by Alex Tryst

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

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

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Anastasia was up early that morning with nervous excitement. She had hardly slept the night before as she thought of the few days ahead in which Layla would be visiting. Ever since that incident in California, the princess had realized her feelings for the blonde went beyond the carnal interests that dominated most of her relationships with women. Layla was different in so many ways, and while Anastasia was keenly interested in her on a physical level, there was something else that she had never felt with another woman.

Getting out of bed she showered for the day. She was supposed to be heading to the palace to see her parents, and the queen had invited her to sit in on some meetings that morning before she and her sisters left for the country estate with Layla. Dressing in record time, she grabbed her Bible in case she had any down time that morning to try to finish her assigned reading for her next religious discussion with Layla and then headed to the palace.

When she arrived her parents were eating breakfast, so she joined them. After kissing both her mothers, she took a seat, placing her book on the table and then asking the kitchen server for some food.

“You look well-rested,” Lauren mentioned with a smile.

“To the contrary, I did not sleep well, but I am full of energy today.”

“Good. You are going to need it for our meetings today. I am thrilled you decided to join me. I like seeing your interest,” Alexa said, taking a sip of her coffee.

“I am extremely interested. My recent journeys cross-country have only made me more so. There are so many interesting people I have met and issues I have learned about.”

“I look forward to hearing about them all,” the queen replied. “What are you reading?”

“The Bible.”

“The Bible?” Alexa repeated.

Anastasia nodded. “Have you ever read it?”

“I have not had the pleasure. I did not know you had become interested in religious study. How did this come about?”

Anastasia flushed a little as she smiled. “I met someone in Texas, and she is extremely religious. I wanted to try to impress her at first and spend more time together, so I asked if she would teach it to me.”

Both the queens chuckled a little. “That is my daughter, always trying to play to women’s passions.”

Anastasia shrugged. “At first that is exactly what I was trying to do, but now that I have begun reading it, I find it fascinating, and she is passionate about the subject of how religion plays a role in the greater society. Just watching her and listening to her talking about it intrigues me greatly. She is like no other woman I have ever known.”

The queens exchanged a look. It was not the first time they had seen their daughter enamored with a woman. Anastasia’s feelings were easily swayed in matters of the heart, but it wasn’t often she was so willing to go through extra effort for one, which was an intriguing difference.

Lauren pushed her silvering red hair back off her shoulder and then leaned back in her seat for a moment to regard her oldest child. “What is this young lady’s name?”

“Layla Stone. She is coming to visit me today. That is why I was going to the country estate with Victoria, Camille, and Caroline. She loves horses. She should be here around lunchtime.”

“That sounds like fun. You want her to meet your sisters?”

She nodded. “I think they would like her a great deal. I think the two of you would as well. Perhaps you could meet her? We could all have lunch here at the palace before we leave.”

“You want us to meet her?” Alexa asked in surprise, looking at her wife.

“If you are available.”

“Of course we are available, sweetheart,” Lauren said.

“You have just never brought anyone to the palace before. This is not some ordinary woman, is she?” Alexa questioned.

“No,” she answered shaking her head. “I think I am in love with her,” she pronounced with a wide smile.

Alexa wanted to laugh but managed not to do so. It wasn’t the first time her oldest had declared love for someone, but it was always nothing more than lustful desires. Nevertheless, she did her best to try to be supportive. “All right. Then lunch it is. We look forward to it.”

When breakfast was complete, Alexa and Lauren headed off toward their offices while Anastasia went to hers. “Our daughter claims to be in love for about the sixth time this year,” Alexa teased.

Lauren chuckled. “Yes but you have to admit that we have never been asked to meet anyone. This time really could be different, Lex. After all, have you ever seen her try to cater another woman’s desires? She is even reading the Bible to try to impress this girl.”

“She is too young to know true love.”

“Is she? Have you forgotten that we met when you were twenty-five? She is just a handful of years from that.”

“Well, I am sure Ms. Stone is lovely, but a twenty year old does not know what love is,” she claimed.

“I am sure your first wife, Meredith, would disagree with you on that. After all you two were married when she was nineteen.”

“Yes and we were divorced as well, because we realized we did not love each other. I just want to make sure Anastasia does not fall into the same situation. If this girl is different, that is fine, but they are too young to know if they are compatible in marriage. I do not want the heir to the throne to be involved in a disaster of a marriage and divorce, because she is too young to realize the potential repercussions of choosing poorly. We both know our daughter is fickle where love is concerned.”

“Let us just meet her as we promised. We need to be supportive of Anastasia.”

Alexa nodded. “I agree. We just need to watch out for any signs that things are growing serious between them too soon if this is for real. I do not object to her being in love and enjoying herself, but she must be sure before she tries to make someone her wife. There are so many levels of concern there, and I do not want her to face the problems I did. That is all I am saying.”

Lauren nodded. “Fine. If this looks serious, we will encourage her to take things slowly.”

A little later that morning Anastasia joined her mother for her first meeting with key senior members of Congress. While some of them seemed a little surprised to see the young heir come into the room, no one said anything as they rose from their seats out of respect for her position. Alexa gave her a warm smile and gestured to the empty chair next to her.

“Stasia, I have saved this seat right here for you,” she said.

“Thank you, your majesty,” she said formally as she knew was required in such situations before taking her seat. “Thank you all for letting me join you today.”

When everyone was seated Alexa began the meeting saying, “Anastasia has expressed an interest in attending meetings with members of our legislative branch, and as the heir to the throne, I believe she should be as involved as possible in the event she needs to fill in for me. That said please include invitations to her for meetings as you would me.” She paused to look around the table. “She has been on a journey across our great country these past few months and returned to us having a sense of where the constituency’s concerns reside, probably far better than any other person in this room. I anxiously anticipate the report of her travels as a possible way to alleviate burdens of our people about which we may not yet know. Being significantly younger than the rest of us in this room, I think she will certainly bring fresh ideas to our old group,” she joked. “With that said let us begin our meeting. Anastasia, please take a few minutes to tell us about your trip to one of the states you have seen thus far.”

“All right. I was recently in Texas and had the honor of visiting a children’s hospital there. While speaking to several of the parents, it became obvious that they all have concerns about our healthcare system. While all of them commented on the high quality of care their children were receiving at the hospital from the facility and the staff, there seemed to be an overwhelming sense of concern regarding how to juggle caring for their child and their jobs during such a trying time.”

“We have a family medical leave act in place to assure they can take time off for such situations,” one of the congressmen stated.

“I am aware of that as are they. However, something seems to be missing from it. While they are able to take the time off without fear of losing their jobs, they are not getting paid during this time. They have bills and other children to take care of. They worry about having enough money to take time off from work to be there for their sick child while life is going on around them. Many mentioned to me that while they have no bills under our healthcare system they are concerned about paying their mortgage and keeping a roof over their head. I think we should entertain changing the family medical leave act in some way that frees them of such an emotional burden. Their priorities should be on their sick children.”

“That is quite a new insight that we have never considered,” Alexa said. “Do you have any ideas of how we could make something like that happen?”

Anastasia shrugged. “I have no idea, but seeing the way this burdens them makes me realize we need to do something. Furthermore, I think we should add some kind of component to our healthcare system for a family’s physiological needs as well. These people had nowhere to go to discuss their problems. Having someone they cared about in the hospital was taking an emotional toll. Unfortunately while I was there on the second day, a child died at the hospital, and that family had nowhere to turn to help them with their grief. It is not something we provide for currently. These people need help.”

Alexa nodded. “Interesting. I think you should look into all of this, Stasia. You need to meet with the congressional committee on healthcare. I want you to take this and run with it. Meet with Congress and see how far you can get on finding ways to improve these two areas. I will give you one month before you need to report back on your progress. At the very least this will be an educational experience on all the intricate interlocking parts of our government,” Alexa said.

Anastasia nodded. “Certainly, your majesty.”

“Wonderful. Now let us begin with our official agenda.”

For the next couple of hours, the two royals listened to the congressional report and discussed various aspects of laws that were under debate in the legislature. When the meeting was over, Anastasia looked at her watch anxiously. Layla would have been getting on the plane right about then and heading her direction.

“We have about an hour before the Joint Chiefs of Staff meeting. It is extremely important that you be there, Stasia. We have a military situation brewing in the Middle East, which may require our attention. Being a military officer now, I think this will be a good learning experience for you if you are available.”

“Of course. Our last meeting was intriguing. I am sure this next one will be as well.”

“Good. In the meantime tell me how your job at the Secretary of the Navy’s office is going.”

The young redhead shrugged. “It is interesting. However, it interferes with my travel schedule, and if I start attending more of these meetings, I am not sure I will be making a meaningful contribution to it.”

Alexa nodded. “I figured that would happen. It is your choice as to what you want to do. If you want to stay on there, you most certainly can. However, I am thrilled at the idea that you wish to be more involved with what I do on a daily basis. It is the best way to cultivate your leadership skills for the future. I want you to know that all my meetings are open to you. There is nothing that I do that you cannot observe. More than that, all your thoughts and ideas are valid, even if you are just my replacement,” she teased. “You may not always have the right answer, but you are thinking about the people’s best interest, and that must always be your primary focus.”

“I know.”

“You know when I was in my twenties, I had a chair at the Joint Chiefs of Staff table, even as a junior military officer, and I eventually took over the responsibility of that committee as heir. I am thinking about giving you a seat on the committee, but I do not think you should have one while you are working for the Secretary of the Navy. Having a seat on that committee requires you to be less vested in one branch than another. I want you to attend this meeting today and then think about your options.”

“All right. I promise you I will.”

“Good. Now what time does Ms. Stone get here?” she inquired with a grin.

“Just a couple of hours from now,” she answered with her own smile.

“Time passes too slowly sometimes when you are waiting for the one you love.” Anastasia nodded. “You know, Stasia, your mother and I support you in your quest to find a special woman, but you are only twenty-one. I know you understand that while you are your own person, you are my daughter, and that carries certain weight in how you choose your mate. Someone picked my first wife for me, and I did not want you to have to go through that, which is why I changed the law, so you could choose whoever you felt worthy. That was a gift I gave you, but you still need to choose wisely. I do not wish to see you unhappy, because the love you believed to have was not real. You should not rush into choosing someone.”

“I have no such thoughts about any woman.”

“Not even Ms. Stone?”

Anastasia shrugged. “I love her, Mother, but I do not know if she feels the same for me. I have not said anything to her.”

Alexa nodded. “I see. Do you think you are going to tell her while she is here?”

“I do not know. I have never felt this way before. I am nervous about saying anything. What if she does not feel the same?”

Touching her daughter on the shoulder, she answered, “If it is meant to be, it will be, Stasia. Love is not an exact science. You just follow your heart where it leads you, and if you are lucky, you find someone who loves you just as you are, flaws and all.”

At their next meeting, Anastasia spent more time listening than anything to the top ranking military officers in the country. Each relayed a concern with a situation developing in the Middle East, which had not yet involved the country directly yet, but they were concerned the country should be on high alert in case it escalated by sending forces into the surrounding area. Alexa agreed to consider the matter and asked each member of the group to determine what would be adequate troop levels from the appropriate branches for such action.

Meanwhile when Layla landed at the airport in the private jet that had been arranged for her and the door opened, she saw a familiar face greet her. “Madeline, hi,” she said with a smile.

“Hello, Layla. Stasia regrets that she was unable to get you herself today, but she had meetings today at the palace with the queen.”

“It’s all right. I didn’t expect her to be here.”

“Nevertheless I am to take you to the palace where you will join her for lunch before you head out on your trip.”

“The palace? Stasia didn’t say anything about that. I’m not dressed to go to the palace,” she said.

“I could take you to Stasia’s house in order for you to change. Do you have something you would feel comfortable wearing to the palace amongst your belongings?”

She shook her head. “No, just one summer dress. I wish she had said something to me about this.”

“In her defense I believe this was a last minute decision. She is dressed casually today, so I do not think you need to change necessarily.”

“I must. I can’t go to the palace like this,” she insisted.

“Very well. Let me just make a phone call ahead to Stasia’s house. Let us go,” she said leading the way to the car.

The blonde followed Madeline to the dark limousine waiting a little bit away from the plane. Both women climbed into the backseat. They didn’t talk to each other as Madeline remained on the phone the whole time after giving the driver instructions. Layla had never been to Washington, D.C. and gazed out the dark tinted windows at the passing scenery until they pulled through gates of a large house.

An armed guard came to the door and opened it. “Madeline,” he greeted formally.

She nodded at him as a woman came out the front door. “Madeline, I received word you would be coming,” she said before looking to the blonde. “Ms. Stone, I am Lydia Gardner, the estate manager. Please come in. I have a room prepared for you already.”

The three women went into the house while another man brought in Layla’s bags. She was showed a nicely furnished bedroom and then left alone to change. She felt her stomach begin to churn a little as she slipped out of her travel attire and into her dress. Going to the palace had never been discussed between she and Anastasia, and she was surprised and confused by the development. Nevertheless, she knew she could not decline to go, so she only hoped that she would be appropriately dressed for the occasion. When she had put on her dress, she went to the mirror to brush her hair and reapply some of her makeup to make sure it looked fresh. She had no idea what to expect, but whatever was in store, she wanted to look her best.

When she had finished dressing, she stepped out of the bedroom. No one seemed to be around as she looked up and down the hallway, but at the end of the corridor there was another room that she assumed was probably the princess’s private bedroom. Curiosity got the better of her as she quietly snuck to the end of the hall and looked through the crack of the mostly closed door. She noted that the bed was immaculately made with dark fabrics and a multitude of pillows. There were various family photos decorating the walls but also a few of the princess with women she didn’t recognize, which made her jealousy rise.

She had not completely gotten over what she had seen in the papers when Anastasia had been in California, even though the two had never discussed it. She knew she had no right to stake a claim on the princess, especially when Anastasia had made it clear friendship was best for them given Layla’s limitations based on her principles. Still she wanted the princess for her own, and knowing that she couldn’t have her gnawed at her. Knowing that people were waiting on her, she went back downstairs to meet Madeline again. It took a few minutes before they were headed over to the palace.

The sheer size of it was overwhelming for Layla. She had seen pictures of it, but it was by far the most impressive building she had ever seen in size and grandeur. As the car pulled around to the side of the building, the blonde received a pleasant surprise. The princess was standing under the portico with a large smile as they pulled to a stop. The redhead didn’t even wait for someone else to open the door. Instead she pulled it open and smiled brightly as both women emerged.

“Layla, what a pleasure it is to see you,” she greeted embracing the blonde and slipping a kiss on her check. “I have missed you.”

“Stasia, it is good to see you, too,” she answered, allowing herself to feel the frame of the princess against her own for a brief moment. She had often wondered what Anastasia looked like under her clothes in the privacy of her room and hoped this trip would afford her an opportunity to see the heir wearing less when she heard there was a pool at the country castle. Although she had to admit she liked the casual look the princess was sporting that day, khaki trousers and a blue and white striped button down.

“You look beautiful. I love this dress,” Anastasia complimented, taking her guest’s hand and leading her inside.

“Thank you. You didn’t say anything about coming to the palace. I had to change at your house before we came here.”

“You have been to my house? I hope you approved of it.”

“I only saw one bedroom.”

“Which one?”

“The one upstairs on the right side of the hall.”

“That was my room growing up as a child until we moved onto the palace grounds.”

Layla quietly looked around the grand corridor, trying to take everything in as they passed it. However, one thing of which she was acutely aware was the fact that they were still holding hands. She decided not to mention it, even though she found it a little odd.

“I thought we could have some lunch here before we went out to the country. My sisters headed out earlier this morning, so you will meet them once we get there.”

“All right. I look forward to that.”

The twosome headed to one of the smaller dining rooms. Layla saw the table had been set with four place settings. “Is someone joining us?” she asked.

Anastasia nodded as she guided the blonde to her seat. Pulling out her chair, she answered, “My parents.”

“Your parents? Stasia, I wish you had told me about this. I’m not dressed to meet your parents.”

“Of course you are. You look beautiful. Besides they do not form opinions on the way a person is dressed.”

“They are the queens of this country!” she exclaimed.

Anastasia dismissed it with a wave of her hand. “They are just my mothers. It will be fine. I promise.”

Just then the door opened, revealing the two queens. Immediately Layla bowed. “Your majesty, your highness,” she quietly said.

“You must be Ms. Stone. It is a pleasure to meet you,” Lauren said, coming to her and clutching her hand.

Blue eyes met and held for a moment in a gaze. The silvering redheaded queen’s eyes appeared so genuine that Layla felt herself relaxing a bit. “It’s an honor to meet you both. I apologize for not being more appropriately dressed. Stasia didn’t exactly tell me I would be meeting you today.”

“Glad to know we were not the only ones in the dark,” Alexa teased a little as she approached the blonde. “Nevertheless, it is a great pleasure.” She extended her hand to the young woman. When Layla put her hand in the queen’s, Alexa squeezed it gently. “Please make yourself comfortable.”

“Please do not be uneasy with us, Layla, and we will try our best to not be imperious parents who put our daughter’s friends through inquisition,” Lauren said with another smile.

“We admit we were not informed about your arrival at the palace until this morning, and Stasia has not had much opportunity to tell us much about you. However, from what she has said, we have been quite impressed. She says you are a bit of a religious scholar,” Alexa stated as they all moved to sit at the table.

Layla shook her head. “She exaggerates. I go to a religious college and practice Christianity, but I’d hardly call myself a scholar.”

“But you are teaching her the Bible, are you not?”

“We’re reading it together and discussing it. She said she was interested in learning more about it when we were discussing various religious views on same-sex marriage. I was telling her that my parents believed it to be against God’s teachings.”

“Really? And in your religious studies do you find that to be true? Are same-sex marriage and Christianity irreconcilable?” Alexa asked curiously.

She shook her head. “I don’t believe so, as do many other people. However, there are some who believe differently. Stasia seemed interested in learning how to have dialogue with those people.”

Alexa looked at her daughter and then back at their guest. “She failed to mention that part, but that does not surprise me. Stasia has always strived to be the type who likes to try to reach out to people. It is one of her greatest assets as a future leader. Just this morning she was sitting in a room with several key members of Congress and relaying her concerns over certain aspects of our healthcare system that seemed to have been overlooked through the years. She emphasized that people’s emotional and psychological well-being is as vitally important as the physical care they receive.”

“I would agree. I volunteer at a children’s hospital in Dallas. That’s where we met actually and seeing those families go through the stress of having a sick child makes you wonder how you could bring them more comfort. As a Christian, I can offer them Christ’s love, but I know sometimes practical matters can overwhelm.”

Alexa smiled at the blonde. “Do you believe in Christ absolutely?”

She nodded. “I don’t think there is any other way to believe.”

“What about the Bible? You have Stasia reading it. Do you believe everything it says?”

Layla looked at her plate for a moment. She didn’t know where the queen was going with the line of questioning, but it was beginning to make her nervous. Nevertheless, she never imagined the opportunity to share her views with her sovereign so openly. “I believe the Bible is open to interpretation. I don’t take it literally if that is what you are asking.”

“I am just curious as to your thoughts, because you seem to have sparked an interest in Stasia. I am not trying to pass any judgments upon you, Ms. Stone,” she said with a gentle smile.

There was a pause before the blonde decided to ask something she had always wondered. “Do you believe in God, your majesty?”

Alexa gave another smile. “Yes, I do believe in God. However, our family has not been a part of any religious affiliation to try to preserve the freedom of religion that is the cornerstone of this country, so it is rare to find someone so willing to profess one’s faith in our company or even ask us of our own. It is an admirable quality for such a young person. Knowing one’s beliefs at twenty is uncommon.”

“Thank you, your majesty,” she quietly said.

Lauren looked over the table for a moment before deciding the conversation needed to move in a different direction. “Stasia mentioned that you were in college. What are your career aspirations after you graduate?”

“I’d like to help children. I was originally thinking about med school, but I’m not that good with needles,” she confessed with a smile. “Then I thought I could be a counselor or psychologist for kids. That way I could still feel like I was helping them but without having to deal with the needle factor. My other thought was being a youth minister. My faith plays a large part of my life, and I like sharing it with others. My father is a youth minister.”

“And he is opposed to same-sex marriage?” Alexa asked.

“He does not believe the Bible supports it.”

“This is what has me so confused about Christianity. There seems to be no consensus on what their truth is,” Anastasia commented.

Alexa nodded and turned back to their guest. “Sounds like there might not be an answer to what the truth is if the Bible is open to interpretation,” she said.

“I think there is one simple truth,” Layla said.

“What is that?” Alexa asked.

“I think in order to be a Christian, you must believe in Christ as your personal savior. I don’t think anything else matters if you believe that, because if you believe that, you will emulate his life, which, if you read the Bible, was about inclusively and love of all people regardless of who they were.”

Alexa looked at her wife and daughter for a moment before gazing at the blonde again. “Well spoken. Are you sure you are twenty? Victoria does not speak so profoundly, and she is only a year younger.”

The smile that accompanied the question made Layla realize the queen was not mocking her, just gently teasing her about her age. “Last time I checked, I was still twenty,” she replied.

Through the rest of the meal, the four of them talked about other subjects. Both Alexa and Lauren watched the exchanges between Anastasia and Layla carefully, looking for signs that their daughter’s feelings were deeper as she had claimed. When the meal was complete, both queens extended their hands to Layla.

“It truly was an incredibly interesting lunch. That was a most unexpected pleasure,” Alexa said.

“Thank you, your majesty, for having me to the palace.”

“We hope you visit us again,” Lauren said with a smile.

Going to their daughter, both of them hugged her. “Be careful on your trip and have fun.”

With that the two queens took each other’s hands as they left the room. When the door was closed and they were in the privacy of the hallway, Lauren looked at her wife. “I think this time is for real, Lex. I have never seen Stasia look at a woman the way she was looking at Layla.”

Alexa nodded. “Our daughter truly is in love. Now we have to be careful of how she handles this. The longer it is kept from the media the better. I do not want either of them to feel any pressure, and I do not want Stasia to make a hasty decision about whether Layla is right for her long-term.”

“She is quite a passionate young lady.”

The queen nodded. “A bit singularly-minded with Christianity. I hope she finds other things she loves as much as she does religion. Nevertheless, she was quite charming and intelligent.”

Lauren nodded. “I am so happy you changed that law all those years ago, so our daughters could be as happy as we are.”

“Me too. Seeing Stasia’s face as Layla spoke was worth it. She is in love,” she said with a smile.

Behind in the dining room, Anastasia smiled at Layla. The princess could tell by watching her parents that they liked the blonde, which pleased her greatly. The college student smiled back at her hostess but said, “You could’ve warned me that I was meeting them. It’s not everyday that I get to meet the queens of the country.”

“It was just decided this morning. I am sorry for not giving you advanced notice, though. Did you enjoy lunch nevertheless?”

She nodded. “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I know that. Do you think they liked me?” she asked shyly.

The redhead nodded as she rounded the table. Reaching for Layla’s hand, she answered, “Yes. I think they were impressed that you owned your opinions so decidedly. My sister Victoria hardly does the same. Speaking of her, I think we should go unless you would like a tour of the palace first.”

“You would take me on a tour of the palace?”

“Of course I would. I can show you all kinds of interesting things. We could spend days in here looking around.”

“I’d love that, but if that’s the case, could we do it when we come back into town?”

“Absolutely. I will clear an extra day in my schedule if you want. Are you able to stay an extra day?”

“I think I can do that.”

“Good. Then it is a plan. We can leave for our trip now then. I just need to go to my office for a minute. Come on.”

The two of them walked holding hands to Anastasia’s office. Madeline was there sitting at a desk on the phone. She smiled and waved to wait for just a moment. Quickly finishing the call, she asked, “Are you off to the country?” Anastasia nodded. “Are you sure you do not want me to accompany you?”

“No. I need this time away from things. You know how to find me if you need me. Feel free to call if something pressing arises. Otherwise we will be back in a few days. When we return, I have promised Layla a tour of the palace, so maybe you could plan the best route that lets us avoid the public tours.”

“I am sure that can be arranged. Have a pleasant trip,” she said, smiling at them.

Anastasia had arranged for a driver to take them into the country that day even though there were faster ways to get there, such as by helicopter. She wanted to give Layla the opportunity to see some of the scenery on the way. The two sat in quiet contentedness in the back of a limousine looking out the window. Upon their arrival they were informed that the other princesses and Victoria’s boyfriend had gone out riding, leaving the two of them alone.

“Well, what would you like to do first? We could ride, but with it being so late in the afternoon perhaps we should table that until tomorrow, so we can spend all day enjoying it. Instead we can go to the pool or I can give you a tour of this estate or you can just relax on your own. Anything you desire on this trip is yours,” she said with a charming grin.

“The pool would be nice. It is quite warm today.”

“Very well. Let me show you to your room, so you can change.”

Together they walked upstairs. Coming to a heavy dark wooden door, Anastasia pushed it open. “I hope this room is suitable for you. My room is just next door. You have a view of the back grounds and hills, and there is a balcony just out the door.”

“This is a beautiful room,” she answered, looking around the plush surroundings. The king-sized bed was layered in bedding and off in the corner there was another door, which she assumed was the bathroom. Her bags were sitting on a bench at the end of the bed. It was an incredible room, which only reminded her once again with whom she was sharing time.

“I will see you momentarily. I will be just next door changing. See you in a moment.”

When Layla was alone, she went to her bags and opened them but was surprised to find them empty. She was confused as she stared into the bag for a moment but then looked around the room. Seeing the dresser she wondered if her belongings had been unpacked for her. Pulling open the dresser drawers, she found her clothes neatly stacked. The thought never occurred to her that someone would have touched her belongings, but she figured that was what typically happened when people stayed at the country castle. Deciding not to inquire, she went about changing. She had brought a blue bikini that brought out the color of her eyes, hoping that it might capture the princess’s attention. On top of that she added khaki shorts and a white cotton top and sandals.

When she was finished changing, she went next door and knocked. She heard Anastasia’s voice beckon her into the room, so she pushed open the door to find the princess on the phone, looking out over the balcony. She glanced over her shoulder and smiled at her guest before turning her gaze back outside while she continued to talk, giving Layla a chance to just look at the mostly bare body of her fantasies.

Anastasia’s skin was fair, but her toned musculature was exquisite. Her suit top was red and navy and cut in a razor back sports bra, leaving defined shoulders and shoulder blades on display. The bottoms were tiny shorts that just covered her. She had a trim waistline and athletic legs. Layla had to remind herself to breathe for a moment as she just took it all in. However, as Anastasia turned she had to put a hand on the door to brace herself for what appeared. The princess’s breasts were slightly larger than she imagined, but the real surprise was what was resting just beneath them. Anastasia’s abdomen was a piece of art with exquisitely defined muscles. While not overly muscular, each one could be seen in its glory.

Anastasia tried not to respond at the sight of Layla leaning against her door. It was obvious her reaction was the one she wanted. She had hoped the blonde would find her enticing, which was why she hadn’t bothered to put anything over her suit before allowing her to come into the room. However, she was disappointed to see her company fully clothed. When she was finished with her call, she put the phone down on the nightstand and picked up a t-shirt. Slipping into over her head, she followed it with a pair of mesh shorts for her legs. She did her best not to smile when disappointment flickered in blue eyes.

“Come on. I ordered us some snacks and beverages. We have towels down at the pool. My sisters are due back within an hour according to the staff.”

Anastasia led the way downstairs and outside to the pool. Two chairs had been prepared for them. Unceremoniously the princess took off her outer layer to expose herself again. She proceeded to lather herself with sunscreen as she watched the blonde reveal herself. She was glad to be wearing sunglasses as she felt Layla would have been able to see her eyes go wide as the blonde slipped off her top. Instantly her pulse began to race at the sight of perfectly smooth suntanned skin.

Layla was a perfect example of a woman the princess found attractive. The blue bikini top was held together by just a couple of strings around her neck and back that would have been no challenge for the princess’s quick working fingers, but she knew she had to refrain, even though she desperately wanted to see those flawlessly round globes of femininity bare. Layla’s stomach, while mostly flat, had muscles that poked out in definition just a bit when she moved a certain way. Her legs were trim and muscular enough, making it obvious that the blonde went to lengths to stay toned.

Neither said anything for a moment as they applied their sunscreen, but finally Anastasia found her voice and asked, “Would you like some help getting your back?”

“Thank you. That would be great,” Layla answered as calmly as possible. Holding her hair up, she waited for the princess to touch her. Strong hands softly rubbed along the center of her back before moving lower. She did her best not to moan at the caress against her skin, but it was getting harder to not react when the princess was near.

For Anastasia’s part, she did her best not to let on that her thoughts were running in a wildly prurient direction. She had been the one who had classified them as friends, but just then that was the last thing she wanted. Nevertheless, she knew winning Layla’s favor was a daunting task given her principles. However, she could enjoy the innocent touches and fantasize about more in the privacy of her room later.

When the task was finished, Layla offered to return the favor for the princess. Anastasia allowed her to coat her back with sunscreen all the while imaging those hands caressing her back in a more intimate way. She wanted Layla desperately just then, but she knew it would not happen. Seeing one of the staff bringing the food poolside, she knew she would need a drink when the moment was over.

Heading over to the table where the food was laid out in an assortment, she poured herself some lemonade from one of the pitchers to check for which one included vodka. Turning to her guest, she did her best to sound normal as she asked, “Would you like something to drink?”

“Sure. That would be nice.”

Picking up the regular lemonade, she poured Layla a glass and brought it to her. Pointing back to the table, she said, “The pitcher to the left has vodka in it, and the one on the right does not. I had them make you a special pitcher.”

“Thanks.”

The two laid in silence in the sun with their sunglasses on. The afternoon was hot but not humid for their time poolside. As predicted by the staff, Anastasia’s sisters returned about after an hour with Jefferson in tow. All of them had on their suits. Anastasia dutifully introduced the four of them to Layla before Victoria and Jefferson took chairs as well. The eldest princess felt the heat was unbearable in light of Layla being so close and the thoughts that had been running through her mind, so she decided to join her two youngest sisters in the pool.

Swimming over to them, she hung on to the edge of Caroline’s raft as she asked the twins softly, so she couldn’t be heard, “What do you think of Layla?”

“She is adorable,” Caroline replied.

“Totally hot, Stasia. Does she have a sister?” Camille said with a grin.

Anastasia laughed at her sister. “Since when were you interested in anything other than books?”

“Trust me. She has gone girl crazy this summer,” Caroline commented. “It is like she realized teenage girls had breasts. I think she takes after her older sister,” she teased the first in line to the throne.

“Awesome. I would love to have you on my team,” she said, raising her hand toward Camille who gave her five. “Have you gone out with any girls yet?”

She shook her head. With a shy blush she said, “I do not know how to approach them.”

“Then stick with me, kid. I will show you the ropes.” Turning to her other sister she asked, “What about you? What side of the fence are you on?”

“Victoria’s.”

“Our side’s loss,” she joked. “And a serious win for the boys. Have you branched out at all and met any guys?”

“Not really. They all only have one thing on their minds, and I am not that much like Victoria and you.”

“Sex is fun, girls, but both of you are right to wait until you are a little older. Victoria and I are not exactly the best examples of prudence. Do not feel like you have to follow us down that path so quickly. Our mothers would thank me for telling you this, I think.”

“So how is Layla? Is she as hot in bed as she is in that suit?”

Anastasia laughed. “Actually, I do not know. Layla has decided to remain chaste until she is married, so I will not get such an opportunity unfortunately.”

“They why are you dating her?” Camille inquired in confusion.

“We are not dating. We are just friends.”

The twins laughed lightly. “Right,” Caroline commented. “That is impossible.”

“In this case it happens to be true.”

“But you want her. Are you going to take no for an answer?” Camille pressed.

“I am going to take whatever she wants to give me and be happy with it. She is different, girls.”

There was a pause between the three of them for a moment before Caroline softly asked, “Do you love her?”

Anastasia nodded. “Yes. I am in love with her.”

“Does she know?”

“No. She does not, but I hope she will soon. Please do not say anything to her. She needs to hear it from me.”

“Of course we would not say anything. That is amazing. I never thought I would see you in love,” Caroline said with a giggle.

“It happens, and I am happier than I have ever been, even though I know being with her means being denied my sexual desires. I believe she is worth it.”

“You are in love. Seems to me no woman would be worth that,” Camille said with a smile.

Anastasia returned it. “Just you wait. Someday you will feel differently, Camille. Someday you will meet a woman who you think is worth all the waiting she will put you through before finally getting what you want so badly. It will only make it better, at least that is what I have to tell myself in this case,” she joked.

Layla did her best to ignore Victoria and Jefferson’s canoodling in the chaise next to hers as she focused on the three women in the pool. Her nerves were on edge from being around Anastasia just then. She could feel her desires acutely as they settled between her thighs. She had never felt so much conflict with her own principles, but it seemed every time she was around the princess, her longings came roaring to life, making her hypersensitive to everything Anastasia did. Needing to calm herself a little, she went over to the table. She picked up the pitcher of nonalcoholic lemonade to pour herself some but then stopped. Putting it back down, she picked up the other one and wondered for a moment if the alcohol would help soothe her some. She knew it had the power to lower inhibitions, but with everyone around, she felt safe that Anastasia wouldn’t try anything inappropriate, so she poured herself some. The liquid burned a little as she swallowed it, but after several sips, she started to get used to it. Finishing off one glass, she refilled it with a second round of the spiked lemonade.

The group hung out at the pool until they all adjourned inside to prepare for dinner. When Layla was alone in her room, she showered and dressed for their meal. Her head seemed a little fuzzy, but her nerves were settled, for which she was thankful. When she dried her hair, she reapplied her makeup and then slipped on casual clothes and her sandals again. She took the time to look herself over in the full-length mirror. The sun of the day had already added a deeper tone to the bronzed skin of her arms and legs as she looked at them from under the hem of her knee-length sundress.

Feeling like she looked good, she headed next door and knocked on Anastasia’s door. The princess answered it wearing a smile and khaki pants and a blue dress shirt. “You look lovely,” she complimented.

Layla blushed. “Thank you. You look nice too.”

“Let us go to dinner,” she proposed, extending her arm, which the blonde took. Together they walked downstairs to one of the dining areas. The rest of the troupe was already there, chatting loudly. Anastasia pulled out her guest’s chair before taking her own. As soon as she sat, dinner commenced with the first course.

As they ate salad, the server offered wine to Anastasia, who accepted on behalf of the group. “Everyone can have some except Camille and Caroline,” she said before looking at Layla. “Would you like some wine?”

“I’ll try a little,” she answered, obviously surprising the princess, but it wasn’t stated.

Anastasia nodded and gestured to the blonde, so the server began to pour Layla’s glass first before filling Anastasia’s. He quickly did the same for Victoria and Jefferson before leaving the bottle on the side table and stepping back toward the wall to wait in case they needed anything.

During the meal that evening, Layla was mostly an observer of the four princesses. It was obvious that the siblings were close to each other. As Layla didn’t have any siblings herself, she felt a little envious that the women had each other to share, but she was enjoying these stolen moments with Anastasia, even if it was in the company of her sisters.

Once the meal was complete, Victoria and Jefferson excused themselves first. Camille and Caroline were content to hang around for a while continuing to talk. Anastasia really wanted to be alone with Layla, but she obliged her sisters for a bit as they seemed to be interested in knowing more about the pretty blonde. It was some consolation to her that her youngest sisters were making an effort to get to know the woman she had come to love. Finally, though, the young princesses decided it was time to find something else to do and leave the two women alone.

The redhead smiled at her company. “Well, what shall we do with ourselves now? Perhaps a walk through the gardens to watch the sunset?”

“That sounds nice.”

“Great. Let us go then,” she suggested, rising from her seat and extending her hand.

Together they walked out one of the large glass back doors toward the terrace before descending the steps to the grounds. Quietness enveloped them for a bit as they strolled, but Layla’s mind was active. Once again she and the princess were holding hands. Her head was still swimming from the alcohol from earlier in the afternoon plus the wine she had at dinner. She knew Anastasia was surprised by that development but had the graciousness not to say anything. However, now as they walked, the blonde realized being alone with Anastasia while her inhibitions had been compromised by alcohol was probably not the smartest decision she had ever made, and yet being that close felt too good to withdraw. To the contrary, she wanted to feel closer to her. Breaking their hands, she curled both her arms around the redhead’s bicep as she stepped closer.

The princess said nothing, even though she was pleased with the feeling of Layla’s body along her arm. Instead she indulged in the feeling while they walked. When they reached the far end of the gardens, they took a seat on one of the benches to watch the sunset together.

“This part of the country is so incredibly beautiful,” Layla mentioned.

Anastasia nodded. “This place has always been a favorite getaway for my family for generations. It is a wonderful escape from daily life that is not too far away. If you take the helicopter, it is only about an hour from the palace. I just wanted to take the car, so you could see the scenery.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that. I’m not sure how I would feel about flying in a helicopter,” she said, leaning and putting her head on Anastasia’s shoulder.

The way her companion was acting was making Anastasia’s desire to be even closer. Deciding to make a move, she slowly withdrew her arm from Layla’s grasp and slipped it around her back. The blonde snuggled in even closer and curled her arms around the heir’s waist in response. Together they watched the sun dip below the mountainous horizon before Anastasia turned to look down at her company. She gazed deeply into blue eyes as she tucked blonde hair back behind Layla’s ear.

“You look so beautiful right now,” she whispered, caressing the younger woman’s cheek before her hand cupped her chin. Layla felt her face warm as she blushed. “No one else has ever made such an impression on me, Layla. You are an incredible woman.”

“Stasia,” she whispered, looking into the redhead’s blue eyes. The moment felt like one of her dreams with the way the princess was looking at her just then.

Unable to resist Anastasia leaned down and softly brushed the blonde’s lips with her own. Instantly hands were in red hair, pulling her closer as the kiss deepened. “Layla,” she whispered as their mouths met a second time.

Layla’s head was spinning just like it had the first time the princess had kissed her. It was what she had been thinking about for so long, but it was actually happening. For several minutes they kissed softly before air forced them apart. “Stasia?” she questioned.

“I am sorry, Layla. I cannot go on like this. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I feel for you. I cannot keep it to myself any longer.”

“You can tell me anything,” she said anxiously. She had no idea what Anastasia was about to say, but she hoped the fact that the princess had kissed her first was a good sign.

“I have never felt this way about anyone before, and I cannot stop thinking about you. I live for our moments together, whether they are on the phone or in person, and every time I am with you I feel alive. I…” She paused. She had never professed feelings for someone before, but she hoped her sentiments would be well-received. Caring blue eyes portrayed their openness, making her relax as she took a deep breath. “I find myself in love with you, Layla.”

Layla felt as if she couldn’t breathe. She could hardly comprehend what had just been said. Her mind refused to process it at first, but her heart was well ahead as it began to beat in rapid cadence. The princess had just confessed her love for her. It was her favorite fantasy come true. Finally she found her voice as she managed to reply, “Oh, Anastasia. I love you.”

The princess gave a soft smile as her heart thumped loudly. “I like hearing you say my name,” she softly confessed.

“Anastasia,” she murmured as they kissed again. Layla couldn’t believe what was happening to her. She had won the heir’s affections without any compromises. Anastasia claimed to love her just as she was. It was beyond her hopes to have her feelings mutually returned. After several more minutes of kissing, she pulled back slightly and asked, “So what happens from here?”

“I do not know. I have never been in this position. However, I think it is best if this stay between us for now. I have had to deal with the media everyday, and my assumption is that once they know of this, they will wrap you up in the whirlwind that has been my life in the press. It is in your own best interest to remain unknown for now. I do not want you to be hassled just trying to live your daily life.”

Layla nodded in agreement. She had never considered such a thing, instead concentrating more of the feeling of what it would be like to be loved by such a woman. It was a complication she didn’t like, even though she immediately understood Anastasia’s concern. “I won’t tell anyone.”

“Good. I have taken the liberty of telling my family but will not disclose this to anyone else.”

“You told your family?” she asked in surprise.

The princess nodded. “That is why I wanted my mothers to meet you. I told them at breakfast how I felt, and I told my sisters this afternoon, even though I was unsure of what your reaction would be. I just hoped that you felt the same.”

She nodded and smiled. “I do, Stasia. I really do.”

“That pleases me greatly.”

Together they sat cuddled in the waning light of dusk. After the star began to appear, the blonde turned and smiled. With a little laugh she asked, “Does this mean we’re dating?”

“I certainly hope so,” the princess answered. “I have never had a girlfriend before, but I would be honored if you would be mine,” she said. “In fact, I acquired something for you in the hopes you would be open to my declaration.”

“What’s that?”

“It is a surprise. I left it back in my room. Perhaps we could go back?” When Layla nodded, the two rose from the bench. Holding hands they strolled back through the gardens toward the castle. “So what would you like to do this evening?” the princess asked.

“What are our options?”

“I would not recommend anything public, so that means we need to stay here. However, we still have plenty of choices. There is always a night swim, or we can take a tour of the castle, but friends have told me that it is kind of creepy at night. Those are probably the most interesting. Otherwise we could watch a movie or something or raid the kitchen for some dessert,” she joked.

“I don’t like creepy, so maybe we should postpone that until the daylight. I want a tour though. Let’s take another swim. I never even got in the water earlier.”

“All right. A swim it is.”

The couple made their way back inside to their respective rooms to change before heading out of doors again. Layla noticed that Anastasia didn’t have the gift she had mentioned with her but decided not to say anything about it even though she was immensely curious.

The two women found the temperature of the water just right for a night swim and hung around in the water talking and laughing for a while. The heir felt the need show off on the diving board for her girlfriend by attempting all kinds of dives. Layla was amused by the effort as she hung off the side of the deep end of the pool watching the display. However, there was one dive Anastasia could do well and executed it nearly flawlessly to end of her performance, which sent her to the bottom of the pool. When she surfaced again, she glanced over at her audience. Her girlfriend was just gazing at her intently with a slight smile playing at the corner of her lips. Submerging under the water again, she swam over to resurface within a few inches of her. Layla smiled at her girlfriend as she watched water trickling down her face.

“Who knew you were such a talented diver?” she teased lightly, encircling her around the neck.

Anastasia smiled as her own arms came around her girlfriend’s naked waist. It was the first time she had been able to touch any part of Layla’s bare torso. The movement didn’t go unnoticed by Layla either as she gasped a little at the large hands against the skin of her back. Anastasia leaned in for a kiss at the same time bringing their frames together. Both women moaned at the feeling of so much flesh meshing together.

Layla’s senses were on overload. She had never experienced such a thing as another woman’s exposed legs or stomach rubbing against her own or breasts pressed against hers. The feeling of it caused a flurry of sexual desire to pulse through her, and she thought she might actually faint. She could feel the heat passing between them, even in the water as their mouths continued their exploration.

Anastasia’s body intuitively began to tune into Layla’s. The blonde’s frame was rocking into hers as hands gripped at her back. Going with her instincts, the princess slid her right thigh between Layla’s to which there was an immediate gasp as the blonde’s lips broke from Anastasia’s.

“Stasia,” she cried lightly.

Taking advantage of the moment, the redhead kissed down’s the side of Layla’s neck. “Layla, God, you are so beautiful,” she whispered.

“Stasia,” she murmured again, threading hands through red hair. Layla’s head was swimming at the feelings. Somewhere in the recesses of her mind though, the thought occurred to her that things had the ability to get out of control quickly, as she had never been that intimate with anyone before, but right then she was enjoying the attention.

The two of them continued to make out in the pool for a while before Anastasia slowly pulled back and softly suggested, “I think we should go inside.”

“Okay,” Layla agreed, allowing herself to be led out of the pool. The couple picked up their towels and wrapped themselves up as they headed indoors.

When they got upstairs to their rooms, the princess said, “Change into your pajamas and then come back to my room for your gift.”

Layla nodded. She was greatly interested in it, so she went into her own room to change clothes. Since it was summer, she had opted for a tank top and cotton sleeping shorts for her bedtime attire. When she had changed and brushed out her hair, she went back next door. Anastasia was in a robe lounging on her bed with the TV remote in her hand flipping through channels when she came into the room.

The redhead gave her a smile. “Come sit,” she said, patting the bed next to her.

Layla closed the door behind her and then came to the bed. Slipping onto it, she mirrored Anastasia’s position, partially reclining against the headboard. The heir picked up a box sitting on the bedside table and then rolled onto her side. “Here.”

Taking the present, Layla slipped off the ribbon and then popped open the box. “Oh my,” she whispered slowly taking out the bracelet. “This is beautiful.”

Anastasia took it from her and slipped it around her left wrist. “I have never bought such a piece of jewelry for a woman, but it was recommended that I insure it just in case something happened to it. I want you to be able to enjoy it without worrying about it, so on the off chance there is a problem, just know that it is insured.”

“What are these blue stones?” she inquired. She wasn’t sure what she was wearing except for the fact that it was the most exquisite thing she had ever seen.

“They are blue diamonds. It is all diamonds in a platinum setting. I thought the blue would match your eyes.”

Layla’s heart began to pound hard as she looked at the bracelet of traditional colorless and blue diamonds adorning her wrist. “I don’t know what to say. It’s the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen.”

Leaning toward her and cupping her cheek, Anastasia whispered, “Just kiss me and tell me you love me again. That is all I need.”

Gazing deeply into her girlfriend’s eyes, Layla whispered, “I love you, Anastasia. Thank you for the bracelet.” With that she leaned in to kiss her on the mouth as she threaded her left hand through red hair.

The two kissed slowly for several minutes before Anastasia rolled over partially atop of her girlfriend. Layla moaned at the weight against her. The feeling of being underneath the princess’s frame set her body ablaze in a way she had never even imagined. Rocking up into the body above hers, she slid her arms down around the princess’s back to bring them even closer. Anastasia’s right thigh pressed between hers as they began to move more deliberately against each other.

“Stasia,” she called as her hands gripped the heir’s hips through her robe. The feeling was exquisite, but Layla knew things were progressing much farther than she was comfortable so quickly and that she had to stop them from doing something they would regret. “Stasia,” she called softly.

The princess’s blue eyes met her own. “What is it, beautiful?” she quietly asked.

It took her a moment to catch her breath, but as she was doing so, she noticed Anastasia’s robe partially open revealing bare skin that had gone unnoticed until then. “Are you wearing anything under your robe?” she asked.

The princess gave a charming one-sided grin. “Why do you not find out?” she playfully asked, taking the blonde’s right hand and placing it between the folds of the cotton.

Layla only felt soft skin over the top of muscles. As exciting as the discovery should have been, reality finally surfaced in the sea of new emotions. She was in the bed of the heir to the throne lying underneath a naked princess while being scantily adorned herself. She had no idea of how easily she had allowed herself to get into the position, realizing that the alcohol of the day had to have played a factor, and admonishing herself for her own consumption. However, the more pressing matter was that it was clear what was going to happen if she continued to allow the princess to touch her so intimately. Her own new sexual desires were suddenly raging and could only assume Anastasia’s were as well by what was happening between them. Withdrawing her hands from Anastasia’s naked body, she looked up at the woman hovered above her.

“Stasia, I’m sorry. This is going way too far way too fast for me,” she said trying to take some much-needed deep breaths.

“What are you talking about? We are just enjoying each other’s company.”

“You’re naked on top of me,” she said.

“I always sleep naked.”

Seeing that Anastasia was not moving off of her, she knew she was going to have to try a different approach. “You know I really do love, Stasia, and I like being close to you, but I’m not ready for this.”

“For what? I have not even asked for anything from you yet.”

“And just what were you going to ask of me?” she asked. She was beginning to feel uncomfortable with the fact that Anastasia was still on top of her with what seemed no intention of moving.

The redhead broke their gaze for a moment. “Well, I was going to ask if you would stay with me tonight,” she confessed meeting blue eyes again. “I want to be closer to you than we have ever been.”

Layla couldn’t believe it for a moment as she just thought about what had been asked of her. “I can’t, Stasia,” she softly replied, trying her best to let her girlfriend down easily.

“Why not? I love you, Layla, and I want to be with every moment you are here.”

There was another pause between them. “I’m just not ready for something like that.”

“I do not understand. You said you loved me. Why do you not want us to be closer?”

Looking at the bracelet on her wrist, there was a moment that she wondered if by accepting Anastasia’s gift that she had somehow sent the message that they were going to be intimate. “Did you tell me you loved me and give me this bracelet thinking that I would agree to sleep with you?” she seriously asked.

Red brows furrowed as the princess’s face drew together, and Anastasia withdrew from the bed. “Is that what you think of me? How dare you insinuate such a thing! I resent that! I do not have to pay a woman for her affections! I can have any woman I want in my bed!”

Layla took the opportunity to rise from the bed as well as hurt and anger began to fill her. She couldn’t believe she had come so close to being persuaded into something she was morally against or the fact that the princess would even try to cross such a boundary. “Not this woman!” she yelled. Taking the bracelet off, she dropped it on the bed. “I cannot be bought! How could you think my virtue was worth so little?” she continued.

Anastasia’s face flushed darkly as rage began to overtake her. “I gave that to you because I love you! I cannot believe you would think I would do such a thing! Do you not know me at all?”

“I know you well enough to know you’d sleep with someone else even though you have feelings for me!” she countered.

“What are you talking about? I have done no such thing!”

“Oh really? How long have you felt this way about me?”

“Since almost the beginning. Why does that matter?” she asked confused at the turn in the argument.

“And yet you slept with someone while you were in California!”

“First of all, that is not true! Secondly, what does that have to do with anything? We were just friends then!”

“Did you love me when you were in California?”

Still baffled by the line of questioning but willing to answer the question, Anastasia nodded. “Yes! So what?”

“And yet you took another woman back to your hotel!”

“How did you know that?” Anastasia questioned, her fury waning in light of rising bewilderment.

“I saw the pictures in the paper.”

Shaking her head, the heir asked, “Even so what does that have to do with anything?”

“I loved you even then, Stasia, and it hurt to see you with someone else, but I tried to accept it, because we were only friends. Then I realized I was more hurt by the fact that you just wanted to be friends, because I wouldn’t have sex with you. You wouldn’t give me a chance. Now you’ve taken me on a romantic walk, told me you love me, and given me this bracelet all just before we started making out in the pool. It has started to feel like an incentive to give in to what you wanted. I mean you’re naked. Granted you look incredibly… sexy like that,” she admitted with a flush rising on her cheeks. “But I feel like you’re pressuring me.”

The princess dropped her head forward and took a deep breath as she realized the deep misunderstanding that was ensuing between them. She shook her head. “Stay right here a minute, will you?” she softly requested. Layla nodded in agreement and then watched Anastasia head into her bathroom and close the door. A few minutes later she was back, dressed in a t-shirt and mesh gym shorts. “Sit with me?” she asked, gesturing to the sofa. Layla headed to the sofa to take a seat while Anastasia detoured to the bed to pick up the bracelet before joining her. “Layla, I am deeply sorry if I made you feel like I was trying to force you into having sex with me. As much as I would like to be intimate with you, I know that you are waiting for deeper commitment, maybe even marriage, before you give yourself to someone else. Hearing what you just said, I can see how this evening made you think I had other thoughts, and I apologize for that. It was never my intention.”

“Then what did you mean when you asked me stay the night with you?”

“I wanted us to sleep in the same bed. I know you are not prepared to give me what I want, and I respect you enough not to pressure you. It hurts my feelings to think you believe me capable of that. I really do love you, Layla, and I want you to have this bracelet as a sign of that love, nothing more,” she said, slipping it back on the blonde’s wrist.

“What about California? Did you have sex with that woman?”

Anastasia shook her head. “No. She was willing to, so I took her back to the hotel to do just that, but I could not. You had a hold on my heart, Layla, even then, and I could not shake it. It was then I realized I did not want to. It is as I said earlier tonight. You are the most incredible woman I have ever met, and I love you.”

Nodding her head, Layla whispered, “I’m sorry. You know I’ve never even had a girlfriend, and now I find myself being the girlfriend to first in line for the throne. It’s surreal, Stasia. We can’t even really have a normal relationship. We can’t go out in public very much. We can’t go to the movies or on a date or anything that normal people do. I’m struggling to figure out how to do this, especially since you expect certain things from women. It became obvious to me when you were in California that you had needs I wasn’t able to fulfill, which is why you wouldn’t give me a chance in the first place. I guess I’m just feeling anxious that you’ll give up on me because you’re tired of waiting. It would crush me if you left me or were unfaithful simply because I wouldn’t have sex with you.”

“Layla, I think we need to step back a little. I love you, and it is the first time I have ever been in love before. I have no idea what I am doing here. I just know that I want to be with you every possible moment that I can, and I have accepted the fact that it means I will not be having sex with anyone else nor will I be having it with you until you are ready. I really like sex, but I love you more. Please give me a chance to prove myself to you. I do not believe myself to be the kind of woman that would be unfaithful simply because you would not satisfy my physical desires. I knew this upfront about you, but my heart cannot let you go.” She smiled tenderly at the blonde.

“I don’t think you’re that kind of woman either. I’m just scared of this feeling. I’ve never loved someone either, but I do love you, Stasia.”

There was a pause before the princess hesitantly asked, “Is there anyway I can convince you to stay here tonight now that you know everything?”

“You know, I really want to be with you every minute as well. The idea of sleeping in your arms is like a dream. I’ll stay under one condition.”

“Anything you want you can have.”

“You need to wear something to bed. I’m not sure I can trust either of our resolves if you’re naked, and I really don’t want to wake up tomorrow regretting anything that happened tonight. It would do permanent damage to our relationship.”

Anastasia nodded in agreement. “I can live with that. Let me change into proper sleeping attire, and then we can get settled in bed.”

The redhead went into the bathroom, returning a few minutes later dressed in her t-shirt and a pair of lounging pants. Both women moved to the bed again, slipping in on opposite sides but cuddling together in the middle. They watched TV for a little while before finally deciding to go to sleep. After turning off the lights, Anastasia kissed her girlfriend softly on the lips and curved her arms tighter around her.

In a night full of firsts for Layla, the moment of them holding each other in bed made her feel incredibly loved and safe. She had imagined what it would be like between them, including lying in the heir’s arms, but it was better than her fantasies. The strength of the embrace was only outweighed by the comfort. Layla found it exceedingly easy to fall asleep in the arms of the most powerful princess in the world.

Long into the night after her girlfriend had fallen asleep, Anastasia remained awake. With her eyes adjusted to the darkness of the room, she took the liberty of gazing on her as she slept peacefully. They had managed to weather their first fight and cleanse themselves of some of their insecurities in the process, for which she was thankful. She hadn’t wanted to lose her temper, but in the end it had been a productive dispute. She knew with certainty she truly loved the woman in her arms and wondered for just a moment if Layla was the one, even though they had just admitted their feelings to one another. With the joyous thought in her heart, the princess decided to do something special for her and slipped out of bed quietly.

Heading out into the dimly lit corridor, she made her way downstairs to the kitchen area where the night staff was sitting. All of them stood when she entered. “Your highness, what can we do for you?”

“I am looking for a vase, a pair of scissors, and flashlight,” she said.

“What size vase?” the butler inquired as the staff went for the requested items.

“Something large enough to hold a dozen roses.”

“Here are your scissors and flashlight,” one of them responded. “Is there something else we could do for you?”

“Actually, yes. If one of you would accompany me to the garden with the vase to help me get some flowers, I would appreciate it.”

“Why do you not stay here, and we can go?”

She shook her head and smiled. “I want to pick them.”

“Would you like anything to go with them?”

“Such as?”

“A card? Chocolate? Champagne? Anything?”

Anastasia grinned as she realized her staff knew exactly why she was taking a midnight excursion into the garden.

“No, but thank you. I will let you know if anything else is required.”

When the vase was brought to her, she and one attendant went into the garden. Neither of them spoke as the princess perused the grand landscape of flora. She took her time choosing each rose and then arranging them in the vase with other greenery for accents, trying to make an arrangement worthy of giving to Layla. When she was finally satisfied with it, they returned to the castle. Together they walked upstairs with the attendant carrying the arrangement just a few steps behind Anastasia. However, as they turned down the corridor where all the princesses were staying that night, the heir heard noise coming from Victoria’s room.

“Do you know if Victoria has a guest here?” she inquired as she realized what she was hearing was her sister crying out in what she could only assume was sexual gratification.

The attendant gave no outward response to the sound but responded, “I believe Mr. Keats is staying the night.”

Anastasia shook her head. Her parents would be upset if they knew about that. They did not approve of Victoria’s sexual relationship with Jefferson, but she didn’t know whether or not to mention it to them. Nevertheless, she had her own concerns about her sister’s behavior. Without another word, they continued on to the princess’s room. She turned to take the vase.

He smiled politely. “Have a pleasant rest of your evening, your highness.”

“Thank you. Good night.”

Heading back into the dark room, she placed the roses on Layla’s side table and then returned to bed. She smiled at the sight of the flowers just sitting there waiting for her girlfriend when she awoke in the morning. Reaching for the blonde, she curved an arm around her and felt her snuggle in closer in response.

The next morning Layla awoke first. As she sleepily opened her eyes, she noticed an arrangement of red roses on the night table that hadn’t been there the night before. She smiled at the surprise and then turned toward her girlfriend who was still sleeping. Thinking about the night, she reveled in the enjoyment she felt in being close to the woman she loved for a few minutes while gazing at the sleeping princess. Anastasia looked so peaceful that she almost didn’t want to wake her, but she wanted to thank her for the flowers.

Leaning in to the redhead’s ear, she kissed it softly. Anastasia stirred and moaned a little as Layla whispered, “Good morning, love.”

A smile graced the heir’s face before she even opened her eyes. “Good morning, sweetheart,” she murmured fighting to open her eyes. Finally her blue eyes remained opened after a few false starts. “How did you sleep?”

“Amazingly well. It must have been the strong arms that were holding me. Then I woke up to find roses where there weren’t any the night before.”

“I wanted you to have a little surprise to wake up to this morning.”

“They’re beautiful, but when did you get them?”

“I snuck out to the garden while you were asleep,” she answered with a proud smile.

“Oh, you are such a romantic.”

“I hope you do not mind that. Just seeing the way you look at me when I surprise you is worth it.”

“I don’t mind. It just reminds me that there are so many reasons to love you.” Cuddling down into Anastasia’s shoulder, she wrapped an arm around her waist. “I could stay like this forever.”

“That would be nice, but I think we have a full day of horseback riding planned. I happen to know of a perfect place where we could sneak away for a little cuddling while we are out.”

“That sounds nice too.”

“Then let us get up. I need to check in with my sisters to see what their plans are for the day, and then we should eat some breakfast before we head out. I have already taken the liberty of asking the kitchen to prepare lunch for us to take. I just need to know how many of us are going. Personally I would not mind if it was the two of us, but I have a feeling Caroline and Camille will go with us. They love the horses. Victoria, on the other hand, might be a little too busy with Jefferson to bother,” she grumbled.

“Why do you say it like that? Don’t you like him?”

She shrugged. “He is all right. My parents have some problems with their relationship. She has chosen to be sexually active with him, and they worry something could go wrong. They never had such a problem both being women and all. Being a princess leaves no room for mistakes sometimes. Fortunately for me I date people who are incapable of rendering such a mistake upon me or vice versa. If I were interested in men, my mothers would have impressed the importance of precautionary measures upon me above all else. We all worry about Victoria’s choices to be so casually and intimately involved with him at such an age without serious commitment between them. She would never recover from it if she accidentally became pregnant. The country would not let her.”

“I guess I could understand that. My faith taught me that it was special between two people who were married, but there were practical reasons as well. The idea of being a pregnant teen is not something I can even comprehend.”

“Lucky for you I do not possess such talent to get you pregnant on accident,” she joked.

Layla laughed a little. “Thankfully no but the idea of being married and pregnant someday is one I kind of look forward to. I always have wanted kids, even from a young age knew I wanted to be a mother.”

“I think that role would suit you well. I can already see it, a bunch of blue-eyed towheaded angelic princesses running around the palace with you scurrying after them.”

Layla’s heart thumped hard at the statement. She had never imagined that but as Anastasia said it, she could picture it. The thought had never occurred to her that if she and Anastasia ever were to be married and have children that they would become part of the royal family. It was almost too much to comprehend in that moment, so she resolved to think about it at a later date and just enjoy the time they were sharing. Rubbing Anastasia’s chest through her t-shirt, she curiously asked, “Do you ever think about how many kids you’d want to have?”

“Two would be the minimum requisite. You know the old saying of ‘the heir and the spare,’” she joked. “After that, I would be open to as many as my wife wants. After all, she bears the burden of being pregnant, so I would cater to her desires on that one. I am determined to give my wife everything her heart desires. My mother does the same for my mom and rightfully so I think. My wife would deserve it for putting up with my life as it is.”

“You do have an unusual life,” she conceded. “I’ve been a part of it for just a few months and see how complicated it can be.”

“It is what kept my mothers apart for so long before they finally got married. I do not want the same thing to happen to me. I want a woman who loves me as I am, the crowned princess and future queen of this country. There is nothing I can change about my role in life, and quite frankly I would not ever even consider doing so. I am proud to serve my country and hope I can do it even half as well as my mother.”

“I think you will. You have a good heart, Stasia, and I think you genuinely want to help people.”

Later that morning once they had finally gotten out of bed, dressed, and eaten breakfast, the group headed out to the stables for their riding excursion. The rest of the day was dedicated to seeing the countryside by horseback and enjoying each other’s company. Layla immensely liked the other princesses after getting to know them even better that day, and it appeared as if the feeling was mutual by the way she and Anastasia weren’t able to sneak off by themselves like they had originally intended. However, neither seemed to mind. She could see what her girlfriend was talking about earlier that morning with Victoria. The nineteen-year-old princess was far too involved with her boyfriend to really be bothered with her siblings that day. It seemed every time she looked their way, they were involved in an intimate moment together.

That evening after returning to the palace and having dinner with the other princesses, the couple retired to the library to discuss their latest Biblical readings, but they found it more difficult than usual to focus, instead finding themselves kissing and cuddling on one of the couches. Lying together in each other’s arms and reclining on the sofa together, they were contentedly quiet. Anastasia felt it was the perfect way to end their day, just as they began, in each other’s arms.

Most of day three at the country castle passed in a similar fashion as the previous one before the group headed back to the city. The first stop was to drop Jefferson off at his place and then take the three younger princesses back to the palace before heading back to Anastasia’s home not too far away. The couple walked wrapped in each other’s arm into the house where the estate manager, Lydia, was waiting on them along with the butler. Both of them smiled pleasantly at the princess and her guest.

“Good evening, Stasia, Ms. Stone. I hope you both had a pleasant trip into the country,” Lydia greeted.

“We did. Thank you for asking. How were things here?”

“Uneventful.” Turning to the blonde, she said, “Ms. Stone, should you need anything during your stay, please do not hesitate to ask for me. Stasia does not usually have company, so this is an exciting change.”

“Thank you.”

Looking back at the princess she asked, “Where would you like Ms. Stone’s belongs be put when they are brought into the house?”

“Put them in the guest room next to mine for now.”

She nodded as the butler went out to the car to carry out the heir’s bidding. “As a last item of business, dinner will be ready shortly. If you would like to freshen up first, I would be happy to keep them from serving until you are ready to eat.”

“Thank you, Lydia.” Turning to Layla, Anastasia inquired, “Are you hungry yet?”

She nodded. “I’m ready to eat when you are.”

Looking back at Lydia, Anastasia replied, “We shall be ready in about half an hour.”

“Would you prefer dinner inside or out on the terrace?”

“Let us sit on the terrace,” Anastasia said.

“Wonderful. I will let the kitchen staff know.”

Holding each other’s hand, the two women then headed upstairs behind the butler who was carrying their bags, but Anastasia waited until they were alone in the guestroom, to kiss her girlfriend. “I will be just next door taking a quick shower. I smell too much like the horses to be a proper dinner host. Please make yourself at home. You have a bathroom right through this door if you would like to use it. I will be with you again shortly.”

“I will miss you while you are gone,” the blonde teased with a smile.

Raising a red brow in her girlfriend’s direction, the princess cracked a grin and audaciously replied, “Trust me. I will be thinking of you while I am gone.”

At dinner that evening the two leisurely enjoyed eating and watching the waning sun while picking up their conversation from the previous night about the Biblical book they had been studying. They remained thoroughly involved in it well past dark when they finally moved into the den where they stayed until bedtime. Heading upstairs they changed in their respective rooms before settling down in Anastasia’s bed. Cuddling closely together, they watched the news of the day on TV until a knock on the bedroom door interrupted their solace.

“Come in,” Anastasia called.

The door opened, and Lydia began to step into the room when she paused at the sight of the two women in bed together. “Oh, I apologize, Stasia. I thought you were alone,” she said quietly, quickly hiding her surprise and adopting a professional expression.

“It is fine. What is it?”

“Matthew Franks called earlier. The queens would like to have breakfast with you and Ms. Stone. Since Madeline said you did not have any conflicting appointments, he scheduled it for you all. I just wanted you to know I would be awaking you earlier than normal in the morning for that.”

“Great. Thank you for letting us know. We were planning on spending most of the day over at the palace anyway. At what time do we need to be there?”

“Breakfast was scheduled for 8:00 due to an appointment the queen has at 9:00. Will waking you at 6:30 be a sufficient amount of time for you?”

“That would be just fine.”

Lydia nodded before saying, “If that is all you need, I will be leaving for the night. The night staff is here and knows you have a guest.”

“I think we are fine. Thank you. We will see you in the morning.”

“Good night then, Stasia, Ms. Stone.”

When she had closed the door, Layla mentioned, “Well, that was awkward.”

Anastasia shook her head and shrugged. “She just has never seen me in bed with someone else. She will get used to it.”

“But what she must think of me finding me like this,” she mumbled.

“She thinks nothing of it. If she does, she knows anything other than keeping it to herself is unacceptable.”

“Still, I don’t want her to think poorly of me.”

“It is her job not to judge but to just accept. She is a grandmotherly type who looks out for me, but she never passes judgments. She knows her own limitations. However, if it will make you feel more comfortable, I will talk to her in the morning.”

“Would you? I can’t stand the thought of someone close to you looking down on me.”

“I promise she does not, but I will talk to her.” Changing the subject she mentioned, “Since she is waking us up so early tomorrow, we should probably get some sleep.”

The next morning both women were awakened by Lydia’s gentle voice calling the heir’s name. Sleepily Anastasia opened her eyes to find that her and Layla’s limbs were thoroughly entangled as she spooned into the smaller woman’s back. Extricating herself from the embrace, the princess sat up and stretched a bit.

“Thank you for the wake up call,” she mumbled with a smile as she put her feet on the floor.

Lydia just nodded. “Your coffee will be right here for when you want it,” she said, placing a silver tray on the dresser.

“Thank you, Lydia,” she said rising.

Layla also managed to get out of bed. “I’m just going to go get dressed now,” she said, not quite meeting eyes with either of them.

When they were alone, Anastasia looked at her estate manager. “Lydia, I would like to talk to you about something important.”

“Of course. What is it?”

“Layla was a bit embarrassed with the way you saw us last night.”

“I will admit I was surprised, but it is not my concern. Your escapades are well known, but you have never brought anyone into your home. I assure you the staff is prepared to deal with this change, though. Everyone knows what goes on here must remain within the grounds.”

“I know that, and I have full confidence in all of you. It is just that Layla does not want you to have the wrong impression.” She paused for a moment before admitting, “This is a bit difficult for me to explain in light of my history, but it is important for you to know that Layla and I are dating exclusively. However, as close as we have become, we are not involved in a sexual relationship.”

“I hold no judgments, Stasia, regardless of what your relationship is.”

“I know that, but she wanted you to know the truth. It is important to her that she is seen in the appropriate light.”

“Very well. I understand. Am I to tell the staff the same?”

“Let us just play that by ear for now. While she is here, I would appreciate it if you were the only one to have interaction with us in our bedroom.”

“Understood.” She smiled at Anastasia commenting, “She seems like a lovely girl.”

“She is,” the princess replied with a smile of her own.

Once the couple was dressed, they headed over to the palace to have breakfast with the queens, who seemed happy to see them. “I hope you had a pleasant trip,” Lauren said as they all sat.

“It was wonderful. I really enjoyed it,” Layla replied.

“We are glad to hear it. What was your favorite part?” Alexa inquired as their meal began to be served.

“The landscape by far. It’s so beautiful there. We rode in the hills for hours. It was just magnificent.”

“And were our daughters well behaved?” Lauren inquired.

“We were,” Anastasia assured.

“Save one,” Alexa countered. “But we have already dealt with Victoria’s unapproved visitor. Camille and Caroline seemed to have a wonderful time as well.”

Changing the subject, Lauren inquired, “When does school begin for you again?”

“In just a couple of weeks.”

“Are you looking forward to it?”

She nodded. “I am. The situation with my parents has become intolerable in many ways, so it’ll be nice to be back on campus.”

“How so?

“They strongly disapprove of me having a relationship with a woman due to their religious beliefs, but moreover they said they would stop funding my schooling if I started dating one.”

Lauren nodded. “That could definitely be problematic.”

Layla nodded as well. “Now that Stasia and I are together, my future education is in danger. I dread what will happen if they find out about the two of us.”

“Do not fear being without education. I believe no one should be denied a college education who wants one, and I would support you personally if I had to do so,” Alexa offered.

“I greatly appreciate that, your majesty. Stasia has already promised me the same thing, and I am truly grateful to know that if it should come to that, I have support.”

Looking at her daughter, Alexa asked, “Were you able to do any Biblical study while you were there?”

“We did some. We’re in the process of discussing some of the minor prophets of the Old Testament right now.”

“Stasia really is a quick learner, and she asks the most fascinating questions. I admit I’m not the best teacher she could possibly have on this subject,” Layla added.

“Still, I have been enjoying our discussions anyway,” the princess said, smiling at the woman sitting next to her.

When breakfast was complete, the two of them spent the rest of the day on the palace grounds touring the place and spending time with the rest of the royal family. Arriving back at Anastasia’s residence that evening, Lydia was there to greet them as always. She asked about their day convivially and listened attentively as Layla discussed all that had happened.

However, as the two of them headed upstairs, Layla inquired, “Did you talk to her this morning like you promised?”

“Absolutely. I told her exactly what was going on between us, so she knew the truth.”

“Did she have anything to say in response?”

“Just that she thought you were a lovely girl, and I had to agree with her whole-heartedly,” she replied, slipping her arm around the blonde’s waist as they walked.

Nodding her head, Layla said, “That makes me feel better. I guess having someone wake us up in the morning is just going to take some getting used to.”

“You will. I have never had much privacy of which to speak, so I am used to it.”

“That has to be so difficult.”

“My entire life has been a matter of public record which makes me all that more thankful for the moments we do have.”

“Me too.”

The following morning Anastasia accompanied her girlfriend to the airport to see her off. As they stood next to an unmarked royal jet, they cuddled closely and kissed as the plan crew prepared for the flight. “I am going to miss you so much.”

“I’m going to miss you, too, Stasia. When will we be able to see each other again?”

“I do not know. You said you start back to school in just a couple of weeks?” Layla nodded in response. “Do you need any help moving your belongings? I would be happy to assist you.”

“We can’t justify having your security detail helping me move my stuff. I couldn’t explain that.

“Then what about just me? No security, just me.”

“I’d love to have you come to campus, but are you sure that is wise?”

“I cannot go without seeing you. It is easier for me to come to you, and I am prepared to do whatever is necessary to see you as much as I can.”

Layla nodded. “Very well. I’d love for you to help me.”

“Wonderful. I will work on a plan then. Just let me know exactly when you want to go. I can pick you and your belongings up in Dallas and fly you to school.”

“Or you can ride with me as I drive back. That’s what I normally do. It takes about twelve hours.”

“That might be more of a logistical challenge but a lot of fun. Let me see what I can do.”

A few minutes later the plane was ready for the flight, so they said their final goodbyes. “I love you, Stasia. Thank you for this incredible few days.”

“I love you, too. We will talk tonight, and I will see you very soon.” Once they had shared their final kiss, Anastasia waited by her car until the airplane had taken off before returning to the palace.

Continued in Chapter 6

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