Crazy Fantasy: Part 1-4

Morning found me in good spirits. I caught the limo and my ever-present body guards and I drive out to Gen's farm. I can't wait to tell her that Grandmother agreed. The scenery going up to the stables is beautiful. We round a bend and suddenly we are there. Matt had said that Gen didn't get dressed up very often, but she doesn't need to. She is standing in front of the stables grooming a palomino mare; her gorgeous figure is accented by tight fitting jeans and a red plaid shirt over a tight white t-shirt. Her hair is pulled back from her face, but has been left to flow down her back in gentle waves. She hears us pulling up and turns and waves. I am tempted to wave back, but I know that she can't see me and stop myself. We pull to a stop not far from where Gen was and she runs to meet me as I get out.

I have no idea what suddenly came over me, but as soon as I get out of the limo, I pull Gen to me in a tight, intimate embrace. It is still an early hour, but she laughs gently and returns the hug, resting her head against my collar. Odd how I hadn't noticed the height difference before, but it seems right. It feels very comfortable being able to rest my head on hers.

I wait another moment then break the silence.

"Gen, it's wonderful to see you again," I say as I pull away enough to see her face.

"It hasn't even been twenty-four hours!" she laughs. "But I missed you, too."

She cuddles into my side and I wrap my arm around her waist as we begin to walk towards the stables.

"I have some wonderful news," I say. When she looks quizzically at me, I smile at her and continue, "As we were driving back from seeing you, Grandmother agreed. We have full permission to see each other."

"Oh, Wills! Really?" she exclaims as she stops us and turns to look me in the eye. I nod. "This is wonderful!"

Again, we are hugging, and laughing. I wrap my arms tightly around her waist and raise her off the ground and spin. She wraps her own arms a little more tightly around my neck and lets out a squeal of surprise then relaxes into me. I set her back down and we continue into the stables.

It's been a while since I've actually been in a stable. Normally, it isn't proper for a prince to be in here, but I love it. The sounds, the feel, even the smell. I enjoy it all.

Gen and I walk around looking at the horses and just generally talking. She has some gorgeous beasts. We both pick out a horse and tack-up. Just before we go to get on, she looks at me and shakes her head.

"You aren't going to wear that riding, are you?"

I look at the dress pants, shirt, and blazer I'm wearing. They are the most casual thing I got to pack.

"I can't wear a suit riding?" I joke.

"Give me a minute and I'll see if I can find you something. Maybe some jeans; or at least a pair of kakis."

Gen jogs off to a small house I hadn't even noticed before. A few minutes later, she returns with a pair of jeans, a black t-shirt, and a high school American football jacket.

"These belong to one of the stable hands. He's about the same size as you, so they should fit," she says as she hands them to me. "You can change in the office," she directs me to a small room with a desk and a couple of chairs passing as an office. The clothes aren't a bad fit. The shirt is a little tight, but the pants fit pretty well. For a farm hand, the fellow must be pretty skinny. I don't mean that I'm tiny, but normally when you work on a farm, you get quite built. I know I've lost of muscle since my Gap Year when I spent some time on a farm.

At least Gen seems to enjoy the outfit. She didn't say anything, but there was an appreciative look in her eyes when I return. We mount up and start off down one of the trails, one of my body guards following not far behind.

* * *

I have to say that Wills looks really good in Justin's clothes. I never realized how scrawny Justin was, though. That shirt shows off his muscles very nicely. I'm so glad that he doesn't have those nasty man-boobs. Jason worked for years to get them, and Jess and I both agree that they are disgusting. Wills just has a nicely defined chest. Yummy.

We mount up and Wills is surprised that I've only been riding for three years, since Scott introduced me to these beautiful creatures. I have to admit, though, I was hooked the first time out. We talk quietly until we reach a split in the path. Wills reigns in and asks which way.

"Your choice. Uphill to the view," I say, pointing right, "or down to the creek. They are both nice rides," I add, honestly. I chose this path because of both the length and that I enjoy both spots. It'll also let me see what Wills prefers. Well, if he isn't overanalyzing this. Which I think he is. After studying me, he decides, "Let's go to the creek."

I smile and nod. It's a beautiful little stream, the bottom all rocks where we'll be going, so it makes a nice, quiet gurgle as the water flows; a nice, peaceful place to sit and enjoy each other's company. But, before we get to peaceful, I want to have some fun; and these poor horses need some exercise! Nudging Star into a trot, I look over my shoulder at Wills as he follows. Once he catches up with me, I give Star her head and she takes off. It feels good to let her go, and I hear Wills laugh as he keeps pace with me. Laughing myself, we continue along the path at a canter. About ten minutes later, we slow to a walk, still laughing.

"This is much better than being at some dull function. Thank you, Gen."

"Any time, Wills. I wish I could spare you from having to be so bored at them," whoa! Since when am I so forward? I mean, I'm actually trying to get him to say publicly that I'm his girl, and nearly inviting the paparazzi into my life! I'm crazy. Well, going crazy, anyway. But then, this sort of opportunity to be with a guy I could love doesn't come along every day. I want to get to be a part of his life before he has to leave. I don't want to sit in the shadows, completely unrecognized.

"So do I," Wills answers with a longing filling his voice, but there is still a reserved undertone.

"When Wills?" I hear myself asking. Yes, I do want him to show me off. I don't care how arrogant that sounds, I want be known as his girl. Wills looks at with confusion, but quickly figures out my meaning with a look.

"I don't know. God, Gen, I wish I knew. I just –"

"You don't want to scare me away," I interrupt with more certainty about the statement that I feel. "You saw what the paparazzi did to your mother and are afraid the same thing will happen to me. But I don't care, Wills. I just want to spend time with you," I say, nearly yelling. Then, very quietly add, "Get to know all of you. The good and the bad."

I can feel the tears welling up in my eyes and turn away. I don't want to go to pieces on our first time alone together. I just can't help it!

I hear Wills gently saying my name, but I can't bring myself to look at him. I finally give in to the tears, and cry silently. I feel my horse come to a stop and hear Wills moving beside me, but keep my face turned, closing my eyes for personal emphasis on keeping him out of this. When I feel something brush my knee, I open them again to see Wills' pleading eyes looking up at me as he extends his arms in invitation. He is so wonderful. Slipping out of my saddle, I take comfort in Will's arms while he silently holds me, gently rubbing his hand along my back. At some point, I feel Star moving away from behind me, but let it be, letting the tears flow. Finally, I stop crying and look up at Wills. My face must be a mess. Wiping away the tears not soaked up by his shirt, I apologize, but Wills' brushes it off.

"It's alright. Please, tell me what's wrong."

I shake my head. "I don't know. I don't know if I'm afraid, or hurt, or anything. I've forgotten how confusing this is.

"Wills, I just don't know what I'm doing. Part of me is ready for this, begging for it, but there is a small part that is fighting us very forcefully. Part of me is hanging on to Scott and having a hard time putting him in the past. I can't help but think that maybe experiencing more of your world will help that part see you. It feels almost like you are hiding something. Probably sooner, rather than later, someone will notice that I'm around you a lot, or a photographer will follow you out here, and we'll be discovered. I'd rather spend my time with just you, but if I have to, I'll do it in front of the camera. I want to be with you. I don't care about anything else. I don't want to hide."

* * *

How can she be so honest? We still barely know each other, yet she is just opening up and letting it all poor out. I really have to admire her strength.

"I don't want to hide either. But we can't just go looking for the press. They'll think we don't mind them around."

Gen giggles and cuddles up to me. "We could just show up together at the center a few minutes late."

The minx. She's not the only one who can play this game. "Or I could kiss you goodbye," I say in a quiet voice.

Her head shoots up to look at me, surprise and, if I'm not mistaken, and I really hope I'm not, desire fills her eyes. Carefully I place my hand on her chin and raise it a little more as I lower my lips to hers.

Her lips are so soft, like flower petals, and taste like the wild blackberries she had picked from along the trail earlier. She hesitates only for a split second then moves into me. We are in a perfect position in half a moment. Relief fills me as Gen returns the kiss and I hold her tightly. Slowly, I lift my head from hers and gaze into her eyes. She smiles at me and bashfully hides her face in my chest. I step back so I can see her face again, and return her smile.

"Why are you blushing, Gen?" I ask, trying to dissuade our awkward feelings.

"Nature, I guess. You don't make out much, do you?" she smiles.

"What?" Huh? Where did that come from?

"That was the most caste kiss... Matt is more flirtatious with me!" she jokes.

"Is that a challenge?" I ask, pulling her close.

"If you want it to be."

And so began the wooing of Miss Hudson.

We laugh, flirt, and kiss as we walk along the trails to where our horses wait then ride to the creek where we again dismount and find our way into each other's arms. I sit with my back against a tree and Gen leans against my chest. My arms rest lightly around her waist and her hands rest on mine.

"Tell me about Scott," I request gently after we enjoy the breathtaking scenery in silence for a time.

"What?"

I smile and hold her a little tighter. "Please." I raise my hand to her cheek and turn her enough to see her profile. "He is always going to be with you, I'd like to know something about the man that held your heart."

Gen sighs and leans back against me. "I'll try," she starts quietly. "We were complete opposites at first appearances. Scott was captain of the hockey team, came from a rich family, English. We had some of our classes together when we started high school, but never really paid much attention to the other. Then, in October of grade eleven we met up in the research section of the library, both looking for the same book, same info. We agreed to share it, and somehow we were sitting very close, reading it together. We went out for coffee after and clicked. I think that was a Friday because I don't remember seeing my friends – yes, it was the Thanksgiving Day long weekend. We got together every day for the next week, just getting to know each other. Two weeks after the library I met his parents, he met mine the second day, I think. Mom was a little overprotective. We were feeling similar to how we are, like there is, was something pulling us together.

"I think I was more nervous about meeting Scott's parents than I was your grandparents. My family has a very strong French background, and Scott's was very English. Neither of us really knew how his parents would react. Now it's funny, but when Scott introduced me there was a look of complete shock on Mary's face, and Jim looked ready to kill Scott. Mary was quick to recover and began to look after me like a lost puppy saying that she had to do this and that to me, private lessons in culture, the whole thing. Recently, she confessed she was trying to scare me off, but there was a look in Scott's eyes when he saw me after Mary's and my first shopping trip as I modeled the dresses Mary bought me that made it all worth it. He loved to see me dressed up; said I looked like a princess.

"It's amazing how much we both grew up over those three years. When we first started to go out, Scott was very much your standard single child. He didn't have to worry about money and had everything he wanted. But he found something new when we met that day. He never really thought about anyone except himself, and then when I brought him with me to the center it was as if his eyes suddenly opened. It was slow going, but he learned to give, and at the end of our first year at university, he came up with the idea of the riding school. I wish he could see what his love brought about."

Gen stops, and I can tell she is fighting tears. I hold her lightly, letting her get under control before doing anything.

"Sorry," she says, quietly.

"Don't apologize. I'm the same way about my parents."

Oops. Shouldn't have done that. Gen turns and with an "Oh, Wills" hugs me, burying her head in my neck. I return the embrace, burying my face in her hair. It smells wonderful, but I can't help but think about the reason for this embrace.

Mom. Dad. They didn't make a good couple, but were wonderful parents. Mom was so loving and made sure Harry and I had a normal life and Dad taught us the not so normal stuff. And they were always there for us.

I feel my eyes start to sting and push the thoughts away. Back when Mom died, I promised myself I wouldn't cry in front of anyone, and not again after a month.

But it hurts.

I straighten, ending my side of the hug. Gen lifts her head from my front and looks me in the eyes, reading me like a book. She shakes her head at me then leans her side against me.

"Quit being such a man," she condemns.

"That would go against my nature," I joke, but sigh and wrap my arms around her waist.

Gen throws her hands in the air and calls out, "Men!"

I laugh and kiss her cheek.

"Are you ready to enter my world?" I ask.

"I really don't know, but if we are going anywhere, that is what I need to do. I'll never be able to know you if I don't."

"Then as long as Grandmother doesn't protest too forcefully, would you join me during a visit to the hospital tomorrow? It's not going to be very high profile, but it will get your face noticed. We should make the news."

"What if she doesn't agree?"

"Then I'll kiss you goodbye today."

"Wills!" Gen hits me playfully on the chest.

I lower my head to hers and kiss her again. "Or maybe I will anyway."

"What makes you think your grandmother will still let me near you?"

"I may not be perfect, but she knows better than to challenge my judgment. Grandmother and I do what we can to keep the peace."

"A balance between old and new?"

"Or her making sure I don't abdicate," I say, a little of my bitterness about it seeping through.

"Do you want the crown?"

"What does it matter? Gran would kill me if I gave it to Harry. So would about half of England. Maybe I'll get used to the politicians some day."

Gen lightly kisses my cheek. "Hopefully you'll find the right woman."

I return the kiss, first on her forehead, then nose, and just before our lips meet, I whisper, "Maybe I have."

* * *

Wills kisses me lightly at first, but we quickly deepen it. He obviously doesn't have much experience when it comes to making out, but he is a quick learner. His hands rests gently on my lower back, my own explore his chest and back. Gradually, his hands begin to move over my back. It feels so good, so right. A quiet moan escapes my throat. Wills apparently gets the picture and pulls me closer to him, and begins to kiss along my jaw and down my neck.

God, I've missed this! The sensations are new again. Such a feeling of love flowing everywhere he touches. Wills moves back up to my lips and I return his efforts. He is one hell of a kisser.

Behind me, someone clears their throat and Wills and I are forced back to reality. Somehow, Wills keeps his dignity about him even with me leaning so heavily against him. Lightly, he kisses my forehead then looks at the intruder – his bodyguard.

"Sorry, Will, but it's nearly nine, so we need to get getting back."

"Of course," he agrees. "Will you get the horses?"

The other man nods and leaves us.

"I'm sorry, Gen," Wills whispers as he nuzzles his head in my hair. "Duty calls."

I sigh. Well, we did have to stop sooner or later. Life just doesn't cooperate with my plans. "Real life sucks."

Wills laughs and we get up. The bodyguard is back quickly with the horses and we all mount up and head back to the stables, the two of us leading and buddy a ways behind.

"Tell me about your family, please, Wills?" I ask.

"It's only fair," he agrees. "Mom was very loving of Harry and I, but her relationship with Dad wasn't very good. They both looked out for us, though. Mom showed us a normal life, and Dad taught us to be royalty. Harry and I are pretty close. With our lives, we have to be. There aren't very many people who understand.

"Grandmother is a queen. She was raised for it, and will always be one. When Harry and I were growing up, she wanted us to have a more traditional upbringing, but is now able to see the good it will do the family having us the way we are. There are those who say she didn't want Dad to have the crown, and they may be right. They royal family is too traditional for today's world. I'm supposed to be the one who brings us up to date. Harry wouldn't stand a chance, nor would any of Gran's children. Too traditional or too weak willed. For a family raised to rule, mine is a little backward. And so, I'm left with the crown once Gran dies.

"That's my family in a nutshell."

A very thin one. I already knew that stuff. The press speaks volumes. Wills earlier response to my question about being King even more.

"What about Harry? You make headlines every other week, but I never see anything about him."

"Harry has managed to avoid a lot of publicity. He takes after Mom a lot. He is very soft spoken, and rather camera-shy. He's not much of an academic, but loves sports. He's kind of come apart since Dad died. We both have. It was really hard on him when we lost Mom, and just as he was back to normal... We've both blocked out the rest of the world. Gran didn't bring Harry along because he's been so lost. Having to put on the mask would be too hard for him to do for a month strait. I'm going to have a hard time."

"It must be so hard to leave him."

"I call him regularly," Wills pauses and chuckles. "He's looking forward to meeting you."

"I guess I have to go visit you in England next time we see each other."

"I'll look forward to it."

Wills pulls his horse close to mine, wraps his arm around my waist, and gently kisses me. Our horses, unfortunately, aren't into this idea of a romantic embrace and jerk apart.

A disconcerting wave of unbalance sweeps over me, but thanks to the wonderful riding lessons I've been given, my knees tighten, and I regain my center. I look at Wills and extend my hand to help him balance and laugh. He kisses my hand once he has righted himself.

"Shows me for being romantic on the back of a beast. Are you alright?"

I nod. "I wasn't the one half off my horse already. You?"

"Only hurt my pride."

"I didn't think anything could injure an Englishman's pride," I joke.

"Only a woman," he returns, "and only a truly magnificent one."

I feel my face turning red and bow my head slightly.

"Gen," he says quietly yet in a powerful voice. "Why is it that whenever a man gives a woman a compliment they suddenly become shy?"

I smile at him in defiance. He's baiting me and I know it, but I'm not one to back down from a challenge. I think Wills has figured that one out, too.

"A lady is taught that to not be shy can cause harm to her reputation," I say gently, then add, "It's also much more attractive."

* * *

That's the truth. A woman who smiles shyly at a compliment or whose face becomes flushed when a man suggests things is much more attractive than one who, no matter how gorgeous a body, is willing to walk right up to you and start coming on to you. Unfortunately, those are the ones I see the most of. Or they seem to notice me more.

"I haven't found anything about you that isn't attractive."

"Thank you, Wills," Gen says softly.

I take her hand and kiss it and we ride hand in hand back to the stables where we find a little surprise. Just as we come out of the wood, laughing at a joke one of us made, I hear the distinct sound of an automatic shutter. Gen becomes silent as well and I whistle for my bodyguard. He quickly catches up and goes in search of the camera man. Gen leads on to the stables where we hand off the horses to waiting grooms and I change back into my suit. The shirt feels wonderfully loose, so I leave the jacket off. As I return to her side, Gen kisses me lightly on the cheek and we both get to see our hidden photographer. He is your typical paparazzi. Rather scruffy looking, slight build, and at a complete loss in the capable hands of a royal guard.

I was about to speak when Gen puts a hand on my arm.

"Please explain what you are doing on Hudson property," she asks like a true courtier.

"My job, ma'am," he say with a thick accent.

"And that is what?" she asks in English then switches to French. "Breaking onto private property, disturbing me and my guests, and if your flash had gone off, possibly spooking the horses? If you had approached anyone for permission it is possible you would have been granted it, but now I am afraid I must ask for your film, otherwise charges will be laid."

"But the picture –"

"You will have ample opportunity to take pictures of us in the coming days," I say. "Gen will be joining me on several outings."

"Will you at least give me the lady's name, your Highness?"

Gen is trying to keep from laughing.

"I don't see any problems," I glance at Gen and she nods. "Genevieve Delarier Hudson."

"Thank you, your highness, milady," he mutters.

I nod then instruct my guard too take all his film, giving him some money in return.

Gen and I walk away and she finally lets the giggle she had been holding in out.

"Will you tell me what is so funny now?" I ask as I wrap my arms around her waist so we are facing each other.

"Besides one exchange student in university I haven't been asked my name for nearly three years. It's weird having the guy behind the camera ask me that. Imagine someone asking you your name. I'm as well known here as you are by teen girls and their mothers."

"I would love for someone to ask just to watch them try to remember it all."

Gen smiles, but there is a sadness in her eyes.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"What makes you think something's wrong?"

"Your eyes reveal too much of you. Something is bothering you."

"I guess I just realized that this is the last time we will probably get alone together while you are here," she moves closer to me, curling up against my chest and I hold her tightly. "We are just starting to get to know each other, I want to stay here in your arms, go out for dinner and dancing, just be able to be near you..."

"I know, Gen. God, I know. This is something I've dreaded about getting involved. This is going to almost be goodbye. I don't want to stop holding you, but Gran wouldn't let me near you again if I held you like this in front of her," I sigh and hold her a little tighter. All I want to do is keep her in my arms forever.

"Kiss me, already!" Gen says impatiently.

Willingly, I oblige. This kiss is filled with more passion, and, yes, love, than any we had shared before. We both were trying to communicate a feeling we couldn't find the words for, and won't have to chance to express for God knows how long. Slowly, we separate and just hold each other. Finally, I break the silence.

"Ready to face your press?"

"If you are with me, anything."

"You handled this one beautifully. You don't need me," I begin to lead us towards the limo.

"Thank you, but –"

"I can't be with you all the time. I wish that I could spend every waking moment with you that I could protect you from them, but I can't. I have every confidence in you; otherwise, this would have ended a long time ago. You can face the beasts and win them over to your side. And I'll be there in the end for you. If they get too much I will always be there for you."

She smiles a real, 100% meaning it smile at me. "At least one of us has confidence in me."

I chuckle and kiss her gently just outside the limo. "We'll have to be a little distant, but at least we'll see each other."

"Later," she sighs and returns my kiss.

I climb into the limo and she waves goodbye as we pull out down the long drive. I indulge myself and give a small wave back. My bodyguard laughs.

"What?" I say.

"You've got it bad."

"Don't I know it," I agree. "She's got what it takes, though. I hope England will accept her."

"You're already thinking that far ahead? You've only known her for three days."

"I have to, you know that," I tell him. He is a few years than me and still hasn't been in a relationship for more than two months. While I have known I'll have to search out a wife for years and accepted it, he still has a fear of commitment.

"The guys should accept her easily enough," he says. "She's a looker."

I nod. Very passionate too. One day I'll get to show her my appreciation.

"Too bad the women are normally more vocal. And she's French. No one has brought it up yet, but she comes from a long line of Acadians, and I really don't know what anyone will think of that."

"I wasn't too fond of the idea at first," Steve admits, "But the two of you look good together. The public wants you to be happy. If both of you look happy together the women shouldn't be too upset. Just pray you don't break up. Then she'll get the hate mail."

"It's too much to hope they accept her like Mom, isn't it?"

"Probably. That was a different age. Her charity should earn her a few brownie points, and if you introduce her to the press today, this community center she volunteers at will make her more attractive to the middle and lower class."

"I might as well give up on the nobles now. I was supposed to marry one of their daughters, not some French girl from the colonies."

He laughs.

"But she's a modest, beautiful, French girl from the colonies with money!"

"I just don't want to hurt her," I say quietly.

Steve sighs and nods. "I don't blame you, she's a great girl, but it's too late. The life of a celebrity is hard, the press is brutal. But she'll have you on her side and as long as you stick with her, she should be all right. Just don't pull a Camilla."

"Dad made one big mistake in his life, and that was her. I'm not about to do the same thing."

"Then you'll have a wonderful life with that beautiful girl by your side. Have fun," he adds, his voice laced with sarcasm.

I allow a devilish look to show on my face. "I will."

* * *

I stand where Wills left me when he got into the limo and sigh as he turns the corner and disappears from sight.

"I'll see you soon, Wills," I whisper. If only I could touch you.

I look down the drive one last time then turn to see if I am needed in the stables immediately, then have a shower and get changed. Suddenly, the scruffy photographer reappears, trying to detain me.

"Miss Hudson! Please, a word," he begs.

"You just had several," I say lightheartedly. "I'll listen to what you have to say, but you'll have to follow me around. I have to be in the city in an hour and have a lot to do before I leave," I say as I walk towards the stable.

"Sure. First, you speak perfect French, have a very French name, but the Hudson doesn't match."

"I was named the Hudson's heir after their son's death. My parents are French, so am I," I answer as I look for Nate. Finding him, I wait to catch his attention then ask, "Anything you need from me, Nate?"

"Your butt out of my stables and getting ready for your next meeting," the old man answers. I laugh at him.

"Thanks, Nate. I had a great morning. I'll see you tonight to take the new ones out for a run?"

"You've got a deal," he agrees. "Oh, Justin wants his pants back. He has a ‘hot date' tomorrow and those are his only ones without holes."

"Why can't he just buy new ones on occasion? It's not like he doesn't have any money!"

"You know us guys; we only go shopping if we have to."

"Don't I know it! Scott absolutely refused. I'll see ya, Nate."

"Have a good time, today!"

I move back and start out of the stable. My lens-loving friend following like a shadow.

"How did you get out here?" I ask.

"Cab."

"Into the middle of nowhere? Where do you find the money?"

"Great shots like the one you confiscated."

"Sorry! I do have a reputation to protect."

"Who's Scott?"

"The Hudson's son. My late boyfriend," I say matter-of-factly.

"As much as I love this information, may I give you a suggestion? Don't tell the press a lot about your past."

I smile at him. "The locals already know all this. I wouldn't tell you it, otherwise. The last few years of my life are pretty well documented. It isn't odd to have a reporter out here on a weekly basis. The Hudsons are a well respected family in New Brunswick," I pause in front of the main house's back entrance. "If you will excuse me. Maybe I'll see you again."

"Miss Hudson," he says with a nod of his head.

* * *

Continued.