by Alex Tryst

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Copyright © June, 2009 by Alex Tryst. All Rights Reserved.

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For the next two months Anastasia continued touring the country to meet its citizens and take an inventory of their concerns. Everywhere she went she met all kinds of people, but as usual it was the women who kept most of her interest. She often found herself having dinner with the most attractive of company. There was one particular brunette she had met in California named Clarissa, who she found especially interesting when they met at an art gallery exhibit. She was a twenty-five-year-old student in the process of getting her Masters in literature. She was a lively talker, and Anastasia was thoroughly intrigued when Clarissa made the suggestion they leave the party together before it was over.

Getting the brunette’s wrap, Anastasia extended her arm to her to escort her outside. Of course as usual the media was there as soon as the doors were opened to capture the two of them together as they got into Anastasia’s car. The flashes continued as the driver began to pull away with the vehicular security escort. He turned to ask the princess where she wanted to go, and she in turned looked at her company.

“Well, this was your idea. Where did you have in mind?”

“How about my apartment? We won’t be disturbed there,” she suggested, running her hand up the lapel of Anastasia’s jacket.

The princess nodded. “Actually I think it would be easier if we returned to my hotel suite for security reasons if that is all right with you.”

Clarissa nodded in agreement, so the two relaxed in the backseat for the ride. “This is a nice change. I didn’t think I would get you alone,” she said.

“You wanted me alone?”

She nodded. “Something told me that us being alone was a good idea. There were too many people around for the conversation I want to have with you.”

“Is that so? What kind of conversation would that be?” she questioned, playing along having seen the hungry look in the brunette’s eyes. She had felt the chemistry the moment they had been introduced.

“One without words,” she replied, leaning in to kiss the heir’s lips. Both women moaned, but in the back corner of Anastasia’s mind images of a certain blonde lurked. Anastasia had spent an extraordinary amount of time thinking about Layla over the summer. The two spoke several times a week and had seen each other two other times in Dallas. Even though it had been established that they were just friends, Anastasia had often thought about the possibilities if that was not the case, but it was, and the woman in her arms was stirring interest within her on a more primitive level.

The two continued to kiss in the back of the car until they arrived at the hotel where they were ushered through a remote back door and then service elevator, so the public wouldn’t see them. Up in the suite, they found Anastasia’s Secretary of Affairs in the living room on the phone. She smiled and waved at Anastasia.

The redhead waved back and turned to her company. “Clarissa, could I ask you to wait in the den for me? There is a bar, and my staff will be happy to oblige you in any request you may have. I need to attend to some business.”

“Certainly.”

“Thank you.” When she was alone with Madeline, she asked, “Is there something you needed?”

“You have a couple of messages, but all of them can wait until tomorrow.”

“Then why are you still here? You should have taken the evening off and let the palace taken care of my calls.”

“There was one call that you might want to return. You did not answer your cell when I tried to call you earlier. Layla called for you about an hour ago.”

Anastasia nodded. “Oh. All right.”

Gesturing toward the den, Madeline inquired, “Will you need me to update your access list? Should I no longer try to connect Layla to you when she calls?”

The princess shook her head. “I still would like to speak to Layla whenever possible, but tonight is not a good night. Do you think you could return her call and let her know that I am unavailable this evening but will call her tomorrow?”

“Of course, Stasia. If that is what you truly want, I am at your service.”

“As to your other question, I do not know about any other updates to the access list at this time, but I will let you know if that changes. Now please take some time to relax. I believe we have a busy day tomorrow.”

Madeline nodded. “Good night, Stasia. I will return early in the morning.”

“Good night, Maddy.”

Layla was lying in bed in the dark thinking of Anastasia when her phone began to ring. She had hoped that the princess was calling her back, but looking at the number, she saw that it was Madeline Sumner instead. Nevertheless, she answered. “Hello.”

“Hi, Layla, this Madeline Sumner. I hope I am not disturbing you.”

“Not at all.”

“I spoke with her highness, and as much as she would like to speak with you, she is unable to return your call this evening due to some other pressing matters. She requested that I call you and extend her regrets of not being able to do so,” she said using the line she had perfected over the years. Madeline was used to making such calls for Anastasia. She was often the one that delivered the message that Princess Anastasia was no longer interested in someone in the most professional yet caring tone, but Layla was the woman who had lasted the longest when it came to Anastasia’s fleeting attention. Madeline liked the blonde but knew all too well when Anastasia appeared to be finished with a woman, and the end usually began with unreturned phone calls.

“Oh. Okay,” she replied in disappointment. Layla was not expecting that from Madeline. Every time she had called the princess, her calls had been taken except during times when Anastasia was conducting business, but even then her calls were promptly returned. Not a day went by before she heard from Anastasia if she had to leave a message. She wasn’t sure what to think.

“Is there any other message you would like for me to pass on to her highness?”

“No. I’ll just talk to her tomorrow I guess. Thanks for at least calling me back, Madeline. Good bye.”

When the call ended, Layla’s thoughts ran over that last two months since they had met. While they had only seen each other three times over the course of the summer, they had talked almost every day. Meanwhile the media had kept close track of Anastasia’s travels across the country, including the company she was keeping along the way. Layla had privately endured seeing Anastasia with many attractive women, who stirred a jealousy she had never known in herself before, but one call from the princess was always able to squelch it. After all, the princess never seemed disinterested in their conversations nor did she ever bring up other women in their discourse. Instead Anastasia always seemed intently focused on her, but the manner in which Anastasia’s Secretary of Affairs had just delivered her message had seemed calculated and distant. There was a part of her that did not believe business was what was keeping the princess from returning her call but rather someone else. It was what she feared, the princess losing interest in her. The very thought of it depressed her, but she knew she had made her choice based on the only things that mattered to her, her moral values, and in order for she and the princess to become more than friends, she’d have to reassess her principles. She wasn’t sure that was something she could do, even though in her heart and mind, she had privately thought about what it would be like to be more intimate with Princess Anastasia.

Meanwhile in California Anastasia had returned to her company in the den. Clarissa had managed to make herself a little more comfortable as she had shed the heels she had been wearing and had struck a casual pose on the sofa while drinking a glass of wine. The redheaded princess smiled at her.

“Thank you for waiting. I just needed to catch up on a few things for a moment.”

“Certainly. You are well worth the wait,” she teased.

Anastasia smiled as she joined her on the sofa, leaning in closer to her. Tapping at the wine glass with her finger, she quietly asked, “May I have a taste of that?”

“Of course,” Clarissa replied with a grin before taking a small sip of the wine before leaning to Anastasia’s lips. The princess moaned that the exchange as her company deposited the liquid into her mouth.

When they broke apart Anastasia swallowed and smiled again. “This is suddenly turning into an interesting evening,” she said.

“I think so, but I think you should get a little more comfortable,” Clarissa suggested. Discarding her wineglass on the table behind the sofa, she leaned in to kiss the princess again, but her hands began to work off Anastasia’s suit jacket. Soon the redhead joined in as her hands began to take in the landscape of Clarissa’s body on the way to the zipper of the dress. Her guest seemed to be completely open to her advances as they continued to undress each other.

The couple remained on the couch for a long while kissing and caressing each other as new skin became revealed, but Anastasia’s mind wouldn’t let her totally forget the blonde of her fantasies. Every time she thought about suggesting she and Clarissa move into the bedroom, she was hindered by the thought of how Layla might feel at the turn of events, so much so that when Clarissa herself made the suggestion, she pulled away a bit.

With a gentle smile, she said, “As much as I am enjoying this, I do not think we should venture further this evening. You are a beautiful woman, Clarissa, but I do not believe that to be the best course of action at this particular moment.”

The brunette looked surprised and confused but nodded. “All right. Whatever you want is fine. I am your humble constituent.”

“And I am honored you would offer yourself in such a manner, but I think it might be best if we just kept the night to this.”

Nodding her head, Clarissa gave a smile. “Certainly. I have no objections to that.”

“Good,” she answered, leaning to kiss her once again and ending their discussion.

Later that evening when it was time for her guest to leave, Anastasia alerted her driver that his presence was needed. The princess decided to walk her company to the car. Due to the hour, there were not many patrons milling around the lobby. When they reached the car, the two women lingered closely at the back door for a moment.

“It was a great pleasure to spend this evening with you, your highness,” Clarissa softly said.

“You as well, Clarissa.” Anastasia then leaned down and slipped a soft kiss on her lips. “Good night.”

Heading back into the hotel, the princess was escorted back to her suite. She immediately headed to the bedroom to get ready for bed. As she slipped under the covers, her thoughts once again turned to Layla. The student kept invading her free time, but it was the first time it had happened while in the company of another woman, and she started to feel a little guilty for her behavior. She pondered what that meant until she drifted off to sleep.

The following morning Layla was up early after not sleeping well. Her heart was hurting over the fact that Anastasia had not returned her call. Heading into her kitchen, she saw her parents both there eating breakfast. She mumbled a greeting to them as she went to the coffee pot to pour herself a cup of the caffeinated substance. Her parents in the meantime hurried around her getting ready for work and within a few minutes, she was alone in the house. Getting herself a bagel, she toasted it and then layered it with cream cheese before taking a seat at the table where the newspaper had been discarded earlier by her parents. She ate her bagel and drank her coffee slowly as she read over the news of the day in the front section.

When she felt adequately caught up on the important items, she moved on to her favorite section, the variety section, which always contained articles about the royal family’s goings-on. It was how she had found out about what Anastasia and her sisters were doing over the course of the summer and where Anastasia was visiting in the country. Often there were photographs of the four princesses at various events, and many times over their acquaintance she had seen Anastasia photographed with beautiful women, but when she opened the section that day, she was not prepared for the photograph inside.

There was Princess Anastasia standing by a car kissing an unidentified brunette. Layla felt her stomach turn as she stared at it a moment longer, wishing that the picture did not depict the princess in such a fashion, but there was a corroborating blurb about her activities of the night at the art gallery and early exit with the brunette in the photograph. Layla realized her instincts had been correct the previous evening. The princess hadn’t returned her call, because she was busy entertaining another woman. Unable to read more, she put the paper aside. She felt sick that she had allowed herself to be swayed into feeling something for a woman who was so obviously unable to return her feelings.

Suddenly her cell phone ringing broke her musings. She dug it out of the pocket of her robe to check the number. It registered as one of the palace numbers she had come to recognize, which made her hesitate. She wasn’t sure she wanted to hear from Anastasia or one of her staff members at the moment, but she also knew if she didn’t answer it, it could be awhile before the two women had a chance to connect again. Going against her better judgment, she hit the talk button.

“Hello,” she softly greeted.

“Good morning, Layla. It is Stasia.”

“I know. Good morning, your highness,” she said formally.

The tone and address took Anastasia back for a moment. Layla had not called her that since the first day they had met. “Is everything all right? You do not seem like yourself.”

“I’m fine,” she quickly stated. “How’s California? Meeting anyone interesting?”

“California is full of many interesting people but none as interesting as you. I miss your company, Layla.”

“I’m sure there are plenty of substitutes for female companionship out there.”

“Perhaps but none as fascinating as you. I am looking forward to our time together next week. Not only do we once again get to have stirring religious discussions but also I have the opportunity to indulge you in one of your pleasures. I have already had Maddy call the estate to ensure everything is perfect for your arrival. Three days of relaxing in the country, lounging by the pool, horseback riding, and devoted religious study. Sounds idyllic, does it not?”

“It does sound wonderful, but I have concerns about going,” Layla said.

“Why? All you have to do is show up at the airport. I have arranged the rest.”

“I know. It’s my parents, though. I feel bad for lying to them about where I’m going. They think I’m going to see my college roommate. They would get incredibly upset if they knew the truth. I don’t feel good about this.”

“I cannot tell you what to do, Layla. I would like you to come, but I understand your dilemma. What is the worst thing that could happen if they found out?”

“They would disown me, and I’d lose my money for college. They already threatened to withdraw funding for school if I engaged in any activities with another woman. I know we’re only friends, but they already demanded that I stay away from you.”

“Well, if that is what scares you the most, I would be willing to pay for your schooling expenses. That should not inhibit you from doing what you want.”

“That’s too much to ask of you. I couldn’t let you do that.”

“I would want to. You should not be denied an education for embracing your true nature, and they should not threaten you with that. That is discrimination, and I will not stand for it. You have a right to go to college, as does every American. Just tell me where to send the funds, and I will. I am serious. No strings, commitments, promises or compromises. A woman like you deserves every opportunity, and I will assure that for you if it makes you more comfortable about our spending time together. I give you my word as the crowned princess of this country,” she said seriously.

There was a pause for a moment before Layla softly replied, “Thank you. That means more than you could ever know. I’ve just been so afraid of not being able to finish school. I really would like to come, but are you sure you can spare the time, though?” As thankful as the blonde was at the princess’s declarations regarding her education, she was still feeling awkward about their plans in light of what she had seen in the paper that morning, but she knew she didn’t have any right to express that with the princess.

“We discussed this. It is a pleasure to spend this time with you. We are always so rushed. I do not think we have spent more than a few hours in each other’s company, but I am looking forward to remedying that situation. I confirmed with my sisters that they would be joining us at least for one or two days. You do not mind, do you?”

“Of course not. It is your house.”

“Has Maddy contacted you about your travel arrangements yet?”

“Only tentatively. She said it’s all subject to change depending on where you are going to be that day.”

“I hope to have my entire schedule clear while you are visiting. I insist on giving you my undivided attention.” There was a pause. Still feeling the tension from the other end of the line, Anastasia asked again, “Are you sure you do not want to talk about what is bothering you? We are friends, Layla, and I can keep any confidences you bestow on me.”

“I know we’re friends, Stasia. I’m just having a hard time right now is all.”

“With what? Your parents? Work?”

“I don’t really want to talk about it. I’m sure it’ll pass.”

“All right. If you change your mind, I am here. I should begin my day. I have lots on the schedule, and Maddy will be arriving any moment. I am in desperate need of some coffee after the night I had. I was up quite late, and then I did not sleep well. I kept thinking about you and calling you first thing this morning.”

“I’m sure whatever was keeping you up was important,” the blonde offered without trying to give herself away, even though she found it difficult to refrain from the temptation.

“I am sorry that I was unable to call you back last night. I appreciate that I am able to talk to you now. You make the days brighter, Layla. Maybe I should speak with you every morning.”

Unable to help herself, the blonde felt a blush rise in her face. Even as hurt as she was, she was still interested in Anastasia. There was no denying that much, but she hated the fact that the princess was with another woman, even if she was well within her rights to do so. “Will I talk to you later today?”

“I would like that every much. I have all kinds of appointments today but will be staying in this evening. Perhaps we could talk then. Maybe I will get the pleasure of hearing your voice as the last one of the day before I go to sleep.”

“That could be arranged.”

“Good. I am glad you are willing to oblige me. Until then, my beautiful blonde angel. Have a good day.”

“You too, Stasia.”

Continued in Chapter 5

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