The Queen and her Leicester quickly realize how fruitless it is to continually place public expectation above the mechanisms of fate and their own inclinations. With a selfish choice, leading to much grumbling within political and royal circles, some violations of duty ultimately turn out to be worth the risk. (Multi-chapter; Vicbourne)

"It was never supposed to go this far...Somewhere along the way everything changed and a line— a most sacred line— was crossed." Lord Melbourne's view that day at Brockett Hall and all that ensues (I'm terrible at summaries).

Victoria thinks that anyone who might stumble upon them right now would find an odd scene. The Queen, barefoot and plainly dressed, waltzing in a darkened garden with her Prime Minister. Episode 3 AU. Victoria/Melbourne

It is a delicate balance, what is between them, skirting the line without ever completely crossing it. But how far can they really go and will the day come when it all collapses around them? Victoria/Melbourne