This story is based on the characters from The Princess Diaries and are the property of Meg Cabot, and Walt Disney Company. No infringement intended.
I don't have a beta reader (but the job's open guys), and English is not my mother tongue. So I apologize for the mistakes you may find.
Chapter One
Queen Amelia was one strong woman. Since her coronation, it seems like she has never stopped working. At the beginning of her reign, the young Queen was eager to learn with the help of her grandmother Clarisse. So eager that she managed to have a meeting with none other than Queen Elizabeth II, to have some "tips" about ruling because, to quote Amelia, "come on, she's one heck of a queen!".
She then married Lord Nicholas Devereaux in 2008. Unfortunately, Genovia wasn't immune to the economy crisis this year and some major decisions have had to be made; contracts to renegotiate, partnerships to rethink. Amelia showed both her Queen and businesswoman sides, handling the difficulties of this breakdown like a master as hard as it was, cooperating with other countries, doing everything she was capable of to keep the head of Genovia out of the water.
One year later, the royal couple welcomed their first child, Princess Isabel Helen Renaldi, followed in 2012 by Prince Frederic Rupert Renaldi.
2013 was a sad year. Fifty-seven Genovians died in one of the most severe flood the country had ever known; and Nicholas had a car accident in a frontal collision with Lionel younger brother. Both men died on impact.
Then some shade was thrown upon the royal family when the press found proof of an impending divorce between Amelia and Nicholas. The Queen had had no choice but to confirm, explaining that it was a mutual decision and despite the recent birth of their son, Lord Devereaux had left the palace to live in a mansion nearby.
Here we are three years later, and Amelia is still facing her reign alone. Although her grandmother would like to see her married again. She is a beloved Queen and a loving mother. She remains strong and makes sure she is heard regarding the dramatic issues our world is facing, politically and socially.
Therefore, new enemies made sure they were heard as well.
A few months ago, the palace started to receive threatening letters. Amelia was able to contain the worry amongst her family and the members of the Parliament until biohazard suits were running all over the palace after another letter, containing some powder. Later, the tests revealed it was only baking soda. But it was all over the news so whoever was behind the threat knew now the seed of fear was well planted, not only in the leaders' mind, but in the people's too.
Amelia was at her desk signing a bunch of papers, her assistant Charlotte at her side, when her grandmother came in.
- Charlotte, would you excuse us for a moment, please?
- Of course your Highness.
Amelia put a finger in the air as she was signing the last documents, preventing Charlotte to walk away.
- There, all done! Amelia said at her last stroke of pen. Thank you Charlotte.
Charlotte took the documents and left the Queen's office, closing the door behind her to give the two women some privacy.
- Have you thought about the bodyguard? Clarisse asked
- Grandma, please, we've talked about that. I won't have a bodyguard 24/7 with me, Amelia said as she came closer to her grandmother to kiss her on the cheek.
- You do realize the threat is serious?
- And that's why we have tripled the security service, plus the kids will have a super ninja nanny. Lionel told me she's arriving today.
- He's very concerned about this situation, Clarisse added. He hired her personally and he would do the same for you. The poor man can't be everywhere when we are all here and he is pretty sure the threat comes from the inside.
Amelia went at the windows and spotted Lionel outside talking with some security staff.
- I know, she said thoughtful. But at the end of the week it will be the summer holiday and I'll be with Isabel and Frederic as much as I can, so the nanny will be close. No need to hire someone else.
Clarisse huffed in resignation, understanding the battle was definitely lost. Her granddaughter was as stubborn as she was after all.
- Those children have already lost their father Amelia, and I am too old for regency. So please, stay close to the… "super ninja nanny".
Amelia chuckle at her grandmother quoting her words but the feeling faded quickly as she saw Lionel, now alone outside, wearing quite a somber face.
- Grandma, do you think Joe could talk with Lionel?
- Of course darling, whatever for?
- It's just that he seems more… distant these days. He's only been head of the security since last year but I'm afraid all this menace situation is putting too much in his plate, Amelia explained as she was sitting back at her desk.
- He has been distant for the three past years since his brother and Nicholas killed each other in the accident, Clarisse said carefully.
- That's why I said more distant, Amelia added sadly.
Clarisse came closer to her granddaughter, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder.
- I'll talk to Joseph, don't worry, she said reassuringly before kissing her on the temple. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off with my great-grandchildren to see our new resident at the stables.
- We have a new horse? Amelia asked as Clarisse was about to leave.
- A stallion, but he belongs to our guest. You probably don't remember that Henry has written to me to ask if we could welcome his great great-niece for the next two weeks. Don't ask me by which degree there are too much people in their family, Clarisse added in a light tone.
- Oh right the Duke of France. I remember now, you told me something about a woman with an ugly divorce. Has she arrived yet? Amelia asked.
- Her horse has but she will be here later apparently. Ask Charlotte for the details. Ta-da darling, Clarisse said as she was leaving.
It was a beautiful day to take a walk with the children. They were thrilled to know a pure stallion was being welcomed in the royal stables. They were walking with Joseph on the path leading to the stables as Clarisse arrived, smiling at the sight of her husband with a little prince well seated on his shoulders, and a princess tugging at his hand. When the trio saw Clarisse coming, loud cheering from the children ensued.
- Super gram! Frederic shouted raising his little arms in the air.
Joseph winced at the shout, too close to his ears for his liking, making Clarisse laughed at the children's loud enthusiasm despite the possible ears bleeding of her husband. She kissed all three of them on the cheek as they started to walk together, Princess Isabel now holding her hand.
- Good Lord if I wasn't deaf before, I will be soon, Joseph muttered to Clarisse.
Clarisse chuckled, linking her free arm with him as the Princess was tugging at her hand.
- Come on super gram! I want to see the new horse, Isabel said pressing them to quicken their steps.
They arrived at the stables but the horse wasn't in any box and Isabel was running at rocket speed everywhere to find him. Frederic wanted to follow his big sister and Joseph had to put down the fidgeting little boy. When Isabel run past them at full speed, Frederic run after her as fast as he could and they went out of the stables.
- Don't go too far please! Joseph inquired.
Clarisse and him were heading outside as well when Isabel called them.
- Super gram! Grandpa Joe! Come quick he's here! Isabel shouted.
On the carousel, a beautiful black stallion was trotting lightly. The horse slowed down and looked at his audience, coming closer. He stopped a few feet away from the children in a regal pose. They were looking at him with wide eyes, taking some hesitant steps backward, only to be stopped by two pair of legs belonging to Joseph and Clarisse.
- Wow, Frederic breathed.
- He's like ten feet tall! Isabel added.
- He's gorgeous, I wonder where did she find him, Clarisse said muttering, extending her hand for him to come closer.
The horse came closer smelling her hand suspiciously, and after a short hesitation he put his nose in her palm for her to pet him.
- What's his name? Isabel asked her great grandmother.
- I don't know sweetheart, we will have to ask our guest, she answered. Amelia would like you to talk with Lionel, she said quietly to Joseph.
- Is there something wrong? He asked.
- He is a little out of it, enough for Amelia to worried about him.
Joseph and Clarisse exchanged a knowing look.
- I will talk to him, Joseph said. Alright, it's almost lunch time so who's hungry? He asked the children.
- Me! Frederic said raising a tiny index in the air.
- I am starving, Isabel added, I could it a h-
- Huh huh! Clarisse cut her off, I wouldn't finish that sentence in our new friend's presence if I were you.
The little girl clapped both hands on her mouth, giggling at her wrong choice of words.
Then the four of them walked back towards the palace. Well, Joseph and Clarisse were walking, while the children were running randomly around them, chasing one another, laughing their children's joy.
The ballroom at the palace was full of people preparing and decorating the room for today's event. Once Amelia was crowned, she had wanted to celebrate the first day of summer at the palace with the World Music Day. For eleven years, every 21st of June, there was a small orchestra in the ballroom, bands of music scattered all over the palace's gardens, and everybody was welcome to come and enjoy the party. This year, unfortunately, due to the threat upon the Queen's head invitations were sent to a couple of hundred people only.
Charlotte was directing two men perched on ladders, hanging a banner on the pillars as Amelia came next to her.
- Is everything alright? The Queen asked.
- Absolutely your Majesty, it will be perfect.
- Good. I wanted to ask you about our guest, I mean the one who's staying with us for two weeks apparently. I completely forgot about her, shame on me, Amelia winced.
- That's why I'm here your Majesty, Charlotte said with a smile. She is a distant relative of the family d'Orléans and her name is Alexandra de Bourbon-Vendôme.
- Oh beautiful name. And –
Amelia suddenly stopped talking, tilting her head as a cello, from afar, started playing the four introductory notes of a famous piece of music.
- God I love Carmen, sorry, Amelia said waving a hand.
Charlotte chuckled at her Queen's enthusiasm as she was taken by the arm to put some distance with the working staff.
- And what do you know about the divorce? Amelia asked quietly.
Charlotte scanned briefly the room before answering.
- The ex-husband is a gambler; he has lost half her fortune but she didn't know until later because he told her he was investing the money in his company.
Amelia gasped.
- And to top it off she found him in their bed with another woman, Charlotte added in a hushed tone.
- No way! Amelia gasped with wide eyes.
Charlotte nodded in haste. Amelia opened her mouth to add something but was cut by her children's voices calling after her.
- Here are my beautiful monsters! Amelia greeted them affectionately.
- Mommy! You need to see this horse, the Princess said, he's like wow!
- Yeah and he's like this big! Frederic added gesturing the size with his four year-old's arms.
Amelia laughed at her children's description when her grandmother came next to her.
- Well he's certainly one gorgeous stallion, Clarisse said. Joseph was speaking with Lionel on our way here but I think the new nanny has just arrived.
- Perfect, Amelia beamed, let's meet her before we go to lunch.
They all went at the entrance where Lionel and Joseph were speaking with a tall brunette woman. The two heirs were now attached to their mother's side, suddenly shy in front of a new face. As soon as the woman saw the Queen, she curtsied.
- Your Majesty, this is Mathilda Marchand, the nanny, said Lionel.
Amelia extended her hand with a big smile to shake Mathilda's hand.
- Welcome to the palace, the Queen said.
- Thank you your Majesty, Mathilda answered with a strong French accent.
The introductions followed with the Dowager Queen and Charlotte, then Amelia patted her children's shoulders lightly, asking them silently to say hello.
- Good morning Miss Marchand, they both said with their timid little voice.
- Good morning Princess Isabel, Prince Frederic. You can call me Mathilda, she said with a smile.
- I would like to talk with Mathilda and give her a tour of the palace before she starts, if it's alright with you? Lionel asked the Queen.
- Of course, no worries, she answered before turning to the new nanny, and you can rest or wander around this afternoon, as long as you're with the kids this evening. Now if you'll excuse us, I need to feed the beasts.
She eyed her children with mischief before adding,
- Race you to the kitchen!
And she started running followed by her two giggling children.
- You may have three children to look after instead of two, Clarisse said to Mathilda, I still wonder who is the youngest of them all.
- Don't worry your Highness, I'm sure I can handle her, Mathilda said with a little smirk.
The afternoon ran smoothly for everybody. The Princess did some homework and after the Prince's nap, their mother joined them for recreational activities. Then Amelia reminded them she had some work to do as well, but The Queen's duty call for the day could be done with them, for their greatest pleasure.
They were in the garden checking the only two bands authorized this year when Charlotte received news in her earpiece.
- Alexandra de Bourbon-Vendôme has arrived, I will excuse you on your behalf for not greeting her directly your Majesty, Charlotte said.
- Oh no don't bother we can go and meet her, Amelia responded ready to go.
- I'm sorry but the chef is still waiting for you to check on the buffet and you will need to go and get ready soon, Charlotte winced.
- Right. Then tell her welcome and that I will see her this evening.
- Of course your Majesty, Charlotte said as she was retreating towards the palace 's entrance.
- Alright munchkins, time for food testing! Amelia said with a big smile.
Both children cheered and hummed in delight as they were going back towards the castle.
The evening came quickly and soon Amelia and her children were in the corridor leading to the ballroom. Mathilda was here, ready to be in charge of both little royal heads.
- Mathilda, Amelia inquired, you can stay one hour, then it'll be time for bed. Please don't leave them until I'm back.
- Of course your Majesty, Mathilda answered, glancing quickly at Lionel who nodded discretely.
- Okay, let's go, Amelia said smiling et her children.
After the formal royal introduction, Amelia greeted her guests and wished them a wonderful time here at the Palace, and finished with a not so formal "happy Music Day and enjoy!" as the music started.
Everybody was having a good time, inside and out with the other bands, and Amelia tried to speak with as much guests as she could.
Lilly was here as well. Five years ago, she became a Genovian to the greatest pleasure of Amelia, by marrying Kip, the Captain of the Royal Guard, and they now had 4-year-old twin boys, Cameron and Anthony. Tonight Kip was on duty but the couple was allowed a dance or two.
Soon it was time for Isabel and Frederic to go to bed and Amelia didn't fight against their cute little pout when they insisted on saying goodnight to their great-grandmother and Joseph. When they finally found them they kissed goodbye and retreated to their rooms with Mathilda.
- Have you seen Alexandra de Bourbon-Vendôme? Amelia asked
- She was here a minute ago, maybe she went outside, Joseph answered.
- How is she? I mean what is she wearing? So I can recognize her. I feel bad I didn't welcome her yet, Amelia winced.
- Don't worry darling, she knows how it works. She's red hair, as tall as you and quite gorgeous, Clarisse explained.
- Oh yes, you can't miss her, Joseph added with a smile.
Clarisse looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
- I am merely confirming your description your Highness, he said with a sweet smile, bending to kiss her hand.
Amelia chuckled at their exchange and kissed both of them on the cheek.
- Make her dance, she'll forgive you, she said to Joseph. I'm off hunting our guest.
As she was turning around to go outside she bumped into a tall and handsome man.
- Oh my bad! She said in a rush. Cristobal, she added recognizing the man.
- Your Majesty.
He bowed and kissed her hand.
- May I have this dance?
- Well I was head-
She was stopped by Clarisse who nudged her in the back as she was walking behind her towards the dance floor with Joseph.
- Of course, Amelia answered with a forced smile.
Cristobal Dalegrada was the director of the Children shelter in Pyrus that Amelia had made build at the very start of her reign. He was the perfect match in her grandmother's eyes. He was smart and handsome, he adored Isabel and Frederic, but he talked a little bit too much, especially about stock exchange and fly fishing. He was courting her but wasn't pushing anything to Amelia's relief. Being a Queen and a widow acted as a natural obstacle. He was a good man, but that was it.
Nevertheless, she danced with him, much more to avoid a possible lecture from her grandmother the next day. While dancing they talked about her children, then the shelter and, to Amelia's delight, about stock exchange, again. At least she could talk about it, unlike fly fishing.
The music faded softly as well as Cristobal's ranting, who decided to keep on dancing quietly with the Queen. But the music didn't stop completely as one cello played one note in staccato then slower and slower to adopt a very particular tempo. Then four famous notes followed, played rhythmically by the cellos to introduce the piece. Amelia smiled at hearing Carmen's Habanera.
At the same time something caught her eyes. Red hair, slightly curly, belonging to a woman wearing a beautiful red dress. She was stunning. Something stopped in Amelia. She quickly realized she had stopped dancing as well as breathing. Cristobal was now looking at her with concern.
- Are you alright?
- Yes, yes. Sorry. I just saw someone I forgot to greet, Amelia said, composing herself with a weak smile.
She excused herself and went in the direction of the woman. But she wasn't there anymore. Amelia scanned the crowd without success and her eyes ended on the small orchestra. She has always loved Carmen but right now the cellos strangely felt like traitors with their rhythmic, and the violins were taunting her with Carmen's theme. Amelia knew the lyrics all too well.
L'amour est enfant de bohème,
Il n'a jamais, jamais connu de loi
Love is a gypsy child,
It has never, never known the law
She looked again trying to catch a glimpse of red hair in the crowded ballroom. And there she was, between two pillars laughing with some people. Amelia started to walk again, hesitantly, almost at the same pace of these four rhythmic notes. The lyrics still in mind, she almost felt like Carmen with Don José in her sight. The hunter and the prey. How ironic, she thought as she was chasing her guest.
This wasn't about seduction; she was just intrigued by Alexandra of Bourbon-Vendôme. And she was a good hostess so she was determined to reach her to welcome her; to tell her to enjoy her stay despite the circumstances. Amelia was getting closer and hummed without thinking with the violins.
Si tu ne m'aimes pas,
Si tu ne m'aimes pas, je t'aime.
Mais si je t'aime, si je t'aime,
Prends garde à toi !
If you love me not,
If you love me not, I love you.
But if I love you, if I love you,
Watch out!
Alexandra was suddenly looking at her, dead in the eye. Amelia felt like a deer caught in the headlights and didn't take a step further. The red hair was looking at the Queen with a small frown for a few seconds, surely surprised to see Amelia looking back at her quite intently. Quickly her face softened and she bowed her head at the Queen. Amelia managed to give her bowing guest a small smile and a nod, then Alexandra was going away, again.
Not far away, Lilly was with Kip, and she watched her best friend's intense look directed at that red hair woman. Lilly saw Amelia coming in her direction but she noticed that her friend didn't acknowledge her presence at all, her eyes glued on the retreating red hair. Then the clumsy nature of the Queen showed up. As she was passing by a pillar draped in a curtain, her crown caught itself in said curtain, forcing the Queen to take a few steps back.
- Ow ow ow! Not now! Amelia muttered.
Lilly was at her side in a rush, trying to help her stuck friend, followed by her husband Kip.
- Are you okay? Lilly asked.
Amelia extricated herself in a frustrated grunt, rather forcefully from the crown still caught in the curtain, destroying her beautiful bun.
- Yeah yeah, Amelia answered. Kip can you put that in safety? Pointing at the crown hanging on the curtain. I gotta go, she added as she went away.
- Of course, but your Majesty don't you want- Kip started.
- No no, let her go, Lilly said quietly, watching with interest her friend rushing through the people.
Now Amelia was getting confused. She didn't know why she had to go after that woman with such determination. She was just over there, not far away so why stop now, Amelia thought. Alexandra turned her head for a few seconds and was looking at her with a tiny smile but never stopped walking. The Queen was wondering why she needed to stop dead in her tracks, once again, when Alexandra was looking back at her. She frowned deeply as the music resonated in her ears and went on following the woman who was now climbing the stairs, unaware of her hesitant steps which again adopted the rhythm of the Habanera. Amelia was really confused. She didn't know any more if she felt like Carmen or Don José. Was she the hunter or the prey?
Tout autour de toi, vite, vite,
Il vient, s'en va, puis il revient.
Tu crois le tenir, il t'évite,
Tu crois l'éviter, il te tient.
All around you, swift, swift,
It comes, goes, then it returns.
You think to hold it, it flees you,
You think to flee it, it holds you.
Climbing the last steps of the stairs, Amelia saw her heading towards the balcony. The music was becoming a blurry background sound in her ears as she was slowly approaching the balcony. The final notes faded away once outside, and she was surprised to see she was actually alone.
She sighed deeply, finally ready to give up the chase and leaned against the stone railing.
- This is really beautiful, someone said behind the Queen.
Amelia turned instantly at the voice to see her guest approaching the railing and looking at the clear and beautiful sky full of stars. And she was transfixed by the red head.
- Indeed, she answered, almost whispering.
The woman turned towards her with a big smile as she curtsied.
- Your Majesty, it's a pleasure to meet you, she said with a light French accent. I am Alexandra de Bourbon-Vendôme.
- Likewise, Amelia said smiling.
Alexandra turned to look at the stars again as Amelia shook her head to compose herself in front of her guest.
-Is your suite alright? Amelia asked.
- Oh yes, thank you. And thank you for letting me stay at the palace.
- You're welcome, I hope you will enjoy your stay.
Alexandra smiled politely and looked at the sky absentmindedly.
- I'll try, she said quietly after a moment.
- If you need anything, or… if you ever need to… talk, Amelia said hesitantly.
- Thank you for your concern, but I don't want to bother you with my failed marriage.
- No no really, I mean it, Amelia added quickly. I know the trial and tribulations of a divorce.
- I thought… I mean, aren't you? … Alexandra tried, a frown showing her discomfort.
- Nicholas and I were at one, well two, signatures away to finalize our divorce. But… Amelia closed her eyes for a second, taking a deep breath. Anyway, for the sake of my children I'd rather be a divorcee sharing custody than a widow.
Alexandra's eyes were full of compassion and Amelia had to look away, embarrassed at her own confession. Then a hand was on her hand resting on the railing, squeezing lightly; Alexandra wasn't even looking at the Queen, understanding her embarrassment, and her hand went away rapidly.
Both women shared a comfortable silence while looking at the bright stars.
- If you'll excuse me, I will go back to my chambers, Alexandra said after a couple of minutes. Have a goodnight your Majesty, she added bowing her head.
Amelia smiled at her and Alexandra was going away. Without realizing what she was doing she took her guest's hand to stop her.
- Alexandra? Amelia said, confused at her own boldness.
- Your Majesty?
Amelia didn't really know what to say nor why she was holding Alexandra's hand, and she knew she had to say something, anything. But then Alexandra closed her eyes with a small frown.
- Something's wrong? Amelia asked, concerned.
- Tchaikovsky, Alexandra answered, barely audible.
Amelia tilted her head, realizing she wasn't listening to the music before this moment. The small orchestra was now playing the Sentimental Waltz, and the solo violin was breathtaking. Amelia couldn't take her eyes off of Alexandra who was squeezing her hand a bit tighter, like she was holding onto it for support. She noticed the teary eyes as her guest reopened them.
- Sorry, Alexandra said blushing. It's just… It was… my wedding waltz, she added weakly.
- Oh. I… I'm-
- It's okay, Alexandra said in an attempt to reassure the concerned Queen. Did you want to tell me something?
- Huh? Oh! Hum, I just- Amelia stammered then took a deep breath. Have a goodnight Alexandra.
Alexandra smiled and bowed her head again, sliding her hand slowly away from Amelia's as she went back inside.
Amelia wasn't moving, watching her guest going away. She burrowed her brows at her own confused state.
- What the heck is wrong with me? She asked herself quietly, running a hand in her hair in frustration.
She then leaned back on the railing of the balcony and looked at the stars, as if they would give her an answer.
- Daddy… she prayed in a whisper.
Later that night, the Queen didn't write a lot in her diary, just what had to be written:
I had the strangest sensation this evening. I was pulled towards her but I don't know why. It was truly disturbing. I think that woman is as dangerous as Carmen, but she is not aware of it. But what is really dangerous, is that I like it.
