Title: Like a Glove
Rating: PG
Spoilers: Through Princess Diaries 1 and 2
Disclaimer: Obviously, the characters are not mine. They belong to Disney.
Summary: Charlotte is an expert at keeping other people's secrets. But she's even better at keeping her own. What happens when she's forced to confess all?
O>
Flowers. Champagne. Nibbles. Flowers. Champagne. Nibbles. Flowers. Champagne. Nibbles.
Charlotte ran through her checklist as she made a final inspection of the ballroom. In just twenty short minutes the first guests would arrive and half an hour after that, the queen would make her big entrance. That would be the most stressful moment of the evening, but also the most satisfying.
Ball's were Charlotte's favourite part of her job. The extravagant events took weeks to plan, but due to her impeccable organisational skills, they almost always went off without a hitch. And once the queen had entered, she was free to enjoy the spectacle. Never one to become immersed in the parties, she was happiest standing on the sidelines watching the people.
She felt the silky material of her latest ball gown under her fingers. This one was one of her particular favourites. She had bought it last week after seeing it in a shop several weeks previously. Initially put off by the cost, she had reconsidered after the queen announced she would be holding an event for the first wedding anniversary of her grandmother's wedding.
Queen Clarisse and Joseph's wedding had been the happiest day of Charlotte's professional life, so she had put extra special effort into the planning of this evening, with the intention of making it the best party anyone in Genovia had seen in years.
O>
"Rupert, we're due in the ballroom in two minutes. Are you ready yet?"
"Yes dear!"
Rupert Renaldi closed his book and straightened his jacket. He had been ready for almost an hour, of course, and had simply been waiting for his wife to announce that she too was ready.
"Come on then, let's go," she hurried, entering their living area.
"Yes dear."
Rupert held out his arm to his wife, who smiled, finally relaxing, and took it. The couple headed towards the party, laughing lightly. The event was unusual, as it was to commemorate their youngest son's birthday. Celebrations of birthdays were usually private family affairs, but this year they had decided to throw a lavish ball. The last few years had been turbulent for the family, and Philippe was only just beginning to return to his normal cheerful nature after leaving his wife and child behind in America. His daughter would now be four years old and he thought about her all the time, but he had made his decision and he would stand by it.
When they reached the foyer area, their sons were already there, waiting for them. Pierre and Philippe Renaldi, the young princes of Genovia, sat together on a convenient sofa, talking animatedly about Philippe's latest car, until they noticed their parents approach.
"Well mother," Philippe began, standing and straightening his clothes, "Will we do?" He spun round slowly so his mother could fully appreciate his attire, throwing his arms out for added effect. However, as he did so, his left arm connected with a moving object.
Charlotte found herself suddenly sitting in the lap of the Crown Prince of Genovia, propelled there by his little brother. The man had wrapped his arms round her waist out of instinct to prevent her falling off of his lap and injuring herself.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, your majesty," she apologised, her cheeks reddening, as she desperately tried to disentangle herself from him.
King Rupert did his best to hide his laugh as he watched his shy son fumble clumsily to help the young woman in his arms to her feet. Eventually they managed it, both standing facing each other, equally blushing.
Clarisse stepped forward to ease the awkwardness, "Pierre, this is Charlotte. She's our new aide. I don't believe you've met before."
"No, I don't believe we have," he replied, bowing slightly, "It's a pleasure to meet you. Please excuse my little brother. I hope you are not hurt."
She curtsied and smiled, "Not at all. As you can see, I am still in one piece."
"That's very good news," he smiled, maintaining their eye contact.
"Come on Pierre," Philippe called, "We're late for my party." Pierre turned back to Charlotte just in time to see her finish curtsying and hurry away.