Monaco
The villa in Monaco was breathtaking — white marble floors, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the glittering Mediterranean, and sprawling terraces with loungers and an infinity pool that seemed to spill directly into the ocean. The air smelled of salt and blooming jasmine, and the sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs below mixed with the occasional hum of luxury cars winding along the coast.
Taylor had sent a quick text to Tree as soon as they landed: "Don't call me all weekend. Seriously."
She had turned off her phone right after that. This was Alexandra's world — private jets and exclusive villas — but Taylor was determined to make it their world, even if just for the weekend.
Alexandra was already making herself at home, her bare feet tucked beneath her as she sat on the edge of the plush white sofa in the sun-drenched living room, sipping champagne from a crystal flute.
Lucas had been the first to announce that he was taking the master bedroom, standing in the center of the room like he'd already claimed it.
"The master bedroom is mine," he declared, spinning a keyring around his finger.
Alexandra, without even glancing up from her drink, said, "No, it's mine."
Lucas scoffed. "Since when?"
Alexandra smirked and lifted her glass. "Bagsy."
Lucas groaned. "That's not legally binding."
"It is in this house," Alexandra said.
Lucas opened his mouth to argue, but Alexandra stood up and sauntered toward the hallway. Taylor was already behind her, smiling faintly as Alexandra led her toward the largest room in the villa.
It was ridiculous how perfect it was — floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the turquoise sea, a king-sized bed draped in crisp white linens, and a balcony that opened directly onto the private beach.
Alexandra dropped her bag next to the bed, then turned toward Taylor with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Since we're sharing..."
Taylor smiled. "Oh, are we?"
Alexandra stepped closer, her fingers brushing over Taylor's wrist. "Do you mind?"
"Not at all."
Alexandra's lips curved, and Taylor barely had a second to catch her breath before Alexandra leaned in and kissed her.
Taylor melted into it — her hands sliding into Alexandra's hair as their mouths moved together. Alexandra's hands rested on Taylor's waist, then slipped under her shirt, her palms hot against her skin.
They were still tangled together on the bed, Alexandra's mouth pressed to Taylor's neck, when the bedroom door burst open.
"You fucking bitch," Lucas's voice boomed.
Alexandra groaned and pulled away from Taylor, glaring toward the door where her brother was standing, already looking half-deranged.
"Do you mind?" Alexandra snapped.
"Did you invite Kate?" Lucas demanded.
Alexandra raised an eyebrow. "Kate?"
"Katherine," Lucas said, his voice practically shaking with outrage.
Taylor sat up, brushing her hair back from her face. "Who's Kate?"
Lucas threw his arms in the air. "My ex!"
Alexandra's mouth curled in amusement. "I didn't invite her."
"Are you sure?" Lucas demanded.
"I'm sure," Alexandra said flatly.
Lucas's face flushed. "Because she just arrived. With Henry."
Alexandra sat up straighter. "Henry invited her?"
"Apparently," Lucas said darkly. "And now she's at the pool, looking like she just stepped out of a Vogue spread, which — of course — she did."
Taylor turned toward Alexandra. "This sounds complicated."
"It's not," Alexandra said, though her mouth twisted slightly. "Lucas is just being dramatic."
"Dramatic?" Lucas echoed. "She's the one who dumped me over text after I bought her a Cartier bracelet!"
"Yeah, that was tough," Alexandra agreed, trying not to laugh.
Lucas glared at her. "You think this is funny?"
"A little," Alexandra said.
Lucas pointed a finger at her. "If you didn't invite her, why is she here?"
Alexandra sighed. "If Henry invited her, it's Henry's problem."
Lucas rubbed his face. "I swear to God, if you —"
"Lucas," Alexandra interrupted. "Take a breath. Or a shot. Or both."
Lucas exhaled sharply and turned toward Taylor. "You see what I have to deal with?"
Taylor smiled faintly. "I'm starting to."
Lucas shook his head. "I need a drink."
"Maybe two," Alexandra called after him as he stormed out of the room.
Taylor turned toward Alexandra, still sitting on the edge of the bed. "So... Kate?"
"She's harmless," Alexandra said. "But Lucas doesn't think so."
"Should we be worried?" Taylor asked.
Alexandra's eyes gleamed. "I'm not, but she's hot"
Taylor watched Alexandra for a long moment. Then she leaned in, pressing her lips to Alexandra's ear.
"I'm starting to think I should be jealous," Taylor whispered.
Alexandra's eyes darkened. "Don't be."
Taylor smiled. "Good."
She kissed her again, and this time Alexandra pushed her back onto the bed, her mouth trailing down Taylor's neck as the sun set behind the glass windows, casting golden light across the room.
Taylor had been wandering through the villa, trying to shake the strange feeling of being out of place despite the luxury surrounding her. The villa was magnificent — towering windows framed views of the sparkling Mediterranean, golden light spilling across marble floors, and the faint sound of music and laughter echoing from the other side of the house. She was admiring a Renaissance painting on the wall when, without warning, a hand shot out from behind a doorway and yanked her inside a dimly lit room.
"Hey!" Taylor gasped as she stumbled into the room.
Lucas stood in front of her, his dark hair slightly tousled, wearing an open-collar shirt and a mischievous smile. He closed the door behind her with a quiet click.
"First," Lucas said, his eyes scanning her from head to toe, "what are you wearing?"
Taylor frowned. She looked down at her soft, cream-colored sundress. "What's wrong with it?"
Lucas made a face. "It's giving... Sunday brunch. You're at a villa in Monaco. I need you to give runway."
Taylor crossed her arms. "And why exactly do you care?"
"Because Kate is here," Lucas said, already turning toward the massive walk-in closet. He began rifling through the clothing like a man on a mission, tossing aside expensive blazers and delicate dresses as if they were nothing more than fast fashion.
"Kate?" Taylor asked.
Lucas turned, holding up a sleek, black dress. "James's best friend."
Taylor's brow furrowed. "James? Your older brother?"
Lucas nodded. "The heir."
"And why are you so worried about this Kate person?"
Lucas's smile sharpened. "Because she's my first."
Taylor's eyes widened. "First...?"
"In everything," Lucas said, smirking.
Taylor's mouth parted slightly. "And?"
"And," Lucas said, "she's here with her model friends, and I'm pretty sure she's up to something."
Taylor's lips twitched. "And how does this concern me?"
Lucas held up the dress. It was black satin, with thin straps and a neckline that plunged scandalously low.
"I need you to put this on," Lucas said. "My cousin left it behind. You're about the same size."
Taylor raised her eyebrows. "Why?"
"Because you're going to pretend to be my date," Lucas said, tossing the dress toward her.
Taylor caught it, mouth opening in protest. "Excuse me?"
Lucas grinned. "Just for a little while. Make Kate jealous. And then you can sneak off with Lex so she can take that dress off you and you can write a sexy song about it afterward."
Taylor scoffed. "And why would I do this?"
Lucas's grin widened. "Because I'm Alexandra's brother, which makes me family. And family helps each other."
Taylor sighed. "You are the most manipulative person I've ever met."
Lucas's smile sharpened. "Thank you."
Taylor huffed. "Turn around."
Lucas gave a mock bow. "Of course." He turned, covering his eyes with one hand while leaving a small gap between his fingers.
"I see you peeking," Taylor said.
Lucas chuckled and dropped his hand. "Fine, fine."
Taylor slipped out of her sundress and into the dress. The silky fabric slid over her skin effortlessly, clinging to her body in all the right places. When she turned toward Lucas, he visibly froze.
His eyes dropped to the plunging neckline. His mouth quirked into a lopsided smile.
"Damn," Lucas said, letting out a low whistle. "Nice rack, Swift. My sister is lucky."
Taylor shot him a glare. "Careful."
Lucas held up his hands. "Just being supportive."
Taylor rolled her eyes. "Okay. Now what?"
Lucas stepped closer, adjusting the thin strap of her dress over her shoulder. His expression shifted, becoming more serious.
"Kate knows exactly how to push my buttons," Lucas said quietly. "If she thinks I've moved on — and moved up — it'll drive her insane."
Taylor studied him for a moment. Despite the bravado, there was something vulnerable beneath Lucas's confident exterior.
"So... this is about revenge?"
"More like balance," Lucas replied. His gaze met hers. "You help me, and I'll make sure Alexandra realizes she's an idiot for almost losing you."
Taylor's lips twitched. "Oh, you're good."
Lucas grinned. "So, will you help me?"
Taylor sighed, adjusting the hem of the dress. "I can't believe I'm doing this."
Lucas held out his arm. "Let's give them a show."
Taylor hesitated for a moment before slipping her arm through his. As they walked toward the grand staircase, Taylor leaned in slightly.
"If this backfires, you're going to owe me," Taylor said.
Lucas smiled. "Oh, darling — it's already working."
As they descended the staircase, heads began to turn. Lucas's hand rested comfortably on Taylor's hip as they walked across the marble floor. Kate stood at the edge of the ballroom, drink in hand, surrounded by an intimidating group of tall, perfectly styled models.
Kate's eyes narrowed when she saw them.
Taylor smiled sweetly. Lucas leaned toward her ear and whispered, "Oh yeah. She's pissed."
Taylor chuckled. "Let the games begin."
When Alexandra saw Taylor leaving the house hand in hand with her brother, a spark of irritation flickered beneath her calm exterior. She stood at the edge of the terrace, the warm Monaco night brushing against her skin, watching as Taylor laughed at something Lucas whispered in her ear. The curve of Taylor's smile—easy and relaxed—made Alexandra's chest tighten uncomfortably.
She wasn't sure if it was jealousy or annoyance, but her feet moved before her mind could catch up. The soft click of her heels against the marble floor announced her arrival as she approached them. Lucas shot her a knowing smile over his shoulder, while Taylor, looking unfairly radiant in that black satin dress, simply raised an eyebrow.
Without thinking, Alexandra reached out, sliding her hand around Taylor's waist, fingers brushing against the smooth fabric of the dress. But Taylor gently knocked her hand away, her eyes glinting with mischief.
"Sorry, Your Royal Highness," Taylor teased, her voice low and sweet, "but I'm your brother's date tonight."
Alexandra's gaze darkened. "Oh yeah? So we're playing that game now? Where I just stand here all night and watch you in that dress, looking like that?"
Taylor's eyes sparkled as she leaned in, her breath brushing against Alexandra's ear. "If you behave and play your cards right today," she murmured, "I'll let you take this sexy dress off me later."
Alexandra's mouth curled into a smile. "You have a deal, beautiful."
Taylor grinned, her hand brushing over Lucas's arm as if to make her point, before leading him toward the center of the party. Alexandra stood frozen for a moment, her pulse quickening as she watched Taylor's figure disappear into the crowd—blonde hair catching the light, the low back of her dress exposing too much, just enough.
And so, Taylor played the part of the perfect date, laughing at Lucas's jokes, leaning against his side, occasionally brushing her hand over his arm. But Alexandra knew exactly what she was doing. Taylor's gaze would flick toward her across the room, her lips curving into a playful smile every time Alexandra's eyes darkened.
Their phones buzzed beneath the tablecloth, a silent conversation happening beneath the surface of the glittering night.
Lexie: You look so sexy in that dress.
Taylor: I can't wait for you to take it off.
Alexandra bit her lip, fingers hovering over the screen.
Taylor: Did the cat eat your thumbs?
Lexie: Just thinking of the perfect answer for that.
Taylor: The one that would take me to your bed?
Alexandra's pulse spiked as she typed her response.
Lexie: My bed, my arms, my life.
Taylor didn't reply. Alexandra's brow furrowed as she lifted her gaze toward the dance floor, searching for the blonde. When she finally spotted her, Taylor was already walking toward her, heels clicking softly against the polished floor.
Taylor stopped in front of Alexandra, tipping her head slightly. "I've helped your brother enough for one night," Taylor said. Her voice was quiet, but her eyes were sharp with intent. "It's time to go."
Alexandra's lips parted in surprise, but then her smile returned, slow and dangerous. "Perfect."
Without another word, Alexandra took Taylor's hand, their fingers threading together easily as they slipped through the crowd. The night stretched before them, endless and filled with dangerous possibilities. Taylor's hand was warm in hers, her breath steady as they moved through the side entrance and into the quiet night.
The sound of distant music followed them down the winding path toward the edge of the villa. Alexandra pulled Taylor toward her, pressing their hands between them.
"Where are we going?" Taylor whispered.
Alexandra smiled against her ear. "Somewhere I can finally stop pretending you're not mine."
Taylor's laugh was soft as she pressed her mouth to Alexandra's jaw. "Lead the way, Your Royal Highness."
Alexandra's breath hitched. Then she took Taylor's hand and disappeared with her into the Monaco night.
Alexandra and Taylor had slipped away from the party unnoticed, their fingers intertwined as they navigated the quiet hallways of the villa. The cool night air pressed against their skin as Alexandra led Taylor through a side door and into the dimly lit bedroom overlooking the Monaco coastline. The distant hum of the waves below was the only sound besides the soft catch of Taylor's breath when Alexandra turned, her hands finding the bare skin beneath the low-cut back of Taylor's dress.
"Finally," Alexandra whispered, her breath brushing against Taylor's collarbone.
Taylor smiled, her hands sliding up Alexandra's arms. "I thought you'd never make a move."
"Believe me, I've been planning this all night."
And then Alexandra's mouth was on hers, urgent and deep, hands tugging at the delicate straps of Taylor's dress until the fabric slid down her body and pooled at her feet. Taylor's laugh was soft and breathless as Alexandra guided her toward the bed, fingers tracing the line of her spine.
"I missed you," Alexandra murmured, her lips skimming over Taylor's jaw, down her throat.
Taylor's hands tangled in Alexandra's hair as she pulled her closer. "Then show me."
And Alexandra did. All night.
The early morning light filtered through the gauzy white curtains when the soft knock came at the door. Alexandra stirred beneath the sheets, her arm draped possessively over Taylor's waist.
"Go away," she murmured, her eyes still closed.
The door opened despite her warning. Markus stood there in a crisp black suit, his expression unusually grim. He hesitated for a second when he saw the two women tangled together in bed, then cleared his throat.
"Your Royal Highness," Markus said quietly. "We need to return to the palace. Immediately."
Alexandra frowned, rubbing at her eyes. "What's going on?"
Markus hesitated, his gaze dropping briefly to the floor before he met Alexandra's eyes again. "It's James."
Alexandra sat up, the sheet slipping down her bare shoulders. "What about James?"
Markus's throat bobbed. "There was a plane crash. Over the Pacific, on his tour of Australia. There were no survivors."
The room seemed to tilt beneath her. Alexandra's breath caught painfully in her chest. "No."
"I'm sorry."
Taylor sat up, clutching the sheet to her chest. "Lex..."
Alexandra's eyes were wide and hollow as she shook her head. "No, it's not true. There's been a mistake."
"I'm afraid it's been confirmed," Markus said. "The Prime Minister has already been informed."
Alexandra's pulse roared in her ears. Taylor reached for her hand, but Alexandra didn't move. Her lips parted soundlessly.
"Lexie..." Taylor whispered.
Alexandra's eyes finally met Taylor's. Taylor would never forget that look—raw devastation beneath the fragile calm of someone who had just lost her brother. But worse than the grief was the weight settling behind Alexandra's eyes as realization dawned.
James was gone.
And Alexandra was now the future queen of the United Kingdom.
Alexandra's hand trembled as she lifted it to her mouth, her breath sharp and ragged. Taylor reached for her, pulling her into her arms, feeling Alexandra's heartbeat pounding wildly beneath her palm.
"I've got you," Taylor murmured into her hair. "I'm right here."
Alexandra didn't cry. Not yet. She just buried her face against Taylor's shoulder and whispered, "I don't know how to do this."
Taylor's arms tightened around her. "You don't have to do it alone."