Tour
The early morning light filtered through the curtains of Taylor's London apartment, casting a soft glow over the rumpled sheets and the two figures tangled beneath them. The faint sound of an alarm cut through the quiet, a sharp contrast to the warmth of the bed and the steady rhythm of Alexandra's breathing.
Alexandra stirred first. Her hand slipped out from under the covers and toward the nightstand, silencing the alarm with a lazy swipe. She sighed, her eyes fluttering open to the soft light of dawn creeping into the room. Her body felt deliciously heavy — the lingering warmth of Taylor's arms still wrapped loosely around her waist.
Taylor groaned softly, her face buried in the crook of Alexandra's neck. "Too early..."
Alexandra smiled, shifting so that Taylor's golden hair brushed against her cheek. "I know," she whispered, her voice still thick with sleep. "But I have to leave soon."
Taylor's arms tightened around her, pulling her closer. "No."
Alexandra chuckled. "Yes."
Taylor sighed, her lips pressing a soft kiss to Alexandra's shoulder. "Where are you going again?"
"A week-long tour with my mother across the country. A diplomatic charm offensive, basically." Alexandra rubbed her eyes and stretched, her back arching slightly as she tried to wake herself up.
Taylor's brow furrowed. "Sounds... exhausting."
Alexandra let out a soft laugh. "It will be. My mother's idea of fun is standing on the steps of various historical landmarks while smiling politely for hours. And wearing hats."
Taylor smirked sleepily. "You look hot in hats."
Alexandra laughed. "I'll try to remember that when I'm meeting the mayor of Manchester."
Taylor sighed, her lips trailing up the side of Alexandra's neck. "Do you have to go?"
Alexandra turned toward her, her hand sliding into Taylor's messy hair. "I have responsibilities, remember?"
Taylor's blue eyes opened halfway, heavy with sleep and something softer — something that made Alexandra's heart ache in the most delicious way.
"I'm going to miss you," Taylor whispered, her hand brushing down Alexandra's bare back.
Alexandra's gaze softened. "I'm going to miss you too."
Taylor pulled her closer, their noses brushing as Alexandra smiled against her lips.
"Maybe I should give you a reason to miss me," Taylor said, her voice low and teasing.
Alexandra raised an eyebrow. "And how exactly would you do that?"
Taylor's eyes darkened slightly. "Let me show you."
She rolled Alexandra onto her back, her hand slipping beneath the sheets. Alexandra's breath hitched as Taylor's lips found her collarbone, pressing slow, lingering kisses along the curve of her neck.
"Taylor..."
"Hmm?" Taylor murmured against her skin, her mouth moving lower.
"You know I have to leave soon," Alexandra said, her breath already shaky.
"Then I better make it count."
Alexandra's laugh melted into a soft moan as Taylor's hand slid further down her body, her mouth following closely behind. Alexandra arched beneath her, her fingers sliding into Taylor's hair as Taylor's mouth trailed lower, her touch growing more deliberate and intense.
Taylor's name left Alexandra's lips in a breathless whisper as Taylor's hand tightened around her hip, holding her steady as waves of pleasure rolled through her. Alexandra's back arched, her breath ragged as Taylor's touch pushed her closer to the edge.
And when Alexandra finally broke, Taylor smiled against her skin, kissing her way back up until their lips met. Alexandra's breath was uneven as Taylor curled into her side, her hand tracing lazy circles along Alexandra's ribs.
"I'm definitely going to miss you," Alexandra whispered, her fingers brushing through Taylor's hair.
Taylor smiled sleepily. "That's the idea."
Alexandra sighed, resting her forehead against Taylor's. "You're dangerous."
Taylor smirked. "You like it."
Alexandra chuckled softly, her eyes drifting shut. For a moment, she allowed herself to sink into the comfort of Taylor's arms, the sound of her breathing steady and warm. But then her phone buzzed on the nightstand, a sharp reminder of reality.
"Ugh," Alexandra groaned.
Taylor smiled, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Go save the country, princess."
Alexandra sighed, reluctantly sitting up and swinging her legs over the side of the bed. She glanced back over her shoulder to find Taylor stretched out beneath the sheets, her hair a golden halo against the pillow, her eyes half-lidded with sleep.
Alexandra's chest tightened. "You'll still be here when I get back, right?"
Taylor's smile softened. "I'm not going anywhere."
Alexandra smiled. "Good."
She pulled on a silk robe from the chair near the bed and walked toward the bathroom. Taylor's gaze followed her, lingering on the graceful curve of her back beneath the thin fabric.
"I'll text you when I land," Alexandra called over her shoulder.
"You better."
Taylor laughed, then stretched beneath the sheets. She listened to the sound of water running from the shower, the steam starting to creep beneath the door. Alexandra's absence was already palpable, a small hollow space forming in Taylor's chest.
She hated how quickly she'd gotten used to having Alexandra around. The quiet mornings, the shared cups of coffee, the lazy evenings on the couch — all of it had started to feel dangerously... permanent.
And maybe it was.
A few minutes later, Alexandra stepped out of the bathroom, her hair damp, her skin flushed from the heat of the shower. She was dressed in dark jeans and a crisp white button-up, her duffel bag slung over her shoulder.
Taylor sat up, the sheets pooling at her waist. "Leaving already?"
Alexandra walked over to her, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. "I'll be back before you know it."
Taylor's hand curled around Alexandra's wrist. "I'm counting on that."
Alexandra touched both of Taylor's boobs.
"God, I'm going to miss these."
"Pervert," Taylor said, slapping her hands away.
Alexandra smiled, brushing her thumb across Taylor's jaw. "I'll see you soon."
"Text me when you land."
"Yes, ma'am."
Alexandra turned toward the door, pausing for a moment with her hand on the handle. She glanced back at Taylor, her blue eyes soft and bright.
"I love you," Taylor whispered.
Alexandra's breath caught. A slow smile curved her lips.
"I love you too."
And then Alexandra was gone, the sound of the door closing behind her echoing through the quiet apartment.
Taylor lay back against the pillows, her hand resting over her heart, already counting down the days until Alexandra came back.
Alexandra stepped into the private terminal of Heathrow Airport, her duffel bag slung over her shoulder as she made her way toward the royal jet. The early morning chill nipped at her skin, but she barely felt it — her mind still lingering on the warmth of Taylor's bed, the sleepy smile on Taylor's face when she whispered that she loved her.
Her heart was still beating fast from that. Taylor loved her. And she had said it back.
She felt... light. Like she could float through the next week on that feeling alone.
The steward at the foot of the stairs greeted her with a polite nod. Alexandra smiled faintly, ascending the metal steps with practiced ease. The cabin was already prepared — the soft hum of the engines in the background, the scent of leather and fresh flowers in the air. Alexandra slipped into her usual seat, stretching out her long legs as the flight attendant brought her a glass of sparkling water.
She sighed, closing her eyes for a moment. A week of official visits, public appearances, endless smiles and small talk — all while thinking about Taylor. It was going to be torture.
A shadow fell across her, pulling her from her thoughts.
"Mind if I join you?"
Alexandra's eyes flew open — and immediately narrowed.
Amanda.
She was standing in the aisle, dressed in cream-colored linen pants and a matching fitted blazer, her brown hair pulled back into a sleek low ponytail. A pair of designer sunglasses perched on top of her head, and a smug smile curved her lips.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Alexandra said, sitting up straighter.
Amanda's smile widened. "I was invited."
"By who?"
Amanda slid gracefully into the seat across from her, crossing her long legs and adjusting her cuffs with a casual air. "By your mother, of course."
Alexandra's stomach dropped. "Why?"
"Because," Amanda said, flicking a nonexistent piece of lint from her pants, "your mother thought it would be wise for you to have someone experienced with the ins and outs of international diplomacy by your side. And since James and Lucas are otherwise occupied..."
Alexandra's jaw tightened. "She made you my lady-in-waiting?"
Amanda's smile sharpened. "Correct."
Alexandra's head dropped back against the seat. "Of course, she did."
Before Alexandra could launch into a very public argument, the sound of heels clicking against the marble floor of the cabin made her tense. She glanced toward the entrance and saw her mother stepping inside — tall and poised in a dove-gray suit, her hair styled to perfection beneath a matching pillbox hat.
"Ah, Alexandra." The queen's cool gaze slid toward her daughter, then toward Amanda. "I see you've found your companion for the trip."
Alexandra sat up straighter. "Why is she here?"
The queen's gaze sharpened slightly. "Because I asked her to be."
Alexandra's brow furrowed. "Mother—"
"I'm aware of your current... entanglement," the queen said, her tone sharp but measured. "But this trip is not about you and Taylor."
Alexandra's lips parted, heat crawling up the back of her neck. "It's not an 'entanglement.'"
The queen arched a perfectly manicured brow. "Really?"
Alexandra's mouth pressed into a thin line.
The queen's eyes softened slightly. "Look, Alexandra. I know this trip will be challenging for you. That's precisely why Amanda is here — to support you."
Alexandra's gaze cut toward Amanda, who was watching the whole exchange with a smug little smile.
"I don't need support from her," Alexandra said tightly.
The queen's expression sharpened again. "Yes, you do."
"I'm perfectly capable of handling this on my own."
"Perhaps," the queen said, her gaze cooling. "But I'm not willing to risk it."
Alexandra's chest tightened. "Risk what?"
"The press will already be watching you closely after the fashion show. A misstep could reflect poorly on the crown — especially now."
"Especially now?" Alexandra repeated.
The queen's eyes narrowed. "You've been spending quite a lot of time with Taylor Swift."
"And?"
"And the media is beginning to speculate."
Alexandra's heart thudded painfully in her chest. "So? Let them speculate."
Her mother's gaze sharpened. "You know it's not that simple."
Alexandra stood, her hands curling into fists at her sides. "What's simple is that I'm finally happy. And for some reason, you seem determined to ruin that."
The queen's mouth tightened. "I'm not trying to ruin anything. I'm protecting you."
Alexandra scoffed. "By bringing Amanda?"
"By ensuring that you have someone experienced by your side."
Alexandra's jaw clenched. "I don't need her."
The queen's gaze held steady. "You may not like it, but Amanda is part of this world. She understands the weight of your position. Taylor does not."
Alexandra's stomach twisted painfully.
The queen softened slightly. "I am not forbidding you from seeing Taylor."
"Could you, even if you wanted to?" Alexandra snapped.
Her mother's gaze darkened. "Don't test me."
Alexandra's breath hitched.
"Listen to me carefully, Alexandra." The queen stepped closer, her expression cold and commanding. "This trip will be long. It will be exhausting. And you will have the eyes of the world upon you. That is why Amanda is here — to ensure that you don't stumble."
Alexandra's throat tightened.
"And," the queen added, her gaze flicking toward Amanda, "because I don't trust Taylor Swift to understand the importance of discretion."
Alexandra's lips parted in disbelief. "That's unfair."
"Is it?"
Alexandra's heart thudded painfully in her chest. "She's not a liability."
"That remains to be seen," the queen said coolly.
Alexandra's hands curled into fists at her sides. "If you think Amanda being here is going to make me change my mind about Taylor, you're wrong."
The queen's gaze softened slightly — but her voice remained cold. "We'll see."
Without another word, the queen turned and exited the cabin, leaving Alexandra standing in the aisle, her chest rising and falling unevenly.
Amanda's smile widened. "Well, that was dramatic."
Alexandra shot her a withering look.
Amanda leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms over her chest. "Relax, darling. It's going to be a long trip."
Alexandra's jaw tightened. "Not long enough."
Amanda's smile sharpened. "We'll see."
Taylor wasn't exactly thrilled about going out that night.
Alexandra had only been gone for a day, and already Taylor was missing her like hell. It was ridiculous, really, she was already acting like a lovesick teenager. But after Alexandra had left for the tour, Taylor's apartment had felt a little too quiet. A little too empty.
She tried to distract herself by working on tour plans with her team, but her mind kept drifting to Alexandra. The way her lips curled when she was amused. The slight furrow between her brows when she was concentrating. The weight of her hand resting on Taylor's thigh under the dinner table.
So, when her friend Cara texted and said they were going out, Taylor figured it might be a good idea to get out of her head for a bit.
"Come on, Tay," Cara had written. "We're going to see The 1975. It'll be fun."
Taylor had hesitated at first, but Cara could be very persuasive. And besides — she liked The 1975. She even knew Matty Healy a little from the industry circuit. They'd crossed paths a few times at award shows and after-parties, and he'd always been charming in a messy, rockstar kind of way.
So Taylor pulled on her leather jacket, some dark jeans, and a white tank top. She tied her hair into a casual ponytail, swiped on some red lipstick, and told herself that it was just a night out with friends.
But when she arrived at the venue — a small, dimly lit club in Soho — she realized quickly that it wasn't going to be a low-key night.
The place was packed. The lights were low, the crowd buzzing with energy. Cara waved her over from the VIP section, already holding a cocktail in one hand.
"You made it!" Cara said, grinning as Taylor slid into the booth beside her.
"I said I would," Taylor replied, laughing as Cara handed her a drink.
"Well, we weren't sure if you'd be in the mood, considering..." Cara's grin widened. "You know. Your little royal friend is out of town."
Taylor rolled her eyes, taking a sip of her drink. "I don't know what are you talking about"
"Sure," Cara teased.
Taylor just shook her head, though she couldn't hide the smile tugging at her lips.
The stage lights dimmed, and the low hum of feedback filled the room. The crowd erupted in cheers as the band walked onstage. Matty Healy strode to the mic, dressed in an oversized suit jacket and loose trousers, his curly dark hair falling into his eyes.
"How's everyone doing tonight?" he called into the mic, his Manchester accent rough and playful.
The crowd screamed. Taylor smiled, letting herself relax into the music as the opening chords of "Love It If We Made It" rang out through the speakers.
Matty's voice was magnetic, his energy chaotic in a way that made it impossible to look away. He prowled across the stage like a man possessed, his hand wrapped tightly around the mic stand. He sang like his life depended on it — and maybe it did.
About halfway through the set, Matty's eyes scanned the crowd — and then stopped when they landed on her.
Taylor froze as his gaze sharpened in recognition. He smiled, raising an eyebrow. Then, without missing a beat, he held up his hand and waved at her.
Taylor smiled back, feeling her cheeks flush.
Cara leaned in. "Oh my God. He totally just waved at you."
Taylor shook her head. "He's just being nice."
But then Matty spoke into the mic.
"Didn't expect to see royalty here tonight," he said, his eyes still locked on her. "The Queen of Pop herself."
The crowd cheered. Taylor covered her face with her hand, laughing as Cara shrieked beside her.
Matty grinned. "You didn't have to come all the way to Soho to see me, love. Could've just called."
Taylor shook her head, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks.
He winked at her. "This one's for you."
The band launched into "Somebody Else."
Taylor smiled despite herself, settling back into the booth as the music washed over her. It was a good song. A really good song.
After the show, Cara dragged Taylor toward the side entrance of the club, where the band was hanging out. Matty was standing against the wall, a cigarette dangling between his fingers, talking to the drummer.
"Go talk to him!" Cara whispered.
"I'm not—"
"Go."
Taylor sighed but made her way toward him. Matty spotted her almost immediately, his lips curling into a crooked smile.
"Look who it is," he said. "Didn't think you'd show."
Taylor crossed her arms. "I could say the same."
Matty laughed, taking a drag from his cigarette. "Did you like the show?"
"I did."
"Good." He tilted his head. "You know, you could've let me know you were coming. I would've put you on the list."
Taylor smiled. "I think I can afford a ticket."
Matty's eyes glinted with mischief. "Yeah, but you're practically royalty now. Thought maybe you'd forgotten how the rest of us live."
Taylor's smile faltered slightly.
Matty noticed. His gaze softened. "How is she?"
Taylor hesitated. "Alexandra?"
Matty nodded.
Taylor sighed. "Good. Busy. She's on a tour with her mom."
"Sounds intense."
"It is."
Matty's gaze sharpened. "You serious about her?"
Taylor's lips parted. "I... I think so."
Matty's smile turned softer. "Well, if anyone can handle it, you can."
Taylor looked down at her feet. "I don't know."
"Trust me." Matty stepped closer, his voice low and sincere. "You've handled worse."
Taylor looked up at him — and saw no judgment there. Only quiet understanding.
Matty reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. "I'm heading back to LA next month. You should come by the studio sometime."
Taylor raised an eyebrow. "You asking me to collab?"
"Maybe." His smile widened. "Or maybe I just think you'd like to see how the other half lives."
Taylor took the paper from his hand. Their fingers brushed — just for a second.
"I'll think about it," she said.
Matty grinned. "You do that."
"Taylor!" Cara's voice cut through the crowd. "We're leaving!"
Taylor glanced over her shoulder.
Matty took a step back. "See you around?"
"Yeah," Taylor said. "See you around."
As Taylor made her way toward the exit, she unfolded the paper Matty had given her. It was his number — scrawled in messy handwriting.
She smiled. Then tucked it into her jacket pocket.
Alexandra might have been gone for now — but Taylor's world was about to get a whole lot more complicated.
Alexandra sighed as she zipped up the side of her cream-colored blouse and slipped on a pair of slim-cut navy trousers. The plane hummed softly beneath her feet as it cut through the clouds toward the first stop on the royal tour. Outside the small oval window, the sun was beginning to set, casting streaks of gold and crimson across the horizon.
Her mother's voice still echoed in her head.
"You're supposed to be connecting with the people, Alexandra. You don't need to look like you're walking into a boardroom."
Her mother's tone had been clipped, her expression unimpressed as Alexandra emerged from the bathroom in her tailored ensemble. She'd picked it carefully, wanting to look polished but approachable. Apparently, it was too polished.
"They're farmers and small-town people. They won't relate to you if you're dressed like you just stepped out of a fashion magazine," the Queen had added, her eyes sharp.
Alexandra's jaw tightened. "What do you want me to wear, Mother? Overalls?"
"Something softer. More... human," the Queen had replied. Then, with a thin smile, she added, "I'm sure Amanda can help you figure it out."
Alexandra had barely resisted rolling her eyes at that. Of course Amanda was here — because why wouldn't her mother take it upon herself to choose Amanda as her lady-in-waiting for this tour? Alexandra wasn't sure if the Queen was trying to push them back together or just trying to remind her that she was available. Either way, Alexandra wasn't amused.
Which was why, when she entered the small, private dressing area at the back of the plane to change, she wasn't prepared for Amanda's voice cutting through the silence.
"Don't stop. I'm enjoying the show."
Alexandra froze mid-button, her hand still at the base of her shirt. Slowly, she turned her head.
Amanda was leaning lazily against the doorframe, arms crossed over her chest. She was wearing a silky champagne blouse with the top few buttons undone, paired with cream-colored trousers and heels that were probably worth more than most people's cars. Her hair was swept back into a loose knot, and her dark eyes glittered with mischief.
Alexandra's eyes narrowed. "What are you doing in here?"
Amanda shrugged, stepping into the room. "Making sure you don't embarrass the crown."
"Funny"
Amanda's lips curled into a wicked smile. " I am here to rescuing you."
"I don't need rescuing."
Amanda's gaze dropped to where Alexandra's shirt was still hanging open slightly at the bottom. "It doesn't look that way."
Alexandra sighed and turned toward the mirror, adjusting the hem of her shirt. Amanda's reflection appeared behind her, eyes glinting.
"Honestly, I think the blouse is fine," Amanda purred. "But you could lose the trousers."
Alexandra shot her a warning look. "Amanda..."
Amanda stepped closer, her hands sliding to rest casually on Alexandra's waist. "What? I'm just saying — the High Mile Club is missing a royal member. We could fix that."
Alexandra stiffened, but Amanda's fingers were already sliding beneath the fabric of her shirt.
"Stop." Alexandra's voice was sharp, but Amanda's fingers didn't stop — not immediately. They lingered for half a second longer, her fingertips brushing bare skin before she slowly withdrew her hands and stepped back.
Amanda smiled, dark and knowing. "Relax, Lex. It's not like I haven't seen you naked before."
Alexandra's jaw tightened. "That was a long time ago."
"Not that long."
Amanda's eyes softened, just for a moment — and that's what made it dangerous. Because it would've been easier if Amanda had just been cruel. But the problem with Amanda was that she knew exactly how to tread the line between playful and cutting. And sometimes, Alexandra couldn't tell the difference.
"I'm with Taylor now," Alexandra said quietly.
Amanda's smile didn't falter, but her eyes darkened. "Are you? Because last I checked, you were 'just hanging out.'"
Alexandra's lips parted. "We're—"
"You're not together," Amanda finished. "Which means you're fair game."
Alexandra's gaze sharpened. "Not to you."
Amanda laughed, low and amused. "We'll see."
She brushed past Alexandra on her way to the door, pausing just long enough to lean in close to her ear.
"You might think you're over me, Lex," Amanda whispered, her breath hot against Alexandra's skin. "But we both know you aren't."
Alexandra's pulse hammered in her throat as Amanda's heels clicked against the floor, her slender figure disappearing through the door and down the narrow aisle of the plane.
Alexandra's hands curled into fists at her sides.
She's wrong.
But the way her heart was pounding told her that, maybe, Amanda wasn't.
The sun was bright and warm as Alexandra stepped onto the cobbled street of the small town. The smell of fresh bread and wildflowers mixed with the crisp country air, and the crowd that had gathered in the town square buzzed with excitement. Children waved tiny Union Jack flags while their parents stood nearby, hoping for a glimpse of the princess. Alexandra smiled politely as she walked alongside her mother and the local mayor, trying to project an air of relaxed elegance.
Her mother had been unusually tense all morning, her sharp gaze following Alexandra's every move. Alexandra knew why. This was the first stop of the tour — the first impression she would make. It had to be perfect.
"Connect with the people, Alexandra," the Queen had told her earlier that morning. "Be warm, approachable, but dignified. And above all, stick to the script."
Alexandra hated the script. It was dry and impersonal — a series of bland, inoffensive comments about local heritage, agriculture, and tradition. Her mother had reminded her that this wasn't about her; it was about the crown. But Alexandra had always believed that connecting with people meant more than just saying the right words.
Which was why, when she saw a smiling woman standing near the back of the crowd, Alexandra's instincts overrode her training.
The woman was in her mid-30s, with round cheeks flushed from the sun and soft brown curls pinned back from her face. She wore a loose green dress that fluttered in the light breeze, and she had a hand resting on her stomach. Alexandra's gaze dropped to the gentle swell beneath her hand, and without thinking, she stepped toward her.
"Hello," Alexandra said warmly. "Thank you for coming out today."
The woman's eyes widened as Alexandra stopped in front of her. "Oh—thank you, Your Highness."
Alexandra's smile softened as she glanced down at the woman's belly. "Have you chosen a name yet?"
The woman's smile faltered. "Pardon?"
"For the baby," Alexandra clarified. "Do you know if it's a boy or a girl?"
The woman's face flushed a deep shade of crimson. Her hand slipped from her stomach, and her smile twisted awkwardly.
"Oh—oh, no, I'm not pregnant," the woman stammered.
Alexandra's smile froze. Her stomach dropped. "Oh."
The moment stretched painfully long. Alexandra opened her mouth to say something — anything — but before she could speak, her mother's hand closed firmly around her arm.
"Alexandra," the Queen's voice was low and sharp as she pulled her daughter back a step. "Stick to the script."
Alexandra's mouth clamped shut as the crowd's murmurs filled the space around them.
The woman's eyes darted downward. "It's fine," she said quickly, trying to cover the awkwardness. "It's this dress — it's very unflattering—"
"No, I—" Alexandra started, but her mother's grip on her arm tightened.
"You've made your point," the Queen hissed, her lips barely moving.
Alexandra's heart was pounding. Her cheeks burned. "I'm so sorry," she said softly.
But the woman was already waving her hand, trying to laugh it off. Alexandra forced a smile, her face burning, and let her mother pull her away toward the next person waiting in line.
As soon as they were out of earshot, the Queen's fingers dug into Alexandra's arm. "What were you thinking?"
"I wasn't—"
"Exactly," the Queen cut in sharply. "Do you know how many photographers were watching that?"
Alexandra's eyes darkened. "I was trying to connect."
"You embarrassed that woman in front of the entire town — and yourself."
"I was trying to be human," Alexandra shot back.
"You don't have the luxury of being human," the Queen's voice sharpened. Her eyes glinted. "You are a Habsbourg, Alexandra. That means you do not guess. You do not improvise. You follow the script. Understood?"
Alexandra's jaw tightened. Her mother's hand slid from her arm, and the Queen turned toward the next person in line with a polished smile.
Alexandra lingered for a moment, her chest tightening painfully. When she glanced back toward the woman in the green dress, the woman was already turning away, disappearing into the crowd.
Alexandra's throat burned. She forced a smile onto her face and moved toward the next well-wisher.
"Follow the script."
It was going to be a long tour.
Alexandra was sitting at the edge of her bed in the hotel suite, still in her white silk robe after a long day of appearances. Her bare legs were tucked beneath her, and the soft glow of the late afternoon sun filtered through the sheer curtains. She had just untied her hair, letting the dark waves cascade down her back, when her phone buzzed.
She reached for it lazily, expecting it to be Taylor. But when she saw Henry's name flashing across the screen, her stomach tightened.
She opened the message.
HENRY: Can I be the best man? 😎💍
Attached was a picture of a tabloid headline plastered in bold red letters over an image of Alexandra and Amanda standing together at the last event. Amanda was leaning toward Alexandra, whispering something into her ear, while Alexandra wore a carefully neutral expression.
"PUT A RING ON IT NOW: LOVERS REUNITE AGAIN!"
Alexandra's jaw clenched. Her eyes darted over the article's subheading: "Princess Alexandra spotted getting cozy with ex-girlfriend Lady Amanda Egerton during the royal tour. Are the two rekindling their romance? Wedding bells on the horizon?"
Her heart hammered against her ribs.
No. No, no, no.
She immediately tapped Henry's name and called him. He picked up on the second ring.
"Lex!" Henry's voice was bright. "I'm very hurt you didn't consult me about the ring first. I mean, I'm assuming it's Cartier?"
"Henry," Alexandra hissed, "this is not funny."
Henry's laugh was low and rich. "Oh, I disagree. It's absolutely hilarious."
"Henry!"
"All right, all right." His tone softened. "Are you really that surprised?"
"Yes!" Alexandra said sharply. "How the hell did they even get this picture?"
Henry's silence told her everything.
Alexandra's free hand curled into a fist. "My mother."
"Obviously." Henry's voice was dry.
"I'm going to kill her," Alexandra muttered.
Henry chuckled. "Good luck with that. Your mother is practically bulletproof."
Alexandra stood, pacing across the plush carpet. "I told her not to do this. I told her I wasn't with Amanda."
Henry's voice was amused. "Well, considering you and Amanda were standing within five feet of each other, what did you expect the tabloids to do? Restrain themselves?"
"It's not about the tabloids!" Alexandra snapped. "It's about my mother playing games with my personal life!"
Henry's tone sobered. "So what are you going to do about it?"
Alexandra pressed her fingers to her temple. "I don't know. Taylor is going to see this."
"Yeah..." Henry hesitated. "So maybe... you should tell her what's actually going on before she assumes you and Amanda are getting back together."
Alexandra's stomach twisted. The last thing she wanted was for Taylor to think there was something happening with Amanda.
"And Lex?" Henry's voice turned serious. "You might want to figure out what you're actually doing here. Because if this relationship with Taylor is real — and you and I both know it is — you can't keep playing your mother's game. Eventually, Taylor's going to need you to choose."
Alexandra's lips parted, but no sound came out.
Henry sighed. "Look, I love you. But I'm not going to hold back when you're acting stupid. Stop letting your mother pull the strings."
Alexandra's gaze dropped to the headline on her phone screen. Amanda's perfectly poised smile. The subtle tilt of Alexandra's head toward her. Out of context, it looked like affection. It looked like something more than it was.
She sank down onto the edge of the bed, her thumb tracing over the edge of her phone.
"You still there?" Henry asked.
"Yeah," Alexandra whispered.
Henry's voice softened. "Look, I've got to go — but Lex, fix this. Before it gets worse."
Alexandra ended the call and set her phone down beside her. Her fingers twisted into her hair as her pulse roared in her ears.
She knew Henry was right. She needed to talk to Taylor.
But first — she needed to talk to her mother.
Alexandra stood, her spine straightening as she crossed the room. She grabbed a cardigan and slipped it on over her robe.
If her mother thought she could control Alexandra's life — her heart — through the press, then she was about to learn how wrong she was.
Taylor was curled up on her couch, wearing an old, oversized sweater and a pair of black leggings. The London rain tapped softly against the windows of her apartment, the grey light making the space feel smaller, quieter. A half-empty glass of red wine sat on the coffee table, untouched.
Her phone buzzed on the armrest beside her.
She reached for it, her heart lifting slightly at the thought that it might be Alexandra.
But it wasn't.
It was Tree.
TREE: I'm sorry.
Attached was a link to a tabloid article.
Taylor hesitated. Her thumb hovered over the link for a moment before she exhaled and opened it.
There they were. Alexandra and Amanda. Together.
"PUT A RING ON IT NOW: LOVERS REUNITE AGAIN!"
The photo showed Alexandra and Amanda at some event — Amanda leaning in close to whisper something in Alexandra's ear. Alexandra's lips were curved in that perfect, diplomatic smile — the kind of smile she gave the press, the one that didn't reach her eyes. But Amanda's hand was resting lightly on Alexandra's arm, and the intimacy of the moment was impossible to ignore.
Taylor's stomach twisted painfully.
She scrolled through the article.
"Sources close to the palace report that Princess Alexandra and Lady Amanda Egerton have been spending a lot of time together during the royal tour. Could this mean the royal couple is giving their relationship another try?"
Taylor locked her phone and tossed it onto the cushion next to her like it had burned her.
Her throat tightened. She hated this feeling — this creeping vulnerability, this sense that maybe... maybe Alexandra wasn't fully hers. Maybe Alexandra wasn't ready to choose her.
She rubbed her palms over her face.
She wanted to believe Alexandra when she said that Amanda was in the past. But Alexandra hadn't even told her Amanda would be on the tour. Why would she keep that from her unless... unless it still meant something?
Stop it, she told herself. Don't spiral.
But the image was stuck in her head now — Amanda's hand on Alexandra's arm, Alexandra's soft smile.
Taylor sat back against the couch, crossing her arms tightly over her chest. Her phone was still sitting face-down next to her. A part of her wanted to pick it up and call Alexandra. Demand an explanation. But the other part of her — the part that had been through this kind of media circus before — was exhausted.
She didn't want to feel like this. Didn't want to sit here and wait for Alexandra to reassure her, to tell her it wasn't true.
Her gaze drifted toward her phone.
Matty.
Right now... right now she needed a distraction.
She picked up her phone and scrolled through her messages until she found his name.
Her finger hovered over his contact.
It was reckless. It was maybe a little petty. But at this moment, Taylor didn't care.
She typed out a message.
Hey, are you still in London? Can we meet?
Her thumb hesitated over the send button for a fraction of a second before she pressed it.
Immediately, the read receipt popped up.
Matty is typing...
A moment later, his reply appeared.
Still in town. Name the place.
Taylor's pulse quickened. Her lips curled into a small, sharp smile as she sat back against the couch.
Fine, she thought. Two can play this game.