Ex's & Oh's
The soft golden light of the morning filtered through the curtains of Taylor's bedroom, casting a warm glow over the rumpled sheets. Alexandra stirred, her dark hair splayed against the pillow as she opened her eyes to find Taylor already awake, propped up on her elbow and watching her with a faint smile.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," Taylor said softly, brushing a strand of hair from Alexandra's face.
"Morning," Alexandra murmured, her voice husky from sleep. She shifted closer, resting her head against Taylor's shoulder. "You're already up. That's rare."
Taylor chuckled. "I couldn't sleep much. Too much on my mind."
Alexandra lifted her head, her blue eyes meeting Taylor's. "The party?"
Taylor sighed, her fingers absently tracing patterns on the sheets. "I just don't know if it's a good idea, Alex. I mean, me? At a palace garden party? That's a headline waiting to happen."
"That's the point," Alexandra said, sitting up slightly and leaning on her elbow. "You're my... person, Taylor. I want you there with me. Why should we have to hide?"
Taylor raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Oh, so I'm your 'person' now? Is that what we're calling this?"
Alexandra rolled her eyes, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "You know what I mean. And it's not just about me wanting to show you off—although I do. It's about not letting people like my mother dictate how we live our lives."
Taylor smiled faintly, her expression softening. "You're really not afraid of her, are you?"
"Not when it comes to you," Alexandra said firmly. "Besides, it'll be fun. Imagine it—a gorgeous day, beautiful gardens, champagne, live music... and me by your side the whole time."
Taylor laughed, her skepticism easing slightly. "You're really trying to sell this, aren't you?"
"Absolutely," Alexandra said, grinning. "I mean, who wouldn't want to be wined and dined at a royal garden party? It's like something out of a fairytale. Except this time, the princess is dating the pop star."
Taylor leaned back against the headboard, her eyes searching Alexandra's face. "It's not the party I'm worried about, Alex. It's the aftermath. The press, the scrutiny, your mother..."
"I'll handle it," Alexandra said confidently. "I've handled worse. Besides, my dad and Lucas are on our side. And I want to show them—and the world—that this is real. That we're real."
Taylor exhaled slowly, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You're really hard to say no to, you know that?"
"Good," Alexandra said with a playful smirk. "Because I wasn't planning on taking no for an answer."
Taylor laughed, shaking her head. "Fine. I'll go. But if I trip in front of your entire family, you're taking the blame."
"Deal," Alexandra said, leaning in to kiss her gently.
As they lingered in the warmth of the morning, Alexandra's phone buzzed on the nightstand, a reminder of the busy day ahead. She ignored it for a moment longer, savoring the rare peace of their shared intimacy. Today would be a statement, a step forward in their journey together. And Alexandra was determined to make it one they would never forget.
Back at her apartment, Taylor stood in front of the full-length mirror, an assortment of dresses spread across her bed behind her. Her hands were on her hips, a slight frown pulling at her lips as she examined herself in yet another option.
"It's a garden party, not a red-carpet event," she muttered to herself, stepping back to get a better view.
Her publicist, Tree, was seated on the couch, scrolling through her phone but keeping an eye on Taylor. "It's the garden party, Taylor. Hosted by the royal family. You're about to mingle with some of the most important people in the country—and not just because you're dating one of them."
Taylor groaned, turning back to the mirror. "That's exactly what I'm worried about. Everyone's going to be staring at me like I don't belong there."
Tree glanced up and raised an eyebrow. "You're Taylor Swift. You're used to people staring at you. Besides, you belong wherever you choose to be. Including at Alexandra's side."
Taylor sighed, running her hands through her hair. "I just don't want to embarrass her."
"You won't," Tree said firmly, standing up and walking over to the bed. She picked up a pale blue dress with delicate floral embroidery. "What about this one? It's classy but still very you."
Taylor hesitated, running her fingers over the fabric. "It's beautiful, but... is it too much?"
"Not for a royal garden party," Tree said. "Trust me, it's perfect. And it'll look stunning with your hair down in soft waves."
Taylor gave a small smile, finally starting to feel a little excitement creep in. "Okay, fine. Let's do it."
As Tree stepped back to help her zip up the dress, Taylor glanced at her reflection again. The dress fit like a dream, the soft blue complementing her complexion. She smoothed her hands over the skirt, imagining Alexandra's reaction.
"She's going to love it," Tree said, as if reading her mind.
Taylor turned to face her publicist, a nervous smile on her lips. "You really think this is a good idea? Me showing up like this... as her?"
Tree placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You care about her, don't you?"
Taylor nodded without hesitation. "I do."
"Then show up for her. Be yourself, and the rest will fall into place."
Taking a deep breath, Taylor nodded. "Okay. Let's do this."
Taylor stood by the door of the grand hall, her expression carefully neutral as she watched Alexandra disappear into a side chamber with her mother. She tried not to fidget under the curious glances of the staff bustling through the hall, their polite but pointed looks reminding her of where she was—and who she was with.
"Taylor Swift," a voice broke through her thoughts.
She turned to see a young man approaching, his easy grin unmistakable. He had Alexandra's sharp blue eyes but carried himself with a relaxed charm that felt immediately disarming.
"Lucas," he said, extending his hand. "The cooler sibling, if Alexandra hasn't mentioned me yet."
Taylor laughed softly, shaking his hand. "She might've mentioned you once or twice. Nice to meet you."
"And here I was, thinking she'd forgotten to introduce me entirely." He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "I saw you sneaking in with her. Bold move, coming to the lion's den."
Taylor smiled, though her nervousness didn't quite fade. "I've been in worse situations, but this one's definitely up there."
Lucas chuckled. "You'll be fine. Just smile, nod, and let Alexandra take the heat. She's good at that." He glanced around before adding, "Besides, if you ever need backup, I'm your guy. Not everyone here is as... difficult as they seem."
"Good to know," Taylor said, her voice warm. "Thanks for the heads-up."
Meanwhile, in the private room, Alexandra crossed her arms as her mother paced in front of her, the hem of Queen Eleanor's gown swishing with every calculated step.
"Do you really think this is a good idea?" the Queen asked, her voice clipped but low enough not to carry beyond the room. "Bringing her here? Do you realize what the press will say if things unravel?"
Alexandra held her ground, her tone even but firm. "She's my guest, Mother. And I want her here."
The Queen stopped, turning to face her daughter fully. "That's not the point. This isn't just about what you want, Alexandra. This is about the crown, the legacy. You need to think about how your choices reflect on this family."
"I do think about it," Alexandra replied, her voice edged with defiance. "Every single day. But I also think about being happy. Taylor makes me happy."
Queen Eleanor's lips thinned. "And Amanda?"
Alexandra's jaw tightened. "What about her?"
"I invited her," the Queen said, her tone cool and deliberate. "She wasn't on the list, but I thought it would be good for appearances. People expect to see you two together, not this... experiment you're parading around."
Alexandra's cheeks flushed with anger, but she forced herself to remain calm. "You don't get to decide who I care about, Mother. And you certainly don't get to use my past to make a point."
The Queen's gaze hardened. "This isn't about care, Alexandra. It's about duty. And today, you will do your duty. Smile, greet the guests, and show the world the perfect princess they expect to see."
Alexandra held her mother's gaze for a moment before nodding curtly. "Of course, Your Majesty."
"Good," the Queen said, her voice softening just slightly. "Now, go. And, Alexandra... remember who you are."
Alexandra left the room, her emotions simmering just beneath the surface. She found Taylor standing with Lucas, laughing at something he had said. The sight steadied her, if only a little.
"You ready?" Alexandra asked, her voice a touch softer when she addressed Taylor.
Taylor nodded, catching the flicker of tension in Alexandra's expression but choosing not to comment. "Let's do this."
As they walked toward the garden, Alexandra took Taylor's hand briefly, squeezing it in a silent gesture of reassurance. Whatever the day held, they would face it together.
Taylor, Alexandra, and Lucas were enjoying themselves in the garden, mingling with the guests and basking in the festive atmosphere. Alexandra took great pride in introducing Taylor to her circle of friends and acquaintances. The warm reception from most of them made Taylor feel slightly more at ease, although the occasional curious glances reminded her of the weight of the event.
At one point, a friend of Alexandra's pulled her aside for a quick conversation, leaving Taylor to wander alone for a moment. As she sipped her drink and observed the lavish crowd, a woman in an elegant champagne-colored dress approached. She was striking, with an air of effortless confidence that commanded attention wherever she went.
"Taylor Swift, huh?" the woman said, her tone smooth and measured. "I've heard a lot about you."
Taylor offered a polite smile. "I hope good things. And you are?"
"Lady Amanda Egerton," the woman replied with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "An old friend of Alexandra's. Or, as others might say, the hostile bitch with a fake smile and a secret agenda."
Taylor raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by the bluntness. "Well, I hope you're exaggerating. That would make for a very awkward introduction."
Amanda smirked, tilting her head as she surveyed Taylor. "You're brave, I'll give you that. Charming, too, with that devastating charisma of yours. But here's the thing, darling: I know I can be you. The question is—can you be me?"
Taylor's polite demeanor hardened slightly. "I'm not trying to be anyone but myself, Amanda."
Amanda leaned in, lowering her voice as her smirk grew sharper. "Let me make this easy for you. I came over to apologize in advance. You see, my plan isn't so secret after all—I'm here to win Lexie back. And when it comes to Alexandra, I never lose."
Taylor met Amanda's gaze evenly, refusing to back down. "If Alexandra wanted to be with you, she would be. I'm not worried."
Amanda's smirk faltered, just for a moment, before she straightened and adjusted an invisible wrinkle on her dress. "We'll see about that. Enjoy the party, Miss Swift."
With that, Amanda sauntered away, her champagne dress shimmering under the sun as the crowd seemed to part for her.
Taylor exhaled and took another sip of her drink, her mind racing. She had dealt with her fair share of divas and power plays in the entertainment industry, but this was a whole new battlefield.
Before she could dwell on the encounter, Alexandra returned, her face lighting up when she spotted Taylor. "Sorry about that," she said, slipping an arm around Taylor's waist. "Got pulled into a conversation I couldn't escape. Everything okay?"
Taylor hesitated for only a moment before smiling. "Yeah, everything's fine. Just met a... colorful character."
Alexandra frowned slightly. "Who?"
Taylor gestured subtly toward the crowd where Amanda was now laughing with a group of impeccably dressed aristocrats. "Lady Amanda, I believe."
Alexandra's expression darkened, a flicker of guilt crossing her face. "She talked to you?"
"She introduced herself," Taylor said carefully. "And let's just say she left quite the impression."
Alexandra sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I'm sorry. She can be... intense. Whatever she said, don't take it to heart. Amanda thrives on drama."
Taylor placed a hand on Alexandra's arm, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry. I've handled worse."
Alexandra's shoulders relaxed, and she smiled softly. "Good. Because I don't want you going anywhere."
Lucas appeared at their side, grinning mischievously. "So, did Amanda do her usual 'I'm the villain of this story' routine?"
Taylor laughed lightly. "She definitely has a flair for the dramatic."
Lucas rolled his eyes. "Don't let her get to you. She's all bark and no bite."
"I can handle it," Taylor assured him, glancing at Alexandra with a warm smile. "I'm not going anywhere, Lexie."
Alexandra's cheeks flushed slightly at the nickname, and she leaned in to kiss Taylor's cheek. "Good."
Lucas smirked at the display of affection. "Alright, lovebirds, let's make sure Amanda doesn't get her claws into Taylor again. I'll run interference if needed."
As they moved through the garden, Taylor couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of determination. Amanda might think she had the upper hand, but Taylor was confident in one thing—her connection with Alexandra was real. And no amount of scheming would change that.
The night was in full swing at the garden party, the stars casting a soft glow over the palace grounds. Alexandra decided to slip away briefly, leaving Lucas to entertain Taylor while she retrieved a bottle of champagne. Her plan was simple: whisk Taylor away from the crowd, retreat to her room, and continue the party in private—just the two of them.
She was making her way back through the elegantly lit pathways when Amanda stepped into her path, her timing almost too perfect.
"Hey, baby," Amanda greeted, her voice low and syrupy.
Alexandra's steps faltered, her expression hardening. "Amanda." The word left her lips like a cold blade.
"Did you miss me?" Amanda asked, her smile tinged with mock sweetness.
"Not particularly," Alexandra replied, her tone clipped.
Amanda's smirk didn't falter. "I'm so mad at you right now. I've been texting you."
"I've been busy," Alexandra said curtly, trying to sidestep her.
"Did you get my pictures?" Amanda pressed, her voice dropping suggestively.
Alexandra sighed, her patience waning. "Yeah."
Amanda leaned in closer, her champagne-colored dress catching the light. "I feel so stupid for sending them, especially since you're with the American girl now."
"I'm not with her," Alexandra said quickly, her voice a touch too defensive. "We're just hanging out."
"Good," Amanda purred, closing the distance between them. "Because you're all mine. And if I have to fight for you, I will. And I don't mean it in some romantic, fairytale way—I mean I'll actually fight that bitch."
Alexandra bristled, her eyes narrowing. "Amanda, you broke up with me."
"Can we not do this?" Amanda said, waving her hand dismissively. "I said some things, you said some things—"
"No, Amanda. You said some things. Eight months ago." Alexandra's voice was steady but sharp, her anger bubbling beneath the surface. "And then you disappeared."
Amanda blinked, her confidence wavering for a brief moment. "What do you mean?"
"That you disappeared," Alexandra repeated, her frustration palpable. "Until now."
Amanda tilted her head, her voice softening as she tried to regain control. "That's really sweet, Lex. I've been chasing you around, sending you pictures, pouring my heart out in texts. And for what? So you can accuse me of some conspiracy?"
Alexandra didn't respond, her silence cutting deeper than any words could.
Amanda sighed, her tone taking on a hint of desperation. "I know I made mistakes with you. And I plan to fix them. But here's the thing—you're going to leave her, Lex. You're part of the royal family, and that comes with responsibilities, pressures, expectations that most girls can't understand, let alone handle." She paused, her voice dropping to a whisper. "You're going to need someone who can handle the pressure. Someone like me."
Alexandra's jaw tightened, her gaze unwavering.
Amanda stepped back, her smirk returning, though it lacked its usual confidence. "It was good to see you, love. I missed you."
With that, Amanda turned on her heel and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Alexandra standing there, the weight of her words lingering in the cool night air.
Taylor remained in the garden with Lucas while Alexandra headed off to retrieve a bottle of champagne. She sipped from her glass, feeling slightly out of place among the royal grandeur, but Lucas's laid-back demeanor quickly put her at ease.
Before long, Lucas returned, a bottle of white wine in hand and a mischievous grin on his face.
"I heard you like white," he said, expertly pouring the wine into a glass and handing it to her. "Hope you enjoy this 1934. It's one of the good ones."
Taylor laughed softly, taking the glass. "I'll take your word for it."
Lucas leaned against the nearby table, taking a swig directly from the bottle. "So... how are things going with the girlfriend?"
Taylor nearly choked on her sip of wine. "It's not like that."
Lucas raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Look, I don't know you that well, but I know my sister. And the way she looks at you? Trust me, it's exactly like that."
Taylor couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head. "And what about you? Do you think it's a terrible idea?"
Lucas grinned and gestured grandly with the bottle. "Now, if you're worried about dating someone for their money, power, or status—don't. It's a nightmare. I mean, art collections, private planes, yachts, land, a couple of castles, the crown jewels, and diplomatic immunity? Sounds exhausting. Not to mention, she's pretty ugly. Can't imagine why you'd want any of that."
Taylor burst into laughter, covering her mouth to stifle the sound. "Oh, yeah. Total nightmare."
Lucas joined in her laughter before his tone grew more serious. "Do you think it could work? You two?"
Taylor hesitated, swirling the wine in her glass. "I don't know. Maybe. Do you?"
Lucas didn't hesitate. "If it makes you both happy, yes. Absolutely." He took another swig from the bottle and set it down. "My mother will hate it, of course. But Lex hasn't been this happy in a long time. And if you're the one who can give her that? You'll always have my full support."
Taylor looked at him, touched by his honesty. "Thank you. That means a lot."
Lucas winked. "Don't mention it. Just don't let her screw it up, yeah? She's good at that."
They shared a laugh, the moment light yet significant, as Taylor felt her nerves ease.
Alexandra returned to the garden, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease, her eyes locking on Taylor and Lucas. She smiled at the sight of them laughing together, relieved to see her brother had been keeping Taylor entertained.
"Stealing my date, Lucas?" Alexandra teased as she approached.
Lucas raised his hands in mock innocence. "Just keeping her company while you abandoned her. You're lucky she's nice, Lex."
Taylor smiled at Alexandra, her expression softening. "He's been great company, actually."
"Well, I'm here now." Alexandra offered her hand to Taylor, her gaze warm and inviting. "Ready to get out of here?"
Taylor took her hand without hesitation, a flicker of excitement sparking between them. Alexandra led her through the palace halls with quiet confidence, the din of the party fading behind them. They slipped into Alexandra's private quarters, the familiar space exuding a blend of elegance and comfort.
Taylor perched on the edge of the bed, her hands clasped in her lap. "I'm glad we left. It was a little overwhelming out there."
Alexandra sat beside her, reaching for her hand. "I thought it might be. I wanted you to enjoy yourself, but I also know how these things can be."
Taylor hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "I have to admit... it was a little intimidating meeting Amanda. She's so... poised, elegant, and everything. It's hard not to feel like she's your type."
Alexandra's brow furrowed, her expression turning serious. "Taylor, I didn't invite Amanda."
Taylor blinked, surprised. "You didn't?"
"No." Alexandra shook her head. "I only invited one person tonight, and that was you. Amanda was my mother's doing, not mine. If it were up to me, she wouldn't have been anywhere near us."
Taylor relaxed slightly, though her vulnerability still lingered. "It just threw me, seeing her there. It made me wonder..."
"Wonder what?" Alexandra asked gently, her hand tightening around Taylor's.
Taylor met her gaze, her voice soft. "If this is just a fling for you. If I'm just a distraction from whatever else is going on in your life."
Alexandra's heart ached at the question, and she shifted closer, her other hand brushing a strand of hair from Taylor's face. "You're not a distraction. You're everything."
Taylor's breath hitched as Alexandra continued.
"I didn't expect to feel this way about anyone, let alone someone like you. You challenge me, you make me laugh, and you make me want to be better. I didn't bring you here because it was convenient or because it would be easy—I brought you here because I care about you. Because I'm falling for you."
Taylor's eyes glistened with emotion, her walls crumbling as Alexandra's confession sank in. "Lex..."
Alexandra leaned in, their foreheads touching. "I mean it, Taylor. You're not just someone I want to spend my nights with. You're someone I want in my life."
Taylor closed the distance between them, their lips meeting in a kiss that was equal parts tender and passionate. It was a kiss that spoke of vulnerability and trust, of promises yet to be made.
The intensity between them grew as Alexandra gently guided Taylor back onto the bed, their connection deepening in the quiet intimacy of the room. They moved together with a mix of urgency and tenderness, the world outside the walls of the palace fading into insignificance.
In that moment, it was just the two of them—no titles, no expectations, just Alexandra and Taylor, finding solace in each other.