A/N: I only own the OC.

Thank you for reviewing! I am glad you all like it so far! Drama ahead...

I walked into work the next morning to see Paige and a few other co-workers looking at the papers with the picture of us kissing all over the front. I was glad no one knew it was me, as Paige handed me some coffee.

"Who do you think it is?" she asked me as she gestured towards the paper as I sipped my coffee.

"Who knows... and thanks for the coffee." I told her and she shook her head.

"Maybe he will bring her to the opening of the exhibit." she said and I shrugged because I couldn't and wouldn't comment further.

"Oh, I saw your email... a tour of the palace?" she asked me excited as I sat down to go through my emails and I nodded.

"Yeah, it was offered to me when I was working in the royal archives." I said and she looked impressed as someone knocked on my office door. We both looked up to see the director of the museum and both stood up.

"Sir." I said and he smiled at us.

"A word, Ms. Mason." he said and Paige quickly left as I motioned for him to sit when I grabbed my notepad.

"No need for that... I don't have anything bad to say." he said and I gave a small smile.

"I have been following your progress and so has the board. We are all impressed, and would like to offer you the permanent position of being the Royal Liason with the Royal Family as well as a permanent position over at the Tower of London." he said and my jaw dropped. I was going to get to work at the Tower.

"I would love that." I said and he smiled at me as he shook my hand.I was overwhelmed because I had been working towards this for my career.

"Wonderful, can you please walk me through the exhibit now so I can talk to you about the progress and final steps." he said and I nodded as I grabbed my notepad and we walked the exhibit talking about different final touches, putting the items in the exhibit, the gala that was happening for the opening and various other items we had to finish. They had just finished with final buildings, quotes, and setting up displays so I could put the items in them next week.

"And, I saw that you are going to be taking a tour of the palace this afternoon?" he asked me and I nodded as we began to exit the exhibit, but saw Prince Karl coming towards us with AJ. I gave a small smile and curtsy to him.

"Price Karl, to what do we owe this visit?" the director asked him and he shrugged.

"I wanted to see the process and we delivered a few more items to you assistant, Paige." he said and I felt like there was more to this visit.

"Iris, would you please give me an update?" he asked me and I nodded as the director turned to follow us, but Karl stopped him.

"No need to come along, director... I'm sure Iris is capable and you have many other business items to take care of today." Karl said and he gave a smile before bowing and left us. Aj gave a small smile before we headed into the exhibit. We got halfway through before he motioned for me to sit down.

"I had a feeling there was more to this visit." I said and he gave a small smile.

"I know you are going to come visit the palace today, and I wanted to give you a heads up. Lady Catherine in there all day with our step-mother." he said and I nodded. I had heard Fergal talk about her, and after seeing her yesterday I wasn't sure why he was with me.

"I appreciate the heads up." I said and he chuckled.

"We all like you, and are rooting for you, Iris... don't give up. Our father will come around." he said and I nodded. I knew that they didn't care too much for their step-mother's influence on their lives.

"Oh, Tee and I are inviting you and Finn to dinner tonight." he said and I gave a small smile.

"Thank you, does he know?" I asked him and he smiled.

"He will ask you tonight, but I figured I would mention it." he said and I smiled.

"Oh, and I had one of the items delivered today be a dress the queen request you to wear." he said with a wink and I smirked.

"Thank you, Karl." I said and he gave me a small hug before I finished up and he left.

I walked back down and Paige showed me the items, the dress, and handed me a note.

"Lunch?" she asked me and I nodded. I was contemplating a drink at lunch because I felt like today was going to be the end of me, even with the good news... I had to deal with Lady Catherine.

"You ok?" Paige asked me as I stared at my soup.

"I think so... a little overwhelmed." I admitted and she chuckled.

"I mean, I'm surprised she had an outfit for you, but I think this is a great step for you, especially with the new promotion." she said and I gave a small smile.

"Celebrate tonight?" she asked me and I knew that I would probably be eating dinner with Fergal and his family.

"Tomorrow night? Not sure how long the tour will take?" I offered and she nodded.

We talked before going back and I had to change in my office. I finally saw the outfit and seemed a bit surprised. I had been brought a beige dress with cap sleeve that hung below the knee, black accents, a high waist, stockings, and some black pumps. I slipped it on, fixed my makeup, and did my hair into a 'proper' updo for our meeting. I grabbed my things as I saw the letter Paige had handed me. I flipped it over and pulled out the card inside.

Ms. Mason,

I understand that you are a wonder young woman, but you are not a young woman that I need nor want in this family. You are not from our class, understand our customs, or fit the ideas of our princess. I have talked connections that hold places with the directors and gotten you a place at Towers so you will be taken care of, but you need to leave my family alone. No amount of studying will make you our princess.

HRH Prince Hunter

I was re-reading it when I heard a knock on the door. I quickly composed myself, force the tears to not fall from behind my glasses, and turned to face a man standing in the doorway.

"Ms. Mason, I am here to take you to the palace." he said and I thought it would be Luke, but I didn't complain. I nodded, grabbed my items, and followed the man. Paige gave me a smile and a thumbs up, which I tried to return before following him outside. I got into the waiting car and realized that someone was in there with me. I looked over to see Prince Hunter looking out the other window.

"Hello, Iris." he said and looked at me. He was an imposing man, but right next to me he was scary. I gave a small smile with a nod.

"Sir." I said back and he chuckled.

"I see that you got my note." he said and motioned to it since it was sticking out of my bag. I quickly pushed it further in and nodded.

"Yes, sir." I said and he gave a small smile.

"Now, what else can I do to get you to understand that you won't be our princess?" he asked me and I sighed.

"Do you not care at all about his feelings?" I asked him and knew that Prince Hunter had a well known temper, so I was probably asking for it if he yelled at me. He smirked and shook his head.

"He had put me through more misery than you can imagine. I gave in a let Karl marry that woman, and we had so much backlash. I will not let Finn marry an American and deal with it again. I just won't." he said and I nodded as I got my answer. He didn't care... and I was in the middle of this.

A/N: What is Iris going to do?