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.

Notes:

First of all, I would like to dedicate my work to the victims of Orlando, because I started to write this story that fateful night… What a sad coincidence. To you guys, wherever you are, with all my love.

Secondly, this is (or was, now) absolutely not my kind of work. A movie as The Princess Diaries wasn't my cup of tea to be honest (being an adult is quite annoying sometimes, especially when we stupidly think that we are too old for something), but I wanted to give it a try because of the duo Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway. Despite their respective talent as actresses, I was still reluctant... Until the comment of a very honest and sweet father, also reluctant at first. So I watched it because of his comment and just like him I was pleasantly surprised by the story of the main character and its outcome in both movies. That's why I chose this story.

I know Disney is thinking about homosexuality and how to bring it delicately on big screen. I may be gay but as a writer I understand the difficulties behind such a decision, especially if it's for an animated movie (but that's another debate). I also know producers and writers want to make a third Princess Diaries movie. They probably are working on it already, without Garry unfortunately :'( …
Because a gay lead character would be a huge and major step for Disney, I think a movie would be more accurate. So here is my attempt. If you want to contact Disney on my behalf, please let me know first ;)

Thank you so much for the sweet and encouraging messages and reviews, you guys really rock!

In the memory of Mr. Garry Marshall. He was a true talent and better than a director, he was a real entertainment's conductor.

Chapter 6

Frederic and Isabel were sleeping peacefully, nestled in their mother's sides. Lucky them, Amelia thought. Each time she closed her eyes, the scene from the previous night was repeating itself. She cried silently, careful not to wake her little angels, as she was thinking about the people involved in that sad attack. Line was in a critical condition, Alexandra was out of danger, and Lionel was camping at the Queen's door.

Amelia called the two persons she felt she could still trust. Her mother and Lilly. Helen understood over the phone, despite the strong sobbing session, that her daughter has arranged for a plane for her, Patrick and Trevor to come to Genovia. Helen's heart broke when her daughter told her between sobs that she just needed her mom to hold her. Lilly was already here, sleeping with the twins in the adjacent room.

Amelia felt tricked, betrayed. By her own grandmother. Lionel. And Alexandra. She was relieved to know the red head woman was recovering well from her injuries, but she was so angry at her. Alexandra should have said something. They all should have told her. They shouldn't have let her wander around like an innocent lamb in the threatening and growing shadow of Miss Johnston.

The previous night

- Something's wrong? Amelia asked.

- Hum… I… I think you should take a look at that your Majesty, Line stammered.

Mathilda and the children got out of the car and the nanny closed the door. Amelia leaned towards Line's cell phone to see what had made her gasp like that. She frowned deeply when she saw a picture of Nicholas and Line, holding each other tenderly on a sunny day. Then she heard the familiar sound of the door lock. She raised her head to look at Line with a very confused face.

Line was smirking proudly, and there was something really scary in her eyes.

- Nicholas said he told you about me, Line said very calmly. We never met at that time you and I, but you may know me as Emmaline. My real name.

- Emmaline? Amelia hushed in shock.

Then it hit her. She remembered the conversation that had led Nicholas and her to divorce. They had already split up for quite some time and he was just moving to the mansion nearby the palace.
That day Nicholas was embarrassed, looking for the right words, but Amelia knew just by looking at his face. He had met someone else. Amelia was the one who said they should get a divorce, not out of anger or jealousy because they weren't in love with each other anymore, but for him to be free. Amelia was genuinely happy for him, especially when his face literally lit up when he said her name: Emmaline.

- There, there now, Emmaline said, patting the Queen's hand. No need to be afraid. I just wanted to have a little chat with you before killing you, she added with an innocent smile. It was easy to get rid of Charlotte with her allergies.

The woman was obviously crazy. Amelia looked at her with wide eyes and she started to hyperventilate when Line took out a small gun from her purse. She barely registered that someone was trying to open the door from outside. She was paralyzed.

- Did you like the letters? And the gifts? She asked, beaming. My brother's a steward for British Airways that's why they were coming from all over the world. Clever, don't you think? My favorite was the music box, that was his idea. It was brilliant! She laughed madly. He took care of the bird's head because… Emmaline shivered, ew! you know.

- Why? Amelia breathed weakly, tears in the eyes.

- Why?! Emmaline spat in a light speed mood changing, making Amelia jump and sob from fright. Nicholas is dead because of you! She added, pushing the gun painfully on the Queen's side.

- No! Please, Amelia whimpered.

- He would never have had that accident if he didn't have to go to his lawyer to sign some more papers! Because of you!

- I've never asked him to do it in a rush, Amelia said in a broken voice.

- I DON'T BELIEVE YOU! Emmaline yelled. Now, we are going to get into that plane and I will show you what it feels like to lose your children.

- What?! No! Amelia gasped in horror.

- Oh yes, Emmaline hissed. That evening I was waiting for him to come home. I was going to tell him I was pregnant.

Emmaline was half laughing, half crying, looking even more crazier in that hysterical delirium state. With the gun planted on her side, Amelia didn't know what to do. She let out a cry when Emmaline pushed the gun harder.

- But I was so devastated by Nicholas death that I had a miscarriage a month later. I lost everything because of you! EVERYTHING! So tonight we're all gonna die. I don't have anything to loose now, she added in a trembling whisper.

Amelia was crying desperately and felt in a second state. She couldn't remember when Emmaline reopened the door, nor her legs moving automatically to get out of the car. But she remembered Lionel's horror. She remembered Alexandra jumping out of nowhere. Emmaline yelling and the gun shots. The warm blood splattering over her face. There was so much blood. She remembered Alexandra's eyes full of tenderness, and her hand on her cheek.

Amelia swallowed the bitter bile that was threatening to get out as she was once again reliving the horrible scene in her head. She cried to sleep.

Helen, Patrick and Trevor arrived the next day. Trevor, like every other children was being spared by the bloody details of the event. But as a brother, he was overly protective with his big sister. He was giving a hard time to Clarisse and Lionel, and assured his big sister that he would give a much harder time to that woman, Alexandra. That night, Amelia cried to sleep again, but it was her turn to be in her mother's arms.

A little less than a week passed by when Alexandra was released from the hospital, her left arm in a sling. She had now two fresh scars, one on her left shoulder and one on her left side. She had been lucky both bullets went through and through. Amelia never came to the hospital to see her once she was awake. She was told the Queen was angry at her, rightfully. But as Emmaline's brother was still somewhere in the nature, she had to go back to the palace. Her job wasn't over yet. Injured or not.

She was now waiting in the Queen's study. Clarisse was there, telling her that when the contract would be officially over, she would be rewarded with the cross of courage and made Knight of the Kingdom for saving the children and the Queen's life. She was almost begging her to seriously think about taking over Lionel's position as head of the security. But Alexandra wasn't really listening. She kept her eyes on the open door, waiting worriedly for Amelia to come. Some other people came in, Charlotte was rushing in with some papers smiling shyly at the red head; Joseph was at her side squeezing her uninjured shoulder both for supporting her and to thank her for saving his little girl and the kids. A brunette woman entered and threw her arms around her careful of her left side, chanting thank you in her ear before saying she was Mia's mom. And then she saw her.

Amelia entered her study with firm steps, angry eyes fixed on Alexandra. The people who were in the room stepped aside, seeing she was in a rush to reach the red head. The Queen hardly stopped walking when she slapped Alexandra hard across the face. The sound was as violent as the hit, burning Alexandra's cheek.

- Amelia! Clarisse gasped.

- Please get out. All of you, the Queen hissed quietly.

No one seemed brave enough to say something to the angry Queen and left the room in a lethal silence, the only sounds being quiet steps and the door shutting softly. Amelia took a chair and placed it in the middle of the room.

- Sit.

Alexandra obeyed. Piercing watery brown eyes, filled with rage, were nailing her on the chair. The Queen was like a lioness, pacing slowly with the feline's grace, beautiful but dangerous nevertheless. She had trapped her prey, not knowing yet if she should attack right now, or play with it a little bit.
Alexandra decided, for her part, to play it safe. Just like facing a feline, Alexandra thought a sudden movement wouldn't have been wise when Amelia was emanating so much anger. She waited in silence, sitting straight with a neutral face.

- Who are you? Amelia asked softly.

Too softly. Alexandra frowned slightly at the question because she knew the Queen had been told the whole story. Amelia wanted to hear it from the lead character and was determined to make her talk, no matter how long it would take.

- Agent No. 27, Alexandra Vendôme.

- Is it your real name? The Queen asked with a hint of sarcasm.

- Yes. We've kept it simple for the cover.

- Why? And who is "we"? Amelia asked, still pacing and frowning deeply.

- My superiors, Alexandra simply said, ignoring the first question.

- Not good enough, Amelia growled.

- I am not authorized to give you more information, Alexandra replied, her voice still.

- Why? Amelia's voice was menacing.

- It's classified.

Amelia stopped suddenly and looked at her with disbelief, scoffing loudly. She then went to the window and leaned against it.

- Someone wanted to kill me and my children and I'm not even allowed to know who or what is protecting me!?

- Mia –

- No! Amelia turned suddenly, pointing a menacing finger. You don't get to call me that. Only people I truly know, who I can trust can use my nickname, Amelia said between gritted teeth. I don't know you! You lied to me! You tricked me!

Alexandra let her head fall in a surrender gesture.

- I am truly sorry for putting you and your children through that your Majesty, Alexandra said quietly. You're completely entitled to feel betrayed and scared.

- Oh I feel much better to have your approval, thank you very much! Amelia replied with a rising but trembling voice.

Amelia was a bit out of breath, her throat tightening around the lump that was ready to explode, obviously trying to contain her tears. She turned completely to the window, showing only her back to Alexandra. When her shoulders started to shake, Alexandra knew the Queen was crying. She stood up and walked hesitantly, her hand ready to land on a shaky shoulder. But she stopped mere inches from it and clenched her fist and her jaw tightly. She couldn't. Not now. And if she was reasonable, not ever.

Amelia turned her head towards Alexandra but didn't look at her.

- I know I should be thankful for what you've done but... It's all messed up in my head, Amelia explained sadly. I thought... I mean... She let out a long sigh. I was so scared and angry with you at the same time. And I couldn't come to see you when you woke up because of security, and I needed… After that night I…

She turned completely, tears running slowly down her cheeks. Alexandra couldn't help it, she wiped the tears on one cheek with her thumb. The Queen closed her eyes and leaned her head against the soft hand.

- I thought you were dying, Amelia added, her voice shaking, barely above a whisper.

Slowly, painfully, Alexandra removed her hand and stepped back to the chair. She didn't sit though, she rested her free hand against the back of the chair in a tired stance.

- I'm fine now, she said quietly.

- But Line— I mean Emmaline shot you twice, Amelia replied.

Alexandra bent her head to hide her face with curly red hair.

- It's okay, I've had worst injuries, she answered.

- That doesn't make me feel any better.

- But this is my job. And unless Miss Johnston's brother is arrested before he can do any harm, I will be ready to protect you, therefore to take another bullet if I have to.

- Please don't say that, Amelia said in a faint voice.

- I think we need to set some ground rules, because from now on I'll be with you 24/7, Alexandra said seriously. First of all, you need to accept that I may die in order to protect you.

- Oh God… Amelia breathed uncomfortably and took a deep breath.

- That's what I am. I mean a bodyguard, not God, Alexandra tried to joke.

A small laugh escaped Amelia's lips.

- I should get back to work, the Queen said tiredly. Would it be alright if we talk more this evening?

- It depends on what.

- I know, I know. Classified. I just think we should talk more about you, and I... I mean… Amelia trailed. Ground rules.

They exchanged a knowing look, understanding the depth of those few words. Alexandra nodded and pointed a thumb towards the door.

- Should I? The red head asked.

- Yes please.

- One more thing. If you ever need a private moment with someone, just look at me and glance quickly at the door, but no more than five minutes and I'll be counting, believe me, Alexandra said in full bodyguard mode. I'll only make an exception for close family but I'll always be at the door, whether you like it or not. I won't let you get that close to death anymore, she added firmly.

Amelia's eyes glittered with puzzlement and fascination at this tough side of Alexandra. She recalled then she had thought there was something powerful about that woman. So there it was. She nodded and the bodyguard walked to the door to open it. A very surprised Charlotte, and not so far away Clarisse, jumped and straightened at the sudden door opening, blushing furiously at being caught eavesdropping. Alexandra raised a playful eyebrow.

- She's all yours, she said waving a hand towards Amelia who was shaking her head with a small smile, amused by her indiscreet grandmother and assistant.

Trevor looked a lot like his father, but he had inherited his sister's eyes. He wasn't as shy as Amelia but he had the same determination in his eyes. And sister and brother were both stubborn as one can be. Despite the obvious ocean and several states separating them, Amelia did her best to be present as much as she could be in her brother's life. Trevor was in awe with his big sister. Of course there were two decades between them, but Amelia was, besides being a Queen, the coolest sister ever, and they both enjoyed their precious time together. Especially when it came to fooling around, to the greatest pleasure of their mother and Patrick, because then Amelia was 12 all over again. And every time it ended in the same way, Amelia and Trevor pointing an accusing finger at the other claiming rather loudly that "he/she started it!". Queen or not, Amelia was grounded just like her little brother, proportionally to her advanced age obviously. It was only fair after all. Helen thanked all the gods above for them not living together because with these two, on a day to day basis, it would have been a nightmare. Trevor wouldn't have mind at all. Sister and brother shared a sweet and strong connection and each time someone was making Amelia upset, Trevor was frowning deeply and give them a piece of his mind. You don't mess with his sister. It worked both ways of course, although Amelia wasn't keen at playing the evil Queen. Trevor, for his part, was born to be protective.

But this evening, when he finally saw one of the culprit of Amelia's tears, understanding what had happened between the lies for the cover story and the "incident" at the airport, the young boy felt a bit lost. So he frowned, looking harshly at the bodyguard during all dinner. Dinner gave him time to think and decide if he should punch Alexandra for making his sister cry. Or hug her for saving his sister's life.

Trevor didn't know everything about protocol, but apparently knew enough to ask for an audience quite formally with the bodyguard to his sister once dinner was over. Amelia complied, amused by her nonstop frowning little brother even though she knew what he was up to. Poor Alexandra, she thought. Lionel took over the red head while she led the twelve-year-old boy towards the balcony.

To the deep frown, Trevor added hard pursing lips to complete his resolved face. Alexandra held on the smirk that wanted to take place on her lips because this young lad was dead serious about protecting his sister, and that was really sweet. It was even more difficult for her to keep a straight face when she spotted Amelia, hidden from her brother's sight, observing them from one of the French doors with a bright smile. Alexandra decided to talk first to help the angry but mute boy.

- Go on, do it. You know you want to, she said very seriously.

His lower lip started to quiver as big tears were drowning his eyes and he grunted before they fell down, punching her hard on her injured side. She muffled a cry, her face contorting in a wince of pain as he let his head fall on her chest and cried silently.

Amelia gasped when she saw Trevor had hurt Alexandra. The bodyguard, seeing her concern, shook her head quickly to let her know she was handling the situation. She held Trevor for a minute, running a hand on his back to sooth him, and heard something close to thank you.

- Feeling better? She asked softly.

He nodded and wiped his cheeks and eyes in a hurry as he straightened.

- If you tell anyone that I cried, I will deny it!

- I won't tell a soul, Alexandra smiled tenderly.

Then he went back inside and Alexandra made sure he was out of sight before removing her sling and jacket in a wince. Her blouse was now stained with a spot of blood. Amelia joined her in a rush, gasping loudly.

- Oh my God you're bleeding!

- It's nothing, Alexandra assured.

- He shouldn't have done that! I'll—

- No, no! Let him. Male pride, you know... Please?

- Can I at least take care of that? Amelia asked pointing at the bloody patch.

Alexandra sighed and nodded before they stepped back inside.

A room had been arranged in Amelia's suite fort the bodyguard to stay close now that they didn't have to use the cover, in private nonetheless, publicly Alexandra would remain De Bourbon-Vendôme.
They were in Alexandra's room but when she proposed her help, Amelia didn't think about the fact that Alexandra needed, as a matter of fact, to take off the stained blouse. She didn't know either if she was now gasping because she just saw the bandaged injuries, or because she had in front of her Alexandra in a plain white bra. She chastised herself for staring longer than necessary and moved her eyes lower but that wasn't any better as she had to pray for those damn abs to stop their hypnotizing dance. Alexandra was removing the bandage, her belly muscles jumping in pain while she cursed in French through gritted teeth. Amelia shook her head slightly to get her mind out of the near gutter.

- Let me, the Queen said softly.

Alexandra hesitated but let her clean the bleeding wound. She couldn't move her left arm as much as she would like because of her shoulder, so a little help was welcome. Thankfully the stitches weren't pulled and Amelia placed a new bandage very carefully.

- Is now a good time to talk? Amelia asked quietly, checking the bandage.

- Do I have a choice? Alexandra asked with a smirk.

- I'm tempted to say no, Amelia replied playfully.

- Well, I am at your service after all, Alexandra smiled.

They shared their smiles and a comfortable silence for a few seconds but then Amelia's face started to reddened and she looked away

- With a shirt, preferably, she said embarrassed, motioning at Alexandra's upper body.

- Oh gosh! Of course I'm sorry.

The Queen realized how quickly she had put on some shirt and the sling back on her shoulder despite the use of only one arm. It was obvious Alexandra was used to such a situation. What has she been through in her life, Amelia wondered sadly. She walked slowly to the opened double window, leaning comfortably against the outside railing, enjoying the warm breeze of the evening.

- I want to know about you, Amelia said. It's strange really because... I feel like I know you but… you were just someone that doesn't even exist.

- Funny you should say that, replied Alexandra leaning on the railing as well, because officially I don't even exist. But your feeling is right. That was my first mistake.

- What do you mean you don't exist? What mistake? Amelia asked, a bit lost by the red head words.

- Officially on every paper, like on your grandmother's contract, I am only mentioned as Agent No. 27. For the mistake well… Alexandra sighed, taking her time to choose the right words. I let you know me. I was more myself with you than I was Mademoiselle de Bourbon-Vendôme. In my position, it was quite the mistake.

- I don't know if I should feel insulted or not, Amelia said with a comprehensive grin.

- My job here was to protect you under a cover as asked by the Dowager Queen, because you were reluctant to have another bodyguard. Close protection, undercover or not, is my specialty. I was raised and trained for that most of my life. But with you, I don't know, something went completely off and I couldn't help it. It was infuriating, you know, Alexandra complained turning to Amelia, a genuine perplexity written on her face.

Amelia was lost for words, she just smiled tenderly at her bodyguard who had just confessed she had a weakness. And the Queen was said weakness.

- You have to understand that I need to stay focus to keep you alive, so I have to be distant emotionally while staying closer to act as your human shield, Alexandra added.

Amelia scowled but nodded nevertheless. As a Queen and as a mother she had to keep that distance as well. At least as long as William Johnston was out there, surely seeking his way into Genovia and finish his sister's job.

- Wait a minute! She said suddenly. You were raised to do that?!

- It's... Well… Alexandra huffed in frustration.

- Classified, Amelia finished for her.

- No, not really, but... Alexandra trailed with a deep frown.

Amelia stayed quiet, letting the red head take her time. She won't push her to talk about her past because apparently it seemed difficult for her. Amelia felt the urge to hug her, just to let her know that she was there for her as well. She didn't though. Emotional distance was in order.

- It's not very glamorous, Alexandra said, her eyes far away.

Amelia observed her and even if she didn't know what could have been so terrible, she was compassionate.

- Okay, I understand. Whenever you feel like talking about it I'll be there. I really want to get to know you, Amelia said sincerely.

- So you wanted to talk about ground rules, Alexandra changed the subject.

- I think you've said it all. Emotional distance, Amelia said looking at her intently.

Alexandra returned her look. They agreed silently on their feelings, with a hint of regret, to keep them buried in their souls. But it was for the better. Amelia was the first to look away, running a hand in her hair while letting a deep sigh out like she was holding her breath.

- I think I will have an early night, Amelia said.

When the Queen was on the threshold she stopped and turned to Alexandra.

- Can I ask you something personal?

Alexandra wore a worried frown and nodded lightly. Amelia closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

- Are you gay? She then asked bluntly.

- Amelia please, the red head begged.

- I'm sorry, I just need to know, Amelia defended herself.

Alexandra clenched her jaw repeatedly and ran her free hand over her face before leaning against the door frame. Her eyes were now glued on the floor.

- Let's just focus on the fact that you're not, she replied quietly.

Amelia opened her mouth a couple of times without success. Her vocal cords weren't cooperating but she wanted to protest. Even though that was a truth she hadn't thought about since she has laid eyes on the red head. Now she was lost again. She muffled a weak goodnight and got back to her bedroom with the pace of a zombie.

Why why why does she have to be the reasonable one?! If I hadn't been so taken aback by what she said, I would have shown her how "I'm not" gay. Of course it would have been a mistake. Not to mention that I don't know if I'm truly ready. Or maybe I am, because God I want to! But not like that. I think I need to talk to mom... Or Joseph.