A/N: I am back! I'm still planning stories on our favourite couple but I'm just experimenting with a few other characters and different perspectives
Charlotte Kutaway was a very busy woman. Her day was usually jam packed from morning to early evening with paperwork, meetings, the occasional evening function and visiting various towns in Genovia, as well as working through sessions of parliament, but she had to admit that she enjoyed every moment of it, although she also had to admit to herself that she missed her previous job, as the Queen's (or, more correctly, the former Queen) personal assistant.
It had been six months since the memorable wedding and coronation, and she had been busily occupied in the meantime, getting used to her new role and new responsibilities (although the Princess had been right, she had learnt much about the role during her years with the Queen) but even though she had a new job, it didn't mean that she wasn't still in contact with the palace and the staff she had worked with for the better part of a decade.
It had been the Princess's… sorry, the new Queen…. idea that she become a new member of parliament- there had been a few retirements after the coronation (including Viscount Mabrey's 'exit') and while the Von Trokans had excitedly volunteered to step up to the post, Queen Mia had made a different decision.
"Me, Your Majesty? You want me to become a member of parliament?" Charlotte could still remember her surprise when the Princess had approached her just before the coronation. Charlotte had been wondering about her future- now that the current Queen was married and ready to step down, she wouldn't need a full time personal assistant anymore and Charlotte wasn't quite sure what she would do next, although she had options- but Mia's suggestion hadn't been something she had been expecting.
"Why not?" Mia shrugged casually. "You have been working with my grandmother for so long, and have attended so many meetings, I'm sure you would know just about every protocol and rule that they have."
"I wouldn't say that, Princess…."
"Besides, I fully intend on balancing out parliament- there are far too many old men in the palace and it's time that a few changes were enacted."
"What about… the Prime Minister? What about the Queen?"
"I've already discussed it with the Prime Minister, and he is fully supportive of the idea (although it may take some time) and I'm sure Grandma will be on board… but would you please consider the idea… for yourself, if not for me?" the young woman looked at Charlotte beseechingly and Charlotte, while taken aback by the suggestion (and that the Princess had already broached the idea with the Prime Minister) couldn't help but feel flattered.
"I will, Your Highness. I promise."
Well, it was two months later that Mia, as Queen, had amended the law so that women were allowed to become members of parliament and Charlotte was her first recommendation to join the 'honoured body', and Charlotte was more than happy to accept the role- and the former Queen was one of the first to congratulate her after the investiture ceremony, where four women besides Charlotte were welcomed into parliament.
"I am glad that Mia was able to recommend you to parliament and that you accepted- you will do a fine job in parliament, they are very lucky to have you."
"I… I'm…."
"You WILL do fine," the older woman reached over and squeezed one of her hands warmly. "Won't she, Joseph?" she turned to the man standing at her side, her husband and one man that Charlotte had felt had been a mentor and a friend to her.
"Indeed she will," he replied, regarding her with a serious look. "Congratulations, Charlotte."
"And… it will be wonderful to see you at the palace more often… as a friend, rather than my employee, not that I ever considered you that," Clarisse added with a smile.
"I also must remind you that from now on, I am Clarisse and you are Charlotte."
"Yes, ma'am… sorry, Clarisse," Charlotte responded with a smile.
Since then, she had been spending a lot of time at the palace, mainly professionally by accompanying the Prime Minister to meetings with the Queen, but she and the former Queen… Clarisse always managed to have tea together at least once a week, depending on their respective schedules, although Clarisse's schedule had slowed down considerably since her retirement.
"It is something that I'm very glad about," she had confided to Charlotte one day. "I didn't mind doing it all when I had to, but not that I don't have to… it's quite nice to be able to relax…."
"Which you deserve, after all your years of service. Both you and Joseph do," Charlotte said softly as Clarisse smiled back at her and Charlotte was struck at how youthful she looked, had been looking since the wedding, since the moment that she and Joseph became husband and wife. It had been such a long wait for both of them, but now they were finally together and they deserved to enjoy their marriage….
0
Charlotte's day usually started fairly early in the morning, not that it really bothered her as she had usually done long hours while still at the palace, with a run down the still sleeping main street of Pyrus before breakfast, perusing the papers as she did so before the phone interrupted her reading.
"Morning," came Scott's cheery voice over the phone line and Charlotte grinned- even though they still saw each other regularly at the palace when she was there, he couldn't help but call most mornings just to say hello.
They were only friends, that was all the ever wanted to be and Charlotte was glad to be able to have him as a sounding board when necessary- as Queen Mia's Head of Security, he usually accompanied her everywhere, including parliament and he usually knew what was going on, and often had quite informed and intelligent opinions that Charlotte found useful.
"Good morning, Shades. What can I do for you this morning?"
"Don't call me that," he grumbled and Charlotte laughed- Joseph had called him 'Shades' in the church on the day of the wedding, his mind clearly on other things, and the nickname had stuck. "Joe shouldn't have called me that."
"You really can't blame him, the Queen had just proposed to him and…."
"Yeah, yeah, his mind was on other things," Scott said sarcastically, but Charlotte knew that his nickname seriously didn't bother him; in fact, he found it rather more masculine.
"So, did you call me to argue about your nickname or… what?"
"Just wanted to make sure that you know about the meeting with Her Majesty this morning, about the trade negotiations with France and Spain."
"Of course I do, Scott, I'm well aware of my own schedule," Charlotte said wryly. "I've been preparing for the meeting for the last few days…."
She didn't want to admit to Scott that she was a little nervous- this was the first time that she would be taking the lead in these negotiations- they were hardly delicate, just a new contract between the three countries for another two years, but it was still the first time she would be an actual participant, rather than a note taker and observer.
"I know you are, you've always been prepared…. Actually, I just wanted… wanted to wish you luck," he finished lamely. "I know it sounds lame but….."
"It's not at all lame," Charlotte interrupted him, feeling ashamed that she had snapped at him. "Thank you, I really appreciate your words….I'm a little nervous," she admitted.
"You'll be fine, you know what you're doing, you've had plenty of experience through observation, how different could it be… and besides, it's only a re-signing of a contract, isn't it?"
"Yes, but…"
"You'll be fine," he repeated in a firmer voice. "Trust me- I know."
"Thanks," she said gratefully.
"You're welcome."
0
The said meeting with the Queen and the representatives from the other countries was the first meeting on Charlotte's agenda, so she was headed to the palace after breakfast, instead of going to her office in parliament house.
It was sill strange to step into the main foyer as a guest, rather than as an employee, and Charlotte still half expected Joseph to be prowling around the grounds with some of his 'boys' while she herself was moving between the Queen's study, the kitchen and the security hub. It still amazed her at how much she accomplished during the day, and the many places she seemed to visit during the day- and it was even more amazing to consider what Clarisse had done during her days.
"Good morning Charlotte," came a voice from the top of the stairs and she looked up to see Prince Pierre (or rather, he was formerly Prince Pierre, he was now a minister in the Church, and was a new assistant to the current Archbishop) heading towards her. "It's very nice to see you here."
"Good morning, Your… Pierre," she amended as he arched an eyebrow at her, similar to his mother- since she had become a member of parliament, he had insisted that she call him by his first name, although he had been telling her that since the abdication. "It feels strange to be coming in the front door and not having to report to the Queen…"
"Well, you technically are today… but as a representative of parliament, not a personal assistant."
"True," Charlotte admitted with a smile before she glanced at her watch. "I'm not late, am I?"
"I don't think so… my niece is still upstairs finishing breakfast, so I would say that you aren't. I don't even think the representatives are here yet."
"Good…. What are you doing today?"
"I'm going to see James (the Archbishop) now and then I have a few things to do in Lybitt- I'm going to do Sunday's church service there."
"That sounds good… it's good for His Grace to have additional support and people travelling to the other churches for him."
"I never realised how much I missed my country until I came home and travelled around again… I wish I hadn't let those men in parliament push me away," he looked momentarily regretful and Charlotte felt for him.
"Thankfully, those men have either had an abrupt attitude adjustment or have retired."
"Yes, thank goodness for my niece," Pierre beamed up the stairs. "I'm very proud of her, as Phillipe would have been... and I know my mother and Joseph are as well."
"Proud of whom?" inquired another voice from above them and they both looked up to see the young Queen herself making her way down the stairs, looking young and elegant in a pale blue linen dress and matching shoes, her hair up in a bun.
It had only been six months since she had ascended the throne, but since the coronation, the Queen had matured in ways that Charlotte couldn't believe- she was much more calmer and more serious (although she still had an impish sense of humour which she used on many occasion) and Charlotte knew that it was the weight of her new role and responsibilities that had sobered her up, but she had definitely changed but had kept all of her endearing qualities, much to everyone's relief- including her clumsiness, as she still demonstrated on a regular basis.
"Good morning Uncle Pierre, Charlotte. I hope I'm not late for the meeting… where's Penny, my assistant?" she glanced around the foyer and Pierre shrugged.
"I assume she's setting up for your meeting in your study… I need to be going… Goodbye, Charlotte… Niece," he gave her a smile before he brushed past them, heading towards the front door.
"So, how are you?" Mia turned her attention expectantly back to Charlotte. "You've been pretty busy lately, I was surprised I didn't see you at the last State Dinner with the ambassador from Japan."
"I… I had another dinner that night, Your Majesty…." Charlotte began apologetically before Mia giggled.
"I was just joking, I knew that you had represent the country elsewhere. Do you miss working here?"
"It feels a little odd coming in the front door and not going straight to my desk," Charlotte admitted as, side by side, they made their way towards Mia's study.
"I can imagine that would feel strange… even Grandma admits that sometimes it feels strange that she doesn't have to work at her desk… like, at eleven o'clock in the morning, when she and Joe are walking around the garden, she feels like she should be working."
"But she doesn't have to do that anymore."
"Yes, she's pretty lucky… but it is time for her to enjoy her retirement… with Joe- they both deserve that."
"Indeed they do," Charlotte agreed quietly as she followed Queen Mia into her study- suddenly her nerves were reappearing.
The meeting was a success, despite Charlotte's earlier nerves and she was once again impressed with the Queen and how she handled the situation (not that there was a situation as such)- it was clear that the Queen was firmly in control and Charlotte observed that there was more than a little of her grandmother's demeanour and the way she dealt with meetings in her- she asked precise and relevant questions, listened to the responses with a neutral expression and made clear and concise notes and observations.
"Well done, Charlotte," she said quietly afterwards, the representatives having been escorted to the formal morning room for morning tea with the Queen. "You were very well prepared and handled that well."
"You did very well as well, Your Majesty," Charlotte said politely. "You handled yourself very well."
"Thanks to Grandma's teaching," the formal façade slipped for a moment as the young woman grinned at Charlotte. "So… what are you up to after morning tea?"
"I have a session of parliament and then…"
"You'll be back here, you're having lunch with Grandma and Joe, I know all about that… you're very busy, aren't you?"
"Touché, Your Majesty, touché."
"Well, we'd better go and visit with our new trade partners, otherwise Grandma will find out and give me more lessons!"
As she followed the queen through to the formal room, she caught a glimpse of Scott on his way out for a trip around the perimeter.
He caught sight of her and raised his eyebrows in question- how did it go- and Charlotte beamed back at him, nodding quickly. Scott then gave her the thumbs up before moving on and Charlotte continued on her way- her first official success!
0
If she found it strange to enter the palace as a member of parliament, half compelled to wanting to go back to what she used to do- it was even stranger to enter the hallowed halls of parliament house and know that she was part of history now, part of the parliament and creating history for Genovia, even though she had sat through at least 15 sessions of parliament and other associated meetings in the past six months.
She had come to parliament many times, sitting behind the Queen and taking notes of the sessions, but it was still disconcerting to enter the room and sit in one of the rows that many others before her had sat, looking around the room at all the portraits of former Prime Ministers and distinguished members of parliament, receiving her own agenda and taking notes during the session… even contributing to discussions and debates!
The first time had been incredible- Sebastian had greeted them all warmly and had made the first session easier on them, although most of the new recruits all had an understanding of parliamentary procedure and had clearly studied up on the issues involved- and Charlotte had been stunned to realise that that first session, three hours long, had flown by in moments.
"You look… surprised," the Prime Minister said with a smile after the room had emptied and Charlotte was making her way out- the older, senior members of parliament had left first (and there had been quite a few disgruntled looks thrown in her direction- probably because they thought she was still allied with the Queen) followed by the younger members, but Charlotte had sat in her seat a few more moments, simply soaking in the moment.
"I'm not surprised… it's just… I've been here before, many, many times but…."
"It's different on the other side of the bench," Sebastian finished her sentence for her. "I can understand that- it was different for me when I left this side and went to that side," he pointed to the Prime Minister's leather chair on the other side of the railing. "It takes a while to get used to, but I think you will definitely get used to it."
"I know I will… it's just… different."
"It is, but it's a whole new world now, with a new Queen… and I think it's time for a change… and I'm looking forward to seeing the changes that Her Majesty and the newest members of parliament will invoke."
"You thought that…. women in parliament….?"
"I have wanted to do it for years but… there were a few… issues… in the way," he said diplomatically and Charlotte knew he was referring to certain former parliamentarians as well as certain laws that were very old fashioned.
"I can understand what you're talking about… but now…"
"Now, it's a good thing and Genovia's future is looking bright… not that it wasn't looking bright when Queen Clarisse was on the throne," he added hastily.
"No, it was good then too… but Queen Amelia will lead the country into a new century, with new challenges and new issues that only she will be able to deal with… and I feel proud to be part of it."
"As you should be, Charlotte- you did a fantastic job for Her Majesty, and now it's your turn to succeed," he looked at her soberly. "If there are any questions, if there's anything you need… you know where to find me."
"Thank you, Your Excellency."
"Charlotte," Sebastian looked at her with a joking yet slightly stern look. "We are colleagues now, as well as friends- you can call me Sebastian… we've know each other long enough for that."
"Yes… Sebastian."
Charlotte grinned at the memory as she made her way to her seat- over the past six months, they had managed to sort out their seating arrangements, some of the older men quibbling over details (seniors should be in front, juniors in the back, some of them argued) but finally things were sorted out and Charlotte was quite happy being in the back, although there was an expectation that, despite being in the back rows, you were expected to contribute to the sessions.
"Good morning, Charlotte, my fellow member of this honoured body," came a voice from beside her and Charlotte turned to see Lady Alyssa Palimore, the daughter in law of Lord and Lady Palimore, slip into the seat beside her. "I see that you are earlier than everyone else again."
" Good morning, Alyssa. Of course," Charlotte laughed. "I grew up being taught that it's better to be early than late."
"Would that some of our other colleagues would do the same," Alyssa waved around the still empty room- of course, the more senior members would leave their entrance until almost the last minute, as if to impress on the junior members that they were more important than them.
"One day, it may happen," she sighed wistfully.
Charlotte had never dreamed that she would be sitting in the same room as the daughter in law of Lord Palimore (who had retired only months earlier)- she had seen her at many palace functions, of course, but until now she hadn't dreamed that they would be working together… or even becoming friends- but she did know that, as a passionate advocate of children's welfare (and had even participated in the creation of the new Queen's orphanage) Lady Alyssa deserved to be in parliament, a sentiment echoed by the Queen herself.
"She's amazing, she totally deserves to be there," had apparently been her words during the vetting process, according to Scott ("although she said that you are still the top pick," he added hastily, in case Charlotte was offended) and the entire Palimore family had been present at the investiture ceremony.
"So, what's on today's agenda?" Alyssa continued conversationally as, around them, other members of parliament began to arrive and look for their seats.
"I'm not quite sure," Charlotte glanced at the agenda- there was usually formal business to be discussed beforehand, as well as any other issues, but there was nothing serious in today's session. "I do know that Her Majesty wishes to discuss the trade negotiations that had occurred this morning."
"That's right- how did the meeting go?" Alyssa's voice turned admiring- they were the same age but Charlotte had much more experience in the fields of diplomacy and negotiations, thanks to her time at the Attaché Corps and working for the former Queen. "I remember you saying that you a bit nervous about the meeting…."
"I was, but it went fine, I don't know I was nervous about it," Charlotte shrugged casually and Alyssa gave her a grin.
"Neither do I… my father in law was always fairly impressed with how you handled all those responsibilities while working with Her Majesty… actually, so was I."
Charlotte blushed deeply- even now, after all these years of working in different areas and working with some of the most important and respected people in Genovia (and the world), she still found it difficult to accept a compliment.
But before Alyssa could say anymore (or tease her, Charlotte suspected- they had become quick friends), Charlotte looked around and realised that everyone was present, including Her Majesty and Sebastian himself, who was about to bring the session to order.
000
The session of parliament flew by much quicker than Charlotte had expected- although she had suspected that since there wasn't that much on the agenda, it would be a quick session- and after bidding Lady Alyssa and some of her other colleagues goodbye (the older members of parliament were slowly warming up to her, although some were still wary of her, knowing that her last job had been the personal assistant to the recently retired Queen), she stepped out of the building to discover that a palace car was waiting out the front… for Mia, of course.
"Grandma insisted that you accompany me back to the palace," came Mia's voice from beside her and Charlotte turned to see the Queen walking down the steps behind her, Scott and two other men following behind.
"That's really not necessary, Your Majesty," Charlotte began and Mia chuckled as she held up a hand to stop her, a mannerism she had obviously copied off her grandmother.
"It is necessary, Charlotte, Grandma insisted, and when my grandmother insists on something…."
"I cannot not accept her kind offer,"" Charlotte finished with a smile and a sigh. "Alright, Your Majesty, I would be happy to accept a lift from you… if someone brings me back here after lunch."
"It's a deal," Mia said as Scott scooted ahead and opened the back passenger door. "I know Grandma said the Queen's never slide, but since she's not here…" she gave Charlotte a sly smile before doing exactly what her grandmother had advised her against and Charlotte couldn't help but grin.
Back at the palace, Mia excused herself to retire to her study- "It's a working lunch for me, I'm afraid "- while Mrs Cout, the housekeeper, showed Charlotte upstairs to the royal suite, Charlotte again being struck at how strange it was being treated as a guest rather than a fellow employee.
She left Charlotte at the door, and after one of the guards knocked on the door, they opened the door for her, both of them grinning in welcome- both men had always liked Charlotte and Charlotte liked them too, but she had never been able to remember their names, much to her shame.
"Good to see you as always, Charlotte," one of the men said and she smiled back at him.
"Good to see you as well."
Inside the suite, she found Joseph and Clarisse chatting quietly on the sofa, Charlotte momentarily feeling as though she was intruding, before they both looked in her direction with broad smiles.
"Hello, Charlotte," Joe said first, standing up and then helping his wife up. "I hear you've had a busy morning."
"Indeed I have… Hello, Joe… Hello Clarisse."
"Hello Charlotte," the former Queen responded with a warm smile as she crossed the room to greet her, Joseph as always on her heels. "I too hear that you did very well with the trade negotiations meeting."
"It was…. Easier than I expected."
"That happens when you know what you're doing… please, come and sit," Clarisse waved towards the sofa they had recently vacated and, still feeling a little awkward (why was that? She had had plenty of lunches with Joseph and Clarisse since the coronation, but, she mused to herself, perhaps she was still used to having working lunches with the Queen), she followed Clarisse back towards the sofa.
"Would you like a drink?" Joseph strode towards the bar and Charlotte shook her head. "Tea, wine, lemonade…"
"Just water or lemonade would be fine- I have to get back to work this afternoon," she blushed a little shyly.
"So," Clarisse settled back against the sofa and gave Charlotte a direct look. "Tell us all about what you've been up to this morning…."
000
Charlotte was surprised to discover that it was well after two o'clock when she checked her watch- the lunch had literally flown by and she was surprised to discover how much in common the three of them had in common, the conversation easy and flowing- but, then again, they had been working together for a long time.
"I guess it's time for you to return to work," Joseph joked, seeing her check her watch.
"I didn't realise how late it was," she admitted sheepishly, slowing easing her chair back from the table and standing up, the older couple following suit. "I should be getting back… the paperwork will be piling up," Charlotte joked weakly and the couple laughed.
"That's one thing neither of us misses," Clarisse said ruefully. "I don't envy you that, dear."
"Well… it's not too bad… much of it is quite interesting," Charlotte added hastily, not wishing them to think that she was complaining.
"I can imagine it would be… it's probably better than being my personal assistant."
"Oh no! I started learning when I was in the Attaché Corps, but it was my years here with you that really sparked my interest in diplomacy and politics."
"Well, well, I didn't know that," Joe said with interest. "I couldn't think of anything worse to be interested in- diplomacy and politics."
"Well, darling, you didn't need to worry about any of that, did you?" Clarisse chided gently, gently pummelling him in the arm. "That's why I was attracted to you."
"Oh really?" he turned to her with sparkling eyes. "I thought it was because I was handsome…."
"Well, that might have contributed as well…" she gave him a coy smile before she realised that Charlotte was still there and turned to her with a blush.
"Please excuse us, Charlotte, we were being rude… it was lovely to see you… and we must do it again soon," before she leaned over and took Charlotte's hand, squeezing it gently.
"Yes, we must."
"I'll walk you down… I'll get Scott to drive you back," Joseph volunteered.
"Joseph! He is Mia's Head of Security!"
"I'm sure he wouldn't mind…" he gave her a wink and then turned to smile winningly at his wife, who tried to look exasperated but failed.
"Fine…"
000
The rest of her day (or rather, the afternoon) passed by quickly- she was, of course, stuck at her desk, doing paperwork, completing correspondence and returning phone calls- but she was startled when she glanced at her watch again and realised that it was after six in the evening. It had been a busy, full day, a day that would probably be repeated in many different ways and many different patterns for the ensuing years, but she knew that she would enjoy every moment of it- this was what she wanted to do, and she was going to do it. There would be many challenges, days when she would want to tear her hair out, either over the stubbornness of parliament or meeting with representatives who wanted more than they were willing to give, but she was looking forward to it. Every single moment of it.
But for now….
It was time to go home….