The sound of pots and pans and the smell of bacon wafting through the room work him from his slumber; not the knocking of Gretchen on his door nor his mother with his daily schedule. He opened his eyes and was a little disorientated for a moment before remembering where he was. It wasn't a dream. He could hear the pretty lady who had been the subject of his dreams last night humming in the kitchen and he wondered if any man could be luckier than him right now as to be in her home.

But then it all came crashing down on him. He couldn't stay here forever. His mother and father would stop at nothing til they found him and probably chain him to his bed to stop him ever escaping again. If that was the life he was set to lead from now until the end of his rein; if this was his last day of freedom, then he planned to make the most of it. He hoped his new friend would be willing to allow him to spend the day in her presence because he could think of nothing he'd love more than to get to know more about her. He sat up and wiggled his foot around, the ice pack had helped a lot and there was only a little twinge of pain.

He stretched and yawned before standing up, neatly folding the blanket he'd used on the couch and padded into the kitchen wearing what he fell asleep in last night, his dress pants and vest. The subject of his dreams was dancing around the kitchen to an imaginary melody, poking at bacon which was fizzling on the hob and buttering toast with her other hand. She really was a vision first thing in the moring; her hair in a lose bun on top of her head, her dressing gown stopping at her knees showing a hint of creamy skin and little pink booty slippers to cover her feet. She was adorable and he wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and never let her go. She didn't notice him at first, too busy preparing breakfast and dancing around but when she turned to put something in the sink, she saw him and froze in place staring at him; an embarrassed blush tinting her cheeks and a shy smile playing around her mouth.

"Hi," she said softly.

"Good morning," he smiled, leaning against the kitchen doorway, surveying her with his eyes. She blushed even more under his gaze and played with the bow of her dressing gown.

"I..er... I made us some breakfast, I wasn't sure what you wanted to do today... whether you were heading back to the castle or... but I knew you couldn't make any sort of decision on an empty stomach," he chucked and nodded, touched by her thoughtfulness.

"Thank you Anastasia, it smells delicious," she turned back to the bacon as he walked further into the room.

"It probably won't be what you're used to for breakfast but I'm sure it will taste good," she said as she turned off the hob. He frowned at the back of her head.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I'm guessing you get all your meals made by a professional chef, I just about get by," she shrugged, handing him a plate of bacon and toast and a mug of coffee.

"Ana, the fact you made me breakfast already makes it ten times better than anything else I've ever eaten. You could have burnt everything or given me it cold and I'd still think the same because you made it for me," he smiled at her, eyes soft and pleading with her to believe him. She smiled back at him. His smiles and words effected her in ways she had never been effected before. His eyes could melt her on the spot and leave her wanting. Reality was in the way and nothing could ever happen between them but that didn't mean she couldn't dream a little.

They ate side by side on the couch, occasionally conversing but largely just wolfing down breakfast. Christian thought it was the best thing he'd ever eaten and told her that much. She looked at him sceptically but the beaming smile on his lips told her everything she needed to know.

"Do you know what you're going to do today?" she asked him. He looked at her for a moment before shaking his head.

"No,"

"You don't think you should go back to the palace?" she asked. He looked at her warily as though he thought she was judging his choices or lack thereof but one look into her eyes let him know she was just curious.

"I don't think so, one more day of freedom won't hurt anyone,"

"But what if they come looking for you? surely they'll have already noticed you're gone,"

"I'll just have to hide away somewhere they will never find me," he winked at her and lay back against the couch letting her know exactly where he planned to stay and she giggled.

"Well, you're welcome to stay here but Saturday is shopping day for me, I need to go to the market," Christian jumped up in excitement.

"Can I come? I've never been to a market before?" the beaming excitement evident on his face reminder her of a child asking to go on an adventure and she found it utterly adorable. How is it that this powerful figure who had the power to rule a nation one day was nearly jumping up and down at the prospect of going to the market with her.

"As much as I'd love to take you shopping with me, there is one small problem," she pointed to his face, "you're on a stamp for goodness sake, everyone knows what you look like and sound like. Plus, the king has probably already given orders for the whole British Cavalry to come back to look all over the city of you and it's not like we're far from the castle," his face fell, eyes downcast and his hands wrung together in front of him as reality came crashing down on him like a bucket of cold water. She instantly felt bad, but there was nothing she could do was there? it's not like she could make him into a new person? unless...

She suddenly broke out into a smile and stood up startling him.

"Wait here," she said, determinedly walking out of the room. He nodded and sighed when she left the room. He'd really wanted to go outside and enjoy the good weather with Ana today. Looking out of the window the sun was out and shining brightly breaking the clouds up in the sky, the cold weather of the night giving way to a gentle breeze and warmth. How he'd have liked to have been able to walk around the streets among the people instead of watching them from his castle window. He'd have loved to have been with all of them, Ana's hand planted firmly in his preferably. He'd have loved to have watched the sun's ray's shining on her face as she walked around happily, their hands swinging between them. He'd have loved to have shown her off to the world, pride within him that this beautiful creature was indeed with him. She was his friend; his only friend and they were going out for a day of shopping and fun together. How perfect that would have been. But the life of a Royal once again interrupted his fantasies.

Ana's feet slapping against the floor in her pink boots as she walked back into the room interrupted his musings and he looked up to see her beautiful smile and gleaming eyes. She was holding something behind her back and he looked at her curiously.

"What have you got there Ana?" he asked, trying to peek behind her back from his position but to no avail.

"Something that might help you today," she giggled, before moving her hands from behind her back to reveal a pair of black sunglasses and a cap. He looked at her astonished.

"I thought they might help you to blend in a little, put them on and I'll turn around and tell you if I can recognise you," she smiled. He grabbed the items and placed the cap on his head to cover his head of distinctive copper waves and a pair large black sunglasses to cover his eyes. She turned around when he told her he was done and she smiled instantly. He looked so ridiculous. She burst into giggles and he found himself laughing along with her. He couldn't even imagine what kind of trouble he would get in if his mother thought he was going to go out into the public eye with a cap and sunglasses on.

"How do I look?" he asked, giving her a spin so she could see the back too only making her laugh more. It was a sound he could hear forever. He would be willing to do just about any silly task in order to get her to laugh in that fashion.

"You look ... very handsome," she said as her laugher died down. He smiled at her compliment.

"Thank you, but I was more asking if I looked recognisable," her cheeks flushed as she realised what she'd just said but seeing his smile at her compliment calmed her a little.

"No, no at all. Well you are to me but only because I know you," she said and he nodded.

"Only one more problem," Christian said.

"What's that,"

"Well.." he pointed to his clothes all folder neatly into a pile. A dress suit completed of the highest quality complete without the bowtie and west (he'd taken those off before his jump).

"I see, that is a problem," Ana thought for a moment and then went back into her room. Christian stood puzzled for a moment still wearing his ensemble. Surely she couldn't have...

"Here you are, they might be a little small on you, Jose is 5'10 and I'm guessing you're about 6'2 but they're a little big on him so they might be perfect," Ana said producing a T grey T shirt and a pair of black slacks. There was only one thought running through his mind right now and it wasn't about the clothing... Who is Jose? It was on the tip of his tongue. She said she didn't have a boyfriend but why would she have a mans clothing in her house... in her room no less if she didn't? She noticed that he hadn't taken them and bit her lip making his eyes darken instantly.

"What's the matter? do you not like them?" she asked nervously.

"Who's Jose?" Christian asked, trying to keep the jealousy and bite out of his voice as he said the word of the man whose clothing Ana kept in her bedroom.

"Oh he's just a friend, one I've known since child hood, he does photography all over the world, he actually did a few pieces for your family a few years back. I let him keep some of the things he didn't take with him in my house," Ana smiled and Christian relaxed. She was so kind and thoughtful.

He thanked her and accepted the clothes, going to the bathroom to try them on. She was right, they were a little too small and the shirt was quite tight against his abs but he was grateful to her for lending him them. He looked in the mirror and almost laughed. He looked nothing like himself. He always wore the highest quality suits, even his pyjamas were the finest silk. he'd never worn a T shirt before unless he didn't want to wear pyjamas for bed never mind a pair of sunglasses and a cap but he liked it. He looked normal, he looked ... happy. Smiling, he left the bathroom and headed into the sitting room where Ana was waiting for him with her handbag. She looked up and he couldn't help but notice the way her eyes darkened and her breath hitched when she saw him.

Her eyes roamed from his face down to his sculpted physique down to where the trousers fit him a little too tightly. She licked her lips and pride swelled through him. She found him attractive. He cleared his throat and she realised she'd been caught and giggled shyly, his favourite blush covering her beautiful cheeks.

"How do I look?" he asked.

"Good," she breathed, her eyes widening, "erm... I mean, you look like you'd fit in," he supressed the grin that wanted to break out onto his face watching her fluster and followed her as she went to the door. She opened it and they headed out. Christian looked up at the sky seeing the clouds bumbling around and the sun beaming down, a drastic change from last night. He could hear children's laughter down the street. He could see cars going past Ana's house and people milling around. He could see couples holding hands as they walked around together, chatting amongst themselves. This was what he wanted more than anything. A life of this.

"You ready to go Mister?" Ana asked, coming to stand next to him after she'd locked up.

"Of course," he held out his hand, wiggling his fingers to her and she giggled as she interlocked their fingers. They'd known each other a day, not even 24 hours yet and here they were, happily holding hands as they walked down the street. He was the Prince of England, the heir to the throne, she was a beautiful journalist who lived in a modest flat and here they were, talking happily amongst each other, hands swinging between them. An elderly couple nodded to them as they walked by, smiling at the couple. Christian breathed a sigh of relief that no one had recognised him yet.

Yes, he knew he looked daft but it was better than being recognised and Ana didn't seem to care, happily holding his hand and chatting to him like he was an old friend, not a stranger that she'd only met last night.

"I always do this on a Saturday," Ana confessed as they headed down the main street. At first they were cautious, Christian trying to keep his head down but after a few minutes of people walking past them and not giving them a second glance, he'd relaxed and was looking around smiling at their surroundings.

"What, take Prince's into town?" he asked mockingly making her laugh.

"Yes,"

"Well I'm glad it was finally my turn to join you," he smiled, squeezing her hand. She looked up at him for a brief moment biting her lip before looking back down. She couldn't believe they were holding hands; she couldn't believe she was so comfortable around him; she couldn't believe how attracted she was to him after knowing him for mere hours. This was something she never expected to happen but was glad that it had. She was happy as she walked along the street with him. He babbled about everything around him; the weather, the streets, the shops, the people. Everything was new to him and his excitement was infectious.

There was a huge difference in what she thought he'd be like when she first met him sat in the alley way and what he was actually like. In the public eye he seemed so serious and unapproachable. The handsome, noble son of the King who would one day rule the land she walked along everyday. But he was nothing like she'd first imagined. His public image was on the cover page and when she opened the book, she found him to be charming, funny, lovable, polite... the list was endless.

"Can you believe it Ana?" she was broken from her revere when her Prince squeezed her hand to gain her attention, "I've just seen a child being pulled along on his bike by a dog," he chucked, "I can't believe how different the city is from what I imagined," he said more to himself than her.

"So have you really never been outside the castle before?" she asked.

"Well I have, I've travelled to meet monarchs of other countries but I never get to walk around like this. I'm loaded in a car or onto a plane and constantly surrounded by guards. I never get to do what I want. I can't do this for example," he surprised her when he pulled her hand and took off running down the street.

"Christian, stop!" Ana laughed, struggling to keep up with him. He stopped and turned around a beaming smile on his face and grey eyes gleaming with happiness behind his tinted glasses.

"You're mad," she giggled rolling her eyes.

"Did you just roll your eyes at me Anastasia?"

"Yes I did,"

"How rude," he shook his head in mock reprimand and took a hold of the hand that had slipped from his grasp again, interlocking their fingers.

"I apologize," she giggled as they started to walk again, turning the corner to the huge array of market stalls.

"Wow," Christians eyes widened and he stopped almost still as he took in the scene before him. Hundred of people were milling around huge tents full of food, clothing, jewellery, shoes; everything you could imagine. Some had huge shopping bags full of goods that they'd bought, children were playing with toy cars and dolls that they'd just got from stalls, some were eating from bags of pick n mix. It was so different yet so unbelievably normal and Christian was in awe.

"Welcome to the Saturday markets Prince Trevelyan," Ana grinned saying the last bit quite enough so that only the two of them could here. Christian winked at her.

"Thank you for bringing me here but I have to tell you, we might be a while, I think I'm going to have to look around everything," he said and Ana giggled.

"Okay well lets start over here, I need to get some bread," Ana tugged Christian over to the first stall where they sold an array of bread. Christian ducked his head, playing with Ana's fingers as she got the attention of the employee in charge.

"Hello," Ana smiled.

"Hi, what can I get you?" the man behind the stall asked. Christian noticed his eyes on Ana and jealousy burned through him. He had no right to be jealous. They'd known each other such a small amount of time but he was and the feelings he had for her already scared him. Christian moved slightly closer to Ana out of possessiveness. No one had recognised him so far so he didn't think this man would either. He removed his hand from Ana's and wrapped his arm around her instead, his hand stroking the top of her arm. Ana looked up at him surprised but gave him a smile leaning into him slightly before turning back to the man who was looking at Christian in slight annoyance.

"I'd like two crusty white loaves please," she said, putting her arm around Christians waist, internally smiling at his behaviour. It made her feel a bit giddy that he was jealous of the look another man gave her. She'd never felt very desirable so the fact that the Prince of England, the future monarch, her friend Christian felt the need to put his arm around her and make his presence known was a bit of a raise to her self esteem. She'd always felt she was too ordinary; nothing about her was even remotely sexy, not like her best friend Kate with her blonde hair and killer smile. So it made her feel good that Christian felt a little jealous.

"That will be £2 please," the man said, smiling at her as he handed her a bag with the 2 loaves of still warm bread.

"Thank you," she smiled handing him the money and taking the bag from him. Christian took the bag from her to hold with his free hand, the other still firmly around her shoulder and she mouthed thank you to him before they headed off into the market. She thought that maybe Christian would say something about what had just happened but instead he moved his hand back down to lace with hers and changed the subject.

"So what sort of things do you write as a journalist?" he asked, looking around curiously again. She looked at him for a moment slightly confused by his change of demeanour before answering his question.

"Well at first I mainly wrote columns about local crime and cleaning up the area, sort of nagging people to make a change which they just ignored so I asked to be transferred. Now I'm one of four royal column writers in the company," Christian chuckled giving her a glance.

"Ahh I see, and what sort of column's do you write about us Royals?"

"I write updates about the Royal household as well as events going on and what happened at different trips, funnily enough I wrote one about you the other day," Christian raised his eyebrows.

"All good things I hope?" he asked tentatively.

"Well it was pretty vague. You're a public figure who is also a mystery because so few people know you and you're very private so my column was titled 'Prince Trevelyan the man who will one day wear the crown' and just about your early life mainly, what's known about it to the public anyway," Ana said, stopping them near a butcher stall.

"You won't... I mean I know you wouldn't .. put you won't write anything about.. this," he pointed between them, "would you?" Ana furrowed her brows at him.

"Of course not," she said, slightly offended that he's even ask that, "I would never want to let the country know that you are funny and wear the hell out of a t shirt and a pair of sunglasses," Christian chuckled and stood beside her analysing all of the produce as Ana bought some meat. They stopped at a few more stalls, the most exciting of which was a fruit stall which was the first Christian wanted to buy something at.

"Ana," he said excitedly holding up an apple. "Can you get me this? I'll uhhh.. I'll pay you back," he grinned sheepishly. She rolled her eyes before taking the apple from him to add to her pile of fruit to be purchased receiving a dark look from her Prince.

"I was going to ask you if you wanted to head to a café and get some lunch but now you've got your apple," Ana said as they headed out of the market.

"No, please I'd love to go and get some lunch with you, I've never eaten out before," Christian told her, putting the apple in her bag again and squeezing her hand. She grinned at him.

"Okay lets go," they went down the street and turned a corner when Christian stopped them suddenly, pulling them down an alleyway quickly, so quickly that Ana almost lost her step and had to grip onto Christian's arm to stop herself from falling. He stopped when they were hidden behind the wall and peeked his head out to look down the end of the street where people were walking around.

"Christian, what is wrong with you? why did you..." he cut her off with a look.

"Do you see those two men down there, one's got a moustache," he nodded his head and she looked around the wall seeing the two gentlemen in question. She looked back at him puzzled. There was nothing special about them, they were in casual dress and looking into a shop window.

"Yes, what about them?"

"They're guards, they've been sent out to look for me," Christian sighed, taking off his sunglasses, "they're never going to leave me alone," Ana looked at the expression of his face; it broke her heart. He was utterly deflated. She rubbed his arm to get his attention and he looked at her with sad grey eyes. She wanted to pull him in for a hug but first, she was going to help him.

"No one has recognised you so far and they won't recognise you now, come on Christian, we've got a day together; one day and I'm not going to spend it standing down an alleyway hiding from those guards. If I can only give you one day of freedom then that's exactly what we're going to do, we're going to leave here, walk straight past them and go and get some lunch okay?" Ana said encouragingly. He nodded, willing to follow this beautiful woman anyway and they went. Ana's plan worked, the disguise worked and the guards didn't even bat an eyelid at him. He was a normal man, even just for a day.

A/N - Sorry about the glitch with the first chapter, I know some of you got a bunch of emails with different links on them and I stayed up for hours trying to fix it after getting no reply from FF so I can only apologize. Thank you to the people who messaged me telling me about the issues or I wouldn't have known. Anyway, hope this goes out alright and you all enjoy it. Next chapter, Christian continues his day of freedom...