It was no secret at the Palace that of all the people Her majesty had to deal with, her absolute favourite was Mycroft Holmes. Everyone else was scared witless of him of course. All it took was the arching of one carefully groomed eyebrow and everyone from the Duke of Edinburgh to the scullery maid went running for cover. Even the Corgis got out of his way. But the Queen? Well she would just giggle girlishly and flirt with him.
There had been others before Mycroft, of course. When she had come to the throne sixty years ago, it had been Sir Lucifer. People had not exactly been scared of him, but quite a few had walked wide circles to avoid incurring his displeasure. However he had been very popular with the back stairs staff. And of course, Mummy had simply adored him.
And then, when Sir Lucifer had sadly passed away on a bright April morning, whilst indulging in two of his hobbies (youth work and gardening), they had replaced him with Lord Wallace, who was rather obsequious and extremely boring. And he had a series of unfortunate warts, shaped like the Cayman Islands.
And then. That morning. That glorious morning, she had walked into her sitting room and met Him for the first time. At first she thought it might be a joke that someone was playing on her. Quite frankly Charles and Andrew had always had a goonish streak. He was impossibly young. And very tall. And rather beautiful. Her heart fluttered a little as he bowed.
"Ma'am." He bowed once more. "My name is Mycroft Holmes. I am at your service."
He had very soon proved himself to be capable and ruthless. And it didn't hurt that he was quite so devastatingly handsome. Or that he had really nice suits. Or that when he sat down in a particular chair and his trousers pulled tight she could see...
Her Majesty shook her head and returned to the present. Outside the crowds were cheering. A whole city boiling with excitement. And whilst it was pleasant to think of all those lovely people, Her People happily enjoying the holiday and celebrating with Her, she couldn't help but give a tiny shudder.
All those people. And perhaps not all of them were friendly. Perhaps today would be the day? And then she laughed. Of course everything would be all right. He would save Her, he always did.
Mycroft watched the dozen CCTV monitors. She emerged on the balcony of the palace. To some this would be a nightmare. To him, it was another challenge. There were trained gunmen on every spare inch of the palace roof. Plain clothes detectives in the crowd. Sniffer dogs. Regiments on standby. An entire troop of mounted Police. Every last one of them awaiting his orders.
The crowd roared and began to sing.
Finally Mycroft turned his attention to the small package that had arrived from the palace earlier. Inside was a rather delicious looking cupcake with red, white and blue icing and a little Union flag stuck in it. And of course a note.
My Dear Mr. Holmes,
Today they will sing God Save the Queen. But I think we both know it is you that saves me. You are the power behind my throne.
Lots of love
Lillibet. xx
PS Your brother told me you are fond of cake. Enjoy.