A Fresh Start
The sunlight streamed through the large windows of Alexandra's apartment, painting the space in warm hues. The place was in chaos—open boxes, garbage bags filled with discarded clothes and clutter, and a vacuum cleaner standing awkwardly in the middle of the living room. Alexandra's hair was tied up messily, her tank top smeared with dust and sweat as she danced around, a broom in hand.
Music blared from the speakers, filling the space with a mix of upbeat pop and nostalgic tunes. She was determined to clear her head and her space, convinced that a cleaner apartment might lead to a clearer mind.
Her determination faltered when her foot hit a small, unassuming tin. Bending down, she picked it up and opened it to reveal a handful of pills and powders. For a moment, she stared at them, her expression unreadable. Then, with a sharp breath, she walked straight to the trash bag and emptied the contents into it.
"This is the new me," she muttered under her breath, tying the bag tightly and setting it aside.
As she turned back to her cleaning, a familiar melody filled the room. The opening chords of one of Taylor Swift's latest hits echoed from the speakers. Alexandra froze mid-step, the broom still in her hand.
It was that voice.
The memory of their night together came flooding back. The heat on the dance floor, the way Taylor's eyes had sparkled under the club lights, the quiet intimacy of their conversation afterward. Alexandra felt a flicker of warmth, quickly followed by a twinge of doubt.
She laughed softly, shaking her head. "Of course, you'd show up now," she muttered to the invisible Taylor.
The song continued, and instead of skipping it, Alexandra found herself swaying to the beat, a smile creeping onto her face. Maybe it was the universe's way of reminding her of her promise to herself—and to her father.
Her phone sat on the kitchen counter, screen lit up with an unfinished text to Taylor. She hadn't been able to press send after their brief conversation about her father's heart attack.
Her gaze wandered to her phone, where Taylor's name sat at the top of her recent messages. Would it be too much? she wondered. She didn't want to seem clingy, but something about Taylor made her want to throw caution—and royal decorum—to the wind.
She glanced at the bouquet of roses on her dining table, a standard delivery she had received earlier from a well-wisher. They were lovely, but they didn't feel personal. Not like the flowers Alexandra had in mind for Taylor.
Lillies.
The thought bloomed in her mind almost instantly. Elegant and timeless, they were a symbol of renewal and purity. Perfect for Taylor. Alexandra quickly grabbed her bag and keys, her heart racing at the idea.
The plan solidified as she stepped out of her apartment: she'd show up at Taylor's place unannounced, with lilies in hand. A bold gesture, yes, but wasn't she trying to live differently now? To embrace what she wanted instead of always holding back?
She stopped by a small florist she loved, tucked away on a quiet street in Kensington. The shop smelled of fresh blooms, and the cheerful owner helped her pick out a stunning bouquet of white lilies, their soft petals fragrant and delicate.
"Someone special?" the florist asked with a knowing smile as Alexandra paid.
Alexandra hesitated for a moment before nodding, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Very."
With the bouquet in hand, she hailed a cab and gave Taylor's address—a penthouse apartment in a sleek building in central London. As the cab weaved through the city streets, Alexandra's nerves began to build. What if Taylor wasn't home? Or worse, what if showing up unannounced seemed presumptuous?
The cab stopped in front of Taylor's building, and Alexandra took a deep breath before stepping out. Her nerves didn't ease as she entered the lobby, where a security guard gave her a polite but scrutinizing glance.
"I'm here to see Ms. Swift," Alexandra said, her voice steady despite her racing heart.
The guard picked up the phone, relayed the message, and then nodded. "She's expecting you. Take the private lift to the penthouse."
Expecting her? Alexandra frowned slightly as she stepped into the lift, clutching the lillies tighter. Had Taylor anticipated this move somehow?
Taylor leaned back against the plush couch in her expansive penthouse, a glass of water in her hand as Tree paced back and forth in front of her.
"So, let me get this straight," Tree said, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow. "The Princess asked you out on a date, and you're sitting here acting like it's no big deal?"
"It's not a big deal," Taylor said, shrugging as she sipped from her glass. "We're just hanging out. Nothing's planned yet. Maybe coffee, maybe dinner. Who knows?"
Tree stopped pacing and gave Taylor a pointed look. "Taylor, she's not just anyone. This is Princess Alexandra. A royal. The tabloids would lose their minds if they caught even a whisper of this."
"I know that," Taylor replied, setting the glass down on the table with a soft clink. "But she's also... a person. And honestly? She feels like one of the few people who actually gets what this life is like. The pressure, the scrutiny, the expectations. It's refreshing."
Tree sighed, rubbing her temples. "I get that. I really do. But you have to think about the bigger picture here. You know how people are. The second they find out, they'll tear you both apart."
Taylor bit her lip, her gaze dropping to her lap. "I know it's risky," she admitted, her voice softer now. "But I like her, Tree. She's kind, and funny, and—"
"And incredibly complicated," Tree interjected, sitting down across from her. "You have to be sure this is what you want, Tay. If you're not, it's better to stop now before things get out of hand."
Before Taylor could respond, there was a knock at the door, followed by a muffled voice from one of her security personnel.
"Ms. Swift?" the guard called. "There's, um... a young woman outside the building. She, uh, bears a striking resemblance to Princess Alexandra."
Tree's eyes widened as she turned to Taylor, her expression a mix of disbelief and amusement. "Are you kidding me? Did she just show up?"
Taylor blinked, momentarily stunned. "I... I didn't think she'd—"
"Go. See what she wants," Tree said, waving her off. "And for the love of everything, try not to make this a bigger mess than it already is."
Taylor stood, smoothing down her oversized sweater as she walked toward the door. Her heart raced as she approached the private elevator. The door slid open, and there she was.
Alexandra stood just outside the building, dressed in casual yet effortlessly chic clothing—a leather jacket over a fitted black top and dark jeans. She clutched a bouquet of white lilies, looking slightly out of place and entirely endearing.
Taylor stepped outside, her breath catching as Alexandra turned toward her, a small, sheepish smile playing on her lips.
"Hi," Alexandra said, her voice softer than usual. "I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd stop by."
Taylor raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "You were in the neighborhood?"
Alexandra's smile widened slightly as she shrugged. "Okay, fine. I wasn't. But I wanted to see you. And I brought these." She held out the lilies, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush.
Taylor took the bouquet, her fingers brushing against Alexandra's as she did. The brief contact sent a small jolt through her, and she couldn't help the smile that spread across her face.
"You're something else, you know that?" Taylor said, stepping aside to let Alexandra in.
"I've been told," Alexandra replied, her tone light but her eyes filled with warmth.
As they walked toward the living room, Tree stood up, giving Alexandra a once-over before turning to Taylor. "I'll leave you two to it," she said, her tone neutral but her expression saying we're talking about this later.
Once Tree was gone, Taylor turned to Alexandra, holding up the bouquet. "These are beautiful. Thank you."
Alexandra's smile softened. "I figured they might brighten your day."
Taylor set the lilies on the counter, turning back to Alexandra with a playful smirk. "So, is this your way of asking me out again?"
"Maybe," Alexandra said, taking a step closer. "But I think I've already made it pretty clear that I want to spend more time with you."
Taylor's heart fluttered as their gazes locked, the air between them charged with unspoken tension.
"Well," Taylor said, her voice dipping slightly, "you've certainly got my attention."
And for the first time in a long time, neither of them felt the weight of the world pressing down on their shoulders.
Alexandra took a seat on the edge of Taylor's couch, watching as Taylor carefully placed the lilies into a crystal vase.
"I came to get you that coffee," Alexandra said casually, her lips curving into a small smile.
Taylor turned, raising an eyebrow. "Coffee, huh? You came all this way for that?"
"Well," Alexandra admitted, shrugging slightly, "I wouldn't drink it myself. Tea's more my thing. But I figured you might enjoy it. And maybe you could show me why it's worth the hype."
Taylor chuckled, leaning against the counter. "You've never had coffee before?"
"I've tried it," Alexandra said, wrinkling her nose. "Once. It was bitter and tasted like regret. But I'm open to trying it again... if you'll join me."
Taylor tilted her head, her smile widening. "You're making quite the effort, Your Highness."
"Only for you," Alexandra said with a teasing lilt, though her eyes held a sincerity that caught Taylor off guard.
Taylor walked over to her, crossing her arms playfully. "Fine. I'll take you for coffee. But you have to promise to at least give it an honest shot."
"I promise," Alexandra said, holding up a hand solemnly. "But if it's awful, I reserve the right to go back to tea immediately."
"Deal."
They left the apartment discreetly, Taylor donning an oversized hoodie and sunglasses while Alexandra slipped on a baseball cap to shield her face. The nearby café was charming and quiet, tucked away from the bustling city streets.
Once seated, Taylor ordered her favorite caramel latte while Alexandra hesitated before asking for "whatever you think I might not hate."
"Bold choice," Taylor teased as she handed the menu back to the barista.
"I live dangerously," Alexandra replied, a twinkle in her eye.
As they waited, Taylor leaned in, her voice dropping conspiratorially. "You know, the press is going to have a field day when they find out about this."
Alexandra tilted her head. "What do you mean?"
"Oh, you know," Taylor began, grinning, "Pop Princess falls for Real Princess! Or maybe Taylor Swift Breaks Protocol to Woo British Royalty!"
Alexandra laughed, a genuine, melodic sound that filled the small café. "They'll probably say something ridiculous like, Princess Alexandra Trades Tiara for Taylor."
Taylor joined in her laughter. "And then they'll make up some wild story about how we met. Maybe I serenaded you at a secret royal gala."
"Obviously," Alexandra said, pretending to be serious. "Or perhaps I rescued you from an angry mob of fans."
Taylor held up her hands in mock surrender. "You've got me there. And then there's the inevitable deep-dive into our outfits."
"Oh, definitely. They'll say I'm a bad influence because I made you wear a tiara to our coffee date." Alexandra gestured dramatically.
Taylor sipped her latte, shaking her head with a smile. "You're surprisingly good at this."
"I've had years of practice dealing with the press," Alexandra said, her voice softening. "But honestly, I don't care what they say. I just want to spend time with you."
The barista arrived with Alexandra's drink, interrupting the moment. Alexandra eyed the frothy cappuccino suspiciously before taking a cautious sip. She blinked, considering it for a moment.
"Well?" Taylor asked, leaning forward eagerly.
"It's... not terrible," Alexandra admitted, a sly smile tugging at her lips.
"Not terrible? High praise," Taylor said, laughing.
Alexandra leaned closer, her voice dropping. "I'd say it's worth it. But only because of the company."
Taylor felt her cheeks flush, her heart skipping a beat.
And as the café buzzed quietly around them, the world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them and the quiet beginnings of something extraordinary.
As they left the café, Taylor and Alexandra walked side by side, their disguises barely doing enough to hide the occasional curious glances from passersby. It was mid-afternoon, and the streets had a relaxed hum to them. The warmth of the sun reflected on the pavement, adding a touch of golden light to their retreat back to Taylor's apartment.
Taylor slipped her hands into her hoodie pockets as she glanced at Alexandra, who was uncharacteristically quiet. "You okay?" she asked.
Alexandra nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I was just thinking... I can't remember the last time I felt this normal."
Taylor chuckled. "You mean sneaking out in broad daylight and hiding behind a baseball cap isn't normal for you?"
"Not exactly," Alexandra replied with a grin. "But it's not just that. It's you. This... whatever this is, it feels... uncomplicated."
Taylor paused mid-step, her smile fading slightly. "Uncomplicated? Are you sure we're experiencing the same thing?" She gestured vaguely between them.
Alexandra laughed, shaking her head. "Okay, maybe not uncomplicated. But it feels..." She searched for the word. "Easy."
"Easy," Taylor repeated, the corners of her lips quirking up. "That I can work with."
They reached the building entrance, and Taylor hesitated before stepping inside. "Do you want to come up? Or..."
Alexandra glanced up at the sky, her expression suddenly guarded. "I should probably go. But thank you, for today."
Taylor frowned, sensing the shift in her mood. "Did something happen?"
"No, it's not that," Alexandra replied quickly, her voice softening. "It's just... I don't want this to end up feeling like a stolen moment. Like something fleeting."
Taylor tilted her head, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "It doesn't have to be."
Alexandra held her gaze for a moment longer before nodding. "I'll text you," she said, stepping back toward the curb where her driver waited discreetly.
As she slid into the backseat of the car, she felt the familiar weight of responsibility pressing against her chest. The bubble of ease she'd felt with Taylor was already dissipating as the realities of her world came rushing back. She glanced out the window, watching as Taylor lingered at the entrance, her silhouette framed by the fading sunlight.
Meanwhile, back in her apartment, Taylor leaned against the kitchen counter, replaying the day in her mind. Tree would have a field day if she found out how much time Taylor had spent with the princess. But for once, Taylor didn't care about the potential headlines or the whispers of scandal.
Her phone buzzed on the counter, and she snatched it up eagerly, only to find a text from Tree:
We need to talk about this "coffee date" before it becomes a headline.
Taylor sighed, running a hand through her hair. She'd been so caught up in the moment with Alexandra that she'd almost forgotten about the outside world. Almost.
A second buzz lit up her screen, this time from Alexandra:
Thanks for today. Let's not wait too long for the next one.
Taylor couldn't help but smile as she typed back:
How's tomorrow sound? I hear I owe you another coffee. Or tea.
She set the phone down and stared at it, half-expecting the next message to contain an excuse or a delay. But Alexandra's reply was immediate:
Tomorrow sounds perfect.
Taylor exhaled, a small laugh escaping her lips. She couldn't explain it, but for the first time in a long time, she felt like she was on the brink of something... significant.
Across the city, Alexandra stepped out of her car and into the palace's grand entrance. The familiar surroundings felt stifling after the freedom of the day. But as she walked through the marble halls, the warmth of Taylor's smile lingered in her mind.
For both of them, the world was already spinning faster, carrying them toward something neither fully understood but couldn't walk away from.
The echo of Alexandra's heels against the polished marble floors was oddly grounding as she made her way toward her suite. The grandeur of the palace, with its towering ceilings and gilded accents, had always felt suffocating. Today, it felt like an unbearable reminder of the weight she carried.
As she passed by a staff member, they offered a quick bow, their eyes avoiding hers. Alexandra nodded in acknowledgment, keeping her pace steady. She didn't want to stop; she didn't want to engage. Her mind was still spinning with the memory of Taylor's laughter, her teasing remarks, the way her eyes crinkled at the corners when she smiled.
Once inside her suite, Alexandra kicked off her heels and sank into the plush armchair by the window. The city stretched out before her, its lights twinkling against the darkening sky. She reached for her phone, pulling up Taylor's message again.
Tomorrow sounds perfect.
The thought of seeing Taylor again brought a smile to her lips, but it was quickly overshadowed by the reality of her obligations. Tomorrow was packed with meetings, appearances, and preparations for an upcoming charity gala. Could she really afford another escape?
Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Come in," she called, already knowing who it was.
Lucas stepped inside, his expression warm but tinged with concern. "Lex, you've been quiet since you got back. Everything okay?"
She gave him a tired smile. "Fine. Just... a lot on my mind."
He dropped into the chair opposite her, his posture relaxed. "You don't look fine. What's going on?"
Alexandra hesitated, debating whether to share. But Lucas was her confidant, the one person who never judged her for her choices. "I met someone."
Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Met someone as in...?"
"As in, someone who doesn't look at me like a princess," she admitted, her voice soft. "Someone who made me feel... normal. If only for a few hours."
"Taylor Swift," Lucas guessed, a smirk forming.
Her eyes widened. "How do you know that?"
"Please," he said, leaning back. "The staff talk. You're lucky it hasn't hit the tabloids yet."
Alexandra groaned, running a hand through her hair. "It's not like that. We just... had coffee."
"And is that all it's going to be?" Lucas asked, his tone gentle.
"I don't know," she admitted. "But for once, I'd like to figure it out without the world watching."
Lucas leaned forward, resting a hand on hers. "You deserve that, Lexie. But you also know it won't be easy."
"I know," she said quietly. "But maybe it's worth it."
Meanwhile, back in her London apartment, Taylor sat cross-legged on the couch, a mug of tea in hand as Tree paced in front of her.
"I cannot believe you thought this was a good idea," Tree began, her tone sharp but not unkind. "Do you realize the kind of media frenzy this will cause if they find out?"
Taylor shrugged, taking a sip of her tea. "We're just hanging out, Tree. It's not like we're announcing a wedding."
Tree stopped pacing and turned to face her. "Taylor, this isn't just some guy from a small town. This is Alexandra Habsburg. A literal princess. Do you know how many people are watching her every move?"
Taylor set her mug down, her expression serious. "I know. And believe me, I've thought about it. But Tree, for the first time in forever, I met someone who makes me feel... real. Like I don't have to be 'Taylor Swift.' Just Taylor."
Tree's expression softened slightly. "I get it. I do. But you need to be careful. The press doesn't know you're bi, and this kind of thing doesn't just blow over. It becomes a spectacle."
Taylor leaned back against the cushions, sighing. "I'm not hiding who I am, Tree. Not anymore. If they find out, so be it."
Tree crossed her arms, studying her client and friend. "Okay. But just... don't rush into anything. For your sake and hers."
Taylor nodded. "Noted. Now, can we talk about something other than my love life? Like, I don't know, my music?"
Tree rolled her eyes but smiled. "Fine. But don't think this conversation is over."
As Tree headed for the door, Taylor's phone buzzed on the coffee table. She picked it up, her heart skipping a beat when she saw Alexandra's name.
What kind of tea should I order tomorrow? I'm taking notes.
Taylor grinned as she typed back:
Green tea. But only if you promise to try coffee again.
Alexandra's reply came quickly:
Deal. See you tomorrow.
Taylor set the phone down, a warm feeling spreading through her chest. Whatever came next, she was ready for it.