A/N Did I say the characters weren't mine? I can't remember. If I didn't. Not mine.

Chapter 7

BPOV

I awoke Saturday morning tangled up in the limbs of a warm body, with a wide smile on my face. Peeking open one eye, I checked my clock, noting I still had thirty minutes before my alarm was due to sound. Alice's face was pressed into my chest, eyes still closed in a peaceful sleep. I smiled at how adorably ruffled she looked in the morning, her little mouth open just a bit, hair all over the place. I especially liked how she looked in my clothes.

After our fight the previous evening, Alice and I never really got back in the mood for anything serious, so instead Alice threw a t-shirt over her knickers and climbed into bed while I wore my usual sleepwear. We talked late into the night, whispering our secrets and cuddling under the fluffy duvet.

I didn't want to move out of Alice's warmth, but the lavatory called, so being as gentle as possible I pulled Alice's arm up, intending to slip out of her grasp. Apparently, even in sleep she was stubborn. With a soft grunt, she tightened her grip on me, worming her way closer against me, and wrapping one leg over both of mine. Sighing, and torn between frustration and amusement at her actions, I used a little more force to extricate myself from her hold, slipping out of the bed. Alice huffed, but rolled onto her stomach, slipping her arms up under her pillow, still asleep.

I had only just finished in the bath, and was moving back to the bed when I heard a soft knock at my door. Glancing at Alice to see she was still sound asleep, I grabbed my dressing gown and threw it on before swiftly making my way to the door before whoever was there decided to knock harder. Opening it just enough to see out, my eyebrows raised at Mark and Clinton waiting in the hall looking both sheepish and determined.

"Yes?" I inquired, watching as they looked between each other. Mark was the first to speak up.

"We require an audience with you Your Highness. It's very important." He said, Clinton nodding his agreement. I didn't bother to hide my surprise. This was unexpected and couldn't have come at a worse time. Alice shuffled quietly on the bed behind me, and I froze.

"This is not a very good time. Perhaps later, after the interview?" I suggested, moving to close the door, but Mark quickly stepped forward, his voice lowering so I could only just hear him.

"It's about your friend, Miss Alice." He said quickly, and my eyes darted to Clinton in alarm.

"I know." He stated, calmly meeting my eyes.

"May we come in princess?" Mark asked again, and I didn't really see a way around it, so without a word, I opened the door allowing them to enter, but glancing towards my bed to be sure our conversation hadn't woken Alice. Motioning for them to wait inside the door, I moved back to close the curtains around my bed before leading them into my sitting room. Once we were there, I turned, crossing my arms and fixing Mark with a glare.

"Apparently you felt the non-disclosure agreement you signed didn't apply to Clinton?" I whispered angrily.

"Your Highness, if I may be so bold…" Clinton started and I turned my glare to him. Lowering his voice to an even quieter level he continued. "Your associations, or rather your preferences have been known to both of us for quite a while. Mark did not need to tell me anything."

His confession froze me. They knew. They both knew! I thought I had always been careful up until that night at the club with Alice. How could they possibly know?

"How?" I asked sharply, eyes still narrowed at my two bodyguards. Clinton looked at Mark, who was apparently the silently designated speaker now.

"Princess, under our obligations as your security, there are certain responsibilities incumbent upon us…" I rolled my eyes, interrupting.

"Speak plainly." I demanded, not at all in the mood to be led about by my nose.

"We followed you princess." Mark finally stated bluntly.

"Every time?" I whispered hoarsely, as the realization that they knew of every single one of my past affairs started to sink in. They both nodded calmly and I buried my face in my hands horrified. They had known all this time. Which meant I'd probably looked like an arse, thinking I was sneaking around with Alice the last couple months.

"Your Highness, neither of us would ever break our loyalty to you or your trust. The information need travel no further than the three of us." Clinton tried to reassure me, but that wasn't true. Rose knew, they knew, soon Edward would know, and Alice was insistent that her friends could be trusted. This was getting out of hand. My lungs felt tight, and I leaned against the couch, a hand clutching my chest.

"Princess, are you alright?" Mark whispered urgently, moving to my side with concern. I nodded, taking deep breaths, though they did little to calm the hysteria rising within me. All it took was one mistake, one uttered comment, and my life would come crashing down around me. I'd lose everything. I'd lose Alice.

Clinton had moved off and returned swiftly with a bottle of water from my cooler. I nodded my thanks eagerly opening the bottle and taking several sips, letting the cool liquid soothe my parched throat.

"Is that the only reason you needed to speak with me this morning?" I finally asked, when the room stopped spinning and I no longer felt faint.

"No, Your Highness, we wished to inquire as to your plans for today. Miss Alice cannot remain in your room during the interview. The maids would certainly be alarmed to find her here." Mark noted worriedly. I pondered this. Originally I had planned to sneak her back out through the tunnels so she could wander in the public parts of the castle and grounds, but then I would need to risk exposing the entrance to the tunnels twice more.

"What do you suggest?" I asked, looking between the two men.

"The maids clean our quarters early, Princess. Miss Alice would be welcome to stay in either of our rooms during the interview. We could escort her there shortly before returning with Arthur for the interviews." Mark recommended. I looked to the clock to see it was already late. If this plan was to work, Alice would need to be out of my room in about thirty minutes. Smiling thankfully at Mark and Clinton, I nodded.

"Thank you both for your understanding. I cannot tell you how incredibly grateful I am for allowing this."

They both nodded, shooting me smiles before bowing.

"We'll take our leave now and allow you time to dress. We will return at half passed the hour for Miss Alice, Your Highness." They departed quickly, and I hastily made my way back to the bed, opening the curtains to see Alice still soundly asleep, her face scrunched up in a pout. I giggled, crawling onto the bed and settling myself over her lower back. Bending down, I placed three kisses across her neck, nuzzling her hair briefly with my nose before whispering.

"Alice."

"Mmmm." She moaned, turning her head the other direction.

I pulled at the collar of the oversized shirt she wore, exposing her shoulder and placing more kisses.

"Alice, honey. Wake up." I murmured against her skin, playfully nipping it. She squirmed a bit, but still refused to rouse herself. "Alright. You leave me no choice." I said seriously, before moving off to her side and giving her bottom a sound slap.

Alice yelped, lurching up and twisting in the air to stare at me, first in shock, then in mock anger.

"I warned you." I said, playing innocent. Alice huffed, crossing her arms, but didn't disagree. Leaning in, I pecked her on the nose before rolling off the side of the bed. "We have to hurry. I'll tell you about it in the shower." I said, winking and sauntering off towards the bath. I heard a commotion behind me and looked back to see Alice frantically trying to extricate herself from the sheets. I laughed loudly, continuing on my way to start the water.

Unfortunately, time didn't allow us more than a few heated touches and brief kisses before I was shooing Alice off to get dressed while I finished up washing.

When I finally finished and came out of the bathroom, Alice was looking over some pictures on a shelf. They were mostly of Edward, Rose, and I when we were kids, or of Grandmother. Coming up behind her in just a towel, I wrapped my arms around her waist, returning my lips to their favorite place on her neck.

"When are they coming to get me?" She asked softly, as I continued my affections. Grumbling, I let my eyes seek out the clock. If they were as punctual as usual, they would arrive in three minutes. I needed to get dressed.

"Too soon." I muttered, forcing myself to pull away and open my wardrobe. I pulled on some trousers and a blouse. I would be redressed and made up before the interview and photo shoot anyway. Alice had gone to get her bag, since it couldn't be seen here anymore than she could, and we both turned at the light knock on the door. I motioned for her to stay where she was and finished buttoning my blouse on the way to door. Opening it, so Alice remained concealed, I smiled when I saw Mark and Clinton waiting. They both greeted me bowing as I let them in the room. Both of their gazes turned to Alice, who was blushing and looking down at her shoes. Giggling, I moved to her side, taking her hand.

"Don't worry. They look scary, but they'll take good care of you." I said, winking at my two guards, who smiled, nodding. I never should have doubted their loyalty. I knew them better than that. Pulling Alice away from the desk a bit, I made the introductions.

"Alice, this is Mark and Clinton. This is Alice Brandon." I said looking between them. Mark and Clinton both bowed to her, saying, 'Miss Alice' which succeeded in making her blush even darker and her blue eyes grow wide. "They do that to me too." I mock whispered, rolling my eyes and making Alice giggle. "Here." I said, reaching around her and pulling my computer off the desk with its power cord. Clinton came forward and I handed it to him. "Now you'll at least have something to do while you're waiting."

"Your Highness…" Mark said, glancing at the clock worriedly. I sighed, nodding.

"She'll be out in a moment." I told them, and they wordlessly took their leave. Turning back around, I saw Alice looking at me nervously. "It'll be okay, sweetheart." I said, smiling gently. It felt odd to be the one doing the reassuring. I should be the one freaking out. But I trusted Mark and Clinton, with my life, and with Alice.

"When will you be finished, again?" She asked, for probably the tenth time this morning.

"Most likely around three, but I'll try and finish earlier if I can." I promised, leaning in for one last kiss before our separation. I pulled back, taking a deep breath and pulling one of my heavy cloaks from the back of the desk chair. Securing it around her shoulders, I couldn't resist leaning in for one more peck before pulling the deep hood up over her head. I was under no misconceptions that she wouldn't draw attention, and look odd, but no one would question her being escorted by Mark and Clinton, and most importantly, no one would be able to see her face.

Taking her hand, I pulled her towards the door and finally handed her into my guards' care. Bowing to me again silently, they quickly ushered her off down the hallway, and I retreated into my room.

Ten minutes later there was another knock at my door and I called for them to enter, already knowing, and being correct, that it was Arthur, Mark and Clinton. I looked quickly to my guards with concern, while Arthur was looking over his schedule, and Mark nodded almost imperceptibly. A small breath of relief left me, before I quickly composed myself again when Arthur looked up.

"I'm afraid this morning will be quite hectic, Your Highness." Arthur said, giving me a sympathetic smile. "Not to worry though, I've made sure to schedule some rests into the hullabaloo." He said, grinning. Well somebody's in a good mood today! I thought, beaming back at my assistant. "You will be taking breakfast in the family dining room, then Gabrielle will dress you for the interview with Miss Sawyer." Ah, Diane Sawyer, so that's who my interview is with! Hmm, that means a mainly American audience and probably a fair amount of personal questions. "Of course, she has already been made aware of topics not to bring up." And I nodded. "After that session is complete, we will have an early lunch and then Gabrielle will be assisting you with the photo outfits." I groaned, ignoring Arthur's disapproving look.

"How many different sets are there?"

"I believe there are three, Your Highness, all very tasteful." He said, nodding to himself. "There is one other thing I wished to discuss. We spoke briefly last month about hosting a university student for a few weeks as part of a program in governmental relations…" My head snapped up. I definitely did NOT remember anything about this.

"What program?" I asked, not caring that it was probably something I should already know about. Giving me a slightly disapproving look, Arthur thankfully chose not to comment on my ignorance.

"The United Kingdom's universities have often sponsored programs for students to work within Parliament, to gain a better understanding of the political system. The past couple years Cambridge, Oxford, and a few other local universities have been attempting to build a similar program here with the crown and its advisors. They see it as an experience in history and global relations."

"Oh."

"Quite." Arthur agreed. "Most of the problem was the security risk involved for the royal family, but they seem to think they'll be able to weed out any unsavory types. I remain skeptical, but the queen has approved the program at her advisors' behest. There's little that can be done now, as the application process began today. I bring it up only because it may be mentioned in the interview later."

Mark and Clinton didn't look particularly thrilled at the idea and I could understand why. I didn't care to have a stranger following me around either.

"What exactly does this require of me?" I asked unhappily.

"Very little, Your Highness. The student selected will only be in the palace twice a week in the afternoons and will spend the majority of their time with the Crown advisors, most likely. They may be in the background to observe a few meetings or events and you may be asked to allow them a short audience, but nothing more invasive than that." Arthur assured me, looking positively scandalized at the idea of someone shadowing me or the Queen about as I had thought.

"The final candidates will also be undergoing an extensive background check that Clinton and I are assisting with, Your Highness." Mark added.

I just nodded, knowing there was nothing I could say if the Queen had approved it. I wasn't particularly happy with her decisions as of late. Irritated, I chose to lead the way out the door, despite it being against security protocol. I just wanted to get the day underway.

Two hours later I was seated comfortably in an armchair in front of one of the palace's grander fireplaces, trying my hardest not to fidget as I waited for the final touches to be taken care of before we began taping. I looked up to see Miss Sawyer smiling kindly at me. She had interviewed me before, a few years ago. As journalists went, she wasn't too abrasive. I preferred her methods over some of the brasher and blunter techniques others had used when they were trying to make a name for themselves by catching me off guard. It never worked. I'd been giving interviews since I could talk. I knew better than to react to anything they said. That's not even mentioning the several people standing by to intercede should it become necessary.

"Okay, Your Highness, Diane, we're on in 5…4…3…2..." He pointed to us and we both took up huge fake smiles for the camera.

After giving a short introduction, Miss Sawyer, who I'd been asked to call Diane, turned to me.

"Well Princess Isabella, I believe the last time we spoke was shortly after your mother, Princess Anne passed away. I know that was a difficult time for you…" She let her question trail off and I resisted the urge to glare. Wasn't my mother on the 'Do not mention' list?

"Yes, it is still difficult." I answered shortly, without letting the displeasure seep into my words.

"And now you've stepped into the role of heir to the monarchy at such a young age. How are you handling it all?"

"Well it's certainly been trying at times, but I take each obstacle as it comes. I could not ask for a better example or teacher than my Grandmother. I just hope to be able to continue her legacy and not blunder it up too badly." I gave my stock answer with a small forced chuckle. Diane laughed as was expected before we fell back into more questions about my future and expectations. It wasn't until about twenty minutes into the interview that she finally got a sparkle in her eye and I knew the questions she really wanted to ask were about to start.

"Speaking of public image, you used to be seen quite frequently on the night scene. The tabloids used to call you the party princess." I chuckled disdainfully a bit at the reminder of my nickname, shaking my head. "But we haven't seen you at the clubs recently. Have you left that in your past since you returned from Haiti?

"I did mature greatly during my time in Haiti. It was a humbling experience that I will always keep with me as a reminder to be thankful for all the good fortune in my life. I still enjoy going out with friends. I'm in my early twenties and I don't see anything wrong with relaxing occasionally, just as someone else my age would."

"Understandable. And with that I'm afraid we'll have to take a short break. When we return, we'll be asking the question admirers across the globe want to know." Diane said, smiling into the camera. My eyebrows raised involuntarily at this bit of news.

"Okay and we're off. Everyone take ten." The director/producer announced, hurrying over with Diane to thank me and tell me how well I did.

Arthur arrived shortly after with a glass of water for me which I gratefully took.

"You have done very well so far, Princess. I had hoped she would keep her questions a bit more respectful, but I suppose it's what to expect from a journalist, particularly an American journalist." Arthur muttered unhappily. I turned around to see Clinton and one of our new security members, Trevor, flanking my seat.

"Trevor." I acknowledged and he greeted me as expected, before I turned to Clinton, a question on my face.

"Mark is taking lunch to a friend. He will return shortly Your Highness." Clinton said, giving me a pointed look and I realized I had completely forgotten about food for Alice. I felt like smacking myself in the forehead. My bodyguards took better care of my girlfriend than I did!

"Of course." I acknowledged, turning back around to take another sip of water.

It seemed like I'd only had a couple minutes to relax before we were back on camera, Diane reintroducing us to the future audience before turning to me.

"So, the question everyone has been waiting for. Will hearts be breaking all over the world tonight? Is there a special someone in your life?"

I chuckled, trying to stay as casual as possible. "I'm afraid not." I said, watching as Diane tried to hide her obvious disappointment that I wouldn't be using her interview to announce my future husband.

"No one's caught your eye yet?" She pushed, and struggled to keep smiling.

"My life is fairly busy at the moment. It doesn't leave much time for building relationships, especially romantic ones, but perhaps one day…" I trailed off leaving it open to whatever people wanted to think.

"You must have thought about it though. What would Mr. Right be like for you? Your dream man." She said in her soft, almost motherly voice that made the question sound more gentle and friendly than it actually was.

I sighed quietly, thinking about how to answer. I could just lie and list of the generic male qualities everyone looks for, but a lot of what I looked for wasn't gender specific anyway. And even if I did like men, I wouldn't feel comfortable listing off physical qualities I desired.

"Well, they must be kind and genuine. I've never cared for liars or selfishness. I suppose I also look for a sense of humor and…" I thought some more, finally shrugging. "I suppose I just have to be comfortable with them. That's the most important thing."

"Wise words." Diane praised smiling at the camera. I felt like rolling my eyes, but refrained. The interview continued for far longer than I had expected, but it was explained to me that the entire time would not be seen. It would be edited later for length. The rest of the questions were easy enough to answer at least, mainly being about what I did for entertainment and general questions about my daily routine. I couldn't comprehend in the slightest why people found my scheduling to be fascinating. Regardless, I answered dutifully, aware that the more cooperative I was, the faster I would be finished and the faster I could return to Alice.


APOV

I had spent the majority of my morning looking up the history of the British monarchy. After my discussion with Isabella last night, I realized how little I actually knew about the expectations placed on her. I was also curious to see whether there had ever been a gay monarch before. Sadly, I didn't find any confirmed cases, but a few were questionable. It seemed to me that people could assume Isabella was gay all they wanted, but unless she outright admitted to it, most would turn a blind eye. That's how it was in the past at least.

Isabella's security guard Mark had brought me lunch, which I was thankful for, since I hadn't considered how I would get food while sequestered away. The sandwich was amazing! He'd even managed to get me some French fries and a cookie! Next to Isabella, who had an unfair advantage, Mark had easily become my second favorite palace person. Although to be fair, if Clinton had brought me lunch, it would have been him. I'm very fickle that way and easily swayed by good food.

Once I'd finished lunch, I checked my school email to see whether my professor had graded our exams yet, but instead found an all school email from the global relations department. Normally, I'd just delete these kinds of emails, but the word monarchy caught my eye and I opened it shocked to see the perfect opportunity. Isabella wouldn't like it, I was sure of that, but what she didn't know wouldn't hurt her. If I was selected, it would give me a legitimate reason for coming onto palace grounds and maybe even seeing Isabella! I had to at least try! Making up my mind, I quickly set about to create the best application possible.

Just as I was starting to fill out the online form, I received a text from Angela.

Did you see the email?

She knew it would be obvious to me which one she meant, since she was well familiar with my previous obsession for Princess Isabella. I giggled to myself thinking that the only thing that had changed was my obsession now centered on the Isabella portion and not the princess part. I answered her in the affirmative and received a quick replay.

Are you going to apply? Or is your attention not on the Princess anymore?

It was fairly amusing that she thought my secret lover would distract me from my obsession, little did she know.

Oh no. I'm applying. Nothing would keep me from an opportunity to be with Princess Isabella.

J Good. I'm glad to see some things haven't changed. Good luck!

A/N So I'm not going to try not to whine because I know how long you guys waited for this chapter, but I really had a hard time writing it. It seemed like no matter how much I changed it, I couldn't do what I wanted properly. Needless to say, I'm not particularly happy with it, but I didn't want to keep you waiting any longer since I think it was getting worse the more I played with it.