her control. “Now may I?”

Lauren didn’t answer. Instead she leaned back to Alexa’s lips and kissed her deeply. That was a clear sign to the princess, who quickly found herself touching Lauren in ways she had only fantasized about in their short relationship. Not only that Alexa felt a new sensation as hands began to grope her just as ardently. For several moments neither could break their contact with their lips, but Alexa had to taste more of the skin on display and pulled back enough to let her mouth wander. Lauren didn’t protest; instead she clutched tightly to the dark head and allowed the princess to explore her body. Focusing solely on the feeling of the heir’s mouth and hands, Lauren cried out softly. No one had ever touched her so reverently and yet so passionately. No other lover she had ever had compared to Alexa’s instinctive touch. She could actually feel the emotions passing between them that extended beyond just the physical. Shuddering at the feeling of her breasts being exposed to the humid night air, Lauren groaned. “Lex,” she called.

The use of her real name caught Alexa by surprise, because Lauren had never called her anything other than Flash. Looking into the librarian’s eyes, she saw an emotion she had never seen on the face of any other woman. The woman in her arms clearly showed her hunger through her eyes, but there was something else, something even Alexa didn’t quite comprehend. All she knew was that she loved the look she was being given and never wanted it to leave. Matching the hushed tone, the princess questioned, “What is it, darling?” There was so much Lauren wanted to say just then, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She knew she was falling in love with the woman who held her, and yet that same woman was promised to someone else. The thought left her with a sinking feeling in her stomach, and it forced her to pull away enough to reclaim her sense of propriety. Seeing the emotions fade from fair eyes, Alexa asked, “What is it, Lauren?”

The redhead shook her head, declining to answer. “I am suddenly feeling a bit modest about being out here in the open,” she lied.

“Oh, well, I am deeply sorry. I would never want you to be uncomfortable. Would you like to go inside?”

Slipping back into her dress, the librarian shook her head. “Could we just sit here?”

“Of course. Whatever you desire is yours,” Alexa replied, disappointed in the sudden change in their activities but determined to give Lauren anything she wanted. A few minutes passed in silence. Trying to rid them of the serious mood that had seemed to overtake them, the princess inquired, “Are we still on with your party next Friday? The royal jet will be down that day to take you and your friends to Miami for your birthday. I hope you do not mind, but Princess Kelly decided to come down, so she will be joining George and me at the party.”

“You are being too sweet to me, Flash. Of course I do not mind. You really did not need to go to such lengths.”

“Nonsense. You only turn thirty once, and I wanted to do something special for you. After all, you are a special woman in my life, and if I can give you half the pleasure you have given me, I want to do so.”

“Well, I still think you are being too extravagant.”

Alexa shook her head. “I did not do much. I booked the restaurant and club you wanted, and I booked some hotel rooms for you and your friends. It was not that much.”

“But you are footing the bill for all of us. That is a bit more than necessary.”

“Money is no object, not when it comes to you, Lauren,” she said with a smile.

“Well, I thank you in advance. I know this will be the best birthday I have ever had.”

“I hope so. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.”

The following Friday Lauren awoke up early to the sound of ringing her doorbell. She checked her clock and frowned when she saw it was showing 5:00AM. Wondering who in the world could be at her door at such an hour, she slipped on her robe and headed downstairs. Pulling the door open, she was about to lay into her visitor, but a huge arrangement of roses greeted her along with a smiling princess in her dress whites. “Good morning, Lauren. Happy birthday,” she greeted cheerfully. “These are for you.”

Forgetting her own ire for being awakened at an hour early for work, she smiled at Alexa. “Thank you. They are beautiful.”

Gesturing into the house, the princess said, “Let us go in. I wanted to make you breakfast. You get dressed for work while I start.”

“Flash, you do not have to do that.”

“I know, but I want to. Please. Just let me do this for you.”

Shrugging in answer, Lauren did as what was requested of her. She headed back upstairs and proceeded to dress for work. By the time she was finished, she could smell breakfast from downstairs. Going into her kitchen, she saw that the table had already been set and the princess was serving the plates. “This looks wonderful, Flash. Thank you.”

“You are most welcome. I hope you enjoy it.”

Both women sat down to their meal. “I am sorry I had to wake you so early, but I wanted a chance to spend some time alone with you today. I know once we go to your party, you will be spending more time with your friends.”

“You know I will spend just as much time with you. You are the host after all, and I owe this wonderful day to you.”

“The day has just begun too,” Alexa mentioned.

When the meal was done and the pilot had done the dishes, she looked at her watch. “I have to get back to the base. Would you mind giving me a ride?”

“Not at all. Just let me get my things. I will be right there,” Lauren replied as they stood. Leaning to Alexa she kissed her gently on the mouth. “Thank you again for breakfast. I will never forget it.”

“It was just breakfast.”

Lauren nodded her head, but she knew she truly never would forget that the woman who was to be queen was so humble as to cook for her. It was something so simple but so full of emotion. “I will be right back.”

“Okay. I will just wait out front for you.”

Running up the stairs, the librarian gathered her things for work. Slinging her purse over her shoulder, she went to the front door. Locking it behind her, she went down the steep stairs to her driveway. However, as she reached the bottom stair, her eyes immediately were drawn to Alexa leaning against a Passat with a large red bow on the top of it. For a moment Lauren thought her eyes were deceiving her, but after a second when the mirage didn’t disappear before her eyes, she realized the princess had gotten the new car she had always wanted. Slowly making her way over to where Alexa was standing, she asked, “What is this?”

“I do not know. It was sitting here when I arrived. I think there is a card for you under the windshield wiper,” she mentioned with a grin.

Going to the card, Lauren opened it. Car keys slipped from the envelope as she removed the card. The front was a simple black and white photograph of a birthday cake, and the inside was blank except for some strong script. Lauren read it to herself. “My darling, Lauren, Happy thirtieth birthday. May all your wishes come true. Much love, Flash.” Unable to form any sort of reply, she just looked at the princess in awe.

“If you would prefer a different color or model, or if this does not suit you for whatever reason, we can take it back and get you whatever you want, but this is what you said you wanted.”

Moving to where Alexa was standing, Lauren took her by the hands. “Thank you so much. You are a wonderful person, Flash. This is the car I have always wanted, but I cannot accept this from you. It is too much.”

“Why not? You were prepared to take it in a card game. Why can you not just accept this gift?”

“Because I was supposed to win it.”

“You have won it, Lauren. I was going to lose the bet anyway.”

“You do not know that. We have not even finished our game.”

Ignoring the comment, Alexa wrapped her arms around Lauren’s waist and said, “It would please me greatly if you were to accept this small token of my affection for you, Lauren. I want to give this to you. I will not take no from you, not about this.”

Seeing that she could not be dissuaded, the redhead nodded her head. Bringing her arms around the aviator’s neck, she leaned up and kissed her soundly. “Thank you for my present, Flash. You are too wonderful for words.”

“Anything for you. I am just glad you like it. Come on now. I have to get to class.”

That afternoon as soon as class was over for George and Alexa, they met up with Kelly before going to get Lauren and all her friends at the librarian’s house. Upon their arrival, the redhead and ten of her closest female friends came out of the house. Alexa felt her heart speed up at the sight of Lauren in a pair of linen trousers and a cream-colored silk blouse. She was the picture of casual elegance.

“Looks like someone has a crush,” Kelly said, breaking Alexa’s thoughts as the women came up toward the car.

“I think it is a bit more serious than that,” George commented, but his sister just frowned in his direction as the driver opened the back door.

As Lauren and her friends climbed into the limousine, they were shocked to see who had come to get them, save the birthday girl, who just grinned at Alexa. The heir smiled at her. “You look great, Lauren,” she complimented.

“Thank you. You look nice too. I thought your dress uniform was my favorite outfit on you, but I may have changed my mind. You look terrific in this,” she said, putting her hand on Alexa’s knee to caress the charcoal gray slacks. Without thought the brunette slipped her hand over the one on her leg.

The quick ride back to the base was filled with excited chatter, but the heir simply sat in silence taking in the scene. Lauren seemed happy, which is what mattered most to her. Once on the plane, it was much of the same. However, Kelly got a chance to speak to her sister-in-law privately. Giving a supportive smile, she said, “So you have made a new friend, I see.”

Alexa nodded. “Lauren is a great woman,” Alexa replied.

“I do not doubt that, but that does not exactly explain your behavior toward her. I have never seen you like this with anyone, not even Meredith. Your eyes are a slave to her every move.”

“I like her, Kelly. It is that simple.”

“It is more than that, Lex. Truthfully now. Are you in love with this woman?”

Alexa looked at the object of discussion for a moment before answering. “She is magical, Kelly. Being with her is such a paradox. It is like time stands still whenever she is near and yet time also seems to pass much faster than it should. Every minute with her is like a lifetime of happiness.”

Kelly smiled at her sister-in-law. “So you are in love then?”

Alexa shrugged, not wanting to admit it fully. “I enjoy her company tremendously.”

The younger woman would not be dissuaded from getting a straight answer. “Well, if it means anything to you, she looks at you like she adores you, Lex. She is a woman in love. Tell me. Have you two consummated this relationship?”

Alexa glared at Kelly. “That is awfully personal, Kelly,” she stated.

“That must mean no. You have never been shy about your adventures before this. When do you plan on making your move? Tonight? It would be a great chance to do so.”

“I have no plans to do such a thing. Lauren is a lady, and I would never try to entice a lady when she is less than herself. Tonight Lauren will be thoroughly intoxicated, so I have no intention of trying to take advantage.”

Kelly shook her head. “You really are in love then. Since when does a drunken rendezvous not appeal to you?”

“Since I met Lauren,” she responded. “Now just leave it be. Do not try to put any ideas in her head.”

“Do not worry, Lex. Whatever ideas she may have, which I can see that she does when she looks at you, she got them on her own. You may not wish to have sex with her tonight, but I bet she is looking to grace you with a little favor. Mark my words, and you would be a fool to pass that up with the way you feel. How many chances do you think this happens to people?”

“Kelly, I really do not wish to discuss this further. I just want to enjoy this evening with her.”

Over dinner that night, the entire restaurant staff fawned over the royal family, and by the time they were ready to leave the paparazzi were posted outside waiting to get pictures of the three of them. Being used to the attention, they didn’t think much of it. However, Lauren and her friends were caught off guard by all the cameras and had problems getting through the growing crowd. In the limo though, they still didn’t get any relief as the press followed them in a pack, getting as close to their car as they could and trying to snap photographs through the dark glass. The security at the club had to help keep the media away when they pulled up to the curb, but they all managed to get inside unscathed and were promptly escorted up to their private room that overlooked the dance floor.

Falling onto one of the sofas, Alexa pulled Lauren down next to her. “My apologies for the press. Ever since they got a picture of you a few weeks ago, it has been chaos. There is so much speculation about you and why you are in my company so much. Anything for a story,” she said loudly over the music.

Lauren smiled. “It is fine. It is at times like this that I remember exactly with whom I am spending my time. It is so easy to forget when it is just the two of us.”

“I know. I like that.”

“So do I,” she confessed. Looking over to where her friends were quickly getting absorbed into the atmosphere, talking with others and dancing, Lauren offered, “Do you want to dance?”

Alexa shook her head. “I am afraid that I am not very good at dancing if it is not formal. My whole life I had to take dance lessons, but this freestyle is just something I have not been able to do well. You go ahead with your friends. Watching you enjoy yourself is fun enough for me.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course. This is your birthday, and you should enjoy it. Go on now. I will be right here.”

With that the older woman left Alexa there and headed off to where her friends were. Alexa was quickly abandoned as her brother and sister-in-law started to dance with each other, but it gave the princess time alone to observe and enjoy Lauren unobstructed. As she watched the shorter woman with her friends, she found herself beginning to feel amorous. The redhead had a natural sensuality with the way she danced, making Alexa want her like never before. However, she knew to make such an overture might be misconstrued as wanting favor in return for her gift, which was not the case. She simply wanted to be able to touch Lauren, to feel her intimately, and to know what it was like to be with someone she truly cared about deeply. Nevertheless, she knew that was not going to be possible, at least that night, because the librarian was more focused on her friends and having fun.

As Lauren danced among her friends for the next hour, her eyes drifted to where Alexa sat once in awhile. Even though somewhere in her mind she knew the heir would be watching, she was still surprised each time she looked up and met dark eyes. Alexa’s face was showing such strong emotions, and it was obvious to her that the Navy officer was feeling wanton with needs they had never truly discussed. The evident desire raging in brown eyes and her sinewy form made Lauren’s own body respond. She found herself trying to move in a more alluring fashion for her audience, pleased when she got such a quick outwardly response from the princess. She could see the brazen ogling get even more intense. Unable to stand it, she made her way over to the sofa and took a seat.

Alexa immediately turned toward her and propped an arm up along the back of the couch. “Having fun?” she questioned.

Lauren nodded. “I would be having even more fun if you danced with me, Flash.”

“I told you that I am not very good at that. You are much better at it.”

“I think you should let me judge for myself. It is my birthday after all. I should surely get what I want.”

“Yes, you should. You deserve it.”

“Well, then what I want is you out on the dance floor,” she said leaning toward Alexa’s ear. Pressing her lips to her ear so she could be understood clearly, she continued, “I want to feel your arms around me and your body grinding against me. I feel quite sure that would be agreeable to you as well.”

The princess could only nod affirmatively. Knowing that it was a losing battle, she took hold of Lauren’s hand and rose from the sofa. They went over to the spot where George and Kelly were dancing under close guard by security and joined them. Bringing her arms around the librarian, Alexa went with her feelings as they began to move against one another. Neither said anything, but words were unnecessary. They communicated clearly with their touches.

Lauren was completely lost in Alexa’s arms. She felt so safe and loved by the woman who held her. Indulging in the feeling, she pressed herself closer. Immediately the princess took the cue and cuddled her even more intimately. This was as close to heaven as Alexa had ever felt. Her heart felt as if it might burst from the pleasure. Leaning down to the redhead’s ear, the princess kissed it. “You look so beautiful right now, Lauren,” she said.

The older woman nuzzled into Alexa’s neck. “Flash, you are too sweet for words.”

“Only when it comes to you. I would give you anything and everything you ever desired. All you have to do is name it, darling. I hope you know that.”

“I do now,” she replied. At that moment Lauren knew it was true. Right then there was something she wanted more than anything else in the world, so she decided that she had to take her chance to request her heart’s greatest desire. “Lex,” she said.

“Yes?” It was unusual that the librarian used her real name, so she knew it was serious.

“Could we leave early and go to the hotel?”

“Certainly but the club still has hours until close. If you really want to go though, I will round up your friends, and we can go.”

Shaking her head, Lauren smiled. “I did not mean leave with my friends. Let them stay here and have fun. I was thinking more along the lines of you and me leaving early. I would really like to be alone with you right now.”

“All right. Let me just make a few arrangements here to take care of them, and then we can go. I will be right back.”

Nodding in agreement, Lauren went over to where her friends were dancing and obviously trying to ignore the fact that their friend was keeping the company of the future queen. When she got to them, they were all eager to listen to what she had to say. “Listen, I want all of you to stay here and have fun, but I need to leave with Alexa right now.”

Mary smirked. “Don’t give us that. You need to leave, so you can get laid,” she joked.

Waving her off, Lauren continued, “You all have hotel rooms ready for whenever you want to leave. Flash is making the arrangements to get you all back when you are ready.”

“You go have fun with the princess, birthday girl, and when she’s screwing you, don’t forget that you’re experiencing something most only fantasize about in their lives. Some women spend their entire lives dreaming about the bed you’re about to be in, so enjoy it,” Mary commented.

Before Lauren could offer any sort of retort, Alexa returned to her side. “All right. George and Kelly are staying for a while, and security will see to it that all of you, ladies, get to the hotel safely. They are ready to escort us to the car, Lauren, whenever you are ready.”

Looping an arm through Alexa’s, she said, “I am ready if you are.”

“Very well. Let us go.”

Heading outside together with security, the media went crazy as they snapped photographs of the two of them together. However, neither woman cared as they rushed into their limousine. As they sped off, the press followed them. “Does this ever stop?” Lauren inquired as their driver attempted to lose their following.

“No. Everywhere I go it is always the same. They want pictures of the person I am with regardless of who it is and me. You will be all over the paper tomorrow again. We really need to start being careful. I do not want them to know where you live.”

By the time they arrived at the hotel, they seemed to have lost their entourage, so they discreetly were taken inside and up to the royal suite. Neither said anything on the elevator as security guided them to their suite and took post outside the door after politely bidding them good night.

It was quiet in the hotel room as Alexa checked the lock on the door, and Lauren took in their suite. Finally turning to her hostess, Lauren mentioned, “This is some room. I have never seen anything like it.”

“Well, it is all for you. George and Kelly will be joining us later, and if you do not mind, I will allow them to take the master bedroom. They have not seen each other in some time, and they need their privacy.”

“That is fine. I would not expect anything else.”

“There are four other bedrooms to choose from, though, so I want you to pick the one that pleases you the most.”

“And where will you sleep, Flash?” she questioned, moving into Alexa’s space.

The princess knew an invitation when she heard one, even when it was veiled in casual interest. Not knowing how to proceed yet, though, the pilot gave a safe answer. “That remains to be seen,” she whispered, gently taking Lauren’s hands in her own.

Blue eyes looked up at the princess as the librarian stepped closer, so their frames were pressed together lightly. “I have an idea. Maybe we should sleep in the same room.”

“If that is what you wish, I will more than happy to accommodate your desires, darling. I promised you everything, and I meant it.”

“Then let us go pick out a room.”

Alexa’s heart was pounding loudly in her ears as Lauren took her by the hand to investigate their choices. The redhead made a point to try the comfort of each bed by lying on it under Alexa’s fervent eyes. The heir didn’t know if her company was naive in her actions or if she was intentionally trying to provoke a response from her, but knowing how smart Lauren was, she figured on the latter. Deciding she should take matters into her own hands, Alexa finally spoke up after they had gone through every bedroom. Coming to the bedside where Lauren was comfortably resting on the king-sized bed, she took a seat and asked, “Well, after trying all the accommodations, have you made a decision?”

Silence greeted her question for a moment as they just looked at each other. Lauren knew this was the moment, right then, to make her move. Sitting up and scooting over to where Alexa was sitting, she embraced the princess around the shoulders. “This is perfect,” she whispered, seeking out the aviator’s mouth.

The princess immediately responded, bringing her arms around the smaller woman as she eagerly participated in their exchange. However after a moment, she retreated enough to meet blue eyes. “Lauren, I utterly adore you. I hope you know that.” The older woman nodded absently before trying to kiss Alexa again, but she was held back as the princess continued. “I would be lying if I said I did not desire to know you more intimately. In fact, I must confess I think about it quite often.”

“Me too, Flash,” Lauren admitted.

“I just do not want to do anything you might regret later. You are a lovely, beautiful, charming woman, and nothing can change that in my eyes. I do not want you to feel some sort of obligation, because everything I do for you, I do out of the happiness I know it will bring you, not what it might bring me.”

“I know, but this is what I want, Flash. This would be the best part of my birthday if you would grant me this desire.”

“I would grant you anything, Lauren, but I must know that this is not born out of a misplaced need or inebriated state. I would hate to have that on my heart with the way I feel for you.”

Blue eyes met brown ones for a long minute. Lauren just gazed into the eyes of the woman she loved as she thought of an appropriate response. Her hand went to the heir’s face and cupped her cheek sweetly. “Alexa,” she began using her soon-to-be lover’s real name. “I assure you with all that I am that I have never been more sure of my desires for anyone as I am right now. It would be the fruition of my birthday wish if I knew most intimately what your hands felt like against my body. I need to feel you against me, inside of me, taking me to places I know only exist in your arms. I am asking you to make love to me.”

Feeling her heart lift at the words she had just heard, the princess gave a small nod. “I am bound to cater to your every want, my darling Lauren,” she replied in a whisper before leaning to kiss the librarian’s lips once again.

The following morning Alexa awoke to find Lauren still blissfully asleep wrapped in her arms. Blue eyes were closed, and red hair was in disarray, but she still looked more beautiful than ever to the princess. Looking down on the woman in her arms, Alexa knew she was deeply in love. Furthermore, she couldn’t wait to express it to the woman who had won her heart. Leaning over she lightly began to dust Lauren’s face with kisses until sleepy eyes opened.

“Good morning, my darling. You look like an angel in this light,” the heir whispered.

“I am looking at an angel,” replied Lauren stretching her back a little, causing her bare form to brush against Alexa’s. “You were so good to me last night,” she giggled, nuzzling further into Alexa’s shoulder.

Gathering her courage, the princess sweetly kissed the librarian’s forehead and said, “I fully intend to be good to you for as long as I live. You are the most amazing woman I have ever known, Lauren, and I love you.”

Lauren gasped a little when she heard the declaration. However, in looking into dark eyes, she could see the truth staring back at her. The heir to the throne truly did love her. “I love you too, Alexa,” she confessed.

Alexa smiled as her heart swelled in happiness. She had never believed someone truly loved her even though women had said it to her before until now. She knew it in her soul that Lauren did feel the same for her. Meeting the redhead’s mouth with her own, the two of them quickly found themselves resuming their activities from the previous night.

Hours later they finally decided to get up and dress for the day. When they headed out into the living room area, they found George and Kelly reading the newspaper and enjoying breakfast, so they joined them. After greeting each other, both Alexa and Lauren started in on the food that was sitting there in content silence.

However, George picked up a newspaper and flung it in his sister’s direction. “You have made the paper again, Lex, but this time the press seems to be on to you. Mother is not going to be pleased about this.”

The princess looked down at the front section of the paper. There in bold letter across the top read the headline, “Love is in the Heir” with a secondary headline that stated, “The princess and mystery mistress canoodle in chic Miami nightclub.” The pictures on display, although dark and grainy, were obviously of Alexa and Lauren, sharing intimate moments on the dance floor. Without even bothering to read the story, Alexa shoved the paper aside. “This is not good. Lauren’s privacy was paramount to me, and now it has vanished. I should have been more careful,” she griped.

Lauren pulled the paper over to herself and started reading. Outlined in great detail was their evening together as well as their quick departure to the hotel. Moreover, facts about the librarian’s life were written in print for the whole world to read. It made her wonder where they had gotten their information. The story made her out to be a harlot who was trying to steal the heir away from the well-to-do Lady Adams. Feeling nauseated for the way she was portrayed, she pushed her food away and excused herself from the table.

When the three royals were alone, Alexa questioned, “Did she look upset to you?”

“Yes, of course. How could she not be after this article,” Kelly answered. “They are scathing about her, Lex. They make her out to be some sort of home-wrecker, which we all know is not true.”

“But it is just a newspaper. This is par for the course.”

“Not for her. She has never experienced this in her life. We are used to it, but she is not. She probably has never even been in papers before you came along, and now people are writing horrific things about her.”

Nodding her head, Alex realized her sister-in-law was correct. “If you will excuse me, it looks like I have something to do.” Heading back toward the room where Lauren went, the princess found her standing at the window looking out over the city. She could hear muffled crying coming from the woman she loved. Moving to her, she wrapped her in her arms. “I am sorry seeing that upset you.”

“It was completely unfair of them. How can they do that? How can they just print things they know nothing about as if they did? It is not right.”

“No it is not, but they have a right to speak what they choose, and I cannot stop them.”

“You know, whenever you and I are alone together, I always forget who you are. You are not the princess or the first in line for the throne. You are simply the woman I love.”

“I know, and I love you for that. I forget who I am supposed to be with you and act like myself. It is a rare gift you have for making me feel at ease enough to be the real me. No one but George and Kelly know the real me.”

“They said I was trying to steal you from Lady Adams,” she muttered.

“Do not even speak her name. I want do not want you to ever think about that woman. Know what we have is real, Lauren. What we feel is real, and nothing can change that.”

“But she is your girlfriend and I have caused you to go astray. I seduced you when I knew you were not mine to have. I never should have done such a thing.”

“Lauren, my darling, I was falling quite well on my own without any of your assistance. I do not believe for a moment this was ever your intention, nor was it mine, but it has happened, and I feel happy, alive, and loved for the first time in my life. You bring me such joy, and nothing can ever change that.”

Lauren turned in that arms that held her. “I love you, Flash. I really do, so it hurts to see that love discounted by people who do not even know us.”

The brunette nodded her head as she kissed Lauren on top of her hair. “I know, dearest, but you simply have to believe what you know to be real. You have to believe in our love and not allow them to get to you. This will continue indefinitely now that you have been exposed. I will do my best to protect you, but you must come to accept this if you are ever to move beyond it.”

“What people must think of me after reading such a thing. What if Lady Adams were to read that? What about the queen?”

“Both of them know most reports of my escapades are exaggerated. They will not even think twice before dismissing such an article.”

“But this time it is true, Flash.”

“They do not know that yet. Only I will be able to confirm the validity.”

“Are you going to tell them the truth? Will they even ask?”

“They will not ask, but if they do, I will not deny you. I would never deny my love for you to my mother.”

“And to Lady Adams?”

“Meredith has no right to inquire about my business. She would never dare question me, and if she does, I will just have to remind her with whom she is dealing.” The commanding tone her lover was using just then made Lauren pull away and stare contemplatively at her. Seeing the look, Alexa questioned, “What is the look for?”

“I have just never heard you sound that way. We are speaking of your girlfriend here.”

“She is my official girlfriend according to the papers and my mother, but she is truly just a woman in zealous search of a ring and a crown. My heart never has and never will be moved by her the way it is with you, Lauren. That is all that matters to me.”

Nodding in acceptance, the redhead decided not to think about the complications of their relationship just then and stepped into the loving arms of the pilot. She took a deep breath. “I love you, Flash.”

“I love you too, darling.”

Later that day they arrived back at Lauren’s house. The two lovers quickly found themselves lost in each other for the rest of the weekend, making love at every available opportunity. However, as Monday came so did the responsibilities, and the two went their separate ways for their careers. Back on base Alexa called her secretary at the palace with whom she had not communicated in several days.

“Alexa, the queen is upset about this reported relationship with this woman Lauren,” Matthew stated.

“I do not wish to discuss that yet. On the contrary, I need you to do something for me, Matthew. I need you to do a little job searching for me in that area. I want to find positions open at any of the libraries in the DC metropolitan area. I do not care if you have to impress upon one of them my interest in a position at their establishment.”

“Very well, Alexa, but may I inquire as to this request? It is highly unusual.”

“Lauren would like to move, and I want to see what the market is up there in her field of work. If there are any openings at all, I want to be informed immediately, because I would like to speak with the library about a possible position for her.”

“Are you sure this is a good idea? Does she even know you are doing this?”

“No. I want it to remain secret. It stays between the two of us. Do you understand?”

“Yes, of course, your highness. I understand. Should I research accommodations for her as well?”

“Not yet. Let us just job search at the moment. Please report any findings to me as soon as they are made.”

“It will be done, Lex.”

“Thank you. Now tell me how my mother is with this new development.”

“She is not doing well. She has made it clear to me that she is upset with your behavior. She says that you are acting disgracefully for someone of the family, and you should not be mistreating Lady Adams, who has been loyal to you all this time. I believe she will want to have words with you upon your return.”

Shaking her head to herself, Alexa muttered, “Typical.”

“She is so upset over this that I believe she will not even bide her time until after your birthday party next month. She has requested your presence in her office upon your immediate return. Lex, I think you have overstepped your boundaries this time.”

“I do not see how. I am not doing anything that I have not done in the past.”

“But she had made it clear to me that I was to begin planning a wedding, your wedding to Lady Adams.”

“What?” growled the princess in irritation. “I have not even proposed to Meredith nor has she accepted.”

“Well, the queen has requested me to do so anyway. She gave me an engagement ring for safekeeping in your office safe.”

The princess gave a disgruntled sigh. “Matthew, I cannot discuss this further without consulting my mother. I suppose you must carry on in her bidding, but you are bound to follow through on my request as well. Do you understand?”

“Yes, your highness. I understand perfectly. I will report any findings to you when I have them.”

“Thank you, and do not inform the queen of my request.”

“No, Lex. It stays between us.”

“All right. I must go. I will be talking with you soon.”

Continued in Chapter 4

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