Princess Elizabeth stood at the window of her room in the palace and gazed out onto the front courtyard. Beyond the iron gates and fences she could see hundreds if not thousands of tourists standing there, eager to catch a glimpse of either her or another member of her family. After three years at university in Scotland she was struggling to readjust to life in the goldfish bowl of London. There she had had more freedom than she could ever recall having had before. Of course, as the next in line to the throne she had had protection and bodyguards with her wherever she went but it just wasn't as crazy as it was now she was back home again.

She sighed and turned away from the window, wandering over to her bookcase to see if something there caught her eye. A few months off after her studies had sounded blissful before her final exams but now that she had nothing to occupy her time, she found herself getting bored. She would need to conduct some royal duties a few times a week but other than that she had no plans at all. It's not like she had a career to plan. Her younger brothers were both keen on joining the armed forces once they had been through university, as was often the way with male royals. However, it didn't appeal to her at all. What she really wanted to do was be a writer or a journalist. She had studied Literature and just adored both reading and writing. But the heir to the throne couldn't publish anything she wrote so that was not going to be her path either. Writing for fun was enjoyable but somehow a story written that was never to be read just didn't feel complete.

She picked up a novel and went back to sit near the window to read. It was just a pulpy page turner, not the usual kind of fare she enjoyed, but right now she felt in the mood for something light and fun. What she really wanted was to see her friends, either from school or from university, but they were all now starting their careers or lived hundreds of miles away. Obviously she couldn't just meet them in a bar after work for a quick drink. She thought of Robbie, the boy she had dated for just under a year at university. It had gone so well at first, they shared both passions and interests and a wicked sense of humour. But eventually life in the spotlight had driven him away. He didn't want to see himself on the cover of glossy magazines or tabloid newspapers. She understood completely but she still missed him, even more so now she was back here and lonely.

Glancing up from her book to the courtyard of the palace, she noticed an army officer striding towards the front entrance. He was in the uniform of all the palace guards, a red tunic and black trousers with a red stripe, but she saw he had the pips and epaulettes of a Major. Something about the confidence with which he walked piqued her interest and she found herself standing from her chair in order to watch him as long as she could. Before she had given the matter a second thought, she left her room and set off downstairs to see what he was doing here.

As she reached the ground floor, she looked left and right, unsure which way he had gone. Naturally there were countless rooms and corridors and places he could be. She had nothing better to do though, so she started her search by turning to the left, guards bowing their heads with respect as she walked past. She could ask them which way he had gone but didn't want anyone to know that she was being so nosey about a stranger in the palace. It wasn't very becoming for a royal princess!

As she neared the end of the corridor she saw a door open right at the end and could hear voices coming from within. Getting as close as she could without being seen, she paused near the entrance and peered in. About twenty feet away, with his back to her, was the man from outside. He was talking to the Captain of the guards. She could hear the deep rumble of his voice from where she was and she felt a shiver going through her. He had a wonderful voice, very manly and gruff. Oddly, he seemed to have an American accent, unusual for a British Army Major, but not unheard of.

Studying him from behind, she admired his body in the uniform. It fitted him just right and he clearly had a great physique. Although he was wearing a cap, she could see his hair was cut very short and of a dark blond/light brown colour. She judged his age at late 30s but couldn't tell for sure from where she was. Suddenly he turned and started quickly walking back towards the door. There was no way she could hide in time so she just pulled out her phone from her pocket and pretended to be writing a text. Within seconds he was through the doorway and had come to an abrupt halt right next to her. Without missing a beat, he came to attention and saluted.

"Good morning, your Royal Highness"

Although she felt rude in doing so, she finished writing her pretend text before looking up at him. She didn't want him to know she had been watching him beforehand.

"Good morning…..Major"

She had made a point of looking at his uniform before giving his title. She was secretly very pleased with the way she had handled this situation. She was sure he was none the wiser about her reasons for being where she was.

That changed when she met his eyes though. They were sparkling with humour and just a little too knowing for her liking. They were also the most beautiful blue/green she had ever seen. She found herself at a loss for words.

"Can I help you with anything at all, Ma'am?"

"Um, no thank you. I was just having a stroll around the grounds. I'm feeling a little cooped up at the moment"

She inwardly rolled her eyes at herself at saying this. Why on earth would she open up to a complete stranger within seconds of meeting him? This wasn't how she normally acted and it certainly wasn't how the heir to the throne should act.

"I'm sorry to hear that, Ma'am. I do hope you find some way to pass your time more enjoyably"

"Thank you, Major…..?"

"Reddington, Ma'am. Major Raymond Reddington"

She was desperate to ask him about himself. Especially how an American had come to be so high up in the British Army. But she knew that she should say no more. Nodding at him politely, she made to leave.

"Very nice to meet you, Major Reddington. I hope you enjoy your time here at the palace"

"Thank you. I shall be here for the next six months, Ma'am. I'm here to oversee the preparations for the Queen's Jubilee"

She smiled at him and he smiled back before saluting once again and then walking smartly back up the corridor. Gazing at his form marching away from her, she couldn't help but watch his ass and legs flex as he moved. Six months of having this man around sounded very interesting to her. And even though she had only just met him, she already looked forward to their next meeting. Suddenly the summer months didn't seem as empty as they had that morning.